PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gregoire Aebersold (ranked 4000 p4p, 4903 weight class) and Fernand Legrand (ranked 431 p4p, 511 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Aebersold
vs
Legrand

190 cm
30
214
7 - 10 - 0

190 cm
31
212
5 - 10 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Very quick

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

Furnace Performance 🔥
Silverguard Outfitters 🛡

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Gregoire Aebersold!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Fernand Legrand!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Dean Styles and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Legrand throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Aebersold tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Legrand is in Aebersold's guard.
Aebersold keeping full guard, as Legrand tries to pass.
Aebersold lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Aebersold is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Aebersold with a flurry of punches that miss.
Legrand 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.
Aebersold wants to control from the top but Legrand keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Aebersold accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Legrand is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Legrand scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Aebersold wants to improve his position but Legrand is controlling well.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Aebersold works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Legrand trying to control the position from guard on top but Aebersold is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aebersold utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Aebersold trying to keep a closed guard but Legrand is proving a slippery customer.
Aebersold manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Legrand manages to get himself to full guard.

Aebersold drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Aebersold jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Legrand wants to stand up but Aebersold is controlling him.

Legrand kicks Aebersold off and gets to his feet.

Legrand tries to sprawl but Aebersold drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Aebersold throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Aebersold trying to pass the guard but Legrand defending well.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Legrand manages to escape and get 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!

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Legrand is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Aebersold defends it well.
Aebersold 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.

Legrand wants to work for an arm triangle but Aebersold is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Aebersold trying to control here.

Aebersold is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Legrand pulls his head out easily.
The fighters are battling for position here. Aebersold manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Aebersold wants to sweep but no luck.
Legrand trying to stand up but can't free himself from Aebersold's guard.

Aebersold throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Aebersold keeping full guard, as Legrand tries to pass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aebersold has a closed guard, preventing Legrand from standing up.
Legrand looking to pass the guard.
Aebersold working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Legrand.
Legrand tries to stand but Aebersold is controlling from the bottom.
Legrand trying to control but Aebersold is working from the bottom.
Aebersold is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Aebersold is trying to work for a kimura but Legrand is defending well.
Aebersold takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aebersold wants to take a breather but Legrand is having none of it.
Legrand tries to roll over but Aebersold keeps him under control.

Aebersold is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Legrand tries to kick Aebersold off but Aebersold keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Legrand moves into full guard.
Aebersold passes Legrand's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Legrand wants to improve his position but Aebersold is controlling well.
Legrand is trying to stand back up but Aebersold is controlling him
Legrand is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Aebersold moves nicely into side control.
Aebersold trying to control the action but Legrand is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Aebersold is trying hard to land a takedown here. Legrand sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Legrand shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Legrand wants to take a breather but Aebersold is having none of it.
Legrand might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Aebersold haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Legrand thows a huge punch but Aebersold dodges it nicely.
Aebersold is trying to control but can't.
Aebersold tries to roll over but Legrand keeps him under control.
Legrand tries to stand and escape but Aebersold is controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Aebersold looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Aebersold is looking to improve his position.

Legrand is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aebersold is trying to control but can't.
It looks like Legrand is going to stand back up.
Aebersold slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Aebersold manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Legrand manages to get himself to full guard.

Legrand keeping moving, preventing Aebersold from controlling successfully.
Aebersold trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Legrand is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Legrand managing to control the position.
Aebersold stops Legrand from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aebersold in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Aebersold prevents Legrand from getting back to his feet.
Aebersold wants to control from the top but Legrand keeps moving.
Aebersold prevents Legrand from getting back to his feet.
Aebersold is in close to Legrand's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Legrand is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Fernand Legrand has got the better of the ground game so far.
Legrand is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Aebersold regains full guard. Nicely done.
Legrand postures up.
Legrand postures up and lands a big shot to Aebersold's brow.
Legrand is in close to Aebersold's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Aebersold is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Legrand working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aebersold thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Legrand wants to get up but he can't break Aebersold's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Aebersold is trying to control the position but Legrand postures up.
Legrand must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Legrand tries to free his leg and advance position but Aebersold is retaining full guard.

Legrand gets to his feet - Aebersold follows without any prompting.
Aebersold keeps the fight on the outside.
Legrand looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Aebersold tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Legrand manages to circle out of the way.
Legrand tries to clinch but Aebersold is having none of it.
Legrand shoots for a double leg takedown but Aebersold sprawls well. He's pushed Legrand's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Aebersold fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Legrand throws a shot from downtown. Aebersold moves away and avoids it.

Legrand closes the distance and clinches.

Legrand is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Aebersold can't fight it off and eventually Legrand manages to take the fight to the floor. Aebersold looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Aebersold 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.

Aebersold is looking for a triangle but Legrand pushes his legs off easily.
Legrand wants to stand but Aebersold is controlling his posture from full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Legrand stopping the sweep attempt from Aebersold.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Fernand Legrand showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. This is the final round!

Legrand takes the fight into the clinch.

Legrand lands a takedown into guard.
Legrand is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Aebersold is on top in guard.

Aebersold preventing the sweep.
Legrand controls Aebersold momentarily but Aebersold frees himself.
Aebersold is looking to work some ground and pound but Legrand has wrist control.
Legrand is adopting a defensive guard.
Aebersold pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Legrand is keeping the position for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Legrand not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Aebersold passes Legrand's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Aebersold is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aebersold prevents Legrand from improving his position.
Legrand won't allow Aebersold to pass to mount.
Legrand makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Legrand.

Legrand isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Aebersold stacks Legrand on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Aebersold!
Legrand is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Aebersold wants to free his trapped foot but Legrand is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Legrand looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Aebersold scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Legrand tries to kick Aebersold off but Aebersold keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Aebersold sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Legrand defending well though.
Aebersold is pressing down on Legrand's thigh, looking to free his foot. Legrand is holding on for now.
Legrand gets back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aebersold wants to pass the guard but Legrand is keeping the position.
Aebersold passes Legrand's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

Legrand manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Aebersold wants to clinch up but Legrand keeps it at a distance.
Aebersold leaves Legrand with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Aebersold with a lazy takedown attempt
and Aebersold takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Aebersold gets caught flat footed, as Legrand shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Aebersold controls Legrand momentarily but Legrand frees himself.
Legrand wants to stand but Aebersold has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aebersold lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Legrand tries to land a sweep but no joy.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Legrand is on top in guard.

Legrand takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Legrand postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Legrand stopping the sweep attempt from Aebersold.
Legrand trying to control the position from guard on top but Aebersold is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Aebersold 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.
Legrand trying to stand up but can't free himself from Aebersold's guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Aebersold is on top in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Legrand 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.
Aebersold passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Aebersold grinds an elbow into Legrand's temple.
Aebersold throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

Aebersold is trying to get an arm triangle but Legrand is defending well.
Legrand is looking for a sweep.
Legrand manages to get back to half guard.
Aebersold wants to free his trapped foot but Legrand is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Aebersold works his foot free and advances to mount.
Gregoire Aebersold has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fernand Legrand is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Legrand tries to get back to half guard but can't.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Gregoire Aebersold.
Well Legrand has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 28:30
Judge Joseph Jones scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fernand Legrand!
During a confident post fight interview, Fernand Legrand thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.