PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Joseph Starling (ranked 2498 p4p, 3174 weight class) and Rutger Hermann (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Starling
vs
Hermann

198 cm
19
276
1 - 2 - 0

180 cm
27
245
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
KO power

BJJ Red Belt
Brawler
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Joseph Starling !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rutger Hermann!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Vladimir Khabensky and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Starling enables Hermann to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Starling manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Starling wants to control the position but Hermann says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Starling is looking for a sweep. Hermann is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Hermann trying to control the pace.
Hermann passes to side control.
Hermann happy to just control the position for now.
Hermann lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Starling is looking for a sweep.
A lull in the action here.
Starling is trying to control Hermann's posture but Hermann avoids it.
Hermann tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Starling seems a little lost for a moment, as Hermann dominates the positioning.
Starling wants to control but Hermann postures up.
Starling is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Hermann taking a breather here.
Starling gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Hermann tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Starling knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hermann on the ground.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Hermann cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Starling is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Starling working to try and regain half guard.
Hermann content just to control the position here.
It looks like Hermann might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Hermann throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hermann takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Starling tries to hold on but Hermann pushes him away.
Hermann is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Starling can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Hermann controlling from the full mount.
Starling is trying to escape the mount but Hermann keeps good control and instead manages to take Starling 's back.
Hermann is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hermann controlling well, preventing Starling from escaping the position.
Hermann thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
Hermann keeps control of the position as Starling tries to break free.
Hermann punches the canvas rather than the man.
Starling tries to roll but Hermann sticks to his back.
Starling trying to control the position but Hermann manages to sink in the hooks.

Hermann has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Starling has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Hermann trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Starling doesn't escape.

Hermann looking for the rear naked choke. And he's got it! Starling taps!

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