PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Glad Tihata (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matt Falls (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Falls has chosen "Fat Bottom Girls" - Queen as his entrance music. Matt Falls has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tihata
vs
Falls

180 cm
23
208 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

179 cm
21
215 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Good knees
Experienced

Powerful takedowns
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Glad Tihata!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Matt Falls!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Chris Edwards and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tihata lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Falls throws a lazy right hand but Tihata sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Falls throws a half hearted mid kick.

Falls scores a takedown into full mount!
Tihata sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Nice strikes from Falls there.
Tihata is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Falls's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Falls's back!
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Tihata working for the choke.
Tihata missing with strikes from the back.
Tihata has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Falls staying busy and making it hard for Tihata to control.
Falls tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Falls regains half guard.
Tihata throwing shots but Falls is blocking nicely.
Falls has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Tihata is working away from the top position though.
Falls is positioning himself well to prevent Tihata advancing to mount.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Falls trying to hold on to Tihata's head to control him but Tihata postures up.
Falls wants to get back to full guard.
Tihata throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
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.
Falls wants to control but Tihata is keeping busy.

Tihata stands up out of the half guard.
Falls misses with a wild body shot.
Falls tries to score with a low kick but Tihata moves his leg out of the way.
Falls shoots for a takedown but Tihata saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Tihata throws a right and a left that both miss.
Tihata takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tihata throws a series of strikes that have Falls backpedaling.
A left lands for Falls.
Matt Falls seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Falls keeps the fight on the outside.
Falls fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tihata manages to avoid it.
Falls tries to score with a low kick but Tihata moves his leg out of the way.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Falls takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Tihata shoots in for a takedown but Falls shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Falls looks to score with a jab to the body but Tihata is just out of range.
Tihata connects with the punch.
Falls swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A punch combination from Tihata misses.
Tihata will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Falls misses with a straight right.
Falls shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Tihata cracks the inside of Falls's front leg.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice sprawl there from Tihata as Falls shoots in.
Glad Tihata has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Matt Falls.
Falls misses with a few strikes there.
Tihata throws a series of punches but Falls moves out of range.
Falls misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tihata.
Tihata moves out of range as Falls strikes.
Tihata tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tihata lands with a slapping head kick.
Falls slips a jab and a cross from Tihata.

Falls drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tihata wants to control but Falls postures up.
Tihata is not content to let Falls control the position.
Falls lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Tihata down.
Tihata pushes Falls away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Falls gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Falls throws an elbow but Tihata slips to the side and avoids it well.
Tihata is looking to regain half guard here but Falls keeps moving and retains side control.
Falls throws a strike aimed at the side of Tihata's head but Tihata avoids it well.
Tihata gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Falls is looking to advance position but Tihata won't allow it.
Falls missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's four 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.
Falls is thwarting Tihata's attempts to control the position.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Falls shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Falls trying to control the action but Tihata is working from the bottom.
Tihata avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Falls.
Falls trying to control from Tihata's half guard. Tihata has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Tihata thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Falls looking to pass the guard.
Falls is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tihata looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nice straight punches there by Falls. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Falls.

Falls closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Tihata did well to prevent Falls getting side control.
Tihata wants to control but Falls passes into side.
Tihata manages to get back to half guard.

Falls stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Falls looks gassed!
Tihata connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Falls momentarily.
Falls throws a hook but Tihata blocks it.
Nice uppercut lands for Falls. That snapped Tihata's head back.
Falls cracks Tihata with a right hand to the side of the head.
Falls throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Falls fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Falls works the jab nicely.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Tihata has closed the distance and engaged Falls in a clinch.

Falls pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Tihata slips under a jab from Falls.
Falls is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Falls changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Tihata looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tihata manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Falls wants to get back to full guard.
Falls is not content to let Tihata control the position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Falls can do anything to dispel that myth.
Falls is trying to maintain the position but Tihata is very close to passing his half guard.
Tihata wants to stand but Falls has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Falls is pressing down on Tihata's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Falls wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Tihata trying to control but Falls is working from the bottom.
Tihata is looking to work some ground and pound but Falls has wrist control.
Falls working a defensive guard here.
Falls is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Falls throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Falls not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Falls sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Tihata defending well though.
Falls trying to control the pace.
I looks like Falls might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Falls tries to pass the half guard into mount. Tihata knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Falls looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Tihata keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tihata slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Falls thows a big elbow that misses.
Tihata is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Falls is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Tihata seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Falls does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Falls manages to get to full guard.
Tihata throwing strikes from guard but Falls blocks nicely.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Falls utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Falls is on top in guard.
Tihata wants to stand but Falls is controlling the position.
Falls trying to control but Tihata is working from the bottom.

Falls drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Falls jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tihata 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.
Tihata lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Falls!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matt Falls dominated that round.
That's time! Tihata's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Falls darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Tihata wants to improve his position but Falls is controlling well.
Falls lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Falls is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Tihata has managed to free his arm - good work.
Falls trying to control from half guard but Tihata is working away.
Tihata is positioning himself well to prevent Falls advancing to mount.
Falls is breathing heavily.
Falls winds up and cracks Tihata with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Falls missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Falls seems to be working for a kimura but Tihata defends the submission attempt.

Tihata pushes Falls off and gets back to his feet.
Tihata lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tihata throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Falls.
Falls closes the distance and clinches up with Tihata, looking for a takedown. Falls pushes Tihata against the ropes but Tihata circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Tihata throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Falls was covering up waiting for the punch and Tihata finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Tihata working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Tihata lands a couple of elbows.
Falls trying to control the position.
Tihata is working Falls over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Falls is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Tihata makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Tihata with a flurry of punches that miss.
Tihata wants to get up but he can't break Falls's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Falls wants to sweep but no luck.
Tihata slips nicely into half guard.
Falls punching from the bottom.
Tihata slips a nice elbow through Falls's hands, connecting with Falls's forehead.
Falls is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Falls is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Tihata scores with a couple of nice shots.
Tihata trying to control from half guard but Falls is working away.
Falls makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Falls.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Falls bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Tihata's guard.
Tihata looking for a sweep. Not yet Tihata, not yet.
Falls pushes down on Tihata's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Falls drops an elbow to the side of Tihata's head.
Tihata punching from the bottom.
Falls wants to pass to mount but Tihata is defending the position.
Falls not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Tihata regains full guard. Nicely done.
Falls forces his way into half guard.
Tihata wants to improve his position but Falls is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Falls is trying to control. Tihata wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Tihata looks like he's trying to stand up.
Falls working Tihata over with strikes.
Tihata tries to roll over but Falls keeps him under control.
Falls seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Tihata trying to control but Falls postures up.
Falls looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Tihata with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Falls is trying to control. Tihata wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Falls seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Falls is keen to just control but Tihata is a slippery customer.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Falls not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Falls wants to take a breather but Tihata is having none of it.
Tihata manages to get to full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Falls's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Falls pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tihata is keeping the position for now.
Tihata wants to sweep but no luck.
Tihata trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Tihata avoids the body shot from Falls.
Falls jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Tihata tries to clinch up.
Tihata jabs at Falls's body.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Falls.
Falls lands a decent elbow from side control.
Tihata throws an elbow to the body but it doesn't land.
Falls working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Falls working the ground and pound from side control.
Falls lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Falls tries to score with some ground and pound. Tihata controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.

Falls is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Tihata knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Tihata throwing some weak shots from the bottom that do no damage.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Tihata is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Falls's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Matt Falls has got the better of the ground game so far.
Falls throwing shots but Tihata is blocking nicely.
Tihata missing with punches from the bottom.
Falls thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Tihata to regain full guard.
Falls throwing strikes but missing.
Tihata looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Tihata keeping moving, preventing Falls from controlling successfully.
Falls stops Tihata from standing up.
Tihata keeping moving, preventing Falls from controlling successfully.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Falls sizes up Tihata with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Falls takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

Falls darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Tihata is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Falls wants to work for an arm triangle but Tihata is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Tihata keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Falls wants to pass the guard but Tihata is defending well.
Tihata slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Tihata looking for a sweep. Not yet Tihata, not yet.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Tihata wants to stand but Falls is controlling the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Falls looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Tihata has momentary wrist control but Falls slips an elbow through the middle.
Falls works over Tihata with some ground and pound from guard.
Falls controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Falls content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Falls won't allow Tihata to sweep him here.
Falls wants to stand but Tihata is controlling his posture from full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Tihata is on top in guard.
Falls is trying to keep Tihata in close.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matt Falls comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Falls has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Paul Tew scores the fight for Matt Falls!
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Matt Falls!
Judge James Glass scores the fight for Matt Falls!

Matt Falls wins by unanimous decision!