PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Azriel Pandens (ranked 705 p4p, 83 weight class) and Vladimir Tomcic (ranked 904 p4p, 103 weight class). Azriel Pandens has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Pandens
vs
Tomcic

173 cm
21
149 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

173 cm
21
156 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Shadow-Battle Clothing
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Azriel Pandens!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Vladimir Tomcic!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pandens moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Pandens looks for the body kick but Tomcic saw that one coming.
Tomcic slips under a jab.
Pandens punishes Tomcic's body with a nice straight punch.
Tomcic avoids the head kick by Pandens.
Tomcic let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

Tomcic feints and as Pandens raises his hands in defense, Tomcic changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Tomcic trying to control but Pandens is working from the bottom.

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

Pandens tries to stand but Tomcic is controlling from the bottom.

Tomcic throws his legs up looking for a submission but Pandens uses it to pass to side control.
Tomcic is looking for a sweep.
Pandens knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Tomcic on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tomcic manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

Tomcic seems to be looking for submissions.

Tomcic is working for a kimura but Pandens is defending it quite comfortably.
Tomcic is keen to just control but Pandens is a slippery customer.
Pandens is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Brotherhood MMA (16 ELITE COACHES), so we'll see if he gets out of it.

Tomcic is looking for a kimura here.
Tomcic wants to free his trapped foot but Pandens is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Tomcic is working for a kimura but Pandens is defending it quite comfortably.

Tomcic seems to be working for a kimura but Pandens defends the submission attempt.

Tomcic wants to work for an arm triangle but Pandens is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Tomcic is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Tomcic is trying to control. Pandens wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tomcic is working for a kimura but Pandens is defending it quite comfortably.

Pandens is defending against the submission attempts here by Tomcic.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Tomcic is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Tomcic is looking for a kimura but Pandens is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tomcic to get the leverage.

Tomcic is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Pandens wants to get back to his feet.
Tomcic is looking to stall here but Pandens recovers full guard.
Tomcic showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Tomcic wants to pass the guard but Pandens is keeping the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tomcic trying to control the position from guard on top but Pandens is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Pandens keeps the fight on the outside.
Pandens slaps away a takedown attempt from Tomcic, before circling back to the center of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Vladimir Tomcic will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Tomcic fails with an attempt to clinch.
Pandens scores with a three punch combo!
Pandens moves out of range as Tomcic strikes.
Tomcic misses with a hook.
Pandens lunges at Tomcic with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Tomcic's hand.
Pandens jabs Tomcic right on the nose. Tomcic blinks but takes it well.
Tomcic does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Tomcic with a hook.
Tomcic tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Pandens paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Tomcic shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Pandens's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tomcic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pandens swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tomcic is still trying to improve position.
Pandens is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Tomcic pushes down on Pandens's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pandens is defending against the submission attempts here by Tomcic.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Well, if Tomcic is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

Tomcic is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Pandens doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Tomcic.

Tomcic is working for a submission of some sort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Pandens tries to kick Tomcic off but Tomcic keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Pandens is staying active underneath Tomcic, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Tomcic is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Tomcic seems to be looking for submissions.
Tomcic trying to mount his opponent but Pandens defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pandens is staying active underneath Tomcic, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Pandens tries to kick Tomcic off but Tomcic keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Tomcic is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Pandens doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Tomcic.
Pandens is trying to stand back up but Tomcic is controlling him

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Pandens lands a nice shot to the body.
Tomcic misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pandens lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Pandens avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pandens slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Pandens feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Tomcic's calf.
Tomcic on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tomcic throws a looping overhand right but Pandens ducks down to avoid it.
Pandens scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Tomcic misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Tomcic avoids the head kick by Pandens.
Good standup being displayed there by Pandens as he connects with a hook.
Jab, jab by Pandens - just one landing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tomcic jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Pandens throws out a loose jab but Tomcic uses good head movement to avoid it.
Pandens fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tomcic manages to avoid it.
Tomcic appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Tomcic takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Tomcic takes a jab right on the kisser.
Pandens fakes the leg kick and cracks Tomcic in the body.
Pandens scores with a kick to the midsection.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Azriel Pandens dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Pandens circles away from the clinch attempt.
Tomcic tries to clinch up but Pandens circles away and keeps his distance.
Tomcic throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Pandens's waist but Pandens gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tomcic off to one side.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Pandens.
Tomcic tries to move into range but Pandens moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Pandens pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tomcic shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Pandens pinned against the cage. Pandens gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Pandens throwing a counter right hand but Tomcic manages to avoid it.
Azriel Pandens is winning the standup battle so far.
Pandens lands a head shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tomcic lands with an overhand left.
A slapping leg kick lands for Pandens.
Tomcic pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Pandens misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tomcic throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tomcic shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Pandens defends it nicely.
Azriel Pandens has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vladimir Tomcic.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pandens connects with a body shot.
Pandens throws a head kick but Tomcic moves out of range.
Pandens keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tomcic.
Tomcic shoots in looking for a takedown. Pandens tries to sprawl out of it but Tomcic keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Pandens manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Pandens throws a head kick but Tomcic moves out of range.
Tomcic tries to clinch up.
A head kick misses from Tomcic.
Pandens's corner calls for a 1-2. Pandens obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Pandens.
Tomcic walks into a jab.
Pandens slips a straight right by Tomcic.
Pandens scores with the left hand. Tomcic knows he should have avoided that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pandens goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pandens throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Pandens darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Pandens scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Tomcic on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Pandens throws a head kick that Tomcic semi-blocks.
Pandens lands a nice looking body shot.
Tomcic shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Pandens counter with a right hand.
Tomcic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tomcic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A big left from Tomcic misses.
Pandens cracks Tomcic with an open hand slap.
Pandens throws a head kick but Tomcic moves out of range.
Tomcic looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Tomcic might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Pandens digs a good hook to Tomcic's body.
Pandens throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Pandens changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A left lands for Pandens.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tomcic rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Pandens moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Pandens scores with a hook to the body. Tomcic takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
A decent looking cross lands there for Pandens.

Tomcic closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Tomcic lands in his opponent's guard.
Pandens wants to stand up but Tomcic is controlling him.
Pandens working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Tomcic.
Pandens is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tomcic can do to turn this around?
Pandens wants to get back to his feet but Tomcic is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Tomcic trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tomcic trying to control but Pandens is working from the bottom.
Tomcic tries to free his leg and advance position but Pandens is retaining full guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Tomcic trying to control the position from guard on top but Pandens is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Pandens lands a glancing blow to the side of Tomcic's head.
Pandens throws a push kick but Tomcic slaps the foot to one side.
Tomcic has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Tomcic stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Tomcic fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tomcic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Pandens manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A big left from Tomcic misses.
Pandens thuds his shin into the meat of Tomcic's side.
Pandens takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Pandens moves away from the strike by Tomcic.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Azriel Pandens clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Pandens lands a head kick!
Pandens's jab looks to have found its range, popping Tomcic under the eye.
Tomcic tries to close the distance and clinch but Pandens swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Pandens throws a head kick but Tomcic moves out of range.
Pandens swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Good standup being displayed there by Pandens as he connects with a hook.
Tomcic's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Pandens connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tomcic scrambles back to his feet.
Tomcic doesn't manage to clinch there - Pandens circles away.
Pandens lands with a kick to the temple. Tomcic shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Tomcic has a takedown stuffed.
Pandens misses the jab.

Tomcic closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Pandens quickly recovers to half guard.
Tomcic is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Tomcic is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Tomcic is looking for a kimura but Pandens is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Tomcic to get the leverage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tomcic is working for a kimura but Pandens is defending it quite comfortably.

Tomcic is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Pandens pushes Tomcic off looking to stand but Tomcic dives back in and keeps control.

Tomcic is trying to work for a kimura but Pandens is defending well.
Tomcic moves into full mount! Pandens won't be happy about that!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Pandens is squirming around, avoiding Tomcic's attempts to control the action.
Pandens has given up his back.

Tomcic tightening his grip on Pandens, looking for the choke.

Pandens defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tomcic tightening his grip on Pandens, looking for the choke.
Vladimir Tomcic has got the better of the ground game so far.

Tomcic working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Well, with Tomcic on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Pandens is tapping out... Can he escape the position?

Tomcic is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Tomcic has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Pandens has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Good control from Tomcic.

Tomcic is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Tomcic is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Pandens preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Tomcic.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Vladimir Tomcic will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Pandens lands an overhand right.
Tomcic finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Pandens plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Pandens throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Tomcic throws a hook but Pandens avoids it easily.
Pandens blocks a head kick by Tomcic.
Tomcic tries to move into range but Pandens moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Pandens thuds his shin into the meat of Tomcic's side.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tomcic.
Pandens cracks Tomcic with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pandens lands with a right hand.
Pandens scores with a nice head shot.
Tomcic's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Pandens connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tomcic scrambles back to his feet.
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!
Pandens checks a low kick from Tomcic.
Azriel Pandens is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pandens throws the left hand but Tomcic avoids the punch easily.
Pandens lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Pandens moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Pandens smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Pandens throws a head kick that misses.
Tomcic moves out of range of the body kick.
Pandens lets loose with a powerful body kick. Tomcic will feel that in the morning.
Pandens circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pandens throws the left hand but Tomcic avoids the punch easily.
Pandens circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pandens cracks Tomcic with a right hand to the side of the head.
Tomcic closes the distance and clinches up with Pandens, looking for a takedown. Tomcic pushes Pandens against the cage but Pandens circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pandens lands with a cross.
Pandens misses with a hook. Tomcic ducked under it nicely.
Tomcic throws a right hand that misses
and Pandens counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pandens with a nice cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pandens throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Tomcic.
Tomcic slips a jab from Pandens.
Tomcic throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Pandens's waist but Pandens gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tomcic off to one side.
Azriel Pandens has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vladimir Tomcic.
Tomcic is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Tomcic steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Pandens.
It seemed like Tomcic was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Pandens throws a nice outside leg kick.
Pandens jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Pandens blocks a leg kick.
Pandens avoids the head kick by Tomcic.
Tomcic shoots in looking for a takedown but Pandens manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Tomcic's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Pandens cracks Tomcic with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Pandens lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Pandens scores with a decent looking hook.

Tomcic looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Pandens!

Tomcic tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Tomcic has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tomcic tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Tomcic has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Sloppy strikes there by Tomcic.
Tomcic trying to control the position but Pandens is working away.

Tomcic is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Pandens is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Tomcic working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Tomcic is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Pandens knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Pandens is not content to let Tomcic control the position.

Tomcic is trying to get an arm triangle but Pandens is defending well.

And that's the end of the fight!
Azriel Pandens showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Pandens has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 48:47
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 48:47
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 49:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Azriel Pandens!
Azriel Pandens retains his featherweight title!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Azriel Pandens waved his t-shirt featuring Shadow-Battle Clothing's logo in front of the cameras.