PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mertis Falandas (ranked 3018 p4p, 2676 weight class) and Julian Avila (ranked 381 p4p, 340 weight class). Falandas comes into the arena with Feed the Machine blaring out of the sound system. Julian Avila is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Falandas
vs
Avila

185 cm
20
170
3 - 1 - 1

177 cm
20
180
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Solid chin

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 1, fighting out of New York, Mertis Falandas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Julian Avila!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Robert Douchet and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Avila ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Falandas throws a looping overhand right but Avila ducks down to avoid it.
Falandas looks to throw the jab but Avila is out of range.
Falandas fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Good work by Falandas as he checks the leg kick.
Avila misses with a low kick.
Falandas ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Avila lands with a good body shot.
Avila chopping away at his opponent's legs.
The fighters circle momentarily. Falandas darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Falandas closes the distance and clinches.
Avila misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Falandas.
Avila trying to land knees to the body.
A short left from Falandas.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Falandas lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Falandas prevents a body shot from Avila.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Avila wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Avila with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Falandas misses with a punch to the body.
Falandas tries to score a body lock takedown but Avila shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Falandas lands with a light punch inside.
Falandas tries to throw a body punch but Avila avoids it by throwing Falandas back against the cage.
Falandas misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Avila swings wildly with an uppercut but Falandas uses good head movement to avoid it.
The referee is keeping an eye on Avila - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Falandas letting Avila take a breather here.
Avila blocks an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Falandas tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Falandas doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Avila looking to slow down the pace here.
The referee calls for Avila to work.
Avila tries to land knees in the clinch but Falandas avoids the damage to the body.
Falandas lands a hook to the side of the head.
Falandas changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Avila fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Avila misses with an uppercut.
Avila lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Avila is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Falandas.
A lazy left from Avila finds it's target.

It looks like Mertis Falandas has been cut.
Falandas looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Avila takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
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!
Avila throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Falandas sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Avila throws a lazy right hand but Falandas sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Falandas uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Avila.
Falandas keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Avila throws a chopping leg kick but Falandas manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A low kick lands for Avila.
Falandas feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Avilas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Falandas misses with a looping right.
A head kick misses from Falandas.
Avila lands a jab to Falandas's midsection.
Avila looks to score with a jab to the body but Falandas is just out of range.
Falandas was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Avila looks to land a left hand but Falandas moved out of range nicely.
Avila tries to score with a low kick but Falandas moves his leg out of the way.
As Avila backs away, Falandas returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Avila fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Falandas uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Avila.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Falandas fails in his attempt to clinch.
Falandas dodges the punch combination from Avila.
Falandas tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Avila manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Avila tries to bum rush Falandas with a series of wild strikes but Falandas uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
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!
Avila throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Falandas looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Avila listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Avila throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Falandas appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Falandas tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Avila paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Falandas throws a chopping leg kick but Avila manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Avila lands a jab to Falandas's midsection.
Avila drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Falandas changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Avila misses with a low kick.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Julian Avila dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mertis Falandas's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Falandas checks a leg kick.
Avila connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Avila throws a shot from downtown. Falandas moves away and avoids it.
Falandas swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Falandas misses with an uppercut.
Falandas tries to close the distance and clinch but Avila swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Falandas slips under a jab.
Avila misses with a low kick.
Avila goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Avila throws a leg kick but Falandas sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Avila takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Falandas thuds his right hand into Avila's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Falandas moves away from the strike by Avila.
Falandas is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Avila.
Avila throws a lazy uppercut
and Avila takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Avila throws a leg kick but Falandas sees it coming and moves out of range.
Avila scores with a nice body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good shot there by Avila.
Nice defenses there by Avila.
Avila fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Avila throws a low kick but Falandas avoids it.
Falandas throws out a loose jab but Avila uses good head movement to avoid it.
Avila swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Avila has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Falandas lands with a cross.
Avila attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Avila tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Julian Avila seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Falandas looks to clinch
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Falandas blocks a jab.
Avila tried to score with a low kick but Falandas checks it.
Falandas waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Avila.
Avila connects with a solid leg kick.

Falandas closes the distance and clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Avila tries to land a knee to the head but Falandas blocks with his arms.
Avila lands a right hand that snaps the head of Falandas backwards.
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!
Falandas avoiding damage as Avila throws knees to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Falandas.
Falandas has a couple of punches blocked by Avila.
Falandas tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Avila's elbow.
Falandas misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Falandas lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Avila backwards.
Falandas is trying to drag Avila to the mat but Avila just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A head punch on the inside from Falandas fails to land.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Avila stalling.
Falandas is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Avila trying to stall but Falandas improves his position.

Avila escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sloppy strikes from Falandas. Those never looked like landing.
Avila's corner calls for a 1-2. Avila obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Avila throws a low kick but it's checked well by Falandas.
Falandas has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Avila throws a leg kick that misses.
Falandas lands a nice shot to the body.

Falandas clinches up against the cage.
Avila tries to land a knee to the head but Falandas blocks with his arms.
Avila blocks an uppercut.
Avila prevents a takedown attempt there.
Falandas fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Falandas is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mertis Falandas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Falandas has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Avila avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Falandas lands a nice shot to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Avila.

Falandas pulls guard.
Avila controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Falandas is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Falandas is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Avila defends well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Julian Avila will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Mertis Falandas's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Avila tries to land a leg kick but Falandas saw it coming and moves away.
Falandas defending well as Avila loads up on a big left hand.
Avila gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Falandas.
Avila scores with a leg kick.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Avila. Falandas shrugs it off though.
Avila displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Falandas throws out the jab.
Falandas lands a head shot.
Falandas ducks under a wild hook from Avila.
Falandas wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Avila throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Avila is looking to score with low kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Falandas slips under a jab from Avila.

Falandas clinches with his opponent.
Avila missing with knees to the body.
Falandas is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Avila is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Falandas tries to throw a body punch but Avila avoids it by throwing Falandas back against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Falandas.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Avila.
Falandas is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Avila gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mertis Falandas. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Avila is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Avila tries a body shot but Falandas blocks it.
Falandas misses with a punch to the body.
Avila lands a good knee to the midsection. Falandas won't want to take too many of those.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Avila looking to stall.
Avila takes a shot to the head.
Mertis Falandas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Avila prevents a body shot from Falandas.
Falandas throws a punch but it's blocked by Avila.
Falandas is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Avila pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Falandas jumps guard but Avila stands there with Falandas around his waist. Falandas gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Falandas is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Avila is defending well.
Falandas goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Falandas pushes Avila back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Avila tries to land knees in the clinch but Falandas avoids the damage to the body.
Falandas fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Falandas misses with some punches.
Falandas softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Avila.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Falandas doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Avila stalling the fight.
Falandas tries to score a body lock takedown but Avila shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Avila misses with a hook to the ribs.
Falandas's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Avila with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Falandas fails to land.
Avila blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Come on Avila - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
A short left from Falandas.
A head punch on the inside from Falandas fails to land.
Come on Avila - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Falandas misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Avila landing some nice looking knees to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Falandas.
Falandas tries to work over Avila's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Falandas misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Falandas.
Falandas avoiding damage as Avila throws knees to the body.
Julian Avila is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Falandas misses with the head strike.
Avila tries to land a knee to the head but Falandas blocks with his arms.
Falandas goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Falandas.
Avila working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Falandas misses with a hook to the ribs.
Avila blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Julian Avila.
I've got Avila winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight for Julian Avila!
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight for Julian Avila!
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight for Julian Avila!

Julian Avila wins by unanimous decision!