PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Elijah Highlander (ranked 3494 p4p, 3918 weight class) and Paul Sanchez (ranked 314 p4p, 352 weight class). The key to victory for Elijah Highlander has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Highlander
vs
Sanchez

178 cm
23
162
3 - 2 - 0

170 cm
26
160
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Tokzik Dope L.A.

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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Elijah Highlander!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Paul Sanchez!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Daniel Bishop and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Highlander just misses with a punch to the body.
Sanchez feints the counter takedown.
Highlander throws the left hand but Sanchez avoids the punch easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Highlander misses the target.
Sanchez is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Sanchez avoids the body shot from Highlander.
Sanchez is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Highlander throws a right hand that misses

and Sanchez counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sanchez is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Sanchez scoring with punches to the head and body.
Highlander can't keep his opponent in guard - Sanchez advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sanchez connects with a nice short shot to Highlander's temple.
Highlander makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Highlander.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Highlander is looking for a triangle but Sanchez pushes his legs off easily.
Sanchez postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Sanchez wants to control from the top but Highlander keeps moving.
Sanchez showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Highlander definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Sanchez must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Sanchez wants to control from the top but Highlander keeps moving.

Highlander is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sanchez postures up and lands a big shot to Highlander's brow.
Sanchez working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

Sanchez avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Sanchez seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Highlander trying to control the position.
Sanchez distracts Highlander with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Sanchez working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Highlander's head.
Sanchez landing with the ground and pound.

Highlander is looking for a triangle but Sanchez pushes his legs off easily.

Sanchez avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Sanchez scoring with punches to the head and body.
Sanchez trying to control the position from guard on top but Highlander is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sanchez lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Sanchez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Highlander. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sanchez is in close to Highlander's body, working some short punches and elbows.

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

Highlander is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Sanchez rolls with it to try and escape but Highlander cranks on the arm and Sanchez is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Elijah Highlander!
The defeated Paul Sanchez had this to say: 'Womp womp I’ll do better next time'.