PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joao Sousa (ranked 2778 p4p, 302 weight class) and Arod Doyea (ranked 2978 p4p, 318 weight class). Sousa comes to the cage accompanied by Beat It. Doyea has chosen Doc Holiday - Volbeat as his entrance music. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Sousa
vs
Doyea

180 cm
29
157 lbs
13 - 6 - 0

166 cm
28
155 lbs
9 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Joao Sousa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Arod Doyea!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Gregory Folan and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Doyea takes a swing at Sousa's ribcage but misses.
Sousa appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A jab from Doyea misses.
Sousa wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Sousa moves out of range as Doyea strikes.
A left and a right from Sousa both land. Nice combination.
A combination from Sousa does no damage.
Doyea connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

It looks like Joao Sousa has been cut.
Doyea is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Doyea checks the leg kick nicely there.
Doyea doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Sousa blocks a head kick by Doyea.
Sousa displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Doyea throws out the jab.
Sousa connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Doyea's hands.
Sousa digs a good body shot into Doyea's ribs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Doyea misses with a left hand
and Sousa cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Doyea throws an overhand right that lands on Sousa's shoulder, as Sousa tries to avoid the shot.

Sousa gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Doyea throws a head punch that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Doyea wants to break free but Sousa has control.

Sousa gets a trip takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Doyea is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sousa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Sousa with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Doyea is looking to improve his position.
Doyea is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Doyea is pressing down on Sousa's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Doyea is looking to stand up but Sousa isn't so interested in that idea.

Doyea working for a triangle but Sousa defends it easily.
Sousa controlling from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Doyea is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

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

Doyea is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Sousa has his hands clasped together but Doyea extends and breaks Sousa's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Doyea.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:54 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Arod Doyea!
An out of breath Arod Doyea thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.