PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Escalante (ranked 2422 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lamar Atacko (ranked 5209 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Escalante
vs
Atacko

184 cm
25
156 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

191 cm
21
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ricardo Escalante!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Lamar Atacko!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Winston Alpacca and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Escalante tries to land a front kick but Atacko steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Atacko keeps the fight on the outside.
Atacko counters with a body kick.
Escalante thows a body kick. Atacko tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Escalante defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Atacko.

Escalante feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Escalante is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Atacko has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Escalante controls from within his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Escalante scoring with some ground and pound.
Escalante trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Atacko is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Escalante slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Escalante won't allow Atacko to sweep him here.
Atacko looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

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.

Atacko feints and as Escalante raises his hands in defense, Atacko changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Atacko drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Escalante dives on top into guard.

Atacko seems keen to control Escalante's posture.
Escalante advances to half guard.

Escalante is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Escalante uses his free foot to push down on Atacko's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Atacko.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Escalante landing shots from mount.
Escalante looking to control and managing it successfully.
Escalante avoids the attempt from Atacko to control.
Escalante lands a big shot to the head and Atacko winces in pain. He's tapped out due to strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Ricardo Escalante!