PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Stephen Griffiths (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andrey Lapis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lapis has chosen Once Solemn 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.

Griffiths
vs
Lapis

170 cm
26
175 lbs
20 - 6 - 1

178 cm
25
185 lbs
17 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Grand Champion Apparel
FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Sun-Tzu

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 20 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Stephen Griffiths!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 9 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Andrey Lapis!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Aleksandr Martynov and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Lapis misses.
Lapis throws a right and a left that Griffiths avoids nicely.
Griffiths thinks about countering with a head kick.
Lapis throws a nice looking combination but Griffiths bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A little feinted left hand from Griffiths on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Griffiths throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Lapis works over Griffiths's head and body with a nice combination.
Griffiths connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Lapis walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Lapis has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
An inside leg kick lands from Griffiths.
Lapis avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Lapis connects with a single shot there.
Griffiths lands with a straight right. Lapis didn't see that one coming.
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!
Griffiths throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Griffiths throws a leg kick but Lapis checks it.
Griffiths connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Griffiths cracks the inside of Lapis's front leg.
Griffiths uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lapis.
Griffiths half committed to a counter leg kick.
Lapis slips a straight right by Griffiths.
Nice defenses there by Lapis.
A little jabbing left from Lapis on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapis misses with the combination.
Griffiths dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Lapis. That did some damage!
Lapis looks to land a combination but Griffiths avoids it well.
Griffiths jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Griffiths swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Lapis.
Lapis scores with a shot to the body.
Lapis cracks Griffiths with an open hand slap.
Lapis loads up on a big right hand but Griffiths slips the punch.
Griffiths moves away from the strike by Lapis.
Griffiths is looking to counter punch.
Griffiths uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lapis.
Lapis looks to land a left hand but Griffiths moved out of range nicely.
Lapis misses with a wild body shot.
Lapis throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Griffiths.
The fighters circling - Lapis throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Griffiths attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lapis checks a leg kick.
Griffiths ducks right into an uppercut from Lapis.
Lapis fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Griffiths looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Griffiths wants to land a leg kick but Lapis is out of range.
Lapis on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Griffiths is defended easily by Lapis.
Left hook, right uppercut from Lapis.
Lapis lands with a hook. Griffiths tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Lapis throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Griffiths sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Lapis connects with a body shot that sends Griffiths's belly button to the back.
Lapis throws a body punch but Griffiths moves out of range.
Griffiths throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Lapis stuffs the takedown attempt from Griffiths. Griffiths gets slowly back to his feet.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Lapis! But no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Lapis.
Lapis tries to move into range but Griffiths moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Griffiths moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Griffiths is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Lapis blocks a leg kick.
Griffiths scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Lapis throws a nice looking combination but Griffiths bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Lapis chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Griffiths can pounce on him.
Lapis throws a right and a left that both miss.
Lapis throws a body shot but no joy.
Lapis moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
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!
Griffiths fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephen Griffiths. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lapis misses with the combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lapis moves out of range of the strikes.
Griffiths tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Griffiths throws a head kick that misses
and Lapis counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Griffiths slips a jab and a cross from Lapis.
Lapis moves out of range as Griffiths throws a body kick.
Lapis moves out of range as Griffiths throws a body kick.
Lapis throws a nice looking combination but Griffiths bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Lapis throws a lazy right hand but Griffiths sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Griffiths throws a low kick but Lapis moves out of range easily.
Lapis connects with a right hand. Griffiths shakes it off.
Lapis ducks under a wild hook from Griffiths.
Andrey Lapis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Lapis moves out of range of the leg kick from Griffiths.
Lapis looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
No joy there for Lapis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Griffiths throws a front kick aimed at Lapis's knee but Lapis avoids it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Lapis dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Griffiths avoids the body shot from Lapis.
Griffiths connects with an inside leg kick.
Griffiths throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Lapis.

Griffiths shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Lapis is trying to defend but Griffiths finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Lapis looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Griffiths is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Lapis doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Griffiths.
Lapis is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Griffiths seems to be looking for submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Griffiths prevents Lapis from standing back up.
Lapis wants to improve his position but Griffiths is controlling well.
Lapis won't allow Griffiths to pass to mount.

Griffiths is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Lapis has managed to free his arm - good work.
Lapis trying to control here.
Griffiths with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Lapis is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Griffiths missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Griffiths is working for a kimura but Lapis is defending it quite comfortably.

Lapis actively working from the bottom here.
Lapis trying to control here.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Lapis makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Lapis.

Lapis is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Griffiths is aware though and is defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lapis manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Griffiths manages to get himself to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Lapis drops back, looking for a kneebar! Griffiths looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Griffiths looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Griffiths!

Griffiths controls the position.
Griffiths lands an elbow.

Griffiths is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Lapis knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Lapis managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Griffiths.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Griffiths working away.
Lapis is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lapis wants to sweep but Griffiths has passed to side control!

Griffiths wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Lapis, who protects the arm well.
Sloppy strikes there by Griffiths.
Lapis struggling a bit here.

Griffiths thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Griffiths thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stephen Griffiths dominated that second round.
That's time! Griffiths's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Lapis fails to land with a series of punches.
Lapis swings for the body but Griffiths moves out of range.
Lapis throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Griffiths on the side of the head.
Griffiths throws an overhand right that lands on Lapis's shoulder, as Lapis tries to avoid the shot.
Lapis throws a right hand that Griffiths ducks under and follows up with a left that Griffiths also avoids with ease.
Lapis's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Griffiths uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lapis.
A decent looking cross lands there for Lapis.
Andrey Lapis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lapis lands a two punch combo.
Griffiths chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Lapis lands a nice shot that snaps Griffiths's head back.
Lapis displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Griffiths throws out the jab.
Griffiths is looking to chop away at Lapis's legs.
Lapis throws a series of punches but Griffiths moves out of range.
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!
Griffiths ducks under a wild hook from Lapis.
A combination from Lapis does no damage.
Lapis throws a nice looking combination but Griffiths bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Griffiths fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Lapis throws out a counter right but Griffiths avoids it with no problem.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapis throws an overhand right that lands on Griffiths's shoulder, as Griffiths tries to avoid the shot.
Griffiths on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Griffiths cracks the inside of Lapis's front leg.
Griffiths looks to land a left hand but Lapis moved out of range nicely.
Lapis throws the left hand but Griffiths avoids the punch easily.
Andrey Lapis seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Lapis uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Griffiths.

Griffiths shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Griffiths showed some decent athleticism there.
Griffiths stops Lapis from getting back to his feet.
Lapis trying to hold on to Griffiths's head to control him but Griffiths postures up.
Griffiths passes to side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lapis tries to escape but Griffiths is in control.
Griffiths trying to control the position but Lapis is working away.

Griffiths tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
You can see the frustration on Lapis's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Griffiths lands a few punches from side control.
Griffiths sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Lapis is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Lapis is looking to reverse the position.
Griffiths scores with a couple of short elbows.
Lapis wants to control but Griffiths postures up.
Lapis manages to get back to half guard.
Lapis is holding on to half guard well.
Lapis is refusing to be controlled, as Griffiths sits in half guard.
Lapis trying to control from the bottom.

Griffiths is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Lapis wants to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lapis won't allow Griffiths to pass to mount.

Griffiths seems to be working for a kimura but Lapis defends the submission attempt.
Lapis trying to control here.
Lapis looks like he's trying to stand up.

Griffiths is trying to work for a kimura but Lapis is defending well.
Lapis is looking for a sweep. Griffiths is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Andrey Lapis just about did enough to take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Lapis lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Griffiths circles away quickly and effectively.
Lapis throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Griffiths.
Lapis throws a left and a right that both miss
and Griffiths counters with a nice body shot.
Lapis throws a hook but Griffiths avoids it easily.
Griffiths throws a shot from downtown. Lapis moves away and avoids it.
Griffiths comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Lapis takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Griffiths ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Griffiths looks to throw the jab but Lapis is out of range.
Griffiths stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Lapis takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A looping hook to the body misses from Lapis. Griffiths does a little dance to reset his feet.

Griffiths scores with a takedown into Lapis's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lapis wants to sweep here but Griffiths controlling him for the moment.
Lapis trying to keep a closed guard but Griffiths is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Griffiths drops back looking for a leg! Lapis is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Lapis manages to kick Griffiths off! Griffiths jumps back into Lapis's guard.
Griffiths stopping the sweep attempt from Lapis.

Griffiths avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Griffiths trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Griffiths lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Griffiths stops Lapis from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Lapis is looking for a triangle but Griffiths pushes his legs off easily.
Griffiths wants to control from the top but Lapis keeps moving.
Griffiths is really struggling to control Lapis but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Lapis is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Lapis working for submissions but it's allowed Griffiths to get to half guard.
Lapis is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Griffiths is looking to take a break and control but Lapis is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Lapis trying to control from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lapis is staying active underneath Griffiths, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Griffiths is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Lapis is looking to improve his position.
Lapis moves into full guard.
Lapis keeping moving, preventing Griffiths from controlling successfully.
Griffiths is fighting to break Lapis's control of his arms but Lapis is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Griffiths trying to control but Lapis is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Griffiths closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Griffiths thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Lapis struggling a bit here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lapis might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Griffiths haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

Griffiths has hold of Lapis's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Lapis seems comfortable defending it but Griffiths has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Lapis is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Lapis is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Griffiths couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:58 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Stephen Griffiths!
Stephen Griffiths retains his welterweight title!
Stephen Griffiths seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.