PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Balal Lama (ranked 1390 p4p, 1155 weight class) and Theros Ironfeld (ranked 161 p4p, 133 weight class). Balal Lama has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Lama
vs
Ironfeld

195 cm
37
220
22 - 16 - 0

195 cm
29
275
17 - 14 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Knockout power

Brooklyn Apothecary

Knockaround Guys Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Balal Lama!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Theros Ironfeld!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Aafke Stam and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lama slips under a jab from Ironfeld.
Lama scores with a shot to the body.
Ironfeld's corner calls for a 1-2. Ironfeld obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

Ironfeld shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Lama is looking to improve his position.
Ironfeld lands with a punch from half guard.
Lama wants to get back to full guard.
Ironfeld controlling the action here.
Lama is looking to control Ironfeld's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Lama avoid being mounted?
Lama on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Lama trying to control but Ironfeld postures up.

Ironfeld moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Lama.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lama is looking to regain half guard here but Ironfeld keeps moving and retains side control.
Lama is working to avoid the ground and pound but Ironfeld connects with a decent elbow.
Ironfeld scores with punches from side control.
Ironfeld wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lama keeps working.
Ironfeld lands a few punches from side control.
Lama tries to buck Ironfeld off but Ironfeld is having none of it.
Ironfeld working the ground and pound.
Ironfeld wants to control but Lama is keeping him busy.
Lama is looking to reverse the position.
Lama regains half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ironfeld not doing much here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lama is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Ironfeld pulls his head out easily.
Ironfeld scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Lama wants to improve his position but Ironfeld is controlling well.
Lama is working hard here to advance position.
Lama is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Kaptajnernes Træningscenter, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Ironfeld wants to take a breather but Lama is having none of it.
Ironfeld working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Lama has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Ironfeld is on him like a limpet, forcing Lama back against the cage.
Ironfeld dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Lama wants to break free but Ironfeld has control.
Ironfeld content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Lama looking for a takedown.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lama drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Ironfeld gets the underhooks and prevents it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lama wants to take the fight to the mat but Ironfeld manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Balal Lama. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Ironfeld has picked Lama up - he's going for a ride! Ironfeld dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Nice strikes from Ironfeld there.
Ironfeld winds up and cracks Lama with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Lama tries to get to full guard but Ironfeld has control of the leg.
Lama is staying active underneath Ironfeld, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Ironfeld connects with a nice short shot to Lama's temple.
Lama is trying to maintain the position but Ironfeld is very close to passing his half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ironfeld in particular looking to stall.
The fighters are battling for position here. Lama manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Lama 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.
Ironfeld stands up over Lama, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ironfeld lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ironfeld scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Ironfeld working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Lama's head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ironfeld stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Lama swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ironfeld is in close to Lama's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ironfeld trying to control but Lama is working from the bottom.
Lama bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ironfeld's guard.

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!
Lama lands a couple of digs.
Lama postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Lama wants to control from the top but Ironfeld keeps moving.
Ironfeld looking to hit a scissor sweep but Lama is one step ahead there.
Lama trying to control but Ironfeld is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Theros Ironfeld dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ironfeld throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Lama appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Lama will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Lama clobbers Ironfeld with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Ironfeld ducks under a wild hook from Lama.
Lama tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ironfeld looks to score with a jab to the body but Lama is just out of range.
Lama uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ironfeld.
Lama tries to counter with a takedown but Ironfeld is quick to defend against it.
Lama throws a series of punches but Ironfeld moves out of range.
Balal Lama seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lama shoots in for a takedown but Ironfeld shows good takedown defense.
Ironfeld slips a straight right by Lama.
Lama takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
A shot to the liver by Ironfeld. Beautiful body shot.
Ironfeld tries to bum rush Lama with a series of wild strikes but Lama uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Lama feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Ironfelds jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Ironfeld misses with a double jab.
Balal Lama is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
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!
Ironfeld scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Ironfeld looks to land a left hand but Lama moved out of range nicely.
Ironfeld misses with an uppercut.
Theros Ironfeld seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ironfeld on the wrong end of a nice jab.

Lama changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Ironfeld looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Lama works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Ironfeld can't do much from the bottom here.
Lama trying to control the position but Ironfeld is working away.
Ironfeld on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Ironfeld is looking for a sweep.
Lama trying to control the action but Ironfeld is working from the bottom.
Lama cracks Ironfeld with an elbow. That is naaassty.

Lama tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lama works to advance to full mount. Ironfeld defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Ironfeld wants to hold on but Lama pushes him away.
Ironfeld tries to reverse the position but Lama maintains control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ironfeld bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Lama keeping moving, preventing Ironfeld from controlling successfully.
Lama 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.
Theros Ironfeld has got the better of the ground game so far.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Ironfeld is in close to Lama's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ironfeld forces his way into half guard.
Lama pushes Ironfeld off looking to stand but Ironfeld dives back in and keeps control.
Ironfeld working Lama over with strikes.
Ironfeld is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Lama moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Ironfeld trying to control the position from guard on top but Lama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ironfeld with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Lama is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Lama stops Ironfeld from getting back to his feet.
Ironfeld regains full guard. Nicely done.
Ironfeld strikes from his own guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ironfeld is controlling Lama's posture.
Ironfeld is trying to control the position from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Lama accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Ironfeld trying to keep a closed guard but Lama is proving a slippery customer.
Lama stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ironfeld swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Lama is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ironfeld pulls Lama in close to his closed guard and prevents Lama from doing any damage or advancing position.
Ironfeld keeping full guard, as Lama tries to pass.
Lama throws a big elbow that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Balal Lama will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Lama walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Ironfeld keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ironfeld.
Lama takes one to the side of the head.
Donk. Lama catches Ironfeld right on the button with a cross.
Ironfeld scores with a nice head shot.

Lama is rocked!
Ironfeld fails with a takedown attempt.

Ironfeld drops Lama with a beautiful combination! Lama stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Ironfeld is looking for the KO!
Oh Lama is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jab by Ironfeld.
Lama seems to have got his legs back now.

Ironfeld closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Lama's guard.
Ironfeld has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ironfeld stopping the sweep attempt from Lama.

Lama has his foot on Ironfeld's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ironfeld works his way back into a safe position though.
Ironfeld is working Lama over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lama trying to control the position.
Ironfeld wants to control from the top but Lama keeps moving.
Ironfeld landing with the ground and pound.
Ironfeld forces his way into half guard.
Lama gets full guard.
Lama tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ironfeld tries to free his leg and advance position but Lama is retaining full guard.
Lama wants to sweep here but Ironfeld controlling him for the moment.
Ironfeld slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Lama is looking for a triangle but Ironfeld pushes his legs off easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ironfeld content to stall in guard here.
Lama wants to sweep here but Ironfeld controlling him for the moment.
Ironfeld scoring with punches to the head and body.

Lama is looking for a triangle but Ironfeld pushes his legs off easily.
Lama wants to sweep but no luck.
Ironfeld content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Lama can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Ironfeld controls the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lama is trying to control the position but Ironfeld postures up.
Ironfeld distracts Lama with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Lama trying to control the position.
Lama tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Lama wants to get back to his feet but Ironfeld is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Ironfeld preventing the sweep.
Ironfeld working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Ironfeld chips away with some ground and pound.
Ironfeld is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Lama is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ironfeld cracks Lama with a solid left hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Lama is trying to keep Ironfeld in close.
Ironfeld is in close to Lama's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ironfeld landing with the ground and pound.
Ironfeld postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Lama looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

Lama working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ironfeld doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ironfeld manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Ironfeld pushing down on Lama's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Lama tries to get to full guard but Ironfeld has control of the leg.
Lama gets back to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Theros Ironfeld comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ironfeld has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 28:29
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Theros Ironfeld!
Theros Ironfeld took to the mic after the fight and begged the organizational hierarchy for a shot at the title.