PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Thiago Costa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steve Diehard (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Costa
vs
Diehard

183 cm
21
185 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

186 cm
19
185 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Solid 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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Thiago Costa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Steve Diehard!
The judges for this bout are Felipe Paraventi, Leandro Rodrigues and Edson Gomes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Costa scores with a decent looking hook.

Diehard closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Diehard wants a takedown.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Diehard.
Diehard tries to pull guard but Costa won't allow it.
Diehard changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Costa fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Thiago Costa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steve Diehard.

Diehard closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Diehard lands in his opponent's guard.

Diehard decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Costa, up you get!

Costa closes the distance and pushes Diehard back into the cage.
Costa stops a takedown attempt from Diehard.

Diehard turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Costa tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Costa is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Diehard drops an elbow to the side of Costa's head.
Costa is trying to stand up here but Diehard is controlling him well.
Diehard prevents Costa from improving his position.
Costa makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Costa.
Diehard throws a strike but Costa rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Costa wants to control from the top but Diehard keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Costa trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Diehard manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Costa tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Diehard wants to control from the top but Costa keeps moving.
Diehard throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Costa looking for a sweep. Not yet Costa, not yet.
Costa is working hard here to advance position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Costa trying to keep a closed guard but Diehard is proving a slippery customer.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Costa throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Diehard shoots in and drives through. Costa sprawls well.
Diehard looks gassed!
Costa tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Diehard counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Costa gets full guard.
Diehard trying to control but Costa is working from the bottom.

Costa had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Diehard is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Costa Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Diehard's back instead.
Costa trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diehard is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Costa avoiding Diehard 's attempts to control his hands.

Costa has both hooks in and is working for a choke. Diehard is in real trouble here. Costa gets an arm under the chin and tightens the submission attempt... is this the end? Yes, Diehard is tapping out! Costa wins by rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:37 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Thiago Costa!