PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Maxim Volkov (ranked 1741 p4p, 1832 weight class) and Darragh Fiachna (ranked 241 p4p, 250 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Volkov
vs
Fiachna

180 cm
20
220
5 - 1 - 0

187 cm
21
216
6 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maxim Volkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Darragh Fiachna!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fiachna takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

It looks like Darragh Fiachna has been cut.

Fiachna shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Fiachna controlling the pace.
Volkov won't allow Fiachna to pass to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fiachna works his foot free and advances to mount.
Fiachna trying to control but he's not successful this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Fiachna takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fiachna can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Volkov is looking to escape.

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

Fiachna swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Volkov is now in Fiachna's guard. A big mistake from Fiachna there, giving up the dominant position!
Volkov wants to get up but he can't break Fiachna's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Volkov postures up.
Fiachna might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Volkov haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fiachna looking to hit a scissor sweep but Volkov is one step ahead there.
Fiachna has his hands on Volkov's head, controlling the position.
Volkov tries to stand but Fiachna is controlling from the bottom.

Fiachna throws his legs up looking for a submission but Volkov uses it to pass to side control.
Fiachna gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fiachna tries to get to full guard but Volkov has control of the leg.
Fiachna is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Volkov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Volkov's back!

Volkov fending off the submission attempt from Fiachna.

Fiachna is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Volkov knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Volkov for a finish.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Volkov showing good submission defense here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Fiachna working for the rear naked choke here. He's got one arm under but Volkov is defending well. A couple of punches soften him up though and Fiachna has tightened the hold! This one could be all over! It is! Volkov taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:26 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Darragh Fiachna!
Darragh Fiachna was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.