PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Eric Zimmerman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert Eichstaedt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Zimmerman might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Linkin Park-- What Ive Done. Eichstaedt has chosen Klaxons- Gravity Rainbow as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zimmerman
vs
Eichstaedt

177 cm
31
152 lbs
16 - 8 - 0

170 cm
29
145 lbs
15 - 9 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eric Zimmerman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Robert Eichstaedt!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Dillan Fox and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Some wild striking there from Zimmerman.

Eichstaedt gets a clinch.
Zimmerman is working for takedown but Eichstaedt is calmly controlling the position for now.
Zimmerman is working for takedown but Eichstaedt is calmly controlling the position for now.
Eichstaedt misses with an elbow strike.
Eichstaedt throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Zimmerman has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Eichstaedt is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eric Zimmerman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zimmerman is trying to break the clinch but Eichstaedt is controlling him.
Eichstaedt throws an elbow but it misses.
Eichstaedt missing with knees to the body.
Eichstaedt tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zimmerman avoids it.
Eichstaedt gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zimmerman.
Zimmerman drops down looking for an ankle pick but Eichstaedt pulls his leg out and moves away.
Zimmerman avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zimmerman tries to close the distance and clinch up but Eichstaedt swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Eichstaedt moves into the clinch.
Eichstaedt gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Eichstaedt is stalling here.
Zimmerman wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Eichstaedt has him pressed against the cage.
Zimmerman blocks an elbow strike from Eichstaedt.
Zimmerman is trying to drag Eichstaedt to the mat but Eichstaedt just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Zimmerman is trying to push Eichstaedt away but Eichstaedt has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Zimmerman looking for a takedown.
Zimmerman has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Eichstaedt after a bit of a struggle.
Zimmerman tries for a takedown. No joy.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

Zimmerman breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Eichstaedt scores with a body shot.
Zimmerman is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zimmerman throws a head kick but Eichstaedt moves out of range.
Eichstaedt throws a sloppy head kick and Zimmerman moves out of range easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Eichstaedt throws a right and a left that Zimmerman avoids nicely.

Eichstaedt instigates a clinch.
Zimmerman working hard to break the clinch.
Eichstaedt gets underhooks to prevent Zimmerman's takedown attempt.
Eichstaedt throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Eichstaedt prevents the takedown attempt.
Zimmerman has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Eichstaedt after a bit of a struggle.
Eichstaedt pushes off an throws an elbow but Zimmerman leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Eichstaedt digs a right hand underneath Zimmerman's ribcage. Zimmerman let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Eichstaedt lands with a short shot to the head.
Zimmerman wants to break the clinch but can't.
With the fighters up against the cage, Eichstaedt throws an elbow but misses.
Eichstaedt gets underhooks to prevent Zimmerman's takedown attempt.
Zimmerman takes an elbow to the temple.
Zimmerman is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Eichstaedt pulls him back up using the underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice elbow from Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt lands a nice knee to the body.
Eichstaedt missing with knees to the body.
With the fighters up against the cage, Eichstaedt throws an elbow but misses.
Eichstaedt comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Eichstaedt stalling against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Zimmerman's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Eichstaedt looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Zimmerman can't get the takedown.
Zimmerman takes an elbow to the temple.
Eichstaedt manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
The crowd are getting on Eichstaedt's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Robert Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt connects with a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zimmerman swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Zimmerman avoids the head kick by Eichstaedt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Eichstaedt tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Zimmerman manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Zimmerman throws a left and a right that both miss
and Zimmerman takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Eichstaedt circles away from the clinch attempt.
Robert Eichstaedt is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Eichstaedt fails in his attempt to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robert Eichstaedt dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Eichstaedt pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zimmerman slips under a jab from Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Zimmerman backs up against the cage.

Zimmerman moves into range and clinches up with Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Eichstaedt is pressed up against the cage. Zimmerman has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Eichstaedt down to the mat. Eichstaedt avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Eichstaedt forces Zimmerman back against the cage and clinches.

Zimmerman wants the takedown. Eichstaedt is fighting it off but Zimmerman persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Eichstaedt's guard against the cage.
Eichstaedt utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zimmerman throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zimmerman working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Eichstaedt's head.
Zimmerman has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Zimmerman trying to control the position from guard on top but Eichstaedt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Eichstaedt is trying to control the position but Zimmerman postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zimmerman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Eichstaedt works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zimmerman missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Zimmerman accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Eichstaedt working for a triangle but Zimmerman defends it easily.
Eichstaedt is trying to keep Zimmerman in close.
Eichstaedt seems keen to control Zimmerman's posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zimmerman tries to stand but Eichstaedt is controlling from the bottom.
Zimmerman working some strikes from top position.
Eichstaedt utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zimmerman throws a strike but Eichstaedt rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Eichstaedt trying to control but Zimmerman is working from the bottom.
Eichstaedt might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Zimmerman kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

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

The ref stands the fighters back up. Robert Eichstaedt was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Zimmerman throws a head kick that Eichstaedt semi-blocks.

It looks like Robert Eichstaedt has been cut.
Eichstaedt needs to keep his hands up - Zimmerman had a free shot at his head there.
Eichstaedt wants to clinch up but Zimmerman keeps it at a distance.
Eric Zimmerman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Eichstaedt tries a head kick but it misses.
Eichstaedt throws a shot to the body.
Zimmerman shoots for a takedown but Eichstaedt saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Zimmerman tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zimmerman.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eric Zimmerman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Zimmerman is defended easily by Eichstaedt.
Zimmerman throws a wild body kick that Eichstaedt sees coming a mile off.
Eichstaedt is looking to clinch.
Eichstaedt cracks a nice hook into Zimmerman's ribs.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Eichstaedt throws a good cross that connects.
Robert Eichstaedt seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zimmerman moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Eichstaedt tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A punch combination from Zimmerman misses.
Zimmerman looks to land a left hand but Eichstaedt moved out of range nicely.
Eichstaedt wants to clinch up but Zimmerman keeps it at a distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robert Eichstaedt showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Robert Eichstaedt's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Zimmerman wants to clinch up but Eichstaedt keeps it at a distance.
Eichstaedt lands with an uppercut that bounces Zimmerman off the cage and back into range.
Eichstaedt looks to land a combination but Zimmerman avoids it well.
Eichstaedt blocks a head kick by Zimmerman.
Eichstaedt feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Zimmermans jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Zimmerman looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Eichstaedt is fending him off so far but Zimmerman persists. Nope, Eichstaedt circles away and we're back to standing.
Zimmerman doesn't manage to clinch there - Eichstaedt circles away.
Zimmerman dives in and grabs Eichstaedt's left leg, looking for a takedown. Eichstaedt pushes down on Zimmerman's head and hops out.

Zimmerman has taken the fight to the clinch.
Zimmerman wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eric Zimmerman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
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!
Eichstaedt lands a right hand that snaps the head of Zimmerman backwards.
Eichstaedt unloads a knee to the mid-section. Zimmerman lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Eichstaedt tries to land knees in the clinch but Zimmerman avoids the damage to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Eichstaedt misses with an elbow strike.
Zimmerman avoiding damage as Eichstaedt throws knees to the body.
Zimmerman with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Eichstaedt is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Eichstaedt stalling against the cage.
Robert Eichstaedt seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Eichstaedt landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
A hook to the body from Eichstaedt.
Zimmerman takes an elbow to the temple.
Zimmerman takes a knee to the side of the body.
Eichstaedt utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Eichstaedt using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Eichstaedt taking a breather.
Eichstaedt using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Zimmerman on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Come on Eichstaedt - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Eichstaedt looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Eichstaedt is working Zimmerman over against the cage.
Eichstaedt stalling the fight.
Eichstaedt lands a damaging elbow.
Eichstaedt keeps control of Zimmerman as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Eichstaedt slowing the pace effectively.
Zimmerman's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Eichstaedt lands with a left to the head.
Eichstaedt tries a knee to the head but Zimmerman blocks it.
Zimmerman has Eichstaedt pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Eichstaedt manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Zimmerman is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Zimmerman being controlled against the cage.
Eichstaedt tries to land knees in the clinch but Zimmerman avoids the damage to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zimmerman drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Eichstaedt gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Zimmerman dodges an elbow strike from Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt wants to stall.
Zimmerman is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Eichstaedt is defending well.
A short left from Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt pushes off an throws an elbow but Zimmerman leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Zimmerman drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zimmerman has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Eichstaedt is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Eichstaedt connects with a knee to the head.
Zimmerman is looking to take this one to the mat.
Robert Eichstaedt is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Eichstaedt stalling in the clinch.
Knees to the body from Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Eric Zimmerman has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Eichstaedt gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Eichstaedt lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Eichstaedt tries to land knees in the clinch but Zimmerman avoids the damage to the body.
Zimmerman takes a shot to the head.
Nice elbow from Eichstaedt.
Eichstaedt using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Zimmerman has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Eichstaedt misses with a knee to the head.
Zimmerman is looking to take this one to the mat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zimmerman is working for takedown but Eichstaedt is calmly controlling the position for now.
Zimmerman looking to throw knees to the head but Eichstaedt is blocking nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Eichstaedt looks to throw an elbow but misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Robert Eichstaedt comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Eichstaedt 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 27:30
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Robert Eichstaedt!