PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Danny Brook (ranked 1428 p4p, 4262 weight class) and Nathan Leal (ranked 209 p4p, 499 weight class). Nathan Leal will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Brook
vs
Leal

180 cm
23
235
8 - 9 - 0

195 cm
34
275
13 - 9 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Great elbows
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Danny Brook!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nathan Leal!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Robert Douchet and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Brook scores with the left hand. Leal knows he should have avoided that one.
Brook dives in and grabs Leal's left leg, looking for a takedown. Leal pushes down on Brook's head and hops out.
It seemed like Leal was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Leal swats away the attempt to clinch by Brook.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leal! But no joy.

Brook darts in and clinches Leal up against the cage.

Leal decides to pull guard.
Brook trying to control but Leal is working from the bottom.
Brook passes Leal's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brook is trying to control. Leal wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Brook uses his free foot to push down on Leal's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Leal.

Brook moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Leal has worked his arm free - good work by Leal!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brook is looking to take a break and control but Leal is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Brook wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Leal, who protects the arm well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Brook is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Leal has escaped the position, nice work there.
Leal tries to get back to half guard but can't.

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.
Brook trying to control the position but Leal is working away.

Brook has hold of Leal's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Leal seems comfortable defending it but Brook has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Leal is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Leal is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Brook couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Danny Brook!
Danny Brook retains his heavyweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Danny Brook thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.