PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Basheer Saleh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joey Popham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Popham has chosen remember the name as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Joey Popham told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Saleh
vs
Popham

168 cm
26
146 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

177 cm
25
169 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Solid boxing
KO power

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Basheer Saleh!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Joey Popham!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Alec Ball and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saleh lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Popham backs up against the cage.
Saleh swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Saleh scores with a one two! Popham had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Saleh shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Popham is trying to defend but Saleh finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Saleh seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Popham on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Saleh throwing shots but Popham is blocking nicely.
Popham throws a strike from the bottom that misses.

Popham looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Ground and pound from Saleh.
Popham won't allow Saleh to pass to mount.

Popham looking for submissions off his back.
Saleh is nestled in close to Popham, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Saleh seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Popham is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:02 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Basheer Saleh!
Basheer Saleh retains his lightweight title!