PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Josef Dellal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Karl der Grosse (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dellal kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Tupac - Last Muthafucka Breathin. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Dellal
vs
der Grosse

177 cm
31
184 lbs
22 - 11 - 1

181 cm
31
182 lbs
16 - 15 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Cold Blooded Kemists ↑ 5x160Q
Namunamu Clothing

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 22 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Josef Dellal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Karl der Grosse!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Daniel Bishop and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
der Grosse stuffs the takedown attempt from Dellal. Dellal gets slowly back to his feet.
Karl der Grosse seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
der Grosse fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
der Grosse misses with a takedown

and Dellal counters with a shoot takedown. der Grosse fights it but they end up in guard.
der Grosse keeping moving, preventing Dellal from controlling successfully.
Dellal being controlled here momentarily.
Dellal stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. der Grosse swivels though and keeps the full guard.
der Grosse 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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dellal trying to control but der Grosse is working from the bottom.

der Grosse throws his legs up looking for a submission but Dellal uses it to pass to side control.
Dellal laying and praying for a moment but der Grosse takes advantage and regains half guard.
der Grosse wants to improve his position but Dellal is controlling well.

Dellal is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, der Grosse has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
der Grosse is looking to improve his position.
We've been hearing good reports from Dellal's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dellal is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

Dellal is sneakily working for an arm triangle but der Grosse sees it coming and defends easily.

der Grosse is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Dellal pulls his head out easily.

Dellal is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Dellal is looking for a kimura here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dellal is trying to work for a kimura but der Grosse is defending well.
der Grosse trying to control but Dellal postures up.

Dellal wants to work for an arm triangle but der Grosse is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Dellal tries to pass to full mount but der Grosse defends it.
der Grosse wants to control but Dellal is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Dellal seems to be looking for submissions.
der Grosse gets back to full guard.
der Grosse bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dellal's guard.
der Grosse preventing the sweep.
Dellal seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
der Grosse looking to pass the guard.
der Grosse trying to control but Dellal is working from the bottom.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Dellal is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Dellal leaves der Grosse with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Josef Dellal has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Karl der Grosse.
Dellal shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts der Grosse as he jumps to the side.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from der Grosse is defended easily by Dellal.
der Grosse tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Dellal swivels and escapes.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Dellal bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Dellal goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, der Grosse rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Dellal's guard! Nice work there by der Grosse!
Dellal keeping moving, preventing der Grosse from controlling successfully.
der Grosse is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Dellal controls der Grosse momentarily but der Grosse frees himself.
der Grosse wants to control from the top but Dellal keeps moving.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

der Grosse drops back, looking for a kneebar! Dellal looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Dellal looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Dellal!
der Grosse is not content to let Dellal control the position.
Dellal tries to advance to mount but can't.
der Grosse is trying to control Dellal's posture but Dellal avoids it.
der Grosse might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Dellal haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Dellal wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by der Grosse, who protects the arm well.
der Grosse regains half guard there - taking advantage of Dellal's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
der Grosse is trying to maintain the position but Dellal is very close to passing his half guard.

Dellal is working for a submission of some sort.

Dellal is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
der Grosse gets full guard.
Dellal trying to control the position from guard on top but der Grosse is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dellal looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Dellal passes into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
der Grosse trying to control from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josef Dellal dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

der Grosse fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Dellal leaves der Grosse with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Dellal fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Dellal closes the distance and clinches up with der Grosse, looking for a takedown. Dellal pushes der Grosse against the ropes but der Grosse circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
der Grosse with a lazy takedown attempt

and Dellal counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Josef Dellal has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Karl der Grosse.
Dellal works his foot free and advances to mount.
Dellal avoids the attempt from der Grosse to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dellal jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… der Grosse is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by der Grosse and Dellal has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
der Grosse is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Dellal off and has taken his back!

der Grosse is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Dellal wants to escape the position.
Dellal looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

der Grosse looking to break Dellal's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Dellal remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise der Grosse will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!

der Grosse is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Dellal has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

Dellal showing good submission defense here.
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!
Dellal turns into der Grosse and is now in his guard.
Dellal trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dellal trying to control but der Grosse is working from the bottom.
der Grosse is pulling down on Dellal's head to control his posture.
Dellal trying to control but der Grosse is working from the bottom.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Dellal stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. der Grosse swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

der Grosse working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Dellal doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Dellal manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

der Grosse working for a triangle but Dellal defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dellal trying to control the position from guard on top but der Grosse is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dellal passes der Grosse's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
der Grosse wants to get back to full guard.
der Grosse trying to hold on to Dellal's head to control him but Dellal postures up.
der Grosse works his way to full guard. Good work.
Dellal looking to sit in guard and control but der Grosse gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
der Grosse wants to control from the top but Dellal keeps moving.
Dellal working a defensive guard here.

der Grosse avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Dellal wants to improve his position but instead der Grosse has moved into half guard.

Dellal is defending against the submission attempts here by der Grosse.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

der Grosse is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Dellal has managed to free his arm - good work.
Dellal is trying to control but can't.
der Grosse wants to advance to full mount but Dellal doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Dellal working a defensive guard here.
Josef Dellal overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Dellal is looking for a triangle but der Grosse pushes his legs off easily.

Dellal looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
der Grosse trying to control but Dellal is working from the bottom.
Dellal 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.
der Grosse pushing down on Dellal's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

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

Dellal looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
der Grosse is stalling here. Dellal is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! der Grosse seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Dellal has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Dellal wants to lay and pray for a moment but der Grosse keeps working.
der Grosse is looking to regain half guard here but Dellal keeps moving and retains side control.
der Grosse wants to control but Dellal postures up.
Dellal wants to lay and pray for a moment but der Grosse keeps working.
der Grosse wants to control but Dellal postures up.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Dellal goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, der Grosse has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Dellal but great work by der Grosse.
der Grosse working away.

der Grosse is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Dellal is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Dellal is looking for a sweep.

der Grosse is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Dellal knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

der Grosse is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Dellal is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Karl der Grosse will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

der Grosse displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Dellal.
der Grosse dives in for a single leg takedown but Dellal sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
der Grosse prevents the takedown attempt.
Dellal is looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Josef Dellal. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dellal has der Grosse pressed up against the ropes and is working for takedown. der Grosse manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Dellal works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Dellal tries to free his leg and advance position but der Grosse is retaining full guard.

der Grosse looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Dellal trying to control but der Grosse is working from the bottom.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

der Grosse is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Dellal trying to control but der Grosse is working from the bottom.

der Grosse is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Dellal trying to control the position from guard on top but der Grosse is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

der Grosse had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Dellal defends it easily.
Dellal wants to pass the guard but der Grosse is keeping the position.
Dellal trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but der Grosse manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
der Grosse is stalling in the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dellal working a defensive guard here.

der Grosse got a little sloppy there for a moment and Dellal has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, der Grosse has managed to get both his arms back between Dellal's legs - danger averted.
der Grosse trying to control but Dellal is working from the bottom.

Dellal working for a triangle but der Grosse defends it easily.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dellal keeping moving, preventing der Grosse from controlling successfully.

der Grosse avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
der Grosse trying to control the position from guard on top but Dellal is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Dellal working for a triangle but der Grosse defends it easily.
der Grosse looking to sit in guard and control but Dellal gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
der Grosse keeping moving, preventing Dellal from controlling successfully.
der Grosse looking to hit a scissor sweep but Dellal is one step ahead there.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Dellal trying to control the position from guard on top but der Grosse is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dellal slips nicely into half guard.
Dellal prevents der Grosse from improving his position.
Dellal wants to pass to mount but der Grosse is defending the position.
der Grosse tries to get to full guard but Dellal has control of the leg.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. der Grosse manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Dellal is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Dellal looking to pass the guard.
der Grosse wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Dellal wants to control from the top but der Grosse keeps moving.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Josef Dellal wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Dellal looks for a takedown but der Grosse sprawls well.
der Grosse misses with a takedown

so Dellal counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

der Grosse is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Dellal defends well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Dellal passes der Grosse's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Dellal prevents der Grosse from improving his position.

Dellal is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
der Grosse is trying to get back to full guard.

Dellal is looking for a kimura but der Grosse is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Dellal to get the leverage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Dellal is working for a kimura but der Grosse is defending it quite comfortably.

And that's the end of the fight!
Josef Dellal showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Dellal has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight for Josef Dellal!
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight for Josef Dellal!
Judge James Atkins scores the fight for Josef Dellal!

Josef Dellal wins by unanimous decision!
Josef Dellal very nearly forgot to thank Namunamu Clothing amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.