PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Melvin Williams (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lance Slater (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Williams kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is D-Block ft. OJ Da Juiceman - Show Em . Melvin Williams has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Williams
vs
Slater

190 cm
22
192 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

180 cm
18
185 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Determined

King Clothing

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Melvin Williams!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Lance Slater!
The judges for this bout are Steve Montenegro, Jonathan Paton and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Williams throws a nice looking combination but Slater bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Slater fails with a takedown attempt.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Williams wants to break free but Slater has control.
Slater looking to throw knees to the head but Williams is blocking nicely.
Slater changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Williams fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Williams drives through and clinches with Slater against the cage.
Slater drops down looking for an ankle pick but Williams pulls his leg out and moves away.
Melvin Williams has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lance Slater.
Slater shoots in but Williams avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Slater throws a front kick aimed at Williams's knee but Williams avoids it well.

Slater closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Slater not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Williams is not content to let Slater control the position.
Slater looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Slater throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Slater is tying to control. Williams wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Slater is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Williams tries to kick Slater off but Slater keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Slater wants to free his trapped foot but Williams is holding on for dear life with his legs.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Slater throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Williams's waist but Williams gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Slater off to one side.
Williams fails to land with a series of punches.

Slater closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Slater wants to control but Williams is keeping him busy.
Slater has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Williams keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Slater throwing shots but Williams is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slater wants to take a breather but Williams is having none of it.
Slater looks gassed!
Williams is trying to stand.
Slater slows the pace down in half guard.
Slater tries to pass to full mount but Williams defends it.

Slater is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Slater throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Williams counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Williams lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Slater throws a leg kick
and Williams counters with a good low kick that Slater was not able to check.

Slater bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
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!
Slater misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
The strikes coming from Slater are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Slater scoring with punches from side control.
Sloppy strikes there by Slater.
Slater misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Slater misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Williams is not content to let Slater control the position.

Slater thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Slater tries for a kimura but Williams is defending well.
Williams managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Slater.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Williams throws a head kick but Slater moves out of range.
Slater tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Williams swivels and escapes.
Slater looks for a takedown but Williams sprawls well.
No luck for Slater with that takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Slater is looking to land body kicks.
Williams throws a right and a left that Slater avoids nicely.
Slater shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Williams as he jumps to the side.
Slater with a poor takedown
and Williams counters with a nice body kick.
Williams moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Slater gets the takedown into side control.
Slater trying to control the action but Williams is working from the bottom.
Slater controlling the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Slater tries to advance to mount but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Slater has knee on belly and moves into mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Lance Slater will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Slater looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Williams scores with a one two! Slater had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Slater fails with the takedown.

Slater scores with a takedown into Williams's guard.
Slater looking to pass the guard.
Slater working some strikes from top position.
Slater pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Williams is keeping the position for now.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Slater accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Williams preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Slater looking to pass the guard.
Slater with a flurry of punches that miss.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slater looking to sit in guard and control but Williams gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Slater pulls Williams in close to prevent any damage.
Slater tries to strike from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Slater tries for a takedown but Williams circles away easily
and Williams counters with a one-two to the body.
Melvin Williams has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lance Slater.
Williams stuffs the takedown.
Slater slow jab from Williams misses its intended target.

Williams fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Slater, pushing him back against the cage.
Slater wants a takedown.
Williams looking to throw knees to the head but Slater is blocking nicely.

Slater pulls guard successfully.
Slater looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Williams wants to stand but Slater has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Slater 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Slater is looking to sweep but instead, Williams has passed into half guard.
Williams is thwarting Slater's attempts to control the position.
Slater tries to get to full guard but Williams has control of the leg.
Slater trying to control but Williams postures up.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Williams misses with a two punch combination.
Williams stuffs the takedown.
Williams misses with a double jab.
Williams lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Slater walks into a left hand.
Slater avoids a punch combination nicely.
Williams keeps Slater at a distance using the push kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Williams clinches but Slater breaks the clinch

and Slater counters with a takedown into side control.
Slater wants to take a breather but Williams manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Slater.
Williams can't keep his opponent in guard - Slater advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Slater looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Slater seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Williams does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Slater throwing shots but Williams is blocking nicely.
Williams is refusing to be controlled, as Slater sits in half guard.
Williams wants to get back to his feet.
Slater trying to control from half guard but Williams is working away.
Slater uses his free foot to push down on Williams's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Williams.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Williams is really trying hard to get back to his feet.

Slater goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Williams is on top in guard.
Slater is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

Slater is looking for a triangle but Williams pushes his legs off easily.
Slater looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Slater seems keen to control Williams's posture.

Slater looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Slater had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Williams is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Slater Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Williams's back instead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Lance Slater will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Williams pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Slater tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Williams swivels and escapes.
Slater fails with the takedown.
Williams closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Slater slips a jab and a cross from Williams.
Slater misses with a takedown attempt

and Williams moves into the clinch.
Melvin Williams has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lance Slater.
A right hand to the body from Slater.
Williams working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Slater goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Williams throws a head punch that misses.
Slater's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Williams connects with a knee to the head.
Williams wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Slater lands a body shot in the clinch.

Slater wants the takedown. Williams is fighting it off but Slater persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Williams's guard against the cage.
Williams utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Slater trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Slater throws and elbow that misses. Williams uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Slater's guard. Nice move by Williams!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Slater manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Williams manages to get himself to full guard.
Slater trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Williams utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Williams keeping moving, preventing Slater from controlling successfully.
Williams wants to get back to his feet but Slater is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Slater throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Williams works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Slater is looking to advance position but Williams has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Slater wants to hold on but Williams pushes him away.

Williams stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Slater shoots in and drives through. Williams sprawls well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Williams misses with a head kick.
Williams misses with a series of wild punches.
Williams dips to his left and cracks Slater with an uppercut!
Williams misses with a few strikes there.
Slater shoots for a takedown but Williams saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Williams throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Slater.
Williams avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Melvin Williams is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Williams is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Slater bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Slater is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Williams knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Williams wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Williams takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Williams is trying to get back to his feet.
Lance Slater has got the better of the ground game so far.
Slater creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Williams sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Williams wants to get back to his feet but Slater drags him back down.
Slater tries to advance to mount but Williams denies him.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Slater misses with a body punch

and Williams holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Slater goes for a takedown attempt but Williams pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Slater shoots and misses

and Williams counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Williams.
Williams lands a shoulder strike.
Slater jumps guard but Williams stands there with Slater around his waist. Slater gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Slater fails to pull guard.

Slater has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Williams uses from the top position.
Slater manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Williams manages to get himself to full guard.
Slater loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Slater in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Slater looking to pass the guard.
Slater trying to control the position from guard on top but Williams is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Williams has his feet on Slater's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Slater avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Slater gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Williams connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Melvin Williams is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Slater tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Williams swivels and escapes.
Slater closes the distance and clinches up with Williams, looking for a takedown. Slater pushes Williams against the cage but Williams circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Slater drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Slater trying to control the position from guard on top but Williams is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Slater throws a strike but Williams rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Slater working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Williams doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Williams manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Slater can do anything to dispel that myth.
Slater is trying to control the position from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Lance Slater.
I've got Slater winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Steve Montenegro scores the fight for Lance Slater!
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight for Lance Slater!
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight for Lance Slater!

Lance Slater wins by unanimous decision!