PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Evan Darrow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Olivier Levasseur (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Darrow
vs
Levasseur

170 cm
27
145 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

176 cm
34
169 lbs
15 - 13 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
Counter fighter
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Evan Darrow!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Olivier Levasseur!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Alyssa Summers and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Darrow dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Levasseur fails with the takedown.
Darrow lands a slapping body shot.

Darrow has Levasseur up against the cage in a clinch.
Darrow presses Levasseur against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Levasseur avoids the elbow strike from Darrow, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Darrow misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Levasseur blocks an uppercut.
Darrow misses with the head strike.
Levasseur wants a takedown but no success here.
Darrow scores with a nice hook to the head.

It looks like Olivier Levasseur has been cut.
Darrow misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Levasseur blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Levasseur goes for a takedown in the clinch but Darrow prevents it.
Evan Darrow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olivier Levasseur.
Darrow misses with a hook to the ribs.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Darrow.
Darrow lands a hook to the side of the head.
Darrow swings wildly with an uppercut but Levasseur uses good head movement to avoid it.
Darrow scores with a shot to the side of Levasseur's head.
Levasseur can't get the takedown.
Darrow misses with some punches.
Darrow lands an elbow just above Levasseur 's eye.
Darrow lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Darrow misses with a punch to the body.
Darrow misses with some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Darrow swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Levasseur blocks a body shot from Darrow.
Darrow lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Levasseur has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Darrow is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Darrow throws a head punch that misses.
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!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Levasseur.
Darrow working aggressively here.
Darrow lands a body punch in the clinch.
Darrow lands an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Darrow - that landed with a thud.
Darrow lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Levasseur is trying to pull guard but Darrow has him pressed against the cage.
Darrow tries a body shot but Levasseur blocks it.
Darrow tries to throw a body punch but Levasseur avoids it by throwing Darrow back against the cage.
Darrow misses with a hook from the clinch.
Darrow working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Darrow.
Darrow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Darrow lands a body punch.
A left hand lands to the body for Darrow.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Darrow.
A short right from Darrow on the inside.
Darrow scores with a shot to the side of Levasseur's head.
Levasseur looking for a takedown.
Darrow throws a punch but it's blocked by Levasseur.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Darrow.
Levasseur blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A body shot lands from Darrow.
Levasseur blocks a body shot from Darrow.
Darrow misses with a body punch.
Darrow struggles to land a body shot inside as Levasseur controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Levasseur blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Levasseur blocks a body shot from Darrow.
Levasseur prevents a body shot from Darrow.
Levasseur blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Darrow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Darrow goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Darrow gets underhooks to prevent Levasseur's takedown attempt.
Darrow working aggressively here.
Levasseur prevents a body shot from Darrow.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Levasseur.
A nice left hand lands by Darrow.
Levasseur has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Darrow avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Darrow swings wildly with an uppercut but Levasseur uses good head movement to avoid it.
Levasseur avoiding damage as Darrow throws knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Evan Darrow dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Olivier Levasseur's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Darrow misses with a low kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Darrow, right into the meat.
A shot to the body from Darrow misses

so Levasseur counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Levasseur landing some decent shots from guard.
Levasseur wants to control from the top but Darrow keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Levasseur accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Levasseur sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Darrow's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Darrow makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Darrow.
Levasseur wants to control from the top but Darrow keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Levasseur forces his way into half guard.
Levasseur drops an elbow to the side of Darrow's head.
Levasseur seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Darrow does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Darrow is trying to get back to full guard.
Levasseur wants to pass to mount but Darrow is defending the position.
Levasseur wants to lay and pray for a moment but Darrow keeps working.
Darrow is looking for a sweep. Levasseur is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two 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.

Levasseur is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Levasseur is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Levasseur tries to control but Darrow wriggling away.
Darrow is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Levasseur misses with a head shot.
Levasseur working away from the top, dropping strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Levasseur throwing strikes but Darrow uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Darrow moves into full guard.
Darrow preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Levasseur looking to pass the guard.
Levasseur loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Levasseur lands a couple of elbows.
Levasseur missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Levasseur looking to sit in guard and control but Darrow gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Levasseur is looking for a triangle but Darrow pushes his legs off easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Darrow looking to pass the guard.
Darrow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Levasseur can do to turn this around?
Darrow is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Levasseur has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Levasseur is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Darrow trying to control the position from guard on top but Levasseur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Darrow here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Levasseur pulls Darrow in close to prevent any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Olivier Levasseur showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Olivier Levasseur's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

A low kick from Darrow misses

and Levasseur counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Levasseur is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Darrow is just riding it out for now. Levasseur eventually gives up the hold.
Darrow is looking for a sweep. Levasseur is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Darrow trying to control but Levasseur postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Levasseur scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Darrow keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Darrow keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Levasseur lands with a punch from half guard.
Darrow makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Darrow.

Darrow is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Levasseur throwing strikes from guard but Darrow blocks nicely.
Levasseur trying to control but Darrow is working from the bottom.
Levasseur working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Levasseur accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Levasseur throws a strike but Darrow rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Olivier Levasseur has got the better of the ground game so far.
Levasseur managing to control the position.

Levasseur is looking for a triangle but Darrow pushes his legs off easily.
Darrow trying to control the position from guard on top but Levasseur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Levasseur had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Darrow defends it easily.
Levasseur trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Levasseur is on top in guard.

Levasseur looking to pass the guard.
Levasseur content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Levasseur wants to control from the top but Darrow keeps moving.
Levasseur seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Levasseur drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Darrow dives on top into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Darrow trying to control but Levasseur is working from the bottom.

Darrow avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Levasseur working for a triangle but Darrow defends it easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Levasseur wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Olivier Levasseur really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Olivier Levasseur's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Darrow misses with a body shot.
Levasseur feints the counter takedown.
Darrow swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Levasseur counters with a takedown into side control.
Darrow is working to avoid the ground and pound but Levasseur connects with a decent elbow.
Levasseur throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

Levasseur swings around for an armbar but Darrow sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Levasseur's guard.
Darrow has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Darrow is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Levasseur is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Darrow defends well.
Darrow postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Darrow trying to control the position from guard on top but Levasseur is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Levasseur is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Darrow tries to roll over but Levasseur keeps him under control.
Darrow blocking the ground and pound attempt from Levasseur.
Levasseur looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Levasseur wants to take a breather but Darrow is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Levasseur seems to be looking for submissions.
My spies in Fight Factory inform me that Levasseur has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Levasseur looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Darrow is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Levasseur scores with a couple of nice shots.
Darrow gets back to full guard.
Levasseur throws a big elbow that misses.
Levasseur lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Levasseur postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Darrow is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Levasseur, into his guard.

Darrow won't allow Levasseur to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Levasseur is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Levasseur keeping full guard, as Darrow tries to pass.
Levasseur working a defensive guard here.
Levasseur looking to hit a scissor sweep but Darrow is one step ahead there.
Darrow looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Levasseur looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Darrow passes into half guard.
Darrow seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Levasseur is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Olivier Levasseur dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Olivier Levasseur's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Darrow tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Levasseur manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Levasseur keeps the fight on the outside.
Darrow throws a chopping leg kick but Levasseur manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Olivier Levasseur is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Darrow tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Levasseur fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A counter left hand to the body from Darrow misses its target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Levasseur takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Levasseur takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Darrow misses with a low kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Darrow.
Darrow swings for the body but Levasseur moves out of range.
Levasseur feints the counter takedown.
Darrow tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Levasseur feints the counter takedown.
Darrow takes a swing at Levasseur's ribcage but misses.
Levasseur is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Levasseur misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Evan Darrow seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Darrow misses with a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Darrow forces Levasseur back against the cage and clinches.
Levasseur prevents a body shot from Darrow.
Darrow tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Levasseur blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Levasseur blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Levasseur.
Darrow tries to throw a body punch but Levasseur avoids it by throwing Darrow back against the cage.
Darrow lands with a short shot to the head.
Darrow missing with knees to the body.
Levasseur drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Darrow gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Evan Darrow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Olivier Levasseur.
Darrow is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Levasseur drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Darrow gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Levasseur is trying to drag Darrow to the mat but Darrow just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Levasseur is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Darrow lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Levasseur blocking some punches.

Levasseur has picked Darrow up - he's going for a ride! Levasseur dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Levasseur is trying to work for a kimura but Darrow is defending well.
Levasseur is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Darrow is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Levasseur's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Levasseur's back!
Evan Darrow has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Darrow has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Darrow controlling well, preventing Levasseur from escaping the position.
Levasseur turns into Darrow and is now in his guard.
Olivier Levasseur is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
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!
Levasseur stands up over Darrow, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Levasseur trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Levasseur in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Levasseur throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Levasseur sitting in guard here, content to control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Evan Darrow showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Levasseur 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 47:47
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 47:47
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 47:47

The fight is ruled a draw!
Evan Darrow retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!