PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Vitaly Anisimov (ranked 2357 p4p, 2268 weight class) and Johnny Matthews (ranked 311 p4p, 300 weight class). Vitaly Anisimov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Johnny Matthews's chin.

Anisimov
vs
Matthews

178 cm
22
180
5 - 5 - 0

180 cm
22
180
7 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Good gas tank

HELLBENT

Brooklyn Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Vitaly Anisimov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Johnny Matthews!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Bruno Lombardi and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matthews lunges at Anisimov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Anisimov's hand.
Matthews dives in for a single leg takedown but Anisimov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Anisimov drives through with a takedown into Matthews's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Anisimov connects with a couple of short punches.
Matthews preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Anisimov won't allow Matthews to get back to his feet.
Anisimov throwing strikes from guard but Matthews blocks nicely.
Anisimov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Matthews has his foot on Anisimov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Anisimov works his way back into a safe position though.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Anisimov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Matthews working for a triangle but Anisimov defends it easily.
Anisimov stopping the sweep attempt from Matthews.
Anisimov throwing strikes but missing.
Anisimov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Anisimov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Matthews avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Anisimov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Matthews has his foot on Anisimov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Anisimov works his way back into a safe position though.
Anisimov postures up in Matthews's guard and throws a big left but Matthews blocks it.

Anisimov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Anisimov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Anisimov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Anisimov throws a sloppy strike and Matthews has hooked up an armbar on the loose arm! He's turned and extended fully! Anisimov is forced to tap! Great BJJ from Matthews!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Johnny Matthews!