PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Simon Gustafsson (ranked 2434 p4p, 305 weight class) and Nicky Santoro (ranked 2144 p4p, 269 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Gustafsson
vs
Santoro

200 cm
24
213 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

185 cm
24
217 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Powerful

Urban Fighter
Big Chief Nutrition & Laundry Services (80%)

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 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Simon Gustafsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Nicky Santoro!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A slow jab from Santoro misses its intended target.
Gustafsson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Santoro misses with a straight right.
Gustafsson seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

Gustafsson looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Santoro!

Gustafsson is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Santoro is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Gustafsson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Santoro knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Santoro parries the strikes from Gustafsson easily there. Gustafsson is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Santoro to escape.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Santoro wants to control but Gustafsson postures up.

Gustafsson swings around for an armbar but Santoro sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Gustafsson's guard.
Gustafsson trying to strike off his back.
Santoro has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Gustafsson is proving hard to escape from.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Santoro is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

Gustafsson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Gustafsson wants to sweep but no luck.

Gustafsson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Santoro is aware though and is defending well.
Gustafsson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Santoro is one step ahead there.
Santoro wants to get up but he can't break Gustafsson's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Gustafsson looking for a guillotine here but Santoro defends easily.
Santoro would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Simon Gustafsson!