PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Joel Romero (ranked 277 p4p, 37 weight class) and Robin Olsen (ranked 894 p4p, 128 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Romero
vs
Olsen

185 cm
28
205 lbs
11 - 1 - 0

200 cm
21
215 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid Muay Thai
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Counter fighter
Granite chin

OLIMPO
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Joel Romero!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Robin Olsen!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Steven Brown and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Romero instigates a clinch.
Romero cracks Olsen with a nice body shot.
Romero tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Olsen tries to land knees in the clinch but Romero avoids the damage to the body.
Olsen wants to take the fight to the mat but Romero manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Romero digs a right hand underneath Olsen's ribcage. Olsen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Nice body punch from Romero - that landed with a thud.
Olsen takes a shot to the head.
Olsen tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Romero lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Olsen can't get the takedown.
Joel Romero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Robin Olsen.
Olsen is working for takedown but Romero is calmly controlling the position for now.
Romero gets underhooks to prevent Olsen's takedown attempt.
Romero scores with a shoulder strike.
Romero gets underhooks to prevent Olsen's takedown attempt.
A left hand lands to the body for Romero.
Olsen looks winded!
Romero presses Olsen against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Romero working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Romero throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Olsens head.
A nice left hand lands by Romero.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Romero lands a right hand that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Romero tries a body shot but Olsen blocks it.
Romero lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Olsen or not.
Romero is leaning against Olsen and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Romero prevents the takedown attempt.
Romero is leaning against Olsen and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Romero working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Romero softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Olsen is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Romero pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Romero stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Romero lands a shoulder strike.
Romero scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Romero.
A shot in the inside from Romero.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Romero throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A right handed body shot lands from Romero.
A short body shot lands from Romero as the two fighters clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Romero.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Romero working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A short left from Romero.
Romero digs a right hand underneath Olsen's ribcage. Olsen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Olsen has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Romero working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Romero.
Romero working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Romero lands a hook that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Romero gets underhooks to prevent Olsen's takedown attempt.
Romero cracks Olsen with a nice body shot.
Olsen takes a shot to the head.
Romero is working Olsen over against the cage.
Romero lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Olsen.
A right handed body shot lands from Romero.
Romero lands a body shot in the clinch.
Romero makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Romero throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Nice body punch from Romero - that landed with a thud.
A shot in the inside from Romero.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Romero lands with a short shot to the head.
Olsen drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Romero is working Olsen over against the cage.
Romero lands a nice uppercut.
Romero lands an uppercut.
Olsen drops down looking for an ankle pick but Romero pulls his leg out and moves away.

Romero gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Romero lands a body punch.
Romero stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Romero lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Olsen takes a shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Olsen tries for a takedown. No joy.
Romero lands with a short shot to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Romero tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Olsen's elbow.
A hook to the body from Romero.
Romero lands with a short punch from the clinch.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Romero.
Olsen takes a shot to the head.
Romero stops a takedown attempt from Olsen.
Romero lands a body punch.
Romero cracks Olsen with a nice body shot.
Romero lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Romero digs a right hand into Olsen's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Olsen's gas tank.
Romero lands a body punch.
Romero softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nice body punch from Romero.
Romero works on Olsen's body with a couple of short punches.
Romero stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Olsen has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Romero avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joel Romero dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Romero changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Romero bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Olsen's head backwards.
Olsen moves away from the strike by Romero.
Olsen shoots and misses

and Romero moves into the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Romero.
Romero works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A body shot lands from Romero.
A nice left hand lands by Romero.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Romero lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Olsen is working for takedown but Romero is calmly controlling the position for now.
Romero lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Romero lands a shot to the body.
Romero lands a body shot in the clinch.
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!
Nice body punch from Romero - that landed with a thud.
Olsen is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Romero lands a body punch.
Romero lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Olsen or not.
Romero gets through Olsen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A short left from Romero.
Olsen tries for a takedown but Romero manages to get underhooks.
Joel Romero has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Robin Olsen.
Romero lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Olsen.
Romero scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Romero lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A body shot lands from Romero.
Romero lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Olsen.
A body shot lands from Romero.
Romero throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Olsens head.
Romero is leaning against Olsen and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Romero lands a body punch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Romero is leaning against Olsen and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Olsen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Romero scores with a shot to the side of Olsen's head.
A right hook to the body lands for Romero.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Romero softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Joel Romero has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Romero lands with a light punch inside.
A short body shot lands from Romero as the two fighters clinch.
Romero stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Romero lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Olsen.
Romero lands a body punch in the clinch.
Romero works on Olsen's body with a couple of short punches.
Romero is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Olsen can do to turn this around?
Nice body punch from Romero.
Romero lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Romero lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Olsen or not.
Romero works on Olsen's body with a couple of short punches.
Romero gets through Olsen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Romero lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Olsen takes a shot to the head.
Romero lands a body shot.
Romero prevents a takedown attempt there.
Romero lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Romero.
Romero throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Olsens head.
Romero lands a body punch in the clinch.
Romero digs a right hand underneath Olsen's ribcage. Olsen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Romero lands a hook to the side of the head.
Romero lands a shot to the body.
Romero scores with a hook to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Romero.
Romero throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Romero is working Olsen over against the cage.
Romero gets through Olsen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Romero lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Romero digs a right hand underneath Olsen's ribcage. Olsen let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Romero lands with a right to the head.

Olsen is rocked!
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!
Olsen has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Romero is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Olsen is still on wobbly legs! Can Romero finish him?
A body shot lands from Romero.
Olsen seems to have recovered his senses.
Romero lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Romero is leaning against Olsen and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Romero lands a hook that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Good body shot from Romero.
A hook to the body from Romero.
Romero lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Olsen.
Romero lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Olsen or not.
Olsen takes a shot to the head.
Romero lands a shot to the body.
A short left from Romero.
A left hand lands to the body for Romero.
Nice body punch from Romero.
Romero lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Olsen backwards.
Romero working some nice short punches in the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Olsen is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Romero is defending well.
A short body shot lands from Romero as the two fighters clinch.
Romero lands with a light punch inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Romero.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joel Romero dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Olsen moves out of range of the strikes.
Olsen wants to counter the offense by Romero and move into the clinch position.
Romero throws a predictable looking body shot

and Olsen counters with a shoot takedown. Romero fights it but they end up in guard.
Romero pulls Olsen in close to prevent any damage.
Romero is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Olsen stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Romero swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Olsen got a little sloppy there for a moment and Romero has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Olsen has managed to get both his arms back between Romero's legs - danger averted.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Olsen pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Romero is keeping the position for now.
Romero is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Olsen wants to pass the guard but Romero is keeping the position.
Romero bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Olsen's guard.

Romero trying to control but Olsen is working from the bottom.

Olsen is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Olsen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Romero pushes down on Olsen's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Romero is nestled in close to Olsen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Olsen is trying to get back to full guard.
Romero trying to control the action but Olsen is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Olsen missing with punches from the bottom.

Olsen actively working from the bottom here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Olsen tries to get to full guard but Romero has control of the leg.
Romero tries to pass to full mount but Olsen defends it.
Romero has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Romero trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Olsen is mounted but he's throwing punches.
Romero trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Olsen manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Romero lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Romero drops an elbow to the side of Olsen's head.
Olsen tries to get to full guard but Romero has control of the leg.
Romero working Olsen over with strikes.
Romero seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Olsen tries to get to full guard but Romero has control of the leg.
Romero drops an elbow to the side of Olsen's head.

Olsen looking for submissions off his back.
Joel Romero overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Olsen is not content to let Romero control the position.
Romero lands strikes from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Olsen is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Romero pulls his head out easily.
Romero not doing much here.
Romero looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Romero seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Olsen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Olsen wants to get back to full guard.
Romero is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Olsen is trying desperately to improve position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Olsen is still trying to improve position.
Robin Olsen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Romero looking to finish Olsen with some ground and pound. This is bad for Olsen!
Romero lands a big elbow.

And that's the end of the fight!
Joel Romero showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Romero has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:25
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:25
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Joel Romero!
Joel Romero retains his light heavyweight title!
Joel Romero thanked the fans post fight for their support.