PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Vladimir Emelyanov (ranked 4817 p4p, 0 weight class) and Omar Al Boleahi (ranked 2601 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys are coming into the fight with injuries so let's see if that has a bearing on the fight. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Emelyanov
vs
Al Boleahi

182 cm
26
156 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

179 cm
27
157 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
KO power

Good wrestler
Brawler
Powerful

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 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vladimir Emelyanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Omar Al Boleahi!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Franklyn Lucas and Dean Styles.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Boleahi shoots in for a double leg but Emelyanov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Emelyanov looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Al Boleahi keeps the fight on the outside.
Emelyanov looks for a takedown but Al Boleahi sprawls well.
Al Boleahi fails to land the takedown.
Emelyanov stuffs the takedown attempt from Al Boleahi. Al Boleahi gets slowly back to his feet.
Vladimir Emelyanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omar Al Boleahi.

Emelyanov clinches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Boleahi drops down looking for an ankle pick but Emelyanov pulls his leg out and moves away.

Emelyanov rushes Al Boleahi and presses him up against the cage.
Al Boleahi has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Emelyanov after a bit of a struggle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Boleahi is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Emelyanov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Emelyanov is working for takedown but Al Boleahi is calmly controlling the position for now.
Emelyanov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Al Boleahi pulls his leg out and moves away.
Emelyanov wants to clinch.

Al Boleahi throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Emelyanov was covering up waiting for the punch and Al Boleahi finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Emelyanov working for a triangle but Al Boleahi defends it easily.

Emelyanov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Emelyanov wants to sweep here but Al Boleahi controlling him for the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Al Boleahi throws a big elbow that misses.

Emelyanov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Al Boleahi is aware though and is defending well.
Al Boleahi trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Emelyanov working a defensive guard here.
Al Boleahi lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Al Boleahi throws an elbow that misses. Emelyanov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Al Boleahi's guard. Nice move by Emelyanov!

Emelyanov trying to control the position from guard on top but Al Boleahi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelyanov won't allow Al Boleahi to get back to his feet.
Emelyanov passes into half guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Emelyanov thows a huge punch but Al Boleahi dodges it nicely.
Emelyanov trying to mount his opponent but Al Boleahi defends it.
Emelyanov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Emelyanov prevents Al Boleahi from standing back up.
Al Boleahi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Emelyanov.
Al Boleahi tries to kick Emelyanov off but Emelyanov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Emelyanov is working for a submission of some sort.
Emelyanov throwing shots but Al Boleahi is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Al Boleahi is trying to stand back up but Emelyanov is controlling him
Emelyanov is trying to control the action in half guard but Al Boleahi is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Emelyanov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Al Boleahi is fending him off so far but Emelyanov persists. Nope, Al Boleahi circles away and we're back to standing.
Emelyanov leaves Al Boleahi with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Al Boleahi misses with a takedown attempt - Emelyanov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Emelyanov looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Emelyanov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Emelyanov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Emelyanov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Emelyanov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Al Boleahi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Emelyanov dominated that round.
That's time! Emelyanov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Emelyanov throws a right and a left that Al Boleahi avoids nicely.
Emelyanov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Al Boleahi can do to turn this around?

Al Boleahi closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Emelyanov to the mat! Emelyanov manages to get full guard.

Al Boleahi got a little sloppy there for a moment and Emelyanov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Al Boleahi has managed to get both his arms back between Emelyanov's legs - danger averted.
Emelyanov wants to get back to his feet but Al Boleahi is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Al Boleahi's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Emelyanov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Al Boleahi is one step ahead there.
Vladimir Emelyanov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Boleahi is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Emelyanov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Boleahi stopping the sweep attempt from Emelyanov.
Al Boleahi stands up over Emelyanov, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Emelyanov working a defensive guard here.
Emelyanov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Al Boleahi is one step ahead there.
Emelyanov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Emelyanov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Al Boleahi preventing the sweep.
Al Boleahi working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Al Boleahi cracks Emelyanov with a solid left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Emelyanov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Al Boleahi working some strikes from top position.
Emelyanov will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Emelyanov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Al Boleahi manages to get himself to full guard.

Emelyanov stops Al Boleahi from standing up.

Emelyanov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Al Boleahi keeping moving, preventing Emelyanov from controlling successfully.
Al Boleahi is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Emelyanov works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Emelyanov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Boleahi is looking to escape.

Emelyanov decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Emelyanov misses with a takedown attempt - Al Boleahi sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A head kick from Emelyanov lands but Al Boleahi takes it in his stride.
Nice takedown defense from Emelyanov. No joy for Al Boleahi on that attempt.
Al Boleahi fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Emelyanov tries to counter by clinching up but Al Boleahi breaks away and moves out of range.
Emelyanov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vladimir Emelyanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omar Al Boleahi.
Nice sprawl there from Al Boleahi as Emelyanov shoots in.
Emelyanov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Al Boleahi is defended easily by Emelyanov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelyanov throws a jab when Al Boleahi was well out of range.

Al Boleahi gets the takedown into side control.

Emelyanov sneaks out the side door and pushes Al Boleahi away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Emelyanov pushes Al Boleahi up against the cage in a clinch.

Al Boleahi has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Emelyanov is trying to keep an underhook but Al Boleahi manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Al Boleahi really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Emelyanov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Al Boleahi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Emelyanov is trying to maintain the position but Al Boleahi is very close to passing his half guard.
Emelyanov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Emelyanov moves into full guard.
Emelyanov looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Al Boleahi doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Emelyanov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Al Boleahi tries for a takedown but Emelyanov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Emelyanov tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Al Boleahi manages to circle out of the way.
Al Boleahi defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Emelyanov.
Al Boleahi fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Vladimir Emelyanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omar Al Boleahi.
No luck for Al Boleahi with that takedown attempt.

Al Boleahi shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Emelyanov has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Al Boleahi is on him like a limpet, forcing Emelyanov back against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Boleahi has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Emelyanov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Al Boleahi is trying to drag Emelyanov to the mat but Emelyanov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Emelyanov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Emelyanov wants to clinch up but Al Boleahi keeps it at a distance.
Vladimir Emelyanov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Emelyanov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Al Boleahi circles away quickly and effectively.
Al Boleahi shoots in for a takedown but Emelyanov shows good takedown defense.
Emelyanov lands with a kick to the ribs.
Omar Al Boleahi seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Al Boleahi avoids the head kick by Emelyanov.
Al Boleahi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Emelyanov pinned against the cage. Emelyanov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Al Boleahi shoots in for a takedown but Emelyanov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Emelyanov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Al Boleahi sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Al Boleahi gets a double leg takedown into Emelyanov's guard.

Emelyanov has his feet on Al Boleahi's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Emelyanov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Al Boleahi is fending him off so far but Emelyanov persists. Nope, Al Boleahi circles away and we're back to standing.
Emelyanov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Al Boleahi dodges the punch combination from Emelyanov.
Emelyanov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Al Boleahi as he avoids it easily.
Emelyanov shoots in but no luck this time.
Emelyanov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Al Boleahi. That did some damage!
Emelyanov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Al Boleahi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

Emelyanov gets a clinch.
Emelyanov has a couple of punches blocked by Al Boleahi.
Emelyanov is trying to maintain a safe position but Al Boleahi gets an underhook and turns Emelyanov into the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelyanov wants to take the fight to the mat but Al Boleahi manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Emelyanov successfully pulls guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Al Boleahi accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Al Boleahi scoring with some ground and pound.
Emelyanov lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Al Boleahi is looking to stand up but Emelyanov isn't so interested in that idea.
Emelyanov trying to control the position from guard on top but Al Boleahi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Emelyanov advances to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Boleahi is trying to stand up here but Emelyanov is controlling him well.
Emelyanov trying to control the action but Al Boleahi is working from the bottom.
Emelyanov working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Emelyanov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Al Boleahi's head.
Al Boleahi is trying to stand back up but Emelyanov is controlling him
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Emelyanov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Emelyanov throwing shots but Al Boleahi is blocking nicely.
Omar Al Boleahi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vladimir Emelyanov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Emelyanov blocks the strikes from Al Boleahi.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vladimir Emelyanov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Emelyanov 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 30:27
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vladimir Emelyanov!