PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kai Velasquez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Damien Botswell (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.

Velasquez
vs
Botswell

172 cm
22
195 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
198 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Poweful takedowns
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kai Velasquez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Damien Botswell!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, Anthony Taglia and Lou da Vinci.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Botswell will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Velasquez up against the cage.
Velasquez tries to pull guard but Botswell won't allow it.
Velasquez trying to stall but Botswell improves his position.
Velasquez wants to break the clinch but can't.

Botswell breaks the clinch.
Velasquez closes the distance and clinches up with Botswell, looking for a takedown. Velasquez pushes Botswell against the cage but Botswell circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Velasquez throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Botswell's waist but Botswell gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Velasquez off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kai Velasquez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Botswell takes the fight into the clinch.
Velasquez jumps guard but Botswell stands there with Velasquez around his waist. Velasquez gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Botswell.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velasquez wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Velasquez tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Botswell using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Velasquez tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Botswell just stands there and leans against the cage.
Botswell unloads a knee to the mid-section. Velasquez lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Botswell lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Velasquez.
Velasquez wants to get back to striking at distance but Botswell won't allow it.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Botswell.
Velasquez tries to pull guard but Botswell won't allow it.

Botswell has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Velasquez clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Botswell really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Velasquez. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Velasquez has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Botswell really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Velasquez.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
I looks like Botswell might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
Velasquez is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Velasquez is really stuck here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Botswell is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.

Botswell looking for the choke from the back.

That's four 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.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
I really don't envy Velasquez right now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Velasquez wants to control his opponent's hands but Botswell gets his hands free.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

Despite being in the dominant position, Damien Botswell just isn't active enough and the referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Velasquez will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Damien Botswell dominated that round.
That's time! Velasquez's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Velasquez throws a head kick that misses.

Botswell closes the distance and clinches.
Botswell landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Velasquez is trying to break the clinch but Botswell has him pressed against the cage.

Botswell drags the fight down to the ground.
Velasquez trying to control the position from guard on top but Botswell is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Velasquez might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Botswell controls Velasquez momentarily but Velasquez frees himself.
Velasquez wants to control from the top but Botswell keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Velasquez prevents Botswell from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velasquez wants to control from the top but Botswell keeps moving.
Velasquez is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Botswell is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Velasquez looks to clinch

and Botswell moves into the clinch.
Botswell lands a left hand.
Velasquez tries to pull guard but Botswell won't allow it.
Botswell prevents the takedown attempt.
Botswell lands an elbow that stopped Velasquez in his tracks for a moment.
Velasquez has had enough of the clinch but Botswell keeps him there for the moment.
Velasquez looking to throw knees to the head but Botswell is blocking nicely.

That's two 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.

Velasquez has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Botswell uses from the top position.
Velasquez is trying to control the position but Botswell postures up.
Velasquez has a closed guard, preventing Botswell from standing up.
Botswell showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Botswell is breathing heavily.
Velasquez throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

Velasquez has his foot on Botswell's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Botswell works his way back into a safe position though.

Botswell has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Velasquez to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Botswell is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Velasquez pulls down on the head and he's put Botswell to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:02 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Kai Velasquez!