PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nick Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steve Watson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Steve Watson has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Nick Diaz's chin.

Diaz
vs
Watson

182 cm
27
180 lbs
17 - 18 - 0

183 cm
28
185 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

GREEN!160

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 17 - 18 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nick Diaz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Steve Watson!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Stewart Dunkirk and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Diaz misses with a series of wild punches.
Watson is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Diaz feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Watsons jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Diaz swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Watson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Watson.
Diaz being controlled here, momentarily.
Watson slips nicely into half guard.
Watson wants to free his trapped foot but Diaz is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Watson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Diaz is just riding it out for now. Watson eventually gives up the hold.

Watson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Watson seems to be working for a kimura but Diaz defends the submission attempt.

Watson seems to be looking for submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Watson wants to pass to mount but Diaz is defending the position.
Watson blocks the strikes from Diaz.
Diaz wants to get back to his feet.
Watson is taking a breather. Diaz says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Diaz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Watson pulls his head out easily.
Watson prevents Diaz from improving his position.
Diaz is staying active underneath Watson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Watson prevents Diaz from improving his position.
Watson trying to control the action but Diaz is working from the bottom.
Diaz pushes Watson off looking to stand but Watson dives back in and keeps control.
Diaz is looking for a sweep. Watson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two 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.
Diaz is looking to escape.

Diaz actively working from the bottom here.
Diaz looks like he's trying to stand up.

Watson seems to be working for a kimura but Diaz defends the submission attempt.
Watson trying to control from half guard but Diaz is working away.

Diaz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Watson pulls his head out easily.

Diaz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Watson is keen to just control but Diaz is a slippery customer.

Watson has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Diaz defend it? Watson steps over the head and cranks it - Diaz is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Watson!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Steve Watson!
An out of breath Steve Watson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.