PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Richard Rawlings (ranked 4567 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mani Beeeej (ranked 4754 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Rawlings
vs
Beeeej

184 cm
23
200 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
18
155 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Richard Rawlings!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Mani Beeeej!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Chris Saunders and Roger Salmon.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rawlings looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Rawlings trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Beeeej keeping moving, preventing Rawlings from controlling successfully.
Beeeej really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rawlings. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Rawlings sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Beeeej's guard.
Beeeej is staying active underneath Rawlings, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Rawlings looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Rawlings wants to advance to full mount but Beeeej doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rawlings controlling from the top position.

Beeeej is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rawlings defends well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rawlings got a little sloppy there for a moment and Beeeej has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rawlings has managed to get both his arms back between Beeeej's legs - danger averted.
Rawlings looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rawlings content to stall in guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Rawlings trying to control but Beeeej is working from the bottom.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Beeeej shoots for a double leg takedown but Rawlings sprawls well. He's pushed Beeeej's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Beeeej gets caught napping as Rawlings dives in and scores a takedown. Beeeej manages to retain guard.
Beeeej keeping moving, preventing Rawlings from controlling successfully.
Rawlings slips nicely into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rawlings uses his free foot to push down on Beeeej's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Beeeej.

Rawlings looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Rawlings moves to the back.
Beeeej is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Rawlings.

Rawlings sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Beeeej taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Richard Rawlings!