PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ainars Gailis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kyle LeBlanc (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gailis
vs
LeBlanc

188 cm
20
185 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

178 cm
23
189 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ainars Gailis!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kyle LeBlanc!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Aleksandr Martynov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
LeBlanc moves out of range as Gailis strikes.
Gailis looks to land a combination but LeBlanc avoids it well.
LeBlanc has a takedown stuffed.
Gailis stuffs the takedown.
Gailis finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Gailis throws out a leg kick but LeBlanc moves out of range and Gailis only half commits.
The fighters circle momentarily. Gailis darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
LeBlanc has a takedown stuffed.
Ainars Gailis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyle LeBlanc.
LeBlanc shoots in looking for a takedown. Gailis tries to sprawl out of it but LeBlanc keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gailis manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
LeBlanc shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Gailis as he jumps to the side.
LeBlanc shoots for a takedown but Gailis saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Gailis lands a glancing blow to the side of LeBlanc's head.
Gailis bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps LeBlanc's head backwards.
Gailis throws a nice looking combination but LeBlanc bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gailis throws a combination but it was largely blocked by LeBlanc.
Gailis throws a series of punches but LeBlanc moves out of range.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Gailis.
LeBlanc being controlled for a moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LeBlanc is looking for a sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
LeBlanc manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Gailis desperately trying to maintain half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
LeBlanc passes the guard and advances to mount!

LeBlanc looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

LeBlanc is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Gailis has managed to escape the submission attempt.

LeBlanc is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Gailis can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Gailis really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
LeBlanc working for a submission but Gailis is keeping him at bay.

LeBlanc is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Gailis has managed to escape the submission attempt.

LeBlanc is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Gailis to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Gailis shrugs it off.
LeBlanc looks gassed!
Gailis is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's four 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.

LeBlanc working for a guillotine from mount but Gailis is in no mood to give up.

LeBlanc goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Gailis turns into him and now he's in LeBlanc's guard.

LeBlanc is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Gailis is aware though and is defending well.
Gailis showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Gailis has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Gailis wants to get up but he can't break LeBlanc's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ainars Gailis dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Gailis is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by LeBlanc.
Gailis scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Gailis connects with a good right hand that stumbles LeBlanc. LeBlanc circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Ainars Gailis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gailis keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
LeBlanc has a takedown stuffed.
Gailis displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from LeBlanc.
Ainars Gailis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyle LeBlanc.
LeBlanc changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gailis tries to avoid it but LeBlanc manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gailis to the ground. Gailis escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Gailis changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. LeBlanc looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Gailis tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
LeBlanc tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gailis just content to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LeBlanc gets back to half guard.
Gailis tries to stand but can't do so whilst LeBlanc controls his leg.
LeBlanc trying to control from the bottom.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
The fighters are battling for position here. LeBlanc manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
LeBlanc lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Gailis!

LeBlanc working for a guillotine from mount but Gailis is in no mood to give up.
LeBlanc is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gailis is in all sorts of trouble here.

Gailis defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from LeBlanc.

LeBlanc looking to secure an arm triangle but Gailis defends it well.
Gailis on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Gailis tries to get out of the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

LeBlanc has hold of Gailis's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Gailis manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
LeBlanc avoids the attempt from Gailis to control.
Gailis is desperately trying to improve his position but LeBlanc has a good base and remains in mount.
Gailis tries to hold on but LeBlanc postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

LeBlanc wants to finish this one by submission but Gailis is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from LeBlanc.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gailis really wants to buck LeBlanc off and get back to his feet.

LeBlanc is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Gailis is surviving well by controlling LeBlanc's body position as best he can.

LeBlanc has control of Gailis's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Gailis regains control of the situation pretty easily.

LeBlanc looking for a guillotine from mount but Gailis is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Ainars Gailis will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Gailis cracks LeBlanc with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Gailis fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Gailis is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Gailis looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Ainars Gailis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gailis throws a right and a left that LeBlanc avoids nicely.

LeBlanc gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
LeBlanc 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.
LeBlanc is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gailis trying to stand up but can't free himself from LeBlanc's guard.
LeBlanc keeping moving, preventing Gailis from controlling successfully.
Gailis knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for LeBlanc on the ground.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Gailis lands a nice hook to LeBlanc's body. LeBlanc takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
LeBlanc fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
LeBlanc is trying hard to land a takedown here. Gailis sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

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.
Gailis swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
No luck for LeBlanc with that takedown attempt.
Ainars Gailis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kyle LeBlanc.
Horrible takedown by LeBlanc or perhaps it was just good defense by Gailis which made him look bad.
Gailis looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Gailis throws a hook but LeBlanc avoids it easily.
Gailis throws a series of punches but LeBlanc avoids them all with ease.
LeBlanc ducks under a wild hook from Gailis.
Gailis misses with the combination.
LeBlanc fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
LeBlanc fails with a takedown attempt.
Gailis is looking to chop away at LeBlanc's legs.
Gailis looks to land a combination but LeBlanc avoids it well.
LeBlanc slaps away a takedown attempt from Gailis, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horrible takedown by Gailis or perhaps it was just good defense by LeBlanc which made him look bad.
LeBlanc dives in and grabs Gailis's left leg, looking for a takedown. Gailis pushes down on LeBlanc's head and hops out.
Gailis misses with the combination.
Gailis throws a leg kick but LeBlanc moved away.
LeBlanc fails with a takedown attempt.
LeBlanc avoids a punch combination nicely.
LeBlanc shoots in and drives through. Gailis sprawls well.

Gailis darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Gailis tries to pass to full mount but LeBlanc defends it.
Kyle LeBlanc has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LeBlanc gets full guard.
LeBlanc 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.
LeBlanc looking to control.
Gailis won't allow LeBlanc to sweep him here.
LeBlanc controls Gailis momentarily but Gailis frees himself.
Ainars Gailis is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gailis controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ainars Gailis showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Gailis 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ainars Gailis!
Ainars Gailis is the new middleweight champion!