PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Panfilo Acerbi (ranked 1894 p4p, 4946 weight class) and Ricardo Esponosa (ranked 201 p4p, 439 weight class). Acerbi comes to the cage accompanied by Boom Boom Boom Boom - Venga Boys. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Acerbi
vs
Esponosa

176 cm
26
166
7 - 6 - 0

181 cm
27
163
7 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Knockaround Guys Fight Gear

Seventh Circle Clothing

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 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Panfilo Acerbi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ricardo Esponosa!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Alec Ball and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut there from Acerbi.
Esponosa has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Acerbi.
No luck for Esponosa with that takedown attempt.
Acerbi was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Esponosa closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Esponosa lands in his opponent's guard.

Acerbi is looking for a triangle but Esponosa pushes his legs off easily.
Esponosa slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Acerbi is pulling down on Esponosa's head to control his posture.
Acerbi keeping full guard, as Esponosa tries to pass.

Acerbi is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Esponosa is aware though and is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Esponosa scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Acerbi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Esponosa doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Esponosa manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Esponosa got a little sloppy there for a moment and Acerbi has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Esponosa has managed to get both his arms back between Acerbi's legs - danger averted.
Acerbi trying to keep a closed guard but Esponosa is proving a slippery customer.
Acerbi looking to hit a scissor sweep but Esponosa is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Esponosa wants to pass the guard but Acerbi is keeping the position.

Acerbi is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a triangle but Esponosa frees his head nicely. Oh but Acerbi has switched to an armbar! Esponosa is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Panfilo Acerbi!
Ricardo Esponosa was interviewed post fight and said 'We’ll get it next time '.