PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Michael Edwards (ranked 3457 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nick Bilalovski (ranked 3497 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Edwards
vs
Bilalovski

175 cm
25
156 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

169 cm
25
155 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Michael Edwards!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nick Bilalovski!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Daniel Franklin and Winston Alpacca.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Edwards lands a two punch combo.
Edwards stuffs the takedown attempt from Bilalovski. Bilalovski gets slowly back to his feet.
Bilalovski tries to score a power double leg takedown but Edwards sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bilalovski somewhat.
Edwards shoots in but Bilalovski avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Bilalovski looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Edwards throws a sloppy head kick and Bilalovski moves out of range easily.
Bilalovski avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bilalovski is defended easily by Edwards.
Edwards tries to counter by clinching up but Bilalovski breaks away and moves out of range.
Michael Edwards has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nick Bilalovski.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A combination from Edwards does no damage.
Bilalovski will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Edwards tries to clinch but Bilalovski moves out of range.
Bilalovski tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Edwards tries to close the distance and clinch but Bilalovski swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Bilalovski lands with a slapping head kick.

Bilalovski closes the distance and pushes Edwards back into the cage.

Bilalovski manages to pull guard.
Edwards slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Edwards loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Bilalovski really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Edwards. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Edwards passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Edwards tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Edwards working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Edwards misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Bilalovski wants to control but Edwards postures up.
A control attempt from Bilalovski but he's now mounted!
Edwards thowing shots but they're missing.

Edwards has hold of Bilalovski's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Bilalovski manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Poor strikes thrown by Edwards there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Edwards content just to control the position here.
Edwards has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Bilalovski wants to hold on but Edwards pushes him away.

Bilalovski is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Edwards locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Bilalovski is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Michael Edwards!