PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Stjepan Balerina (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kely Storm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Balerina
vs
Storm

190 cm
25
245 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

178 cm
26
233 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Stjepan Balerina!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Kely Storm!
The judges for this bout are David Hoff, Dirk Anderson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Storm tries to clinch up.
Balerina went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Balerina shoots for a takedown but Storm saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Balerina has been working on his balance at Island Top Team, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Storm.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Balerina ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Balerina no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Storm stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Balerina swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Balerina is looking to stand back up but Storm counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Balerina.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Storm stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Balerina to get to his feet.
Balerina leaves Storm with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balerina shoots in and drives through. Storm sprawls well.
Despite the aggression on Storm's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Balerina is breathing heavily.
Balerina stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Balerina wants it to stay on the feet.
Balerina seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Storm has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.

Storm drives through and clinches with Balerina against the cage.
Storm scores a nice knee to the body.
Storm is defending well against a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stjepan Balerina. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Storm is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Balerina pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Storm lands an elbow inside.
Storm lands a nice elbow.

Storm pulls guard successfully.

Storm is looking to cinch up a triangle. Balerina throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Storm's body to avoid the submission. Storm has instead reached around Balerina's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Storm arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Kely Storm!