PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Dick Niaz (ranked 1438 p4p, 1726 weight class) and Landry Stephenson (ranked 202 p4p, 240 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Niaz
vs
Stephenson

170 cm
23
165
9 - 5 - 0

178 cm
26
154
11 - 7 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Dick Niaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Landry Stephenson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Andrew Berry and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stephenson wants to clinch

and Niaz counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Niaz.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Niaz pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Stephenson is keeping the position for now.
Niaz wants to control from the top but Stephenson keeps moving.
Niaz trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Stephenson manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Niaz wants to control but Stephenson passes easily into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Niaz is pressing down on Stephenson's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Stephenson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Stephenson is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Niaz has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Stephenson is looking to defend but Niaz has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Stephenson! Niaz pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Stephenson taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Dick Niaz!
After winning the bout, Dick Niaz thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.