PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Erick Scantling (ranked 6415 p4p, 6345 weight class) and James Taylor (ranked 211 p4p, 113 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Scantling
vs
Taylor

212 cm
25
280
0 - 2 - 0

200 cm
25
245
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Erick Scantling!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, James Taylor!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Bart Greer and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Taylor connects with a jab.
Taylor looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Taylor misses with a body shot.

Scantling rushes Taylor and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Taylor throws a punch but it's blocked by Scantling.
Taylor goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Taylor missing with knees to the body.
Scantling lands a left hand that snaps the head of Taylor backwards.
We've been informed that Taylor has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.

Scantling manages to pull guard.
Taylor wants to control from the top but Scantling keeps moving.

Scantling scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Nice sprawl there from Taylor as Scantling shoots in.
Scantling changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Taylor tries to avoid it but Scantling manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Taylor to the ground. Taylor escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Scantling takes the fight into the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Scantling tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Taylor just stands there and leans against the cage.
Scantling definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erick Scantling. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Scantling wants a takedown.
Taylor landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Scantling can't break the clinch.

Scantling successfully pulls guard.
Scantling looking to hit a scissor sweep but Taylor is one step ahead there.
Scantling pulls Taylor in close to prevent any damage.
Scantling keeping moving, preventing Taylor from controlling successfully.
Scantling seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Scantling lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Scantling is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Scantling would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Scantling stands and throws Taylor's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Erick Scantling!