PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Raymond Shabalala (ranked 3254 p4p, 355 weight class) and Goji Kano (ranked 2856 p4p, 263 weight class). Goji Kano has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Shabalala
vs
Kano

178 cm
25
158 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

177 cm
25
157 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Raymond Shabalala!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Goji Kano!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Reed Andrews and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Shabalala gets a double leg takedown into Kano's guard.
Shabalala throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kano works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Kano has his foot on Shabalala's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Shabalala works his way back into a safe position though.
Shabalala postures up in Kano's guard and throws a big left but Kano blocks it.

Kano looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Kano looking for a guillotine here but Shabalala defends easily.
Shabalala postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Kano working for a triangle but Shabalala defends it easily.

Kano is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Shabalala is aware though and is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kano preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Shabalala in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Shabalala throws a big elbow that misses.

Kano had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Shabalala defends it easily.
Shabalala working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Kano throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kano working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Shabalala doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Shabalala manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Shabalala avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kano utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Shabalala working some strikes from top position.
Shabalala missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Shabalala makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Kano has his foot on Shabalala's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Shabalala works his way back into a safe position though.

Kano looking for a guillotine here but Shabalala defends easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shabalala with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Shabalala throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kano works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Kano working for a triangle but Shabalala defends it easily.

Kano is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Shabalala defends well.
Kano looks winded!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shabalala lands a couple of digs.
Shabalala stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kano swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Kano is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Shabalala keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kano's head.

Kano is rocked!
Shabalala working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kano's head.
Kano is still in real trouble! Can Shabalala finish him?
Shabalala gets to his feet and stands over Kano, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Kano felt that one! Shabalala unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Kano from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Raymond Shabalala!