PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gustavo Ribeiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Demian Maia (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.

Ribeiro
vs
Maia

188 cm
28
195 lbs
13 - 9 - 1

183 cm
26
193 lbs
16 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc
Hellbent

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 13 - 9 - 1, fighting out of New York, Gustavo Ribeiro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Demian Maia!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Eddie Farnsworth and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ribeiro closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Maia quickly recovers to half guard.
Maia trying to control but Ribeiro postures up.

Maia kicks off Ribeiro and gets to his feet.
Maia throws a quick inside leg kick.

Ribeiro closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Maia striking from the bottom but nothing landed.

Ribeiro tries for a kimura but Maia is defending well.
Ribeiro throws an elbow but Maia slips to the side and avoids it well.
Ribeiro wants to lay and pray for a moment but Maia keeps working.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ribeiro lands a few punches from side control.
Ribeiro working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ribeiro looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Maia is trying to get back to half guard.
Ribeiro throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Maia is looking for a sweep.
Ribeiro creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Maia sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Ribeiro controls the position from side control.
You can see the frustration on Maia's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maia is trying to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Ribeiro is looking to take a break and control but Maia is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Ribeiro thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Maia regains half guard.
Ribeiro is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maia tries to roll over but Ribeiro keeps him under control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ribeiro works his way into side control.
Maia is trying to get back to half guard.

Ribeiro has an Americana. Maia didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Ribeiro is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Ribeiro hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Gustavo Ribeiro!