PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Elijah Van Nijhuis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jonathan Goldsmith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Goldsmith has chosen Dos Equis as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Van Nijhuis
vs
Goldsmith

187 cm
22
192 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
30
202 lbs
11 - 14 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Elijah Van Nijhuis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jonathan Goldsmith!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Van Nijhuis misses with a body kick.
Van Nijhuis chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Van Nijhuis lands with a cross.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Goldsmith checks a leg kick.
Van Nijhuis misses with a straight left.
Van Nijhuis throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Goldsmith's waist but Goldsmith gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Van Nijhuis off to one side.
Some wild striking there from Goldsmith.
A head kick misses from Van Nijhuis.
Van Nijhuis throws a looping overhand right but Goldsmith ducks down to avoid it.
Goldsmith scoring well with a low kick there.
A combination from Goldsmith does no damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis swings for the body but Goldsmith moves out of range.
Goldsmith fails to land with a series of punches.
Van Nijhuis comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Van Nijhuis scores with a jab to the jaw.
Van Nijhuis with a lazy takedown attempt

and Goldsmith counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Goldsmith.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

Goldsmith gets to his feet - Van Nijhuis follows without any prompting.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A thudding body kick lands there by Van Nijhuis!
Elijah Van Nijhuis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Crunch! Van Nijhuis slams his shin into Goldsmith's torso.
Van Nijhuis scores with a crisp jab that stopped Goldsmith in his tracks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goldsmith misses with a jab, cross combination.
The fighters circling - Van Nijhuis throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Goldsmith crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Van Nijhuis - the referee stops the clock and Goldsmith gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Van Nijhuis. Goldsmith manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Van Nijhuis misses with an uppercut.
Goldsmith bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Goldsmith walks forward, straight into a front kick from Van Nijhuis.
Van Nijhuis lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Van Nijhuis tries to keep at a distance but Goldsmith has taken the fight into the clinch.
Van Nijhuis wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goldsmith wants to break the clinch but can't.
Van Nijhuis being controlled against the cage.
Van Nijhuis misses with the head strike.

Van Nijhuis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Van Nijhuis scores with the left hand. Goldsmith knows he should have avoided that one.
Nice straight punches there by Van Nijhuis. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Van Nijhuis.

Goldsmith fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Van Nijhuis sprawls well initially but Goldsmith persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Goldsmith wants to stand up but Van Nijhuis has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Van Nijhuis is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Goldsmith's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Goldsmith's back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Goldsmith is trying to stand back up.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Van Nijhuis patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Goldsmith is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Van Nijhuis goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. Goldsmith escapes and is now in half guard on top.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Elijah Van Nijhuis dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A chopping leg kick lands by Van Nijhuis.

Van Nijhuis darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Van Nijhuis is trying to work for a kimura but Goldsmith is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Goldsmith gets back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Goldsmith tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Van Nijhuis drops back, looking for a kneebar! Goldsmith looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Goldsmith looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Goldsmith!
Van Nijhuis tries to improve position but can't.

Goldsmith thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Van Nijhuis is looking to regain half guard here but Goldsmith keeps moving and retains side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Van Nijhuis trying to control here.
Van Nijhuis is not content to let Goldsmith control the position.

Goldsmith decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Goldsmith checks it well.
Van Nijhuis shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Goldsmith as he avoids it easily.

Goldsmith drives through and clinches with Van Nijhuis against the cage.
Goldsmith tries for a takedown. No joy.
Goldsmith misses with a hook from the clinch.

Van Nijhuis escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Elijah Van Nijhuis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Goldsmith swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Van Nijhuis misses with an uppercut. Goldsmith saw that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis throws a poor cross that misses

and Goldsmith counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Van Nijhuis looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Van Nijhuis working a defensive guard but Goldsmith manages to pass into side control anyway.
Jonathan Goldsmith has got the better of the ground game so far.

Goldsmith tries for a kimura but Van Nijhuis is defending well.
Van Nijhuis tries to improve position but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jonathan Goldsmith will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Van Nijhuis lands a nice looking kick to the body. Goldsmith takes a step back to recover.

Van Nijhuis clinches with his opponent.
Goldsmith tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Goldsmith breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Van Nijhuis gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Van Nijhuis takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

It looks like Elijah Van Nijhuis has been cut.
Goldsmith throws a right and a left that both miss.
Van Nijhuis throws a front kick aimed at Goldsmith's knee but Goldsmith avoids it well.
Van Nijhuis keeps Goldsmith at a distance using the push kick.
Van Nijhuis throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Goldsmith has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Van Nijhuis.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis swinging wildly here.
Goldsmith shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Van Nijhuis pinned against the cage. Van Nijhuis gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Van Nijhuis turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

Van Nijhuis scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Goldsmith is staying active underneath Van Nijhuis, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Goldsmith makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Van Nijhuis lands the left hand.
Van Nijhuis misses with a low kick.
Van Nijhuis throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Goldsmith stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Goldsmith tries a head kick but it misses.
Van Nijhuis connects with an inside leg kick.
Van Nijhuis tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Goldsmith swivels and escapes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goldsmith takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Goldsmith moves out of range of the body kick.
No joy there for Van Nijhuis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Goldsmith is looking to clinch.

Goldsmith gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Van Nijhuis to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Van Nijhuis is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Goldsmith is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Goldsmith has escaped and now he's on top!

Goldsmith stands up from Van Nijhuis's guard - Goldsmith perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis takes a swing at Goldsmith's ribcage but misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Van Nijhuis misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Van Nijhuis avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Elijah Van Nijhuis clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Elijah Van Nijhuis's cut.
That's time! Van Nijhuis's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Goldsmith blocks a head kick by Van Nijhuis.
Goldsmith throws a left and a right that both miss
and Van Nijhuis counters with a nice uppercut.
Van Nijhuis throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Goldsmith blocks a head kick by Van Nijhuis.
A slapping body kick lands there for Goldsmith.
Goldsmith throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Goldsmith misses with a wild combination.
Goldsmith uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Van Nijhuis.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goldsmith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Goldsmith blocks a jab.
Van Nijhuis motions for Goldsmith to come forward. Van Nijhuis throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A nice inside leg kick there by Van Nijhuis. That's going to slow Goldsmith down.
Goldsmith fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Van Nijhuis fails to land the takedown.
Van Nijhuis chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Van Nijhuis stuffs the takedown attempt from Goldsmith. Goldsmith gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Van Nijhuis.
Goldsmith tries to close the distance and clinch up but Van Nijhuis swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nice uppercut lands for Van Nijhuis. That snapped Goldsmith's head back.
Nice straight punches there by Van Nijhuis. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Van Nijhuis.
Goldsmith uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Van Nijhuis.
Van Nijhuis fails to land the takedown.
Goldsmith throws a right hand that Van Nijhuis ducks under and follows up with a left that Van Nijhuis also avoids with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis lands a leg kick that knocks Goldsmith off balance momentarily.
Van Nijhuis missing with a left hand there. Goldsmith was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Van Nijhuis shoots in for a takedown but Goldsmith shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Elijah Van Nijhuis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Van Nijhuis tries to clinch up but Goldsmith circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice defenses there by Van Nijhuis.
Van Nijhuis cracks Goldsmith with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Goldsmith's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Goldsmith tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Van Nijhuis manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Van Nijhuis throws a leg kick that is checked

and Goldsmith counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Van Nijhuis's guard now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Van Nijhuis looking for subs off his back but Goldsmith has passed one foot through into half guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Goldsmith moves into full mount! Van Nijhuis won't be happy about that!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Goldsmith prevents Van Nijhuis from getting the reversal.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Jonathan Goldsmith will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Elijah Van Nijhuis's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Goldsmith takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Goldsmith tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Good leg kick by Van Nijhuis there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Van Nijhuis with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Elijah Van Nijhuis is winning the standup battle so far.
Goldsmith moves out of range of the body kick from Van Nijhuis.
Van Nijhuis lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Van Nijhuis will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Goldsmith throws a nice looking combination but Van Nijhuis bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Van Nijhuis shoots in for a double leg but Goldsmith sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Goldsmith as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Elijah Van Nijhuis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
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.

Goldsmith shoots in and bounces Van Nijhuis off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Van Nijhuis looking for a sweep. Not yet Van Nijhuis, not yet.

Van Nijhuis is looking for a triangle here but Goldsmith uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Van Nijhuis tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Goldsmith presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Nijhuis is squirming around, avoiding Goldsmith's attempts to control the action.
Van Nijhuis tries to reverse the position but Goldsmith maintains control.
The referee warns Van Nijhuis that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Goldsmith get's back to his feet.
Goldsmith shoots for a double leg takedown but Van Nijhuis sprawls well. He's pushed Goldsmith's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Van Nijhuis lands a nice leg kick that just misses Goldsmith's sensitive parts.
Van Nijhuis misses with a body kick.
Van Nijhuis connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Crunch! Van Nijhuis slams his shin into Goldsmith's torso.
Goldsmith slaps away a takedown attempt from Van Nijhuis, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Van Nijhuis shoots in looking for a takedown. Goldsmith tries to sprawl out of it but Van Nijhuis keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Goldsmith manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Goldsmith feints and as Van Nijhuis raises his hands in defense, Goldsmith changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Van Nijhuis trying to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Goldsmith stands up from Van Nijhuis's guard - Goldsmith perhaps looking for a knockout.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jonathan Goldsmith.
I think Goldsmith has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Elijah Van Nijhuis!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Elijah Van Nijhuis!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for Elijah Van Nijhuis!

Elijah Van Nijhuis wins by unanimous decision!