PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Renzo Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kazushi Sakuraba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kazushi Sakuraba is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Gracie
vs
Sakuraba

180 cm
22
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

187 cm
22
170 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Renzo Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Kazushi Sakuraba!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Patrick Alders and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sakuraba darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Gracie is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sakuraba pulls his head out easily.

Gracie actively working from the bottom here.
Gracie blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba.
Gracie is pressing down on Sakuraba's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Gracie looking to control.
Sakuraba content to stall in guard here.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Gracie is on top in guard.
Gracie passes Sakuraba's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gracie is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sakuraba is just riding it out for now. Gracie eventually gives up the hold.

Gracie is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Gracie wants to work for an arm triangle but Sakuraba is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Gracie is thwarting Sakuraba's attempts to control the position.

Gracie is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Sakuraba sees it coming and defends easily.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Sakuraba is trying to control but can't.

Gracie is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sakuraba is just riding it out for now. Gracie eventually gives up the hold.
Sakuraba is trying to control but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gracie seems to be working for a kimura but Sakuraba defends the submission attempt.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Gracie works his way into full mount!
Sakuraba is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Gracie moves to back control.
Sakuraba is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Gracie off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Sakuraba looks gassed!

Gracie looking to break Sakuraba's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Sakuraba remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Gracie will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gracie is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Sakuraba knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Sakuraba for a finish.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Gracie is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Gracie avoiding Sakuraba 's attempts to control his hands.
Sakuraba really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Gracie. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Gracie sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Sakuraba taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5:02 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Renzo Gracie!