PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tomasz Kowalski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Basil McCrystal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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 Basil McCrystal was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Kowalski
vs
McCrystal

199 cm
25
199 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

185 cm
26
190 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Tomasz Kowalski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Basil McCrystal!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Sandra Marshall and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McCrystal throws a series of punches but Kowalski avoids them all with ease.
McCrystal throws a combination. Kowalski tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
McCrystal shoots in looking for a takedown. Kowalski tries to sprawl out of it but McCrystal keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kowalski manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

McCrystal tries to sprawl but Kowalski drives through with a takedown into half 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.
McCrystal tries to roll over but Kowalski keeps him under control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalski tries to pass to full mount but McCrystal defends it.
Kowalski controlling the action here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalski moves into full mount! McCrystal won't be happy about that!
Kowalski content just to control the position here.
McCrystal tries to hold on but Kowalski postures up.
Kowalski will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
McCrystal is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
McCrystal is squirming around, avoiding Kowalski's attempts to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
McCrystal is in all sorts of trouble here.
McCrystal blocking the ground and pound.

Kowalski swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and McCrystal is now in Kowalski's guard. A big mistake from Kowalski there, giving up the dominant position!
Kowalski is trying to control the position but McCrystal postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

Kowalski closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. McCrystal did well to prevent Kowalski getting side control.
Kowalski tries to pass the half guard into mount. McCrystal knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kowalski is just content to waste time from the top position. McCrystal takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Kowalski got a little sloppy there for a moment and McCrystal has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Kowalski has managed to get both his arms back between McCrystal's legs - danger averted.
Kowalski trying to control the position from guard on top but McCrystal is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kowalski in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

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.
Kowalski is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McCrystal connects with the punch.
Kowalski tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
McCrystal misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
McCrystal lands a two punch combo.
Kowalski takes one to the chin there.

Kowalski looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for McCrystal!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McCrystal is trying to improve his position.
Kowalski advances to full mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Basil McCrystal will probably get the nod.
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.

McCrystal scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kowalski doesn't seem bothered though.
McCrystal slips a jab and a cross from Kowalski.
McCrystal misses with a takedown attempt - Kowalski sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Kowalski scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

McCrystal explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!

Kowalski scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

McCrystal explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

McCrystal clinches with his opponent.
McCrystal has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kowalski is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
McCrystal is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kowalski pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Tomasz Kowalski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Basil McCrystal.
McCrystal tries to score a body lock takedown but Kowalski shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalski is pushing McCrystal up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Come on Kowalski - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Kowalski successfully pulls guard.
Kowalski being controlled here, momentarily.
Kowalski wants to sweep but no luck.
McCrystal controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
We've been informed that McCrystal has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
McCrystal is looking to pass into half guard but Kowalski pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Kowalski is in guard.
Kowalski trying to control the position from guard on top but McCrystal is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

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.
Kowalski postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kowalski missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Kowalski shoots in and gets a takedown into McCrystal's guard.
Kowalski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kowalski wants to control from the top but McCrystal keeps moving.
McCrystal has momentary wrist control but Kowalski slips an elbow through the middle.
Kowalski chips away with some ground and pound.
Kowalski content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski being controlled here momentarily.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
McCrystal wants to sweep here but Kowalski controlling him for the moment.
Kowalski advances position into side control!

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

Kowalski shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

That's four 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.
Kowalski postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
McCrystal looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Kowalski drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but McCrystal manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Kowalski has McCrystal in his guard.
McCrystal advances to half guard.
McCrystal trying to control the action but Kowalski is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kowalski has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. McCrystal is working away from the top position though.

McCrystal is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tomasz Kowalski dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

McCrystal gets caught flat footed, as Kowalski shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

McCrystal has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Kowalski has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Kowalski is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Kowalski content to slow the pace in the clinch.
McCrystal is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Kowalski is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. McCrystal can't fight it off and eventually Kowalski manages to take the fight to the floor. McCrystal looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
McCrystal wants to sweep here but Kowalski controlling him for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalski working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalski trying to control the position from guard on top but McCrystal is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

McCrystal looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kowalski wants to get up but he can't break McCrystal's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Kowalski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kowalski won't allow McCrystal to sweep him here.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's two 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.
Kowalski throws a body shot but no joy.
McCrystal bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kowalski's head.
Kowalski misses with a wild combination.
McCrystal shoots in for a takedown but Kowalski shows good takedown defense.
Tomasz Kowalski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Basil McCrystal.

Kowalski gets the takedown into side control.
McCrystal is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kowalski's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Kowalski is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that McCrystal can do to turn this around?
Kowalski working McCrystal over with strikes.
Kowalski wants to get back to his feet.
McCrystal is looking to get back to full guard here but Kowalski has managed to pass to side control instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski with the ground and pound but McCrystal regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Kowalski looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kowalski wants to lay and pray for a moment but McCrystal keeps working.

McCrystal actively working from the bottom here.

That's four 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.
McCrystal keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kowalski trying to control the action but McCrystal is working from the bottom.
Kowalski trying to control the pace.
McCrystal is trying to maintain the position but Kowalski is very close to passing his half guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
McCrystal lands a nice looking body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tomasz Kowalski showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kowalski 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 David Hoff scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sandra Marshall scores the fight 29:28
Judge Santiago Holmes scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tomasz Kowalski!