PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Jeramiah Pony (ranked 444 p4p, 473 weight class) and Pope Callixtus (ranked 29 p4p, 0 weight class). Pope Callixtus will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Pony
vs
Callixtus

161 cm
20
141
11 - 5 - 0

167 cm
27
140
12 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Jeramiah Pony!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Pope Callixtus!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Peter Branson and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Callixtus closes the distance and clinches up with Pony, looking for a takedown. Callixtus pushes Pony against the cage but Pony circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pony throws a hook but Callixtus avoids it easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Pony.
Pony closes this distance looking for a takedown but Callixtus circles away.
Callixtus changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Callixtus shoots in looking for a takedown. Pony tries to sprawl out of it but Callixtus keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Pony manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Callixtus throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Pony was covering up waiting for the punch and Callixtus finishes the takedown easily into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Pony trying to control the position.
My spies in Cozad The Island inform me that Callixtus has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Callixtus passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Pony is looking to regain half guard here but Callixtus keeps moving and retains side control.
We've been hearing good reports from Pony'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.

Callixtus tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Callixtus moves into full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Callixtus tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Callixtus prevents Pony from getting the reversal.
Pony tries to hold on but Callixtus postures up.
Pony really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pony is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Pony is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Pony is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Callixtus is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Pony keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Callixtus throws some shoulder strikes here and then postures up. Oh, he's gone for an armbar! Pony has his hands clasped together but Callixtus breaks the hold and Pony is forced to tap! This one is aaaaaaaaaaall over! That was lightning fast by Callixtus!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:59 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Pope Callixtus!
A victorious Pope Callixtus thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.