PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Daniels Drinkis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sammy Spishak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Spishak is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Sleeping with Sirens. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Drinkis
vs
Spishak

178 cm
28
220 lbs
9 - 7 - 0

185 cm
29
216 lbs
9 - 12 - 0

Great wrestler
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Daniels Drinkis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sammy Spishak!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Drinkis avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Drinkis throws a looping overhand right but Spishak ducks down to avoid it.
Drinkis dives in for a single leg takedown but Spishak sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Spishak throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Drinkis landing knees to the head.

It looks like Sammy Spishak has been cut.
Our sources have told us that Drinkis has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Drinkis tries to stall but Spishak uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

Spishak gets a trip takedown into half guard.

Drinkis looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Drinkis is staying active underneath Spishak, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Drinkis wants to improve his position but Spishak is controlling well.
Drinkis trying to control but Spishak postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Spishak is looking for a kimura but Drinkis is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Spishak to get the leverage.
Spishak content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Spishak wants to control but Drinkis is keeping him busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spishak wants to stand up but Drinkis has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Drinkis is trying to control but can't.
Spishak has decided to stand back up but his arm is trapped. Whilst he's worrying about his arm, Drinkis works to full guard.
Spishak tries to free his leg and advance position but Drinkis is retaining full guard.

Drinkis is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Spishak defends well.
Spishak trying to control the position from guard on top but Drinkis is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spishak content to stall in guard here.
Drinkis has a closed guard, preventing Spishak from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Sammy Spishak hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Spishak moves out of range as Drinkis throws a body kick.
Daniels Drinkis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Drinkis on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Spishak stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Drinkis.
Drinkis closes this distance looking for a takedown but Spishak circles away.
Spishak moves out of range of the body kick from Drinkis.
Spishak keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Drinkis tries to clinch up.
Drinkis throws a head kick that misses.
The fighters circling - Spishak throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Drinkis with a poor takedown
letting Spishak counter with a right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daniels Drinkis. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spishak takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Spishak misses with a jab, cross combination.

Spishak shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Drinkis's guard.
Drinkis keeping moving, preventing Spishak from controlling successfully.
Spishak sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Spishak won't allow Drinkis to sweep him here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Spishak trying to control the position from guard on top but Drinkis is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Sammy Spishak has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Drinkis gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Spishak working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Spishak is looking to stand up but Drinkis won't let him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis controls Spishak momentarily but Spishak frees himself.
Spishak throws a big elbow that misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Drinkis trying to keep a closed guard but Spishak is proving a slippery customer.
Spishak works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Spishak content to control rather than advance.
Spishak prevents Drinkis from improving his position.
Spishak thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Drinkis is concentrating on defense, preventing Spishak from advancing position.
Spishak is looking to take a break and control but Drinkis is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sammy Spishak dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sammy Spishak's cut.
That's time! Drinkis's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Drinkis looks to throw the jab but Spishak is out of range.

Spishak decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Drinkis controlling the position for now.
Spishak trying to control from half guard but Drinkis is working away.
Spishak uses his free foot to push down on Drinkis's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Drinkis.
Drinkis is squirming around, avoiding Spishak's attempts to control the action.
Spishak avoids the attempt from Drinkis to control.
Spishak with good strikes from the mount here!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drinkis tries to hold on but Spishak pushes him away.
Drinkis keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Drinkis is working hard here to advance position.
Spishak trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Drinkis is looking to improve his position but Spishak isn't that keen on the idea.
Spishak dominating with strikes here.
Drinkis gets back to half guard.
Drinkis is looking to get back to full guard here but Spishak has managed to pass to side control instead.
Drinkis is trying to get back to half guard.
Spishak fails to land a wild elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Spishak working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Spishak connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Drinkis some visible discomfort.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Drinkis is trying to control Spishak's posture but Spishak avoids it.

Spishak decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Drinkis listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Spishak scores with a sloppy right hand. Drinkis should have avoided that one.
Spishak changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Drinkis tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Spishak counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spishak trying to control the position from guard on top but Drinkis is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spishak throws a big elbow that misses.
Drinkis wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Drinkis has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Spishak can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Spishak postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Drinkis is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Spishak, into his guard.

Spishak looking for a guillotine here but Drinkis defends easily.

Spishak is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Drinkis is aware though and is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spishak utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Drinkis trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Spishak manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Drinkis wants to sweep here but Spishak controlling him for the moment.
Sammy Spishak has got the better of the ground game so far.
Drinkis wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Drinkis wants to sweep but no luck.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Drinkis pulls Spishak in close to prevent any damage.
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!
Drinkis utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sammy Spishak showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Sammy Spishak's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Drinkis slips a jab and a cross from Spishak.

Drinkis closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Drinkis misses with an elbow strike.

Spishak breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Drinkis misses with a hook.

Drinkis shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Spishak napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Drinkis creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Drinkis in side control lands a decent elbow.
Spishak manages to work his way to half guard, despite Drinkis's best efforts.
Spishak wants to improve his position but Drinkis is controlling well.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Drinkis is just content to waste time from the top position. Spishak takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Drinkis throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Spishak pulls Drinkis in to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Drinkis got a little sloppy there for a moment and Spishak has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Drinkis has managed to get both his arms back between Spishak's legs - danger averted.
Drinkis scoring with punches to the head and body.
Spishak is trying to keep Drinkis in close.
Drinkis with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Drinkis trying to control the position from guard on top but Spishak is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Spishak escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Drinkis gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Drinkis not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Spishak is trying to control the position but Drinkis postures up.
Drinkis distracts Spishak with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Spishak working for submissions but it's allowed Drinkis to get to half guard.
Spishak is looking to control Drinkis's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Spishak avoid being mounted?
Spishak is trying to get back to full guard.
Spishak keeping hold of Drinkis's head, controlling as best he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis is trying to control the action in half guard but Spishak is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Spishak is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Drinkis pulls his head out easily.
Drinkis tries to pass to full mount but Spishak defends it.
Spishak tries to roll over but Drinkis keeps him under control.
Drinkis working Spishak over with strikes.
Drinkis lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Drinkis is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Spishak is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Drinkis scores with a couple of nice shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis is taking a breather. Spishak says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Spishak is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Drinkis pulls his head out easily.
Spishak moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Spishak tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Drinkis with a flurry of punches that miss.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Drinkis is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Drinkis trying to control the position from guard on top but Spishak is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Drinkis postures up.

Spishak is looking for a triangle but Drinkis pushes his legs off easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniels Drinkis clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Sammy Spishak's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Drinkis takes a swing at Spishak's ribcage but misses.

Drinkis shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Drinkis was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Spishak is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Spishak can't do much from the bottom here.
Spishak might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Drinkis haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Spishak regains half guard.
Spishak trying to control but Drinkis postures up.
Spishak regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Drinkis.
Drinkis stays in close to Spishak's body and controls the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spishak is trying to keep Drinkis in close.

Spishak is looking for a triangle but Drinkis pushes his legs off easily.
Drinkis scoring with some ground and pound.
Drinkis wants to control from the top but Spishak keeps moving.
Spishak wants to sweep but no luck.
Drinkis connects with a couple of short punches.
Spishak looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Drinkis working some strikes from top position.

Spishak is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Spishak is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Drinkis chips away with some ground and pound.
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!
Spishak is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Drinkis is controlling him.
Drinkis trying to control the position from guard on top but Spishak is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Spishak looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Spishak looking to control.
Spishak working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Drinkis.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis looking to sit in guard and control but Spishak gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Spishak with a flurry of punches that miss.

Spishak drops back looking for a leg! Drinkis is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Drinkis manages to kick Spishak off! Spishak jumps back into Drinkis's guard.

Spishak thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Drinkis looking for a guillotine here but Spishak defends easily.
Spishak trying to control but Drinkis is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drinkis is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Drinkis pulls Spishak in close to prevent any damage.
Drinkis keeping moving, preventing Spishak from controlling successfully.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Drinkis is on top in guard.

Spishak is looking for a triangle but Drinkis pushes his legs off easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Daniels Drinkis had his way with Sammy Spishak in that round.
The cut man is working on Sammy Spishak's cut.
That's time! Drinkis's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Drinkis looks to land a right hand but Spishak moved out of range.
Spishak takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Spishak throws the left hand but Drinkis avoids the punch easily.
A shot to the liver by Spishak. Beautiful body shot.
Drinkis tries a low kick but Spishak avoids it.
Sammy Spishak is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Drinkis shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Drinkis shoots in but no luck this time.
Drinkis bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Spishak's head.
Drinkis keeps Spishak at a distance using the push kick.
Spishak looks to land a left hand but Drinkis moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drinkis lands with a shot to the body.
Nice defenses there by Drinkis.
Spishak throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Daniels Drinkis is winning the standup battle so far.
Spishak looks to land a combination but Drinkis avoids it well.

Drinkis drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Spishak lands an elbow from the bottom.
Drinkis tries to score with some ground and pound. Spishak controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Drinkis trying to control the position but Spishak is working away.
Drinkis cracks Spishak with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Spishak manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Spishak is trying to control the action in half guard but Drinkis is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spishak throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
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!
Spishak is trying to control. Drinkis wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Drinkis keeping hold of Spishak's head, controlling as best he can.
Spishak not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Spishak looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Spishak connects with a nice short shot to Drinkis's temple.

Drinkis looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Spishak with the ground and pound but Drinkis uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Spishak is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spishak tries to free his leg and advance position but Drinkis is retaining full guard.
Drinkis is trying to control the position but Spishak postures up.
Drinkis keeping moving, preventing Spishak from controlling successfully.
Spishak throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Drinkis works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Drinkis manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Spishak manages to get himself to full guard.
Drinkis wants to control from the top but Spishak keeps moving.
Spishak wants to stand up but Drinkis is controlling him.
Spishak keeping moving, preventing Drinkis from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Drinkis motions for Spishak to come forward. Drinkis throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Spishak defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Drinkis.
Drinkis misses with a low kick.
Drinkis scores with a nice head shot.
A swing and a miss from Drinkis.
Spishak throws out a loose jab but Drinkis uses good head movement to avoid it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Drinkis takes a swing at Spishak's ribcage but misses.

Spishak manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Drinkis on his heels. He'll look to pass Drinkis's guard now, I'm sure.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spishak slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Daniels Drinkis.
I think Drinkis has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Sammy Spishak!
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight for Sammy Spishak!
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Sammy Spishak!

Sammy Spishak wins by unanimous decision!