PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Max Lawson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Locke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). John Locke will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Lawson
vs
Locke

175 cm
22
155 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
21
150 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Likes ground

Cruel Britannia Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Max Lawson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, John Locke!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Colin Fotheringham and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lawson fails with a takedown attempt.
Lawson keeps the fight on the outside.
Lawson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Lawson checks a leg kick.

Locke feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Lawson wants to hit a switch here but Locke passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Lawson there!
Lawson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Lawson is working hard here to advance position.
Locke landing strikes, looking to finish!

Locke looking for a guillotine from mount but Lawson is having none of it.
Lawson prevents Locke from taking his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lawson tries to reverse the position but Locke maintains control.
Locke controlling the pace for now.
Let's hope that Locke has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Lawson is trying desperately to improve position.
Locke controlling the pace for now.
Lawson working to try and regain half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Locke gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
Locke wants to clinch.
Locke fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Locke fails in his attempt to clinch.
Lawson misses with a takedown attempt

and Locke moves into the clinch.
Locke trying to stall but Lawson improves his position.
Lawson tries to score a body lock takedown but Locke shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Max Lawson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lawson is breathing heavily.
Lawson tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Lawson is trying to break free.
Lawson is trying to break free.
Lawson tries for a takedown but Locke manages to get underhooks.
Lawson changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Locke fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Locke tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Locke tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Locke throws and low kick but Lawson moves out of range easily.
Max Lawson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Locke tries to clinch there but Lawson circles away.

Locke shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Locke trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Lawson is working to get back to half guard.
Locke controlling his opponent.
Locke trying to control but Lawson is having none of it.
Lawson is trying desperately to improve position.

Locke get's back to his feet.
Locke is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Lawson circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lawson doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Locke counters with a shoot takedown. Lawson fights it but they end up in guard.
Locke trying to control the position from guard on top but Lawson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Locke must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Locke is stalling in the full guard.

Lawson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Locke doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Locke manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Locke trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Lawson pushes a forearm under Locke's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Locke is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Max Lawson!
Max Lawson is the new featherweight champion!