PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Daniel Belyaev (ranked 204 p4p, 71 weight class) and Frank Hernandez (ranked 22 p4p, 8 weight class). Hernandez has chosen Journey - Only The Young as his entrance music. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Frank Hernandez was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Belyaev
vs
Hernandez

178 cm
32
152
15 - 6 - 0

170 cm
27
147
18 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

30th Century Beer Store
Wrestler Wayfare

Conquer
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Daniel Belyaev!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Frank Hernandez!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, William Gold and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Belyaev closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Hernandez's guard.
Belyaev postures up and lands a big shot to Hernandez's brow.
Belyaev throws an elbow that misses. Hernandez uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Belyaev's guard. Nice move by Hernandez!

Belyaev keeping moving, preventing Hernandez from controlling successfully.
Hernandez trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hernandez connects with a couple of short punches.
Belyaev wants to improve his position but instead Hernandez has moved into half guard.
Hernandez is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Belyaev is looking for a sweep. Hernandez is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Belyaev regains full guard. Nicely done.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hernandez lands a couple of digs.
Belyaev looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Hernandez stands up over Belyaev, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hernandez preventing the sweep.
Hernandez landing some decent shots from guard.
Hernandez preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Belyaev is on top in guard.

Belyaev definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Hernandez working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belyaev.
Belyaev looking to pass the guard.
Hernandez looking to hit a scissor sweep but Belyaev is one step ahead there.

Hernandez looking for a guillotine here but Belyaev defends easily.
Belyaev throwing strikes from guard but Hernandez blocks nicely.

Hernandez looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Hernandez utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hernandez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Belyaev defends well.

Hernandez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Belyaev defends well.
Our spies down at at Chikara MMA Gym inform us that Hernandez has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Belyaev is looking to pass into half guard but Hernandez pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Hernandez is in guard.

Belyaev wants to sweep but no luck.
Belyaev bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hernandez's guard.

Belyaev landing some decent shots from guard.
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!
Belyaev preventing the sweep.
Hernandez lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hernandez trying to control but Belyaev is working from the bottom.
Belyaev tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez wants to control from the top but Belyaev keeps moving.
Belyaev lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Belyaev landing with the ground and pound.

Hernandez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Belyaev defends well.

Belyaev got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hernandez has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Belyaev has managed to get both his arms back between Hernandez's legs - danger averted.
Belyaev with a nice head shot there.
Hernandez wants to sweep here but Belyaev controlling him for the moment.
Hernandez has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Hernandez is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Belyaev with a nice head shot there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belyaev passes into half guard.
Belyaev looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Hernandez with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Belyaev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Belyaev scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Belyaev drops an elbow to the side of Hernandez's head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Belyaev drops an elbow to the side of Hernandez's head.

Hernandez actively working from the bottom here.
Belyaev scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Belyaev slips a nice elbow through Hernandez's hands, connecting with Hernandez's forehead.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Belyaev tries to pass to full mount but Hernandez defends it.
Hernandez gets full guard.
Belyaev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Hernandez's head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Belyaev dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Hernandez misses with a hook.
Belyaev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Hernandez throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Belyaev sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Belyaev is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hernandez sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Belyaev goes for a double leg but Hernandez avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Hernandez continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daniel Belyaev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Belyaev has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Hernandez after a bit of a struggle.
Hernandez lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Hernandez is working Belyaev over against the cage.
A short right from Hernandez.
A body shot lands from Hernandez.
A short body shot lands from Hernandez as the two fighters clinch.
Hernandez gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Belyaev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Belyaev tries for a takedown but Hernandez manages to get underhooks.
Belyaev goes for a takedown in the clinch but Hernandez prevents it.
Belyaev is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Hernandez is defending well.
Hernandez lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Belyaev is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Hernandez lands a body punch in the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Belyaev is working for takedown but Hernandez is calmly controlling the position for now.
A short left from Hernandez.
Belyaev is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hernandez pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Nice body punch from Hernandez.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Hernandez.
Hernandez is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hernandez lands a nice uppercut.
Belyaev wants a takedown but no success here.
Belyaev is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Hernandez pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Still in the clinch, Hernandez scores with a nice short uppercut.
Hernandez lands with a light punch inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Hernandez.
Nice body punch from Hernandez - that landed with a thud.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hernandez pushes Belyaev back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hernandez doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hernandez gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Belyaev.
Hernandez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hernandez lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Belyaev backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hernandez misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hernandez lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Hernandez.
A right hand to the body from Hernandez.
A hook to the body from Hernandez.
Hernandez lands a hook that snaps the head of Belyaev backwards.
Frank Hernandez seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hernandez scores with a nice hook to the head.
Hernandez doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short uppercut from Hernandez.
Belyaev drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hernandez pulls his leg out and moves away.
Hernandez throws a shot to the body.
Belyaev shoots in for a double leg but Hernandez sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Belyaev shoots in and drives through. Hernandez sprawls well.
Belyaev gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hernandez counters with a left to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Belyaev.
Hernandez appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belyaev walks into a straight right hand from Hernandez.
Hernandez defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Belyaev.
Hernandez throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Daniel Belyaev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Belyaev tries to move into range but Hernandez moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hernandez stuffs the takedown.
Frank Hernandez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hernandez swings for the body but Belyaev moves out of range.
Belyaev fails with a takedown attempt.
A little jabbing left from Hernandez on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Horrible takedown attempt by Belyaev or perhaps it was just good defense by Hernandez, which made it look bad.
Belyaev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Daniel Belyaev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Belyaev with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hernandez counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Belyaev misses with a takedown
letting Hernandez counter with a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Belyaev has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Belyaev there as he acknowledges the shot.
Hernandez lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Belyaev avoids a punch combination nicely.
Hernandez lands with a good body shot.
Hernandez lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Frank Hernandez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Belyaev slips under a jab from Hernandez.
Belyaev tries to counter with a takedown but Hernandez is quick to defend against it.
Hernandez swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nice sprawl there from Hernandez as Belyaev shoots in.
Belyaev shoots for a double leg takedown but Hernandez sprawls well. He's pushed Belyaev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Belyaev with a poor takedown
and Hernandez counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
A punch combination from Hernandez misses.
Belyaev shoots for a double leg takedown but Hernandez sprawls well. He's pushed Belyaev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hernandez throws a shot to the body.
Hernandez connects with a right hand. Belyaev shakes it off.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Hernandez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Hernandez stuffs the takedown attempt from Belyaev. Belyaev gets slowly back to his feet.
Hernandez scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Belyaev doesn't seem bothered though.
A big right from Hernandez misses.
Hernandez throws out a powerful jab.
Belyaev with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hernandez counters with a nice body shot.
Hernandez scores with a jab to the jaw.
Belyaev tries for a takedown but Hernandez circles away easily
and Hernandez counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daniel Belyaev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hernandez jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Belyaev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Belyaev with a poor takedown
and Hernandez counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Hernandez fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Belyaev moves away from the strike by Hernandez.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hernandez sizes up Belyaev with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Hernandez just misses with a punch to the body.
Hernandez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Belyaev manages to avoid it.
Belyaev attempts a counter takedown but Hernandez avoids it well and moves away.
Belyaev with a poor takedown
letting Hernandez counter with a right hand.
Nice uppercut there from Hernandez.
Belyaev shoots for a takedown but Hernandez saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
The crowd cheers as Hernandez lands an impressive looking overhand right. Belyaev doesn't seem phased though.
Belyaev throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hernandez's waist but Hernandez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Belyaev off to one side.
Hernandez looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hernandez scores with a hook to the body. Belyaev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Belyaev gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hernandez counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Belyaev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hernandez appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Hernandez changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hernandez getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belyaev throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hernandez's waist but Hernandez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Belyaev off to one side.
Hernandez swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Belyaev gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Hernandez counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Belyaev tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Hernandez defends well and Belyaev ends up having to push Hernandez into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A nice side step and Hernandez releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Belyaev wants a takedown.

Belyaev has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Hernandez regains guard immediately.
Hernandez is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Belyaev has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Hernandez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Belyaev defends well.
Hernandez wants to sweep here but Belyaev controlling him for the moment.

Hernandez escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Belyaev gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belyaev with a nice head shot there.
Belyaev stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hernandez swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Belyaev avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Hernandez working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belyaev.

Hernandez is looking for a triangle but Belyaev pushes his legs off easily.

Hernandez has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Belyaev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Belyaev postures up.
Belyaev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hernandez works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Belyaev stands up over his opponent, looking to dive in with a big punch. Here he comes, superman style! Oh, the punch misses and Hernandez has got him in a triangle choke for good measure! Oh no! Belyaev manages to get his head free but now Hernandez has transitioned to an armbar! Belyaev grimaces and is forced to tap! Beautiful Jiu Jitsu from Hernandez! I'd be surprised if that didn't end up as submission of the night!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:22 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Frank Hernandez!
An out of breath Frank Hernandez thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.