PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Umberto Grena (ranked 16523 p4p, 10262 weight class) and Bob Backlund (ranked 689 p4p, 678 weight class). Backlund has chosen Dance Fucker as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Grena
vs
Backlund

165 cm
39
169
14 - 31 - 0

189 cm
50
182
15 - 18 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Good kicks
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 31 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Umberto Grena!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Bob Backlund!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Alan Glass and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Grena throws a right and a left that Backlund avoids nicely.

Backlund closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Grena did well to prevent Backlund getting side control.

Backlund seems to be working for a kimura but Grena defends the submission attempt.

Backlund is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Grena is just riding it out for now. Backlund eventually gives up the hold.
Backlund content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Grena trying to control but Backlund postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Backlund controlling the action here.

Backlund is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Grena defends it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Backlund is trying to work for a kimura but Grena is defending well.
Backlund controlling the action here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

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.

Backlund wants to work for an arm triangle but Grena is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Backlund passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Grena!
You get the feeling that Grena really doesn't like being in this position too much.

Backlund wants to finish this one by submission but Grena is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Backlund.

Backlund jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Grena manages to avoid the submission attempt.

Backlund has an Americana. Grena didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Backlund is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Backlund hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Bob Backlund!
Bob Backlund bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.