PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Blakey Van (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Santo Naysmith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Van
vs
Naysmith

225 cm
22
300 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

225 cm
18
300 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Dangerous knees
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Blakey Van!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Santo Naysmith!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, James Atkins and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Naysmith on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Naysmith tries to clinch but Van moves out of range.
Van swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Naysmith doesn't manage to clinch there - Van circles away.
Van lands with an uppercut that bounces Naysmith off the cage and back into rage.
A big left from Van misses.
Van tries to clinch up but Naysmith circles away and keeps his distance.
Van lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Naysmith circles away quickly and effectively.
Van misses with the combination.
Naysmith wants to clinch up but Van keeps it at a distance.
Naysmith tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Van fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Van uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van tries to clinch up.
Good exchange - Van coming out on top.
Santo Naysmith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Naysmith ducks under a wild hook from Van.
Van is looking to clinch but Naysmith is avoiding it.

Naysmith has closed the distance and engaged Van in a clinch.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Naysmith using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Van has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Naysmith looking to throw knees to the head but Van is blocking nicely.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Van is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

It looks like Blakey Van has been cut.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Van is breathing heavily.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but Van blocks with his arms.
Knees to the body from Naysmith.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Naysmith lands a nice knee to the body.
Van wants to break free but Naysmith has control.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section. Van lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Naysmith obliges.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Naysmith misses with a knee to the head.
Van jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Naysmith walks away with a smile on his face. Van gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Naysmith drives through and clinches with Van against the cage.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Van misses with an elbow strike.
Naysmith lands a good knee to the midsection. Van won't want to take too many of those.
Naysmith utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Naysmith throws a knee to the head but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Naysmith with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Van lands with a short shot to the head.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Naysmith scores a nice knee to the body.

Van ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Van no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Van tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Naysmith wants to get up but he can't break Van's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Van is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Van is looking for a kimura but Naysmith is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Van to get the leverage.
Van trying to control the action but Naysmith is working from the bottom.
Naysmith looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Naysmith tries to kick Van off in order to stand up. Van Avoids the leg push though and dives into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Naysmith tries to escape but Van is in control.
Van is looking to take a break and control but Naysmith is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Naysmith fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Van, pushing him back against the cage.
Naysmith putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Van in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Naysmith landing some nice looking knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.

Blakey Van's cut is getting worse.
Naysmith with a knee to the head.
Knees to the body from Naysmith.
Naysmith lands a good knee to the midsection. Van won't want to take too many of those.
Van has had enough of the clinch but Naysmith keeps him there for the moment.
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Naysmith is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Van jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Naysmith walks away with a smile on his face. Van gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Naysmith fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Van, pushing him back against the cage.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Van goes for a takedown attempt but Naysmith pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Blakey Van. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Naysmith moves into the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Nice body punch from Van - that landed with a thud.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

Van gets control of Naysmith's arms and successfully pulls guard. Van will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Santo Naysmith dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Blakey Van's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Naysmith pushes Van up against the cage in a clinch.
Van is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Naysmith is defending well for now.
Naysmith landing knees to the head.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Van wants to break the clinch but can't.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Naysmith throws a knee to the head but misses.

Van has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Naysmith uses from the top position.
Naysmith wanted to stand there but Van had control of the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Van controls Naysmith momentarily but Naysmith frees himself.
Naysmith tries to stand but Van is controlling from the bottom.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Van looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Naysmith decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Santo Naysmith is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Naysmith has closed the distance and engaged Van in a clinch.
Naysmith with a knee to the head.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but Van blocks it.
Naysmith gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Van.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Naysmith landing knees to the head.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Naysmith connects with a nasty looking knee right to Van's face.
Naysmith with a knee to the head.

Van ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Van no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Naysmith must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Van has a closed guard, preventing Naysmith from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Naysmith stops Van from standing up.
Naysmith really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Van. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Naysmith gets to his feet - Van follows without any prompting.

Naysmith closes the distance and pushes Van back into the cage.
Naysmith landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Van tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Naysmith just stands there and leans against the cage.
Naysmith utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but Van blocks it.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Van fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Naysmith landing knees to the head.
Naysmith with a knee to the head.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Naysmith is pressed up against the cage. Van has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Naysmith down to the mat. Naysmith avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Blakey Van. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Naysmith closes the distance and clinches.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
Naysmith is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
Van fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Van wants to stall.
Santo Naysmith seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Naysmith landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Naysmith is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
Van scores with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Naysmith misses with a knee strike.
A shot in the inside from Van.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Van has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Naysmith is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Naysmith has Van pressed against the cage, preventing Van from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Naysmith landing knees to the head.
Naysmith misses with a knee strike.
Van tries for a takedown. No joy.
Naysmith prevents Van from breaking the clinch.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith misses with a knee strike.
Naysmith looking to throw knees to the head but Van is blocking nicely.
Naysmith lands a good knee to the midsection. Van won't want to take too many of those.
Naysmith misses with a knee strike.
Van drops down looking for an ankle pick but Naysmith pulls his leg out and moves away.
Van tries to close the distance and clinch up but Naysmith swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Santo Naysmith showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Blakey Van's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Naysmith closes the distance and clinches.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Naysmith has Van pressed against the cage, preventing Van from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but Van blocks it.
Van tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Van goes for a takedown in the clinch but Naysmith prevents it.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Naysmith lands a knee to the body.
Naysmith connects with a nasty looking knee right to Van's face.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Naysmith using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Van has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Van looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Blakey Van. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Naysmith obliges.
Naysmith misses with a knee to the head.
Van is looking to break free of the clinch but Naysmith has double underhooks.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Van tries to pull guard but Naysmith won't allow it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Van has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Naysmith avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Naysmith landing knees to the head.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Naysmith throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Van blocks it with crossed arms.
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section. Van lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Naysmith throws a knee to the head but misses.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Van lands a left hand that snaps the head of Naysmith backwards.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Naysmith scores a nice knee to the body.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Naysmith using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Van has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Naysmith lands a good knee to the midsection. Van won't want to take too many of those.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Naysmith with a knee to the head.
Van wants a takedown.
Van fails to pull guard.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Van is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Naysmith.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

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.
Van tries for a takedown but Naysmith manages to get underhooks.
Naysmith throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Van blocks it with crossed arms.
Knees in the clinch landing for Naysmith.
A knee to the head by Naysmith.
Van has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Naysmith avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Naysmith obliges.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but Van blocks it.
Naysmith throws a knee to the head but misses.
Naysmith lands a good knee to the midsection. Van won't want to take too many of those.
Van tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Knees in the clinch landing for Naysmith.
Naysmith landing knees to the head.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but Van blocks it.
Van has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Naysmith is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Naysmith utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Van tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Naysmith throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Naysmith obliges.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van can't break the clinch.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but Van blocks with his arms.
Van takes a knee right on the jaw!
Van jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Naysmith walks away with a smile on his face. Van gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Naysmith gets a clinch.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Naysmith looking to throw knees to the head but Van is blocking nicely.
Naysmith misses with a knee to the head.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Naysmith tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section. Van lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Van tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Naysmith smiles and moves away.

Naysmith clinches.
Naysmith with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

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

Naysmith clinches with his opponent.
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Naysmith scores a nice knee to the body.
Naysmith keeps control of Van as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Naysmith connects with a nasty looking knee right to Van's face.
Naysmith crunches a lovely knee into Van's ribcage.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Naysmith working Van over with knees to the body.
Naysmith with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Van fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Blakey Van has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Naysmith crunches a lovely knee into Van's ribcage.
Van looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Naysmith scores with a knee to the head.
Naysmith unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Naysmith throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Van blocks it with crossed arms.
Van has Naysmith pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Naysmith manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Naysmith tries to land a knee to the head but Van blocks with his arms.
Naysmith with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Naysmith connects with a knee to the head.
Naysmith gets underhooks to prevent Van's takedown attempt.
Naysmith landing knees to the body.
Naysmith lands a knee to the head.
Van changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Naysmith fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Naysmith tries to clinch there but Van circles away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Santo Naysmith comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Naysmith winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Paul Tew scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Santo Naysmith!