PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kyle Branson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Daniel Ruanti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Branson comes to the cage accompanied by Meytal Cohen - Toxicity. Daniel Ruanti has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Branson
vs
Ruanti

183 cm
30
215 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

187 cm
38
220 lbs
43 - 19 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Kyle Branson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 43 - 19 - 1, fighting out of New York, Daniel Ruanti!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Bruno Lombardi and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ruanti fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Branson drives through with a takedown into Ruanti's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Ruanti working a defensive guard here.
Branson pushing down on Ruanti's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Branson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Branson wants to pass the guard but Ruanti is defending well.
Ruanti taking some punishment here, with Branson in his half guard.

Branson is looking for a kimura but Ruanti is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Branson to get the leverage.
Ruanti is trying to maintain the position but Branson is very close to passing his half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ruanti wants to improve his position but Branson is controlling well.

Branson is working for a kimura but Ruanti is defending it quite comfortably.
Branson is keen to just control but Ruanti is a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Branson lands a nice short elbow.

Branson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Ruanti sees it coming and defends easily.
Branson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ruanti does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Branson wants to work for an arm triangle but Ruanti is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Ruanti trying to hold on to Branson's head to control him but Branson postures up.

Branson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Ruanti is just riding it out for now. Branson eventually gives up the hold.
Branson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ruanti does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Branson is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Ruanti has managed to free his arm - good work.

Branson seems to be looking for submissions.

Ruanti actively working from the bottom here.
Branson trying to pass the guard but Ruanti defending well.
Ruanti tries to roll over but Branson keeps him under control.
Branson looks to land a strike but Ruanti avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Ruanti is controlling Branson's posture.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Branson postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Ruanti is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Branson, into his guard.

Branson has his foot on Ruanti's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ruanti works his way back into a safe position though.
Branson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ruanti trying to control the position from guard on top but Branson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Branson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Ruanti trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Branson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Branson is working hard here to advance position.
Ruanti wants to control from the top but Branson keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Branson looking for a sweep. Not yet Branson, not yet.
Ruanti throws a big elbow that misses.

Branson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ruanti defends well.
Ruanti controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Branson has his feet on Ruanti's thighs here. He's pushed Ruanti off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Ruanti screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Kyle Branson!
A very excited looking Kyle Branson made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.