PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Saifulla Rakhmonov (ranked 4153 p4p, 0 weight class) and Denzel Arcidiacono (ranked 4355 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Rakhmonov
vs
Arcidiacono

168 cm
25
155 lbs
3 - 4 - 1

191 cm
25
159 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Saifulla Rakhmonov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Denzel Arcidiacono!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Daniel Franklin and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Arcidiacono shoots in but no luck this time.
Rakhmonov is looking to counter the offense by Arcidiacono and move into the clinch.
The fighters circling - Rakhmonov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Arcidiacono raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Arcidiacono fails in his attempt to clinch.

Arcidiacono has Rakhmonov up against the cage in a clinch.
Arcidiacono changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Rakhmonov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Rakhmonov shoots in and drives through. Arcidiacono sprawls well.
Rakhmonov dives in for a single leg takedown but Arcidiacono sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Rakhmonov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Arcidiacono tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rakhmonov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Arcidiacono somewhat.
Saifulla Rakhmonov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denzel Arcidiacono.

Rakhmonov has taken the fight to the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rakhmonov tries to land knees in the clinch but Arcidiacono avoids the damage to the body.
Rakhmonov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Arcidiacono just stands there and leans against the cage.
Rakhmonov stops a takedown attempt from Arcidiacono.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arcidiacono can't get the takedown.
Rakhmonov gets underhooks to prevent Arcidiacono's takedown attempt.
Rakhmonov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Arcidiacono has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Arcidiacono is looking to break free of the clinch but Rakhmonov has double underhooks.

Rakhmonov pulls guard successfully.
Arcidiacono would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Arcidiacono is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Rakhmonov is working an open guard so Arcidiacono takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Rakhmonov has managed to clinch.
Arcidiacono wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rakhmonov has him pressed against the cage.
Rakhmonov has Arcidiacono pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Arcidiacono manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rakhmonov jumps guard.
Arcidiacono in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Rakhmonov is looking for a triangle but Arcidiacono pushes his legs off easily.
Rakhmonov looking for a sweep. Not yet Rakhmonov, not yet.
Rakhmonov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Arcidiacono working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Arcidiacono looking to pass the guard.

Arcidiacono drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Rakhmonov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Arcidiacono has Rakhmonov in his guard.

Rakhmonov won't allow Arcidiacono to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arcidiacono working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rakhmonov.
Rakhmonov trying to control but Arcidiacono is working from the bottom.

Arcidiacono has his feet on Rakhmonov's thighs here. He's pushed Rakhmonov 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! Rakhmonov screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:29 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Denzel Arcidiacono!