PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Joao Paulo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikolai Larionov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Paulo
vs
Larionov

190 cm
18
230 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
18
220 lbs
0 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Joao Paulo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nikolai Larionov!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Robert Twigg and Gwen Towbar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Larionov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Paulo but Paulo pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Larionov throws a right and a left that Paulo avoids nicely.
Larionov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Paulo is looking to clinch but Larionov is avoiding it.
Nice sprawl there from Paulo as Larionov shoots in.
Larionov throws a jab but it's blocked by Paulo.

Paulo drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Paulo 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.
Paulo wants to pass the guard but Larionov is keeping the position.
Paulo trying to control but Larionov is working from the bottom.
Paulo would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Larionov lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Paulo!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larionov lands a nice shot to the head.
Paulo is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Paulo manages to regain half guard. Good work.

Paulo looking for submissions off his back.
Larionov is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Paulo looking to control.
Paulo tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Paulo is breathing heavily.

Larionov wants to stand up, so he's looking to wriggle free of Paulo's closed guard. He's half up but Paulo has locked on to an arm! Uh oh! Paulo pivots and extends the arm, Larionov falls face first to the mat and taps??... does he?? YES! He's tapping! Excellent counter grappling there by Paulo! Well done that man!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:04 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Joao Paulo!