PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Matt Youngblood (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Red Belt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Youngblood comes to the ring accompanied by Linkin Park - Numb. Belt is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Dance of the Knights. This should be fireworks!

Youngblood
vs
Belt

183 cm
33
214 lbs
27 - 17 - 0

187 cm
31
225 lbs
21 - 19 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

V-Mask Clothing (10%)

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 27 - 17 - 0, fighting out of New York, Matt Youngblood!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 19 - 0, fighting out of London, Red Belt!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Valeri Chadov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Youngblood scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

It looks like Red Belt has been cut.
Youngblood misses with a series of wild punches.

Youngblood moves into the clinch successfully.

Youngblood has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Belt regains guard immediately.
Belt working a defensive guard here.
Belt controlling the position.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Belt wants to improve his position but instead Youngblood has moved into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Belt trying to hold on to Youngblood's head to control him but Youngblood postures up.
Youngblood lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Belt has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Youngblood is working away from the top position though.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Belt is controlling Youngblood's position as best he can from this difficult position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Youngblood blocks the strikes from Belt.
Youngblood trying to mount his opponent but Belt defends it.

Belt is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Youngblood pulls his head out easily.

Belt actively working from the bottom here.
Youngblood trying to control from half guard but Belt is working away.
Youngblood scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Belt is looking to control Youngblood's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Belt avoid being mounted?
Belt won't allow Youngblood to pass to mount.
Youngblood missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Belt is trying to maintain the position but Youngblood is very close to passing his half guard.

Belt looking for submissions off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belt avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Youngblood.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Belt is refusing to be controlled, as Youngblood sits in half guard.
Belt is doing well to control the position and prevent Youngblood from advancing to side control.
Belt has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Youngblood is working away from the top position though.
Belt avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Youngblood.
Youngblood looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Youngblood blocks the strikes from Belt.

Belt looking for submissions off his back.

Youngblood is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Belt punching from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood is keeping busy.
Youngblood not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Youngblood throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Belt gets full guard.
Belt controls Youngblood momentarily but Youngblood frees himself.

Belt has his foot on Youngblood's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Youngblood works his way back into a safe position though.
Belt looking to control.
Belt working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Youngblood.
Belt thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Youngblood is looking to work some ground and pound but Belt has wrist control.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belt preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Youngblood trying to control but Belt is working from the bottom.
Youngblood has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Belt is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Belt is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Youngblood defends well.
Youngblood trying to control the position from guard on top but Belt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Youngblood accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Youngblood looking to pass the guard.
Belt is trying to keep Youngblood in close.

Belt is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Youngblood is aware though and is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Youngblood dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Red Belt's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Youngblood scores with a kick to the body.
Youngblood lands a leg kick that knocks Belt off balance momentarily.
Youngblood doesn't manage to clinch there - Belt circles away.

Youngblood forces Belt back against the ropes and clinches.

Youngblood jumps guard.
Youngblood keeping moving, preventing Belt from controlling successfully.
Youngblood is controlling Belt's posture.
Belt content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Belt wants to control from the top but Youngblood keeps moving.
Youngblood is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood is keeping busy.
Belt moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Youngblood forces his way into half guard.
Belt makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Belt.
Youngblood throwing strikes from guard but Belt blocks nicely.

Belt is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Belt trying to control the position.
Belt might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Youngblood haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Youngblood missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Belt keeping moving, preventing Youngblood from controlling successfully.
Youngblood is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Belt can do to turn this around?
Youngblood content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Belt looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Youngblood postures up.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood passes easily into half guard.
Belt is controlling Youngblood's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Youngblood trying to control from half guard but Belt is working away.
Belt is looking to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Belt is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Youngblood is staying active.
Youngblood throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Belt is staying active underneath Youngblood, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Youngblood missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Belt is refusing to be controlled, as Youngblood sits in half guard.
Belt landing small, sideways elbows.
Belt trying to control from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Youngblood fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Belt to the ground. Youngblood is now in Belt's guard.
Belt working a defensive guard here.
Youngblood tries to free his leg and advance position but Belt is retaining full guard.
Belt is trying to control the position but Youngblood postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Belt looking for a guillotine here but Youngblood defends easily.
Youngblood landing with the ground and pound.
Belt managing to control the position.
Belt manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Youngblood manages to get himself to full guard.

A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Belt accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Youngblood trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Belt working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Youngblood dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Red Belt's cut.
That's time! Youngblood's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Belt fails with an attempt to clinch.
Youngblood is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Belt changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

Youngblood forces Belt back against the ropes and clinches.
Belt wants a takedown.
Youngblood tries to break the clinch but Belt is controlling the position.

Belt has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Youngblood uses from the top position.
Youngblood slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Youngblood tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Youngblood has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Youngblood throws a strike aimed at the side of Belt's head but Belt avoids it well.
Belt is trying to control Youngblood's posture but Youngblood avoids it.
Youngblood working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Belt on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Youngblood working away.
Belt stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
Belt tries to strike from the bottom but misses.
Youngblood avoids the strikes from the bottom by Belt.
Youngblood looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Belt is avoiding damage well.
Belt is looking to regain half guard here but Youngblood keeps moving and retains side control.
Youngblood working away.
Belt tries to improve position but can't.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood postures up.
Belt is looking for a sweep.
Youngblood lands a few punches from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belt is trying to get back to half guard.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood postures up.
Belt is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Youngblood off and has taken his back!

Belt looking for the RNC.
Belt takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Belt misses with an elbow to the head.

Belt looking for the choke but no joy.
I really don't envy Youngblood right now.
Belt doesn't have the hooks in and Youngblood manages to turn into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Youngblood with a flurry of punches that miss.
Youngblood advances position into side control!

Youngblood working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Belt manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Belt throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Belt throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Youngblood to regain full guard.
Belt throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Youngblood works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Belt passes Youngblood's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Belt looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Youngblood missing with punches from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Belt is working for a submission of some sort.
Belt scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Belt is figuring out what he wants to do next.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Youngblood is trying to control but can't.
Youngblood is looking for a sweep. Belt 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.

That was a close round but Matt Youngblood did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Red Belt's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Youngblood shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Youngblood was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Belt tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Youngblood wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Belt sneaks back into half guard.

Belt is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Youngblood pulls his head out easily.
Belt trying to control from the bottom.

Youngblood stands up and beckons Belt to join him on the feet.
Youngblood throws a nice looking combination but Belt bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Youngblood lands a two punch combo.
Youngblood lands with a straight right. Belt didn't see that one coming.
Matt Youngblood is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Youngblood drops Belt with a nice combination! Youngblood dives into Belt's guard, looking to finish!

Belt is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Youngblood in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Belt is still in real trouble! Can Youngblood finish him?
Belt is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Youngblood postures up and lands a big shot to Belt's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Belt is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Belt not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Youngblood throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Belt throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Belt sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Youngblood defending well though.
Belt seems to have recovered his senses.

Youngblood is defending against the submission attempts here by Belt.

Belt seems to be working for a kimura but Youngblood defends the submission attempt.
Belt is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Belt is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Youngblood is just riding it out for now. Belt eventually gives up the hold.
Youngblood is looking to improve his position.
Youngblood keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Belt throws a strike but Youngblood avoids it easily and moves to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belt postures up in Youngblood's guard and throws a big left but Youngblood blocks it.
Belt trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Belt throwing strikes from guard but Youngblood blocks nicely.
Belt throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Belt pushing down on Youngblood's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Belt misses with a head shot. Youngblood uses the momentum to regain guard.
Belt keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Youngblood's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Belt postures up in Youngblood's guard and throws a big left but Youngblood blocks it.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Youngblood takes the fight into the clinch.
Belt drops down looking for an ankle pick but Youngblood pulls his leg out and moves away.
Youngblood lunges at Belt with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Belt's hand.
Nice sprawl there from Youngblood as Belt shoots in.

Belt shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Belt makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Youngblood avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Belt passes Youngblood's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Youngblood had his way with Red Belt in that round.
The cut man is working on Red Belt's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Belt closes the distance and clinches up with Youngblood, looking for a takedown. Belt pushes Youngblood against the ropes but Youngblood circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Youngblood lands with a shot to the body.
Youngblood throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Belt is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Youngblood with a body shot.

Youngblood throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Belt was covering up waiting for the punch and Youngblood finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Youngblood loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Youngblood postures up in Belt's guard and throws a big left but Belt blocks it.

Belt has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Youngblood is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Belt.
Belt is looking to regain half guard here but Youngblood keeps moving and retains side control.
Belt is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Youngblood working the ground and pound.
Belt is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Youngblood is trying to get an arm triangle but Belt is defending well.
Youngblood in side control, throwing shots but Belt defends.
Youngblood working away.
Belt has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Belt is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
The strikes coming from Youngblood are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Belt struggling a bit here.

Youngblood wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Belt, who protects the arm well.
Youngblood lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Belt down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belt has one of Youngblood's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.
Belt wants to control but Youngblood postures up.
Youngblood in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
The strikes coming from Youngblood are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Youngblood blocks the strikes from Belt.
Youngblood wants to stand but Belt has his arm trapped.
Belt tries to improve position but can't.
Belt can't do much from the bottom here.
Youngblood in side control, throwing shots but Belt defends.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Belt's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Matt Youngblood is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Belt tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Youngblood wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
You can see the frustration on Belt's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Belt trying to remain calm as Youngblood controls from the top position.
Youngblood trying to control the position but Belt is working away.
Youngblood connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Belt some visible discomfort.
Youngblood is looking to take a break and control but Belt is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Belt can't do much from the bottom here.
Belt tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Belt wings away with a couple of strikes but they don't land.
Youngblood is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Belt's shoulder. That is not cool.
Belt is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Youngblood off and has taken his back!

Belt is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Youngblood knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Youngblood for a finish.

Youngblood is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Belt gets his way!
Red Belt has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Belt throws strikes from the back but Youngblood rolls nicely and manages to end up in full guard. Nice work by Youngblood.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matt Youngblood showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Youngblood has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 50:45
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 50:45
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matt Youngblood!
An out of breath and clearly excited Matt Youngblood thanked Sparta Fightware for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).