PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Steve Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zahir Nolam (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Simpson comes to the cage accompanied by The Fire by The Roots. Nolam has chosen Mo Money mo Problems as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Zahir Nolam has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Simpson
vs
Nolam

186 cm
19
190 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

185 cm
21
190 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Good in bed

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Charlie Wang's Nutrition and 95 % Laundry

Charlie Wang's Nutrition and 95 % Laundry
Kobra Clothing Inc.

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 Los Angeles, Steve Simpson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zahir Nolam!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nolam takes the fight into the clinch.
Nolam tries to land knees in the clinch but Simpson avoids the damage to the body.
Simpson avoiding damage as Nolam throws knees to the body.

Simpson manages to pull guard.
Nolam stands up over Simpson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Nolam lands a couple of digs.
Nolam stopping the sweep attempt from Simpson.
Nolam trying to stand up but can't free himself from Simpson's guard.

Simpson has his foot on Nolam's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Nolam works his way back into a safe position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson is trying to keep Nolam in close.

Simpson is looking for a triangle but Nolam pushes his legs off easily.
Nolam throws an elbow that misses. Simpson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nolam's guard. Nice move by Simpson!
Nolam really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Simpson. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Nolam keeping moving, preventing Simpson from controlling successfully.
Simpson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nolam is keeping the position for now.
Simpson is working hard here to advance position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Simpson pushing down on Nolam's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Simpson is trying to control. Nolam wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Simpson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Simpson throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Simpson jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Nolam is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Nolam and Simpson has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Nolam can do anything to dispel that myth.
Simpson is looking to take a break and control but Nolam is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Simpson fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Nolam tries to escape but Simpson is in control.
Simpson wants to control but Nolam is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Nolam's face as Simpson controls the position.
Simpson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Nolam keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nolam prevents Simpson from moving into mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Simpson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A jab from Simpson does it's job there.
Nolam moves in looking to clinch but Simpson pushes him off.

Nolam forces Simpson back against the cage and clinches.

Nolam is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Simpson can't fight it off and eventually Nolam manages to take the fight to the floor. Simpson looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Simpson is trying to hold Nolam in close to prevent damage but Nolam has managed to pass into half guard.
Nolam winds up and cracks Simpson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Simpson is pressing down on Nolam's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Nolam is looking to work some ground and pound but Simpson has wrist control.
Simpson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Simpson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nolam stands up over Simpson, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Nolam must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson wants to get back to his feet but Nolam is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Nolam postures up in Simpson's guard and throws a big left but Simpson blocks it.
Nolam stays in close to Simpson's body and controls the position.
Steve Simpson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Simpson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Nolam can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Simpson working a defensive guard here.
Nolam postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Nolam trying to control the position from guard on top but Simpson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Nolam gets to his feet. Simpson looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Nolam tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Simpson circles away from the clinch attempt.
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!
Nolam fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Simpson loads up on a big right hand but Nolam slips the punch.
Nolam jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Simpson shoots in and gets a takedown into Nolam's guard.
Simpson tries to free his leg and advance position but Nolam is retaining full guard.
Simpson wants to control from the top but Nolam keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is really struggling to control Nolam but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Simpson pushing down on Nolam's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Simpson has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Nolam is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Simpson locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Nolam is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:54 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Steve Simpson!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Steve Simpson waved his t-shirt featuring Charlie Wang's Nutrition and 95 % Laundry's logo in front of the cameras.