PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ezequiel Nicolas (ranked 6339 p4p, 6678 weight class) and Benjamin Strasser (ranked 614 p4p, 636 weight class). Ezequiel Nicolas could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Benjamin Strasser's chin.

Nicolas
vs
Strasser

165 cm
22
155
0 - 1 - 0

185 cm
25
155
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ezequiel Nicolas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Benjamin Strasser!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Paulo Santos and Thiago Cunha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nicolas drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Nicolas knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Strasser on the ground.
Nicolas throws a strike but Strasser rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Nicolas working for submissions but it's allowed Strasser to get to half guard.

Strasser is looking for a kimura but Nicolas is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Strasser to get the leverage.
Nicolas tries to roll over but Strasser keeps him under control.
Strasser wants to lay and pray for a moment but Nicolas keeps working.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nicolas trying to control from the bottom.
Strasser is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Strasser is looking to advance position but Nicolas won't allow it.
Nicolas tries to roll over but Strasser keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Strasser is looking to take a break and control but Nicolas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Strasser wants to free his trapped foot but Nicolas is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Nicolas is refusing to be controlled, as Strasser sits in half guard.
Nicolas is trying to maintain the position but Strasser is very close to passing his half guard.
Strasser wants to take a breather but Nicolas is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Nicolas is trying to stand up here but Strasser is controlling him well.
Strasser works his way into side control.
Nicolas wants to control but Strasser postures up.
Strasser has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Nicolas is wriggling around trying to escape.
Strasser looking to ground and pound but Nicolas is blocking nicely.
Strasser looking to control but Nicolas is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Strasser sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Strasser stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Strasser throws a chopping leg kick but Nicolas manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

Nicolas dives in and scores a takedown into Strasser's guard.

Strasser pushes Nicolas off and scrambles back to his feet.
We've been informed that Strasser has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Nicolas tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Strasser swivels and escapes.
Nicolas is breathing heavily.

Nice combo by Strasser! Oh, that's hurt him - Nicolas falls to the canvas and Strasser follows him into side control.

Nicolas is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Strasser has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Oh Nicolas is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Nicolas darts in trying to clinch
and Strasser makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Strasser connects with a picture perfect right hand that knocks Nicolas out cold! This one is over in a flash!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Benjamin Strasser!