PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michal Filipovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Umbu Lailungi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Filipovic
vs
Lailungi

186 cm
21
195 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

189 cm
26
196 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Zipp Zapp

The Big Kabosh

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Michal Filipovic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Umbu Lailungi!
The judges for this bout are Radbod Blank, Paulsen Ambrosius and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Filipovic stuffs the takedown attempt from Lailungi. Lailungi gets slowly back to his feet.
Lailungi tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Lailungi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Filipovic as he jumps to the side.
Lailungi throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lailungi.
Michal Filipovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Umbu Lailungi.
Lailungi tries to score with a low kick but Filipovic moves his leg out of the way.
Lailungi tries to score a power double leg takedown but Filipovic sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Lailungi somewhat.
We've been hearing reports that Filipovic has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
A head kick by Filipovic misses
and Lailungi counters with a three punch combo that has Filipovic backing up. Filipovic nods at Lailungi to acknowledge the strikes.
Filipovic looks to land a combination but Lailungi avoids it well.
Lailungi blocks a head kick by Filipovic.
Filipovic throws a head kick but Lailungi moves out of range.
Lailungi misses with the body kick
and Filipovic counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Filipovic throws a lazy head kick
and Lailungi counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Lailungi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Filipovic circles away.
Filipovic pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Filipovic pulls out of a head kick attempt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lailungi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Filipovic lands with a straight right. Lailungi didn't see that one coming.

Lailungi shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Filipovic is trying to defend but Lailungi finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Filipovic pushes Lailungi off looking to stand but Lailungi dives back in and keeps control.
Lailungi trying to control the action but Filipovic is working from the bottom.
Lailungi stops Filipovic from getting back to his feet.
Lailungi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Lailungi prevents Filipovic from standing back up.
Lailungi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Filipovic keeps working.
Lailungi not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet.

Lailungi is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Filipovic is just riding it out for now. Lailungi eventually gives up the hold.
Lailungi trying to control from Filipovic's half guard. Filipovic has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Lailungi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Filipovic has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Lailungi off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Filipovic tries to land a body kick

so Lailungi counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Lailungi postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Filipovic is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Lailungi, into his guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Lailungi is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic trying to stand up but can't free himself from Lailungi's guard.

Filipovic avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Lailungi is working an open guard so Filipovic takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Filipovic throws a right and a left that Lailungi avoids nicely.
Lailungi avoids the head kick by Filipovic.
Filipovic throws a sloppy head kick and Lailungi moves out of range easily.
Lailungi lands a jab-cross combination.
Filipovic lands a head kick. Lailungi smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Good leg kick by Lailungi there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Filipovic throws a nice head kick!
Lailungi looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Filipovic bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Lailungi lets loose with a powerful body kick. Filipovic will feel that in the morning.
Filipovic throws a lazy head kick
and Lailungi counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Filipovic is breathing heavily.
Lailungi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Filipovic as he jumps to the side.
Filipovic misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Filipovic throws a head kick that misses
and Lailungi counters with a nice low kick that buckles Filipovic's knee momentarily.
Filipovic on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Lailungi. Lailungi obviously looking to wear him down.
Filipovic throws a sloppy head kick and Lailungi moves out of range easily.
Lailungi cracks Filipovic with a good jab.
Filipovic tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Filipovic throws a head kick but Lailungi moves out of range.
Lailungi is trying hard to land a takedown here. Filipovic sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Lailungi closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Lailungi lands in his opponent's guard.
Lailungi trying to control but Filipovic is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Umbu Lailungi will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Filipovic throws a leg kick but Lailungi sees it coming and moves out of range.
Lailungi blocks a head kick by Filipovic.
Lailungi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Filipovic keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Filipovic has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Lailungi.

Lailungi gets a double leg takedown into Filipovic's guard.
Filipovic wants to stand and escape but Lailungi is having none of it.
Lailungi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Filipovic wriggles free and stands up.
Michal Filipovic is winning the standup battle so far.
Lailungi on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Michal Filipovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Filipovic lands with a kick to the temple. Lailungi shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A head kick misses from Filipovic.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jab, jab by Lailungi - just one landing.
Filipovic throws a wild body kick that Lailungi sees coming a mile off.

Lailungi shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Lailungi is looking to take a break and control but Filipovic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lailungi is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Filipovic reverses the position - he's now on top in Lailungi's guard.

Lailungi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Filipovic doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Filipovic manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Filipovic stands up from Lailungi's guard - Filipovic perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Lailungi blocks a jab.
Lailungi throws a one two combo.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Filipovic throws a series of punches but Lailungi moves out of range.
Filipovic throws a nice looking combination but Lailungi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Lailungi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Michal Filipovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Umbu Lailungi.
Lailungi fails to land the takedown.
A head kick misses from Filipovic.
Filipovic misses with a kick to the body.
Filipovic tries a head kick but it misses.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Lailungi.
Filipovic throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Lailungi's head.
Filipovic throws a front kick aimed at Lailungi's knee but Lailungi avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Lailungi.

Lailungi fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Filipovic sprawls well initially but Lailungi persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Lailungi is looking for a kimura but Filipovic is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Lailungi to get the leverage.
Lailungi thows a huge punch but Filipovic dodges it nicely.
Filipovic tries to kick Lailungi off but Lailungi keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Lailungi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Lailungi is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Filipovic is just riding it out for now. Lailungi eventually gives up the hold.
Lailungi seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Filipovic does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Lailungi drops an elbow to the side of Filipovic's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lailungi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Lailungi wants to control but Filipovic is keeping him busy.
Filipovic pushes Lailungi off looking to stand but Lailungi dives back in and keeps control.

Lailungi is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Filipovic defends it well.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Filipovic trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Lailungi wants to control but Filipovic is keeping him busy.
Lailungi sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Filipovic defending well though.
Lailungi prevents Filipovic from standing back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Umbu Lailungi will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Lailungi dives in and grabs Filipovic's left leg, looking for a takedown. Filipovic pushes down on Lailungi's head and hops out.
Filipovic tries to work over Lailungi's front leg with a kick but Lailungi checks it.
Lailungi dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Lailungi looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lailungi is looking to take a break and control but Filipovic is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lailungi thows a huge punch but Filipovic dodges it nicely.
Umbu Lailungi has got the better of the ground game so far.
Filipovic tries to kick Lailungi off but Lailungi keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Lailungi is trying to control. Filipovic wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Lailungi prevents Filipovic from standing back up.
Lailungi misses with a head shot. Filipovic uses the momentum to regain guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Filipovic keeping full guard, as Lailungi tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lailungi postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Filipovic avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Lailungi is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet but Lailungi is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Lailungi must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Filipovic avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Filipovic kicks Lailungi off and gets to his feet.
Filipovic throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Nice takedown defense from Filipovic. No joy for Lailungi on that attempt.
Horrible takedown by Lailungi or perhaps it was just good defense by Filipovic which made him look bad.
Michal Filipovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Umbu Lailungi.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic throws a head kick that misses.
Lailungi closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Filipovic throws a sloppy head kick and Lailungi moves out of range easily.
Lailungi shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Filipovic scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lailungi on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Filipovic. Filipovic obviously looking to wear him down.
Filipovic chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Filipovic takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A head kick misses from Filipovic.
Lailungi avoids the head kick by Filipovic.
Lailungi scores with a leg kick.
Lailungi swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Filipovic.
Lailungi takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Lailungi lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lailungi tries for a takedown but Filipovic circles away easily
and Filipovic counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Lailungi is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Filipovic tries a head kick but it misses.
Filipovic throws a sloppy head kick and Lailungi moves out of range easily.
Lailungi shoots in for a double leg but Filipovic sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Filipovic throws a head kick that Lailungi semi-blocks.
Lailungi goes for a double leg but Filipovic avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Filipovic continues to drive forward.
Lailungi drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Filipovic gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Lailungi is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Filipovic is defending well.

Filipovic breaks from the clinch.
Nice sprawl there from Filipovic as Lailungi shoots in.
Filipovic throws a right hand that Lailungi ducks under and follows up with a left that Lailungi also avoids with ease.
Lailungi shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Filipovic eats them both and turns towards Lailungi to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic scores with a leg kick.
Filipovic throws a sloppy head kick and Lailungi moves out of range easily.
Filipovic feints and then cracks Lailungi's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Lailungi down.
Filipovic throws a nice looking combination but Lailungi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sloppy strikes from Filipovic. Those never looked like landing.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Filipovic takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Lailungi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Filipovic misses with a leg kick

and Lailungi moves into the clinch.
Lailungi is looking to take this one to the mat.
Lailungi wants a takedown but no success here.

Filipovic's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Umbu Lailungi is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Lailungi checks a leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Filipovic lands a high kick!
Filipovic takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Michal Filipovic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Lailungi.
Filipovic throws a low kick but Lailungi moves out of range easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Michal Filipovic showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Lailungi 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 30:29
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 29:29
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 28:29

The fight is ruled a draw!