PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Deon Graves (ranked 1020 p4p, 1429 weight class) and Phichael Melps (ranked 112 p4p, 159 weight class). Graves's entrance music is THE ZOO. A fine choice. Deon Graves could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Phichael Melps's chin.

Graves
vs
Melps

182 cm
27
165
8 - 4 - 0

170 cm
21
160
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good gas tank

30th Century Beer Store

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 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Deon Graves!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Phichael Melps!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Paul Tew and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Graves lands a big right hand that sends Melps crashing to the mat! Graves stays standing though and waves Melps back to his feet!

It looks like Phichael Melps has been cut.

Melps looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Melps working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Melps wants to pass the guard but Graves is keeping the position.

Graves working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Melps doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Melps manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Melps works over Graves with some ground and pound from guard.
Graves has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Melps stands and throws Graves's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Graves is looking for a sweep.
Melps lands a decent elbow from side control.
Melps cracks Graves with a big right hand but Graves just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.

Melps wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Graves, who protects the arm well.
Graves regains half guard.
Graves is trying to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Well, if Melps 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.
Melps working Graves over with strikes.
Graves wants to get back to full guard.

Melps wants to work for an arm triangle but Graves is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Melps is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Graves doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Melps.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nice strikes from Melps there.
Melps working the head and body with strikes.
Melps passes the guard and advances to mount!
Graves is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Melps is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Graves to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Graves shrugs it off.
Graves can't escape the position.
Melps lands a couple of good shots and Graves has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Melps has the hooks in. Graves is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Melps controlling from the back.
Graves is trying to stand back up.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Graves wants to escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Graves fending off the submission attempt from Melps.
Graves is really stuck here.
Melps is punishing Graves with strikes - can he finish him?!

Melps is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Graves has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

Graves defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.

Melps is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Graves is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Phichael Melps!