PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Adam Newbold (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chem Spaletti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chem Spaletti has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Newbold
vs
Spaletti

179 cm
25
165 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

178 cm
26
166 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Big heart

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Adam Newbold!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Chem Spaletti!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, William Gold and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Spaletti gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Newbold to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Newbold landing with the ground and pound.
Spaletti has momentary wrist control but Newbold slips an elbow through the middle.
Spaletti bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Newbold's guard.

Spaletti told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.
Newbold bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Spaletti's guard.

Newbold postures up in Spaletti's guard and throws a big left but Spaletti blocks it.
Spaletti looking for a sweep. Not yet Spaletti, not yet.
Newbold is looking to pass into half guard but Spaletti pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Spaletti is in guard.

Spaletti forces his way into half 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!

Spaletti is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Newbold tries to roll over but Spaletti keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spaletti wants to take a breather but Newbold is having none of it.
Newbold knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Spaletti on the ground.

Spaletti is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Newbold is just riding it out for now. Spaletti eventually gives up the hold.
Newbold's coaches at London MMA Club have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Newbold trying to control from the bottom.

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

Spaletti is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Newbold is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Spaletti's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Spaletti's back!
Newbold is throwing punches to the body, looking to soften Spaletti up.
Spaletti covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Spaletti takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Newbold throwing damaging strikes from the back! Spaletti could be in trouble here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Newbold patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Spaletti manages to reverse the position and now he's in Newbold's guard. Nice work there by Spaletti.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spaletti won't allow Newbold to sweep him here.
Newbold controls Spaletti momentarily but Spaletti frees himself.
Newbold has Spaletti pulled in close to control his posture.
Newbold trying to keep a closed guard but Spaletti is proving a slippery customer.
Spaletti wants to control from the top but Newbold keeps moving.
Spaletti slips nicely into half guard.
Newbold has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Spaletti is working away from the top position though.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spaletti is looking to advance position but Newbold won't allow it.
Newbold makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Newbold.
Spaletti showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Newbold keeping full guard, as Spaletti tries to pass.
Newbold is pulling down on Spaletti's head. It's preventing any offense from Spaletti, at least for the moment.

Spaletti drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Spaletti jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Spaletti tries to free his leg and advance position but Newbold is retaining full guard.

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.
Spaletti won't allow Newbold to sweep him here.
Newbold is controlling Spaletti's posture.
Newbold looking to hit a scissor sweep but Spaletti is one step ahead there.
Newbold is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Spaletti is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Newbold's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Newbold's back!
Newbold trying to control the action but Spaletti just sinks the hooks in.
You can see the frustration on Newbold's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Spaletti tightening his grip on Newbold, looking for the choke.
Newbold tries to escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Adam Newbold will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Newbold throws a nice looking combination but Spaletti bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
And Spaletti tries to counter it with a takedown but Newbold pushes his down on his head and steps out.

Newbold changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Spaletti looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Spaletti is trying to get back to half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Newbold is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Spaletti can do to turn this around?
Newbold landing a few strikes.
Newbold lands a decent elbow from side control.
Spaletti is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Spaletti makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Spaletti.
Newbold preventing the sweep.
Newbold keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Spaletti's head.
Newbold postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Newbold trying to control but Spaletti is working from the bottom.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Newbold lands a couple of digs.
Newbold is working Spaletti over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Newbold makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Spaletti has momentary wrist control but Newbold slips an elbow through the middle.
Spaletti wants to sweep but no luck.
Newbold working some strikes from top position.
Newbold postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Newbold is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Spaletti tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Spaletti is breathing heavily.
Newbold with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Newbold works over Spaletti with some ground and pound from guard.
Newbold connects with a couple of short punches.
Newbold's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Spaletti has momentary wrist control but Newbold slips an elbow through the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Newbold postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Spaletti working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Newbold doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Newbold manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Newbold's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Newbold lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spaletti keeping moving, preventing Newbold from controlling successfully.
Newbold lands a couple of digs.
Newbold makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Newbold landing some decent shots from guard.

Spaletti had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Newbold defends it easily.
Spaletti looking to hit a scissor sweep but Newbold is one step ahead there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Newbold lands a couple of elbows.
Spaletti has momentary wrist control but Newbold slips an elbow through the middle.
Newbold trying to control but Spaletti is working from the bottom.
Spaletti bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Newbold's guard.

Newbold is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Spaletti is aware though and is defending well.

Newbold has his foot on Spaletti's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Spaletti works his way back into a safe position though.
Spaletti preventing the sweep.
Adam Newbold overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Spaletti trying to control but Newbold is working from the bottom.
Spaletti looking to pass the guard.
Spaletti trying to control but Newbold is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Newbold is pulling down on Spaletti's head to control his posture.
Spaletti postures up.
Newbold keeping moving, preventing Spaletti from controlling successfully.
Spaletti won't allow Newbold to sweep him here.
Spaletti tries to free his leg and advance position but Newbold is retaining full guard.
Newbold 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.
Newbold wants to hit a switch here but Spaletti passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Newbold there!

Spaletti is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Newbold can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Newbold really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adam Newbold dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Spaletti gets caught flat footed, as Newbold shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Newbold is working Spaletti over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Newbold with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Newbold lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Newbold scoring with punches to the head and body.
Newbold scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Spaletti is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Newbold has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Newbold won't allow Spaletti to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Newbold lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Newbold preventing the sweep.
Newbold trying to control but Spaletti is working from the bottom.
Spaletti takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Newbold looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spaletti wants to control but Newbold passes easily into half guard.
Newbold working Spaletti over with strikes.
Newbold lands strikes from half guard.
Newbold scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Spaletti wants to control but Newbold is keeping busy.
Newbold winds up and cracks Spaletti with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Spaletti tries to roll over but Newbold keeps him under control.
Spaletti regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Newbold content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Spaletti looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Newbold lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Newbold connects with a couple of short punches.
Newbold lands a couple of digs.
Newbold lands a couple of elbows.
Newbold landing with the ground and pound.

Spaletti is rocked!
Spaletti looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Spaletti has momentary wrist control but Newbold slips an elbow through the middle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Newbold distracts Spaletti with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Newbold is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Spaletti is still in real trouble! Can Newbold finish him?
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!
Newbold postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Spaletti tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Newbold chips away with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Newbold scoring with punches to the head and body.
Newbold passes into half guard.
Spaletti on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Newbold prevents Spaletti from improving his position.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Newbold connects with a nice short shot to Spaletti's temple.
Spaletti is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Newbold scores with a couple of nice shots.
Newbold scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Newbold connects with a nice short shot to Spaletti's temple.
Newbold working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Spaletti moves into full guard.
Newbold lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Newbold pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Spaletti is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Newbold wants to control from the top but Spaletti keeps moving.
Newbold content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Newbold lands a couple of elbows.
Spaletti looking to hit a scissor sweep but Newbold is one step ahead there.
Spaletti working a defensive guard but Newbold passes into half guard.
Chem Spaletti has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Newbold trying to mount his opponent but Spaletti defends it.
Spaletti seems to have recovered his senses.
Newbold lands with a punch from half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Newbold scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Adam Newbold is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Newbold is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Adam Newbold showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Newbold has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:26
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:26
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Adam Newbold!