PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ngaio Bealum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and BJ Ericsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Bealum
vs
Ericsson

175 cm
24
162 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

176 cm
23
156 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Rusty Cage Fightwear
Heavy Weight Nutrition (*Recovery 152 $50!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ngaio Bealum!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, BJ Ericsson!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Frank Dennis and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ericsson throws a right hand that Bealum ducks under and follows up with a left that Bealum also avoids with ease.
Ericsson ducks under a wild hook from Bealum.
Ericsson misses with a series of wild punches.

Ericsson tries to keep at a distance but Bealum has taken the fight into the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Bealum as Ericsson tries to tie him up.
Ericsson goes for a takedown attempt but Bealum pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Bealum tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Bealum lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Bealum wants to clinch up but Ericsson keeps it at a distance.
Ericsson moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ericsson fails with the takedown.
Bealum looks to land a combination but Ericsson avoids it well.
Bealum throws a lazy right hand but Ericsson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Bealum.
Bealum working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Ericsson is trying to control Bealum's posture but Bealum avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bealum working the ground and pound.
Bealum scores with a couple of short elbows.
Bealum cracks Ericsson with a big right hand but Ericsson just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Bealum cracks Ericsson with a big right hand but Ericsson just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Ericsson tries to improve position but can't.
Bealum wants to control but Ericsson is keeping him busy.
Bealum landing a few strikes.
Ericsson is trying to improve his position.
Bealum creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Ericsson sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Bealum working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Bealum landing strikes.
Bealum cracks Ericsson with a big elbow.
Ericsson can't do much from the bottom here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bealum looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bealum scores with punches from side control.
Ericsson regains half guard, as Bealum was trying to land strikes.
Bealum is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Bealum thows a huge punch but Ericsson dodges it nicely.
Ericsson wants to control but Bealum is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Ericsson tries to roll over but Bealum keeps him under control.
Bealum landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Ericsson landing a few short strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bealum working over Ericsson with some ground and pound. Ericsson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Bealum throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ericsson tries to roll over but Bealum keeps him under control.
Ericsson regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Bealum.
Bealum working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ericsson wants to stand but Bealum is controlling the position.
Ericsson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bealum looking to pass the guard.

Ericsson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Ericsson looks gassed!
Bealum lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Ericsson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bealum landing with the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bealum is working Ericsson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Bealum is working Ericsson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Bealum has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Bealum lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Bealum postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Ericsson keeping moving, preventing Bealum from controlling successfully.
Ericsson looking for a sweep. Not yet Ericsson, not yet.
Ericsson working a defensive guard here.
Bealum stopping the sweep attempt from Ericsson.
Bealum lands a couple of elbows.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ericsson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ericsson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ngaio Bealum dominated that round.
That's time! Bealum's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Ericsson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ericsson misses with an uppercut.

Bealum rushes Ericsson and presses him up against the cage.

Bealum manages to pull guard.
Ericsson forces his way into half guard.
Bealum is looking to improve his position.
Ericsson sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Bealum defending well though.
Bealum wants to improve his position but Ericsson is controlling well.
Ericsson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Bealum on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Bealum tries to get out of the position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Bealum walks into a left hand.
Bealum throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bealum drives through with a takedown into guard.
Bealum stands up over Ericsson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Ericsson has control of Bealum's left arm, preventing Bealum from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ericsson is trying to control the position but Bealum postures up.
Ericsson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Bealum works over Ericsson with some ground and pound from guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Ericsson is on top in guard.
Ericsson preventing the sweep.
Ericsson throws a big right hand that misses.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Ericsson lands a couple of digs.
Ericsson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Ericsson passes Bealum's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Ericsson is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ericsson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Bealum gets back to full guard.
Bealum manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Ericsson is in a horrible position here. Bealum smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Bealum avoids the attempt from Ericsson to control.
Bealum with shots to the head and body - Ericsson looks very uncomfortable down there.
Bealum wants to control the pace but Ericsson is squirming around nicely.
Bealum lands a nice shot to the head.
Bealum landing strikes from the mount.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bealum connects with a couple of good shots from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ericsson tries to hold on but Bealum postures up.
Bealum breaks from Ericsson's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Bealum lands with some strikes.
Bealum scoring with strikes but Ericsson is staying in there.
Bealum putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Bealum breaks from Ericsson's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Bealum has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Ericsson's face.

Ericsson is rocked!
Ericsson working to try and regain half guard.
Bealum cracks Ericsson with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Ericsson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Bealum cracks Ericsson with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Ericsson in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Bealum with good strikes from the mount here!
Ericsson is still in real trouble! Can Bealum finish him?
Bealum with a couple of short strikes.
Ericsson in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Ericsson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Ericsson seems to have recovered his senses.
Bealum lands a big shot there that rocks Ericsson but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Bealum lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Ericsson is bucking up trying to escape but Bealum cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Bealum fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Bealum working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Bealum raining down shots from the mount!
Ericsson is in a horrible position here. Bealum smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bealum landing punches.
Bealum with shots to the head and body - Ericsson looks very uncomfortable down there.
Ericsson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ngaio Bealum dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Bealum shoots in looking for a takedown. Ericsson tries to sprawl out of it but Bealum keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Ericsson manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Ericsson throws a series of punches but Bealum avoids them all with ease.
Ericsson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Ericsson blocks a jab.
The fighters circle momentarily. Ericsson darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Bealum defending well as Ericsson loads up on a big left hand.
Bealum fails in his attempt to clinch.

Bealum clinches.
Ericsson blocks an uppercut.

Bealum pulls guard.

Ericsson drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Bealum dives on top into guard.
Bealum stands up over Ericsson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ericsson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Bealum missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Bealum is working Ericsson 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.
Ericsson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bealum is one step ahead there.
Ericsson throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Bealum with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Bealum is looking to work some ground and pound but Ericsson has wrist control.

Ericsson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Bealum defends well.
Bealum works over Ericsson with some ground and pound from guard.
Bealum throwing strikes from guard but Ericsson blocks nicely.
Bealum lands a couple of digs.
Bealum throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Ericsson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bealum with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Ericsson bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Bealum's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bealum pushes Ericsson off and scrambles back to his feet.
Bealum closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ericsson circles away.
Bealum avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Bealum throws a big shot that misses.
Ericsson keeps the fight on the outside.
Bealum jabs Ericsson right on the nose. Ericsson blinks but takes it well.
Bealum throws a jab but it's blocked by Ericsson.
Ericsson lands a really nice looking cross but Bealum seems unphased.
Ericsson fails with a takedown attempt.
Bealum tries to clinch
letting Ericsson counter with a right hand.
Bealum walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
The fighters circling - Bealum throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ericsson moves out of range as Bealum strikes.
Ericsson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Bealum scores with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bealum gets the takedown into side control.
Bealum working the head with strikes.
Ericsson is looking for a sweep.

Bealum decides to stand up, so the ref orders Ericsson to his feet.
Ericsson shoots in and drives through. Bealum sprawls well.
Ngaio Bealum has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of BJ Ericsson.
Bealum shoots and misses

and Ericsson counters with a takedown into side control.
Bealum can't do much from the bottom here.
Ericsson lands an elbow.

Ericsson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bealum is looking to reverse the position.
Ericsson lands some shots froms side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ericsson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bealum is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Bealum manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Ericsson looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Ericsson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Bealum tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ericsson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
The fighters circle momentarily. Bealum darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Bealum lands with a shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bealum throws a big shot that misses.
Ericsson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ericsson wants it to stay on the feet.
Ericsson lands with a right hand.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Ericsson.
Bealum is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Ngaio Bealum did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Bealum misses with an uppercut.
Ericsson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ericsson keeps the fight on the outside.
A jab from Bealum misses.
Bealum scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
BJ Ericsson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ericsson closes the distance and clinches up with Bealum, looking for a takedown. Ericsson pushes Bealum against the cage but Bealum circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Bealum uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ericsson has time to react.
Ericsson just misses with a punch to the body.
Bealum darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Bealum is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ericsson.
Ericsson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Bealum scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Bealum throws a sloppy body shot
and Ericsson counters with a nice uppercut.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Bealum!

Ericsson changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Bealum looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Bealum wings away with a couple of strikes but they don't land.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ericsson scores with punches from side control.

Ericsson working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Ngaio Bealum overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Bealum manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Bealum slips a nice elbow through Ericsson's hands, connecting with Ericsson's forehead.
Bealum scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Ericsson wants to get back to full guard.
Bealum working Ericsson over with strikes.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ericsson manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Ericsson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bealum gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bealum postures up and lands a big shot to Ericsson's brow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ericsson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bealum is one step ahead there.
Bealum is in close to Ericsson's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Bealum lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ericsson wants to sweep here but Bealum controlling him for the moment.
Ericsson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Bealum scoring with punches to the head and body.
Bealum lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Bealum postures up and lands a big shot to Ericsson's brow.
Ericsson pulls Bealum in to control the position.
Bealum is looking to work some ground and pound but Ericsson has wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bealum working some strikes from top position.
Bealum lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Bealum distracts Ericsson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Bealum thows a big elbow that misses.

Bealum got a little sloppy there for a moment and Ericsson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Bealum has managed to get both his arms back between Ericsson's legs - danger averted.
Ericsson trying to control the position.

Ericsson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Bealum keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Ericsson's head.
Bealum is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ericsson looking for a sweep. Not yet Ericsson, not yet.
Bealum is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Bealum throwing strikes from guard but Ericsson blocks nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bealum is working Ericsson over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ericsson lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Bealum!
Bealum is working to get back to half guard.
Bealum really wants to buck Ericsson off and get back to his feet.

Ericsson is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Bealum has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Bealum is looking to get to half guard.
A nice elbow there by Ericsson.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Ngaio Bealum will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Bealum looks to throw the jab but Ericsson is out of range.
A swing and a miss from Ericsson.
Bealum pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ericsson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bealum.
Bealum is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Decent striking displayed by Bealum there.
Ericsson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bealum throws out the jab.
Ericsson misses with a straight right.
Bealum keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Bealum darts in and clinches Ericsson up against the cage.
Bealum prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ericsson can't get the takedown.
Ngaio Bealum has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of BJ Ericsson.
Bealum lands a left hand.
Bealum lands with a right to the head.
A shot in the inside from Bealum.

Bealum has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Ericsson clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Bealum punishes Ericsson with strikes from the back mount.
Ericsson tries to escape but Bealum has the hooks in and won't let him break free.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bealum scores with punches to the body.
Bealum lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Bealum scores with strikes from the back.
Bealum struggling to keep hold of the position.
Ericsson rolls, trying to escape but Bealum keeps control of the position.
Ericsson takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Ericsson wants to escape the position.
Bealum lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Ericsson.
Bealum looking to soften up his opponent with punches.
Ericsson trying to control the position but Bealum manages to sink in the hooks.
Bealum scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
Bealum has the hooks in. Ericsson is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bealum lands shots from the back.
Bealum lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Bealum scores with punches and elbows.
Bealum scores with a nice shot to the head of his opponent. Ericsson is looking for a way out.
Ericsson breaks Bealum's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Bealum looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ericsson is one step ahead there.
Ericsson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ericsson advances position into side control!
Bealum is trying to control Ericsson's posture but Ericsson avoids it.
Ngaio Bealum is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Bealum is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ericsson can do to turn this around?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bealum keeps Ericsson under control for a moment.

Ericsson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Bealum knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Bealum wants to control but Ericsson postures up.
The strikes coming from Ericsson are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
You can see the frustration on Bealum's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Bealum is looking to regain half guard here but Ericsson keeps moving and retains side control.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Ericsson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Ericsson is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Bealum lands with a nice body kick.

Bealum instigates a clinch.
Ericsson wants a takedown but no success here.
Ericsson tries to score a body lock takedown but Bealum shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Bealum has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Ericsson uses from the top position.
Bealum is pulling down on Ericsson's head to control his posture.
Bealum's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Ericsson is looking to work some ground and pound but Bealum has wrist control.
BJ Ericsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Bealum has his feet on Ericsson's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Bealum drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ngaio Bealum showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Bealum has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ngaio Bealum!
Ngaio Bealum retains his lightweight title!