PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Elroy Bernard (ranked 25324 p4p, 0 weight class) and Levi Roots (ranked 5739 p4p, 544 weight class). Levi Roots will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Bernard
vs
Roots

199 cm
18
193 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

195 cm
24
195 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Inexperienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Elroy Bernard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Levi Roots!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Vladimir Khabensky and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Roots tries to bum rush Bernard with a series of wild strikes but Bernard uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Bernard is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Roots throws a nice looking combination but Bernard bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Bernard is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Roots.
Bernard really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Roots throws a nice looking combination but Bernard bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Roots throws a right hand that Bernard ducks under and follows up with a left that Bernard also avoids with ease.
Roots scores with a jab to the jaw.

It looks like Elroy Bernard has been cut.
Roots swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Roots misses with the combination.
Roots rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bernard moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Bernard appears to be looking for a big counter.
Bernard slips a jab and a cross from Roots.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Bernard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Bernard decides to stand back up.
Roots misses with a jab, cross combination.
Roots looks winded!

Bernard drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bernard stands up and beckons Roots to his feet.
Roots tries to bum rush Bernard with a series of wild strikes but Bernard uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Roots looks to land a combination but Bernard avoids it well.
Some wild striking there from Roots.
Roots throws a series of strikes that have Bernard backpedaling.
Bernard is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Roots tries to sprawl but Bernard drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Roots wants to stand back up but Bernard manages to pass into side control.
Roots tries to bench press Bernard off him but Bernard keeps the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Roots is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Roots can't do much from the bottom here.

Bernard stands up.
Bernard tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Roots paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Bernard doesn't manage to clinch there - Roots circles away.
Roots wants to counter with a clinch but Bernard pushes him away.

Bernard closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Roots bucks up and tries to throw Bernard off but instead Bernard has got his back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
What can Roots do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

Bernard tightening his grip on Roots, looking for the choke.
Roots tries to roll but Bernard sticks to his back.

Bernard is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Roots rolls, trying to escape but Bernard keeps control of the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Bernard has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Roots! Can he survive? No! He's out! Bernard gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Elroy Bernard!