PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Marco Rodrigues (ranked 4932 p4p, 5025 weight class) and William Problem (ranked 439 p4p, 445 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Rodrigues
vs
Problem

178 cm
25
155
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
18
155
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Experienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Marco Rodrigues!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, William Problem!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Michael Johnstone and Peter Branson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Problem feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Problem wants to control from the top but Rodrigues keeps moving.
Problem won't allow Rodrigues to get back to his feet.

Problem is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Rodrigues keeping moving, preventing Problem from controlling successfully.
Problem pushing down on Rodrigues's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Problem trying to control the action but Rodrigues is working from the bottom.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Problem connects with a nice short shot to Rodrigues's temple.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Problem not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Rodrigues punching from the bottom.
Problem thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Problem is looking for a kimura here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Problem trying to control the action but Rodrigues is working from the bottom.
Problem thows a huge punch but Rodrigues dodges it nicely.
Well, if Problem is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Problem is trying to control. Rodrigues wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Rodrigues is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Problem's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Problem's back!
Problem rolls, trying to escape but Rodrigues keeps control of the position.
Will Rodrigues go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Problem is really stuck here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues struggling to keep hold of the position.
Problem is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Problem trying to control the action but Rodrigues just sinks the hooks in.
I really don't envy Problem right now.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Problem trying to control the position but Rodrigues manages to sink in the hooks.
Problem tries to break free.
Rodrigues throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Problem can't escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Problem is still trying to improve position.
Rodrigues tries to keep control of the position but Problem is staying busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
You can see the frustration on Problem's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Rodrigues struggling to land strikes to the head as Problem covers up.
Rodrigues gets his hands free as Problem looks to control.
Problem tries to roll but Rodrigues sticks to his back.

Problem is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Rodrigues is hanging on to Problem's back as he tries to escape.

Rodrigues looking for the choke from the back.

Rodrigues is persistently looking for the submission but Problem is defending it well.
Rodrigues has the hooks in. Problem is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodrigues wants to control but Problem is keeping busy.
Problem trying to control but not successfully.
Problem is trying to break free.
Problem really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rodrigues. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Rodrigues is looking to control Problem but Problem is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Rodrigues thows a huge left but connects with the canvas and not his opponent.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rodrigues has the hooks in. Problem is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Marco Rodrigues dominated that round.
That's time! Rodrigues's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Problem looking to score a takedown here. Rodrigues is defending well but Problem drives through and ends up in Rodrigues's guard.
Problem sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Rodrigues escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Problem gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rodrigues keeping full guard, as Problem tries to pass.
Rodrigues avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Problem wants to control from the top but Rodrigues keeps moving.
Problem missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rodrigues preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Problem trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Problem sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Rodrigues's guard.

Problem is trying to work for a kimura but Rodrigues is defending well.

Problem is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rodrigues is just riding it out for now. Problem eventually gives up the hold.
Problem wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rodrigues keeps working.
Rodrigues moves into full guard.
Rodrigues avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Problem trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Problem is looking to pass into half guard but Rodrigues pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Rodrigues is in guard.

Problem looking for a sweep. Not yet Problem, not yet.
Problem is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Problem seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Rodrigues does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Rodrigues landing strikes from the bottom.
Rodrigues tries to kick Problem off but Problem keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Problem is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Problem is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Rodrigues defends it well.
Rodrigues is trying to maintain the position but Problem is very close to passing his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Problem trying to pass the guard but Rodrigues defending well.

Rodrigues is defending against the submission attempts here by Problem.
Rodrigues wants to control but Problem is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Rodrigues is trying to stand.
William Problem has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rodrigues avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Problem.
Ground and pound from Problem.
Problem trying to pass the guard but Rodrigues defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Problem throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Problem is keen to just control but Rodrigues is a slippery customer.

Problem seems to be working for a kimura but Rodrigues defends the submission attempt.
Problem performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Rodrigues trying to control from the bottom.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Problem shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Rodrigues manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Problem chips away with some ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

William Problem showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Problem scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Problem is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rodrigues is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Problem thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Rodrigues is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Rodrigues regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Problem.
Rodrigues controls Problem momentarily but Problem frees himself.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Problem looking to pass the guard.
Problem looking to sit in guard and control but Rodrigues gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Problem is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rodrigues defends well.
Problem is trying to hold Rodrigues in close to prevent damage but Rodrigues has managed to pass into half guard.
Problem keeping hold of Rodrigues's head, controlling as best he can.
Problem is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Problem tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Rodrigues trying to control from half guard but Problem is working away.
Problem tries to get to full guard but Rodrigues has control of the leg.
Rodrigues wants to lay and pray for a moment but Problem keeps working.
Rodrigues prevents Problem from improving his position.
Problem wants to get back to full guard but Rodrigues has mounted him!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Problem can't escape the position.
Problem tries to lock up and control but Rodrigues gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Rodrigues working for a guillotine from mount but Problem is in no mood to give up.
Problem is trying desperately to improve position.
Problem sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Problem slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Rodrigues stopping the sweep attempt from Problem.
Problem is adopting a defensive guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Problem can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Problem is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Problem tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Problem throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Rodrigues wants to control from the top but Problem keeps moving.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Problem is trying to control the position but Rodrigues postures up.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Problem looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rodrigues is one step ahead there.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Marco Rodrigues.
I think Rodrigues has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 29:28
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marco Rodrigues!