PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between James DiGriz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael Matthews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

DiGriz
vs
Matthews

168 cm
18
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Determined

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, James DiGriz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Michael Matthews!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
DiGriz slips a straight right by Matthews.
DiGriz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Matthews.
Matthews lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but DiGriz circles away quickly and effectively.
Matthews throws a right hand that DiGriz ducks under and follows up with a left that DiGriz also avoids with ease.

DiGriz moves into range and clinches up with Matthews.
Matthews gets underhooks to prevent DiGriz's takedown attempt.
Matthews is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matthews is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Matthews working hard to break the clinch.
Matthews can't break the clinch.
Matthews tries to break the clinch but DiGriz is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
DiGriz has Matthews pressed against the cage, preventing Matthews from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
DiGriz slowing the pace effectively.
DiGriz keeps control of Matthews as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Matthews tries to break the clinch but DiGriz is controlling the position.
Matthews wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Matthews has had enough of the clinch but DiGriz keeps him there for the moment.
DiGriz content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Matthews is trying to break free.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from DiGriz.
Matthews looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Matthews wants to get back to striking at distance but DiGriz won't allow it.
Matthews stops a takedown attempt from DiGriz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
DiGriz tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Matthews just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James DiGriz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Matthews looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Come on DiGriz - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
DiGriz prevents Matthews from breaking the clinch.
Matthews has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
DiGriz comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Matthews prevents a takedown attempt there.

DiGriz is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Matthews can't fight it off and eventually DiGriz manages to take the fight to the floor. Matthews looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
DiGriz trying to control but Matthews is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
DiGriz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Matthews swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Matthews throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
DiGriz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

DiGriz is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

DiGriz thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
DiGriz is breathing heavily.

DiGriz drops back looking for a leg! Matthews is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Matthews manages to kick DiGriz off! DiGriz jumps back into Matthews's guard.
Matthews is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
DiGriz takes one to the side of the head.

It looks like James DiGriz has been cut.
Matthews closes the distance and lands a vicious right hand that drops DiGriz! Matthews dives in looking to finish! DiGriz is still trying to defend himself but he's taking too many shots and the referee has no choice but to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Michael Matthews!