PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Zackmarius Tacktheritrix (ranked 2953 p4p, 288 weight class) and Khalabeeb Ferguson (ranked 2919 p4p, 284 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Tacktheritrix
vs
Ferguson

168 cm
19
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
20
139 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Threads of HARDCORE

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Zackmarius Tacktheritrix!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Khalabeeb Ferguson!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Steve Smith and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tacktheritrix looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Ferguson!
Ferguson is looking to reverse the position.

Tacktheritrix is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Ferguson is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Ferguson is looking to reverse the position.

Tacktheritrix thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Tacktheritrix working away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Tacktheritrix swings around for an armbar but Ferguson sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Tacktheritrix's guard.

Ferguson stands and steps away. Tacktheritrix gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Tacktheritrix shoots in looking for a takedown. Ferguson tries to sprawl out of it but Tacktheritrix keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ferguson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Ferguson has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tacktheritrix tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Ferguson defends well and Tacktheritrix ends up having to push Ferguson into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Khalabeeb Ferguson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Tacktheritrix gets tackled into the cage by Ferguson. Ferguson maintains the clinch.
Tacktheritrix wants to take the fight to the mat but Ferguson manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Zackmarius Tacktheritrix. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tacktheritrix is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ferguson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Ferguson gets underhooks to prevent Tacktheritrix's takedown attempt.
Tacktheritrix drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ferguson stalling against the cage.
Ferguson is pressed up against the cage. Tacktheritrix has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ferguson down to the mat. Ferguson avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Ferguson lands a jab to the nose.
Ferguson lands a two punch combo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Tacktheritrix is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Ferguson.

Tacktheritrix gets caught napping as Ferguson dives in and scores a takedown. Tacktheritrix manages to retain guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Tacktheritrix is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ferguson is aware though and is defending well.

Tacktheritrix has his foot on Ferguson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ferguson works his way back into a safe position though.
Tacktheritrix looking for a sweep. Not yet Tacktheritrix, not yet.
Ferguson tries to stand but Tacktheritrix is controlling from the bottom.
Ferguson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Ferguson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Tacktheritrix is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Twin Peaks Performance Facility that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Tacktheritrix is trying to keep Ferguson in close.
Ferguson chips away with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ferguson won't allow Tacktheritrix to sweep him here.

Tacktheritrix is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ferguson is aware though and is defending well.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Ferguson wants to stand but Tacktheritrix is controlling his posture from full guard.

Tacktheritrix escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Ferguson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Ferguson connects with a couple of short punches.

Tacktheritrix looking for a guillotine here but Ferguson defends easily.

Tacktheritrix is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Ferguson rolls with it to try and escape but Tacktheritrix cranks on the arm and Ferguson is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Zackmarius Tacktheritrix!
A very excited looking Zackmarius Tacktheritrix made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Khalabeeb Ferguson spoke after the fight, saying 'I will train harder and come back better. I thank the fans and look forward to entertaining you again. '.