PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Dick Niaz (ranked 234 p4p, 488 weight class) and Curtis Rome (ranked 36 p4p, 75 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Niaz
vs
Rome

170 cm
30
165
21 - 11 - 0

170 cm
29
155
15 - 14 - 3

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Fast

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Shadow Realm Apparel

Uncle Rufus Clothing .Co

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Dick Niaz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 14 - 3, fighting out of Amsterdam, Curtis Rome!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Patrick Alders and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Niaz tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rome swivels and escapes.
Rome throws a right and a left that both miss.
Niaz feinted with a counter takedown.
A jab from Rome misses.
Niaz blocks a head kick by Rome.

Rome closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Niaz to the mat! Niaz manages to get full guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Rome looking to sit in guard and control but Niaz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Rome has control of Niaz's left arm, preventing Niaz from doing any damage.
Rome keeping moving, preventing Niaz from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rome is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Niaz wants to control from the top but Rome keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rome is adopting a defensive guard.
Rome looking to hit a scissor sweep but Niaz is one step ahead there.
Rome keeping full guard, as Niaz tries to pass.

That's two 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.
Rome seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Niaz wants to pass the guard but Rome is keeping the position.
Rome trying to keep a closed guard but Niaz is proving a slippery customer.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Rome looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Rome closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Niaz quickly recovers to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Niaz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Niaz is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at MMA Training and Sparring Buddies, so we'll see if he gets out of it.

Rome is trying to work for a kimura but Niaz is defending well.
Rome wants to control but Niaz is keeping him busy.
Niaz is trying to get back to full guard.

Rome is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Niaz has managed to free his arm - good work.
Rome seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Niaz does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Niaz gets back to full guard.

Rome is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Niaz is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Niaz has escaped and now he's on top!

Niaz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rome swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rome looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Our spies down at at MMA Training and Sparring Buddies inform us that Rome has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rome pulls Niaz in close to his closed guard and prevents Niaz from doing any damage or advancing position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Niaz closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Rome quickly recovers to half guard.
Niaz looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Niaz is just content to waste time from the top position. Rome takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Niaz won't allow Rome to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Niaz tries to free his leg and advance position but Rome is retaining full guard.
Rome is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Niaz trying to control the position from guard on top but Rome is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rome wants to sweep here but Niaz controlling him for the moment.
Rome working a defensive guard but Niaz manages to pass into side control anyway.
Rome is looking for a sweep.
Niaz is looking to take a break and control but Rome is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

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.
Rome sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Niaz trying to mount his opponent but Rome defends it.
Niaz slows the pace down in half guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Niaz gets caught flat footed, as Rome shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Rome has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Rome wants to control from the top but Niaz keeps moving.

Rome gets to his feet. Niaz looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Rome shoots in and gets a takedown into Niaz's guard.

Niaz escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rome gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Niaz seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Rome pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Niaz is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rome advances to half guard.
Niaz is refusing to be controlled, as Rome sits in half guard.
Curtis Rome has got the better of the ground game so far.
Niaz wants to control but Rome is keeping busy.

Rome is working for a submission of some sort.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Rome is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Niaz defends it well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Curtis Rome showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Rome changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Niaz looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Niaz wants to control but Rome postures up.

Rome tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Niaz is looking for a sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Niaz is working hard here to advance position.
Niaz is trying to control Rome's posture but Rome avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Niaz is looking for a sweep.

Rome goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Niaz has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Rome but great work by Niaz.
Rome trying his best to control but Niaz has mounted him.

Niaz swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Rome is now in Niaz's guard. A big mistake from Niaz there, giving up the dominant position!
Rome passes Niaz's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Rome is trying to control. Niaz wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Niaz is looking for a sweep. Rome is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Niaz avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Rome.
Niaz controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Niaz wants to improve his position but Rome is controlling well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Niaz is trying to maintain the position but Rome is very close to passing his half guard.

Rome is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Niaz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rome pulls his head out easily.
Rome wants to free his trapped foot but Niaz is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rome wants to lay and pray for a moment but Niaz keeps working.
Niaz works his way to full guard. Good work.
Rome tries to free his leg and advance position but Niaz is retaining full guard.

Niaz has his foot on Rome's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rome works his way back into a safe position though.
Rome trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Rome looking to sit in guard and control but Niaz gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Rome keeping full guard, as Niaz tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Niaz looking to sit in guard and control but Rome gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Niaz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Niaz looking for a sweep. Not yet Niaz, not yet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rome is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Rome trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Niaz manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Curtis Rome just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Niaz drives through with a takedown into guard.

Rome wriggles free and stands up.

Rome bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Niaz tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Rome wants to control but Niaz is keeping him busy.
Rome tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Niaz gets back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rome works his foot free and advances to mount.
Niaz can't escape the position.

Rome swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Niaz is now in Rome's guard. A big mistake from Rome there, giving up the dominant position!
Niaz slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Niaz won't allow Rome to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rome is adopting a defensive guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Niaz wants to pass the guard but Rome is keeping the position.
Rome looking to control.
Rome is adopting a defensive guard.
Niaz wants to pass the guard but Rome is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rome is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Niaz looking to pass the guard.
Rome keeping moving, preventing Niaz from controlling successfully.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Rome seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Niaz gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rome to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Rome pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Niaz is keeping the position for now.
Rome trying to control the position from guard on top but Niaz is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rome pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Niaz is keeping the position for now.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Curtis Rome dominated that fourth 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. And we move into the final round!

Niaz rushes Rome and presses him up against the cage.
Rome prevents the takedown attempt.
Niaz fails to pull guard.

Niaz pulls guard.
Rome looking to pass the guard.

Niaz has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rome can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Rome wants to pass the guard but Niaz is keeping the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rome is pushing down on Niaz's leg trying to pass to half guard. Niaz is fighting to maintain full guard but Rome has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Niaz is looking for a sweep. Rome is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Niaz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rome pulls his head out easily.
Niaz has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Rome is working away from the top position though.

Rome is working for a kimura but Niaz is defending it quite comfortably.
Rome wants to pass the guard but Niaz is defending well.
Dick Niaz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Niaz regains full guard. Nicely done.
Rome works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Rome is looking to stall here but Niaz recovers full guard.

Niaz is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rome defends well.
Rome tries to free his leg and advance position but Niaz is retaining full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niaz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rome manages to get himself to full guard.

Rome not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Niaz keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Rome's head.
Curtis Rome is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Niaz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rome swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Niaz works a leg free and moves into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Niaz throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Rome is defending against the submission attempts here by Niaz.
Rome is concentrating on defense, preventing Niaz from advancing position.
Niaz throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Niaz sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Rome defending well though.
Rome avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Niaz.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dick Niaz showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Rome has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 46:49
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 46:49
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Curtis Rome!
Curtis Rome is the new lightweight champion!
Our winner, Curtis Rome, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.