PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ismet Balic (ranked 4684 p4p, 4711 weight class) and Popay Stols (ranked 572 p4p, 575 weight class). Popay Stols will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Balic
vs
Stols

184 cm
20
180
0 - 2 - 0

200 cm
25
180
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ismet Balic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Popay Stols!
The judges for this bout are Bart Greer, Daniel Franklin and Dirk Anderson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Balic wants to clinch up but Stols keeps it at a distance.
Popay Stols seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Stols shoots in and drives through. Balic sprawls well.
Balic seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Balic defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Stols.
Stols misses with an uppercut.
Balic is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stols lands a nice shot that snaps Balic's head back.
Stols goes for a double leg but Balic avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Balic continues to drive forward.
Ismet Balic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Popay Stols.
A combination from Stols does no damage.
Balic tries to counter by clinching up but Stols breaks away and moves out of range.
Balic shoots in and drives through. Stols sprawls well.
Stols throws an off balance right hand
and Balic counters with a left and a right that stings Stols.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balic takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Stols shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Balic as he avoids it easily.

Stols moves into the clinch.
Stols lands with a left to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Stols manages to break the clinch.
Balic definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
A swing and a miss from Stols.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stols lands a jab.
Balic shoots for a double leg takedown but Stols sprawls well. He's pushed Balic's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
No luck for Balic with that takedown attempt.
Balic tries to clinch but Stols is having none of it.
Stols unleashes a big counter combination but Balic bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Balic shoots for a takedown but Stols saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Balic lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Stols misses the shot to the body.
Balic appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.

Stols clinches with his opponent.
Balic has Stols pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Stols manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Stols lands with a left to the head.
Stols is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Stols slows down the pace here.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Stols.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stols has Balic pressed against the cage.
Stols lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A nice left hand lands by Stols.
Stols lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Stols lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Stols is trying to break free.
Balic blocks an elbow strike from Stols.
Stols lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Stols is trying to break free.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Stols.
Balic tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Stols just stands there and leans against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Stols.

Stols's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Stols looks to score with a jab to the body but Balic is just out of range.
Balic shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balic fails with a takedown attempt.

Stols clinches up against the cage.
Stols comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Stols lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Balic tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Stols just stands there and leans against the cage.
A short left from Stols.
Balic prevents Stols from breaking the clinch.
Stols lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Balic backwards.

Balic pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Stols shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Balic as he jumps to the side.
Balic tries to clinch up.
Balic dives in and grabs Stols's left leg, looking for a takedown. Stols pushes down on Balic's head and hops out.
Stols tries to counter by closing the distance.
Stols uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stols punishes Balic's body with a nice straight punch.

Stols has managed to clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stols scores with a shoulder strike.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stols throws an elbow that misses.
Stols lands an uppercut.
Balic keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Stols's efforts to push away.
Balic takes a shot to the head.
Balic being controlled against the cage.
Balic wants to take the fight to the mat but Stols manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Balic has Stols pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Stols manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Stols looks to throw an elbow but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Stols moves into the clinch successfully.
Stols lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Stols scores with a nice hook to the head.
Popay Stols seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Stols lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A right hook to the body lands for Stols.
Stols leaning against his opponent.
Stols holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Stols throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Stols prevents the takedown attempt.
Stols taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balic trying to stall but Stols improves his position.
Balic throws an elbow but it misses.
Balic managing to block the knees to the body from Stols.
Balic managing to block the knees to the body from Stols.
Stols with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balic is looking to control Stols's arms but Stols gets an underhook and turns him. Now Balic has his back to the cage.

Stols's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Balic defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Stols.
Stols throws a body shot but no joy.
Stols shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Balic as he jumps to the side.
Balic is looking to clinch but Stols is avoiding it.
Stols looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Balic fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice sprawl there from Stols as Balic shoots in.
Balic connects with a nice looking jab.

Stols has closed the distance and engaged Balic in a clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Balic throws a head punch that misses.
A nice right hand lands inside from Stols.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stols scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Stols misses with an elbow over the top.
Stols lands with a short shot to the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Stols.
A body shot lands from Stols.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Balic blocks the elbow strike.
Balic blocks the elbow strike.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Stols creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Stols lands a hook to the side of the head.
Balic is trying to maintain a safe position but Stols gets an underhook and turns Balic into the cage.

Stols pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Balic dives in for a single leg takedown but Stols sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ismet Balic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stols shoots in for a takedown but Balic shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Balic throws a head kick that misses.
Balic works Stols's body with a nice hook.
Stols is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stols changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Balic shoots in looking for a takedown but Stols manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Balic's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Stols shoots in for a takedown but Balic shows good takedown defense.
Ismet Balic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A swing and a miss from Stols.
Stols throws a right and a left that both miss.
Balic lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Stols avoids a kick to the body.
Balic wants to clinch.
Stols with the counter takedown but Balic avoids it easily.
Stols leaves Balic with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Stols closes the distance and clinches up with Balic, looking for a takedown. Stols pushes Balic against the cage but Balic circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Stols shoots for a double leg takedown but Balic sprawls well. He's pushed Stols's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Balic darts in looking for a takedown but Stols gets double underhooks and turns Balic into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stols throws a jab when Balic was well out of range.
Stols blocks a head kick by Balic.
Balic fails to land the takedown.
Balic shoots in looking for a takedown but Stols manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Balic's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
No luck for Balic with that takedown attempt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Balic tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Stols defends well and Balic ends up having to push Stols into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Balic throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Stols's waist but Stols gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Balic off to one side.
Stols fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Balic looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

Stols has taken the fight to the clinch.
Balic trying to stall but Stols improves his position.
Stols stalling against the cage.
Balic is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Popay Stols showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Balic's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Stols shoots in for a takedown but Balic shows good takedown defense.
Balic shoots in but Stols avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Stols rushes Balic and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Stols misses with a shot to the kidneys.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Stols creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Balic fails to pull guard.
Good body shot from Stols.
Stols lands with a light punch inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stols is leaning against Balic and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Stols manages to break the clinch.
Balic shoots in looking for a takedown but Stols manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Balic's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ismet Balic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Balic shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Balic rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Stols moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stols throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Balic shoots in looking for a takedown. Stols tries to sprawl out of it but Balic keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Stols manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Balic sets himself, and Stols steps forward looking for the clinch! Balic avoids it this time.
Stols scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Stols closes the distance and clinches.
Balic tries to stall but Stols uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Balic tries for a takedown. No joy.
Balic fails to pull guard.
Stols controlling the action here for a moment.
Balic taking a breather.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stols has Balic pressed against the cage.
Stols lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Balic can't get the takedown.
Stols lands with a left to the head.
Stols lands a hook to the side of the head.
Stols lands with a short shot to the head.
Stols works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Stols breaks the clinch.
Stols is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.

Stols has closed the distance and engaged Balic in a clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Balic blocks an elbow strike.
Stols lands a body punch.
Stols looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Balic looking to slow down the pace here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stols lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Stols lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Stols lands a hook to the side of the head.
Balic struggles to land a body shot inside as Stols controls his hands.
Stols looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Balic tries to stall but Stols uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Balic tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Stols just stands there and leans against the cage.
Stols misses with a knee to the head.
Balic misses with a hook from the clinch.
Stols throws an elbow that misses.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Stols just misses with a elbow thrown towards Balic's brow.
Stols lands a left hand.

Stols breaks from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balic keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Stols lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Balic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stols manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Nice sprawl there from Stols as Balic shoots in.
Stols leaves Balic with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Stols clinches up against the cage.

Balic pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Balic tries to keep at a distance but Stols has taken the fight into the clinch.

Balic breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

And that's the end of the fight!
Popay Stols comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Stols has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Bart Greer scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Popay Stols!