PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alejandro Cichero (ranked 3648 p4p, 3688 weight class) and Project Grappler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Cichero
vs
Grappler

196 cm
25
155
1 - 0 - 0

173 cm
25
167
3 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good wrestler
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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Alejandro Cichero!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Project Grappler!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Daniel Franklin and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Cichero enables Grappler to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Cichero manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Grappler must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Grappler trying to control but Cichero is working from the bottom.
Cichero working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Grappler.
Cichero tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Cichero is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cichero is on top in guard.

Cichero works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Cichero trying to pass the guard but Grappler defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cichero really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cichero wants to work for an arm triangle but Grappler is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Grappler has his hands clasped together around Cichero's back. He's all about the action.
Cichero uses his free foot to push down on Grappler's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Grappler.

Cichero moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Grappler has worked his arm free - good work by Grappler!

Cichero is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Grappler has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Cichero tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

Cichero swings around for an armbar but Grappler sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Cichero's guard.
Grappler's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cichero keeping moving, preventing Grappler from controlling successfully.
Grappler pushing down on Cichero's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grappler is nestled in close to Cichero, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Cichero on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Cichero is looking to improve his position.
Cichero is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Grappler's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Grappler's back!
Cichero is breathing heavily.
You can see the frustration on Grappler's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Cichero has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Grappler really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cichero. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Cichero looking to break Grappler's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Grappler remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Cichero will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Grappler is in bad spot here.

Grappler fending off the submission attempt from Cichero.

Cichero looking to finish the fight with a rear naked choke. Grappler is controlling Cichero 's left arm and he spins nicely into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grappler works over Cichero with some ground and pound from guard.
Grappler wants to control from the top but Cichero keeps moving.
Cichero tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Grappler with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Cichero looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Cichero keeping moving, preventing Grappler from controlling successfully.
Grappler with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Alejandro Cichero will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Grappler closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Cichero is looking to reverse the position.
Grappler is putting a hurting on Cichero here, landing some big shots from side control.
Grappler cracks Cichero with a big right hand but Cichero just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Cichero regains half guard.
Cichero wants to improve his position but Grappler is controlling well.
Grappler working Cichero over with strikes.
Cichero is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cichero is staying active underneath Grappler, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Grappler lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Cichero is pressing down on Grappler's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cichero keeping moving, preventing Grappler from controlling successfully.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Grappler is in close to Cichero's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Cichero is rocked!
Cichero has momentary wrist control but Grappler slips an elbow through the middle.
Oh Cichero is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Grappler has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Grappler postures up from his opponent's guard, before exploding into some vicious ground and pound! Cichero covers up, he's hurt! Grappler keeps throwing the strikes, glancing at the referee... Will he stop it?? One more big shot from Grappler and the ref steps in to end the fight! Grappler can't hide his delight as he celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:34 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Project Grappler!