PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Lucas Mereani (ranked 6206 p4p, 485 weight class) and Islam Makhacevov (ranked 23381 p4p, 534 weight class). Islam Makhacevov is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Mereani
vs
Makhacevov

182 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

178 cm
20
186 lbs
3 - 11 - 1

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Knockout power

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Lucas Mereani!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 11 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Islam Makhacevov!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Colin Fray and Paul Gruel.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mereani drives through with a takedown into Makhacevov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Makhacevov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Mereani trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Mereani drops back, looking for a kneebar! Makhacevov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Makhacevov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Makhacevov!

Makhacevov lands an elbow.
Mereani taking a bit of punishment here - Makhacevov scoring with strikes.
Mereani tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Mereani wants to control but Makhacevov postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mereani is looking for a sweep.
You can see the frustration on Mereani's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Mereani is trying to escape the position but Makhacevov is controlling the position.
Mereani tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Makhacevov working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Mereani tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Mereani is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Makhacevov off and has taken his back!

Mereani is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Makhacevov with him. Makhacevov is trying to defend but Mereani has an arm under the chin now! Makhacevov grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:39 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Lucas Mereani!
Lucas Mereani decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.