PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Axe Xolo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sid Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Axe Xolo has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Xolo
vs
Simpson

177 cm
25
154 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

180 cm
25
154 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Likes comics

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Axe Xolo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Sid Simpson!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Donald Grub and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Xolo scores with a takedown into Simpson's guard.
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.
Xolo looking to pass the guard.
Xolo slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Simpson tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Xolo controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Xolo is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Simpson knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Xolo wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Simpson, who protects the arm well.
Simpson trying to remain calm as Xolo controls from the top position.
Simpson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Xolo. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Xolo tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Xolo has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Xolo tries to move to mount but Simpson blocks the move with his legs.
Xolo looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Xolo is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Simpson has escaped the position, nice work there.

Xolo decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Nice sprawl there from Simpson as Xolo shoots in.
Simpson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Xolo walks into a stiff left hand from Simpson.
Simpson uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Sid Simpson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Simpson moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Xolo momentarily.
Xolo fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Simpson avoids it really well and circles away.
Simpson lands with a shot to the body.
Simpson connects with a good right hand that stumbles Xolo. Xolo circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Simpson is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Simpson throws a low kick, looking for Xolo's leg but Xolo calmly moves out of range.
Xolo looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Simpson is fending him off so far but Xolo persists. Nope, Simpson circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Axe Xolo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Simpson swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

so Xolo counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Xolo is breathing heavily.
Xolo forces his way into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is looking to get back to full guard here but Xolo has managed to pass to side control instead.
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!
Simpson looking for a sweep but Xolo has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Xolo controlling from mount.
Xolo is looking to stand but Simpson has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.
Simpson can't escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Axe Xolo will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Xolo moves out of range of the leg kick from Simpson.
Simpson lands a really nice looking cross but Xolo seems unphased.
Xolo doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Simpson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Xolo gets a double leg takedown into Simpson's guard.
Xolo tries to free his leg and advance position but Simpson is retaining full guard.
Xolo pushing down on Simpson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Xolo looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Xolo is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Simpson defends it well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simpson is trying to control but Xolo manages to pass to mount!
Simpson tries to hold on but Xolo postures up.
Simpson stops Xolo from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Xolo tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Xolo fails to move to back control.

Simpson defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Xolo.
Simpson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Simpson manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Xolo is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Simpson to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Xolo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Simpson lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Xolo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Simpson trying to control the position from guard on top but Xolo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Simpson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Xolo has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Simpson has managed to get both his arms back between Xolo's legs - danger averted.
Xolo keeping moving, preventing Simpson from controlling successfully.

Xolo is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Simpson rolls with it to try and escape but Xolo cranks on the arm and Simpson is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Axe Xolo!