PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Belial Zaapiel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Develen Elvington (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Zaapiel
vs
Elvington

171 cm
21
155 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

179 cm
28
152 lbs
13 - 2 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BHP's Shaolin Nutrition & Laundry (One Stop Shop)
Broken Halo Pride Nutrition

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 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Belial Zaapiel!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Develen Elvington!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, John Kavanagh and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zaapiel is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Zaapiel slips a straight right by Elvington.
Elvington is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Zaapiel.
A slow jab from Zaapiel misses its intended target.
Elvington throws a nice looking combination but Zaapiel bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Elvington fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Elvington drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Elvington postures up in Zaapiel's guard and throws a big left but Zaapiel blocks it.
Zaapiel trying to control the position.
Zaapiel looking to hit a scissor sweep but Elvington is one step ahead there.
Elvington trying to control but Zaapiel is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaapiel utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Elvington wants to pass the guard but Zaapiel is keeping the position.
Elvington is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Zaapiel thuds his right hand into Elvington's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Elvington pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zaapiel looks for the body kick but Elvington saw that one coming.
Elvington throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zaapiel.
Zaapiel moves out of range of the body kick from Elvington.
Elvington throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zaapiel throws a sloppy head kick and Elvington moves out of range easily.
Zaapiel fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Elvington is out of range.
Zaapiel uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Elvington.
Zaapiel misses with a looping left.
Elvington lands with a shot to the body.
Zaapiel moves out of range of the strikes.
Zaapiel tries to close the distance and clinch but Elvington swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaapiel throws a leg kick which misses Elvington's front leg but catches the back leg as Elvington tries to avoid it.
Develen Elvington seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Elvington slips under a jab.
Elvington throws a low kick but Zaapiel avoids it.
Zaapiel avoids the head kick by Elvington.
Elvington throws a leg kick
and Zaapiel counters with a low kick, right behind Elvington 's knee.
Elvington takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Elvington misses with a body kick.
Belial Zaapiel is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Elvington shoots in looking for a takedown but Zaapiel manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Elvington's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Elvington jabs Zaapiel to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A low kick from Zaapiel misses
and Elvington counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Zaapiel pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Horrible takedown by Elvington or perhaps it was just good defense by Zaapiel which made him look bad.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
An inside leg kick from Zaapiel misses.
A shot to the liver by Elvington. Beautiful body shot.
Elvington fails with a takedown attempt.
Belial Zaapiel has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Develen Elvington.
Elvington fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zaapiel manages to avoid it.
Elvington looks to score with a jab to the body but Zaapiel is just out of range.
Elvington shoots for a double leg takedown but Zaapiel sprawls well. He's pushed Elvington's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zaapiel misses with a head kick.
Elvington throws out a loose jab but Zaapiel uses good head movement to avoid it.
Elvington looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Develen Elvington dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Elvington gets the takedown into side control.
Elvington is looking to take a break and control but Zaapiel is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Zaapiel manages to get back to half guard.
Elvington is trying to control the action in half guard but Zaapiel is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Elvington has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Zaapiel tries to lock up and control but Elvington gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaapiel bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Zaapiel wants to stand but Elvington is controlling his posture from full guard.
Elvington wants to sweep here but Zaapiel controlling him for the moment.
Zaapiel wants to pass the guard but Elvington is keeping the position.
Elvington is looking to stand up but Zaapiel isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Elvington pulls Zaapiel in close to his closed guard and prevents Zaapiel from doing any damage or advancing position.
Zaapiel stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Elvington swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Elvington throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Zaapiel stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Zaapiel throws a sloppy head kick
and Elvington connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elvington takes a swing at Zaapiel's ribcage but misses.
Zaapiel avoids a kick to the body.
Elvington fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Elvington misses with a body kick.
Zaapiel throws a shot from downtown. Elvington moves away and avoids it.
Zaapiel takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A head kick by Zaapiel misses
and Elvington counters with a nice body shot.
Elvington walks into a jab.
Elvington lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Elvington lands a body shot.
Zaapiel slips a straight right by Elvington.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elvington throws the kick towards the body but Zaapiel avoids it.
Zaapiel tries to land a front kick but Elvington steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Elvington throws a front kick aimed at Zaapiel's knee but Zaapiel avoids it well.
Decent striking displayed by Elvington there.
Zaapiel tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Elvington is able to avoid easily.
Elvington throws a sloppy head kick
and Zaapiel counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Zaapiel lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Elvington throws a head kick but Zaapiel moves out of range.
Some wild striking there from Zaapiel.
Zaapiel misses with an attempted mid kick.
Elvington throws a right and a left that Zaapiel avoids nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Develen Elvington 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.

Elvington scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Zaapiel doesn't seem bothered though.
A jab from Zaapiel misses.
Zaapiel is looking to slow Elvington down with leg kicks.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Zaapiel - that will leave a mark!
Elvington feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Zaapiels jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Elvington misses with a leg kick
and Zaapiel counters with a head kick.
Zaapiel looks to clinch
and Elvington counters with an inside leg kick.
Elvington throws a sloppy head kick
and Zaapiel counters with a good low kick that Elvington was not able to check.
Elvington is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Zaapiel rather than just go for the knockout.
Elvington looks to land a left hand but Zaapiel moved out of range nicely.
Elvington falls off balance throwing a combination
and Zaapiel counters with an outside leg kick.
Elvington cracks the inside of Zaapiel's front leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Zaapiel.
Elvington chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zaapiel can pounce on him.
Zaapiel steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Elvington.
Elvington misses with a body shot.
Zaapiel tries to move into range but Elvington moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Zaapiel tries to clinch up but Elvington circles away and keeps his distance.
Elvington tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Elvington shoots in but no luck this time.
Zaapiel connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Zaapiel misses with a kick to the body
and Elvington counters with a thumping low kick.
Elvington misses with a body shot
and Zaapiel counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Zaapiel crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Elvington - the referee stops the clock and Zaapiel gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Elvington. Zaapiel manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Elvington moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Zaapiel pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zaapiel takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Zaapiel throws the kick towards the body but Elvington avoids it.
Zaapiel attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Zaapiel throws a front kick that sends Elvington stumbling back into the cage.
Elvington throws a sloppy head kick
and Zaapiel counters with a leg kick.
Elvington fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zaapiel manages to avoid it.
Elvington fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zaapiel manages to avoid it.
Elvington looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Zaapiel will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elvington closes the distance and clinches up with Zaapiel, looking for a takedown. Elvington pushes Zaapiel against the cage but Zaapiel circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Belial Zaapiel has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Develen Elvington.
Zaapiel throws a nice outside leg kick.
Elvington swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Zaapiel counters with a nice body kick.
Elvington takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Elvington closes this distance looking for a takedown but Zaapiel circles away.
Zaapiel lands a leg kick that knocks Elvington off balance momentarily.
Zaapiel bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Belial Zaapiel is winning the standup battle so far.
Zaapiel scores with a leg kick.
Elvington circles away from the clinch attempt.
Elvington throws a body kick the misses
and Zaapiel counters with an inside leg kick.
Zaapiel misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaapiel tries to close the distance and clinch but Elvington swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Zaapiel lands with a slapping head kick.

It looks like Develen Elvington has been cut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Elvington throws a leg kick which misses Zaapiel's front leg but catches the back leg as Zaapiel tries to avoid it.
A jab from Zaapiel does it's job there.
Zaapiel tries to clinch up but Elvington circles away and keeps his distance.
Elvington misses with a jab to the body
and Zaapiel counters with a low kick, right behind Elvington 's knee.
Zaapiel throws a nice head kick!
Zaapiel fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Elvington checks it well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zaapiel tries to clinch up

and Elvington counters with a takedown into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Belial Zaapiel clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Develen Elvington's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A low kick from Elvington is predictable there
and Zaapiel counters with a head kick.
Elvington thows a leg kick but Zaapiel checks it
and Zaapiel counters with a nice low kick that buckles Elvington's knee momentarily.
Elvington throws a sloppy body shot
and Zaapiel makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Zaapiel checks a leg kick nicely.
Elvington throws a low kick but Zaapiel moves out of range easily.
Zaapiel throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Elvington misses with a body shot.
Elvington looks to score with a jab to the body but Zaapiel is just out of range.
Zaapiel throws a low kick but Elvington avoids it.
Zaapiel misses with a head kick.
Elvington throws a jab but it's blocked by Zaapiel.
Zaapiel slips under a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Elvington shoots in looking for a takedown. Zaapiel tries to sprawl out of it but Elvington keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Zaapiel manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Elvington throws out a leg kick but Zaapiel moves out of range and Elvington only half commits.
Zaapiel throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Zaapiel lands a jab to the head.
A head kick by Zaapiel misses
and Elvington counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Elvington.
Zaapiel swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Elvington fails to land the takedown.
Belial Zaapiel has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Develen Elvington.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaapiel lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Elvington blocks a jab.
Elvington misses the body punch
and Zaapiel counters with an outside leg kick.
Zaapiel throws a nice inside leg kick.
Zaapiel bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Elvington's head backwards.
Elvington ducks right into an uppercut from Zaapiel.
Zaapiel pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A solid body kick from Zaapiel.
Elvington scores with a body shot.
Elvington lands with a good body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elvington shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zaapiel defends it nicely.
Elvington has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Zaapiel.
Elvington lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Zaapiel circles away quickly and effectively.
Zaapiel tries to clinch up but Elvington circles away and keeps his distance.

Elvington closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Elvington lands in his opponent's guard.
Elvington throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Zaapiel works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zaapiel wants to sweep here but Elvington controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elvington trying to control but Zaapiel is working from the bottom.
Elvington thows a big elbow that misses.
Elvington works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Zaapiel gets back to full guard.
Zaapiel wants to stand up but Elvington is controlling him.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Zaapiel is trying to control the position but Elvington postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Belial Zaapiel had his way with Develen Elvington in that round.
The cut man is working on Develen Elvington's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Zaapiel feints and then cracks Elvington's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Elvington down.

Elvington shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Elvington was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Elvington controlling the pace for now.
Zaapiel is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Zaapiel tries to hold on but Elvington pushes him away.
Zaapiel bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaapiel won't allow Elvington to sweep him here.
Zaapiel is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Belial Zaapiel has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Elvington shoots in but no luck this time.
Elvington ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zaapiel moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Zaapiel takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Elvington fails with the takedown.
Elvington throws a lazy head kick
and Zaapiel counters with a straight right hand.
Zaapiel takes a swing at Elvington's ribcage but misses.
Zaapiel is looking to clinch but Elvington is avoiding it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zaapiel.
Elvington stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Zaapiel.
Zaapiel fails with an attempt to clinch.
Horrible takedown by Elvington or perhaps it was just good defense by Zaapiel which made him look bad.
Belial Zaapiel has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Develen Elvington.
An inside leg kick from Zaapiel misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaapiel misses with a body kick.
Zaapiel wants to clinch up but Elvington keeps it at a distance.
Zaapiel lands with an overhand left.
Zaapiel fails with an attempt to clinch.
Zaapiel scores with a punch to the head.
Elvington scores with a shot to the body.
Elvington's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Zaapiel lands a leg kick that knocks Elvington off balance momentarily.
Zaapiel throws a lazy body kick

and Elvington counters with a single leg into guard. Zaapiel didn't expect that.
Zaapiel is adopting a defensive guard.
Elvington is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elvington throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Zaapiel works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Elvington trying to control but Zaapiel is working from the bottom.
Elvington missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Elvington working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Elvington throwing strikes but missing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Zaapiel keeping moving, preventing Elvington from controlling successfully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Develen Elvington comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Elvington 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight for Belial Zaapiel!
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight for Belial Zaapiel!
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight for Belial Zaapiel!

Belial Zaapiel wins by unanimous decision!
Belial Zaapiel is the new featherweight champion!