PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Eddie Armstrong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Timur Zolner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Armstrong
vs
Zolner

185 cm
39
248 lbs
20 - 14 - 1

199 cm
24
270 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 14 - 1, fighting out of London, Eddie Armstrong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Timur Zolner!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Daniel Blasius and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Armstrong moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

It looks like Timur Zolner has been cut.
Armstrong loads up on a big right hand but Zolner slips the punch.

Zolner scores with a takedown into Armstrong's guard.
Zolner won't allow Armstrong to sweep him here.
Armstrong managing to control the position.
Zolner looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
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.
Armstrong looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zolner is one step ahead there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Armstrong manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zolner manages to get himself to full guard.

Armstrong throws a big elbow that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Armstrong content to stall in guard here.
Zolner keeping full guard, as Armstrong tries to pass.
Armstrong throws an elbow that misses. Zolner uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Armstrong's guard. Nice move by Zolner!

Zolner stays in close to Armstrong's body and controls the position.
Armstrong keeping moving, preventing Zolner from controlling successfully.
Armstrong trying to keep a closed guard but Zolner is proving a slippery customer.
Armstrong bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Zolner's guard.

Armstrong preventing the sweep.
Armstrong throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Zolner works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zolner keeping moving, preventing Armstrong from controlling successfully.
Armstrong is working Zolner over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Armstrong throwing strikes but missing.
Armstrong throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Armstrong is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Zolner lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Armstrong is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Armstrong utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Armstrong is trying to control the position but Zolner postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zolner landing with the ground and pound.
Zolner throwing strikes but missing.
Zolner postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Armstrong utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zolner missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Armstrong keeping moving, preventing Zolner from controlling successfully.
Zolner scoring with some ground and pound.
Zolner working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Zolner makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Zolner being controlled here momentarily.
Zolner trying to control but Armstrong is working from the bottom.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Armstrong holds on and takes a little breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zolner trying to control but Armstrong is working from the bottom.
Armstrong is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Zolner tries to free his leg and advance position but Armstrong is retaining full guard.
Zolner forces his way into half guard.
Zolner scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Zolner working over Armstrong with some ground and pound. Armstrong looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Armstrong is looking to control Zolner's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Armstrong avoid being mounted?
Zolner thows a huge punch but Armstrong dodges it nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Armstrong wants to control but Zolner is keeping busy.
Armstrong is controlling Zolner's trapped leg to prevent Zolner from advancing to side control.
Armstrong has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Zolner is working away from the top position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Timur Zolner dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Timur Zolner's cut.
That's time! Armstrong's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A slow jab from Armstrong misses its intended target.
Armstrong walks into a straight right hand from Zolner.
Armstrong dives in and grabs Zolner's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zolner pushes down on Armstrong's head and hops out.
Armstrong with a lazy takedown attempt
and Zolner connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Armstrong looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eddie Armstrong. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Armstrong gets a takedown into half guard.
Armstrong is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Zolner actively working from the bottom here.
Zolner is trying to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Armstrong takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Armstrong not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Armstrong slips a nice elbow through Zolner's hands, connecting with Zolner's forehead.

Zolner pushes Armstrong off and gets back to his feet.
Zolner fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Zolner lands with an overhand left.
Armstrong shoots for a double leg takedown but Zolner sprawls well. He's pushed Armstrong's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Zolner leaves Armstrong with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Armstrong fails to land the takedown.
Nice takedown defense from Zolner. No joy for Armstrong on that attempt.
Armstrong sets himself, and Zolner steps forward looking for the clinch! Armstrong avoids it this time.

Armstrong moves into range and clinches up with Zolner.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zolner trying to stall but Armstrong improves his position.
Armstrong can't get the takedown.
Zolner blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Zolner's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zolner blocking some punches.
Zolner lands a right hand that snaps the head of Armstrong backwards.
Zolner throws a punch but it's blocked by Armstrong.
Armstrong working aggressively here.
Armstrong tries to score a body lock takedown but Zolner shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Armstrong blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Armstrong working aggressively here.
Zolner tries to throw a body punch but Armstrong avoids it by throwing Zolner back against the ropes.
Zolner gets underhooks to prevent Armstrong's takedown attempt.
A nice left hand lands by Zolner.
Armstrong's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zolner slowing the pace effectively.
Armstrong doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Armstrong tries for a takedown. No joy.
Armstrong throws a punch but it's blocked by Zolner.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong throws a punch but it's blocked by Zolner.
Zolner throws a head punch that misses.

Zolner has hold of one of Armstrong's legs. Armstrong is fighting the takedown attempt but Zolner gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Zolner won't allow Armstrong to sweep him here.
Armstrong is working hard here to advance position.
Zolner loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Zolner working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Armstrong might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Armstrong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Armstrong lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Armstrong throws a big elbow that misses.
Armstrong with a flurry of punches that miss.
Zolner wants to get back to his feet but Armstrong is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Armstrong lands a couple of digs.
Zolner keeping moving, preventing Armstrong from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zolner controls Armstrong momentarily but Armstrong frees himself.
Zolner has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Armstrong postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zolner preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Armstrong distracts Zolner with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Zolner pulls Armstrong in close to his closed guard and prevents Armstrong from doing any damage or advancing position.
Zolner wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Armstrong manages to pass to side control.
Armstrong wants to free his trapped foot but Zolner is holding on for dear life with his legs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Timur Zolner showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Timur Zolner's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Armstrong shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Zolner pinned against the ropes. Zolner gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Armstrong shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zolner defends it nicely.
Armstrong gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Zolner counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eddie Armstrong. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Armstrong drives through with a takedown into Zolner's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Armstrong trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Zolner manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zolner scoring with some ground and pound.
Zolner connects with a couple of short punches.
Zolner loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Armstrong keeping moving, preventing Zolner from controlling successfully.
Armstrong working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zolner.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zolner landing some decent shots from guard.
Zolner missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Zolner sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Armstrong's guard.
Armstrong slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Zolner cracks Armstrong with a solid left hand.
Armstrong looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zolner's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Armstrong is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Zolner avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Armstrong.
Timur Zolner has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zolner trying to hold on to Armstrong's head to control him but Armstrong postures up.
Armstrong takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Eddie Armstrong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Zolner is concentrating on defense, preventing Armstrong from advancing position.
Armstrong prevents Zolner from improving his position.
Armstrong trying to control the pace.
Zolner trying to hold on to Armstrong's head to control him but Armstrong postures up.
Armstrong working over Zolner with some ground and pound. Zolner looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Armstrong lands with a punch from half guard.
Armstrong is nestled in close to Zolner, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Armstrong wants to pass to mount but Zolner is defending the position.
Armstrong wants to control but Zolner is keeping him busy.
Zolner looks like he's trying to stand up.
Zolner preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Let's hope that Zolner has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Zolner on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Timur Zolner is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Zolner preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Armstrong missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Zolner trying to control but Armstrong postures up.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Armstrong thows a huge punch but Zolner dodges it nicely.
Armstrong not doing much here.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Armstrong fails with the takedown
enabling Zolner to counter with a crisp jab.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zolner scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Armstrong closes the distance and clinches.
Zolner drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Armstrong gets the underhooks and prevents it.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Eddie Armstrong.
Well Zolner has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 28:29
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Timur Zolner!
A very excited looking Timur Zolner made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.