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WP 58 PBP Commentary |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 72 wins and 43 losses; Xavier Merlin! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 30 wins and 38 losses; Anthony Lavicci!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Chris Edwards and Daniel Bishop.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Merlin drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Score +4 for clean takedown past guard: Merlin (4) vs (0) Lavicci
Merlin controlling the position from side mount.
Lavicci tries to improve position but can't.
Lavicci gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lavicci is looking for a sweep. Merlin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Merlin is just content to waste time from the top position. Lavicci takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Lavicci has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Merlin has passed into side control.
Score +3 for passing guard: Merlin (7) vs (0) Lavicci
Merlin tries to move into full mount but can't pass Lavicci's legs.
Merlin is working hard here to advance position.
Merlin controls the position.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lavicci struggling a bit here.
We've been hearing good reports from Merlin's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Merlin tries to advance to mount but Lavicci denies him.
Merlin wants to control but Lavicci is keeping him busy.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Merlin moves into full mount! Score +2 for reaching mount: Merlin (9) vs (0) Lavicci
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Merlin wants to control the pace but Lavicci is squirming around nicely.
Lavicci can't escape the position.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Lavicci is still trying to improve position.
Lavicci tries to control Merlin's head but Merlin pushes him back down and moves quickly to lock up an arm here - he's swung around for an armbar! Will he get it??? Yes! Lavicci is tapping out! Lovely Jiu Jitsu there!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (armbar). Xavier Merlin!
A relieved looking Xavier Merlin thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it. |
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