PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ronaldo Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Omar Boulami (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Boulami's choice of entrance music: The Rock - Mustapha Ibrahim. Omar Boulami has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gracie
vs
Boulami

173 cm
24
167 lbs
16 - 3 - 0

171 cm
23
177 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Very quick

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Union Fight Gear
Affordable Quality + Reliable Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ronaldo Gracie!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Omar Boulami!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Jeff Smith and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Gracie enables Boulami to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Gracie manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Gracie working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Boulami.

Gracie has his foot on Boulami's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Boulami works his way back into a safe position though.
Boulami scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Boulami content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Boulami wants to control from the top but Gracie keeps moving.

Gracie is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Gracie has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Gracie not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Boulami distracts Gracie with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Boulami throwing strikes but missing.

Gracie working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Boulami doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Boulami manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Boulami pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Gracie is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boulami cracks Gracie with a solid left hand.

Gracie is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Boulami defends well.

Gracie has his foot on Boulami's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Boulami works his way back into a safe position though.
Boulami passes easily into side control. Nice work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Boulami scores with punches from side control.
Boulami scores with a couple of short elbows.
Gracie is looking to reverse the position.
Check out the look on Boulami's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Boulami trying to control the position but Gracie is working away.

Boulami is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Gracie has escaped the position, nice work there.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Boulami working the head and body with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie is working to avoid the ground and pound but Boulami connects with a decent elbow.

Gracie is rocked!
Boulami working the head and body with strikes.
Oh Gracie is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Boulami lands a strong strike to the head of Gracie. That's dazed him! Boulami looking to finish here. Gracie is waving his arms around trying to block but he's hurt badly - Boulami lands more strikes and the referee steps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Omar Boulami!
Omar Boulami is the new welterweight champion!
A victorious Omar Boulami thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.