PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between John Balis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thomas Taylor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Balis kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genuis that is Still Unbroken. Taylor has chosen Amazing - Kanye West as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. The key to victory for John Balis has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Balis
vs
Taylor

190 cm
20
265 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

186 cm
18
240 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ Purple 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 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, John Balis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Thomas Taylor!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Chris Downing and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Taylor has closed the distance and engaged Balis in a clinch.
Taylor tries to pull guard but Balis won't allow it.

Balis has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Taylor clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Taylor trying to control the action but Balis just sinks the hooks in.
Balis punches the canvas rather than the man.

Balis working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Taylor trying to control the hands but Balis won't let him.
Balis doesn't have the hooks in and Taylor manages to turn into his guard.
Taylor prevents Balis from getting back to his feet.
Balis keeping moving, preventing Taylor from controlling successfully.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.

Taylor looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Balis is looking to improve his position.
Taylor uses his free foot to push down on Balis's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Balis.
Balis wants to control but Taylor is having none of it.
Taylor moves to back control.
Taylor has the hooks in. Balis is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Balis is breathing heavily.
Balis controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Taylor's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Taylor is working for the choke. I would put my money on him to finish from this position. He's rolled onto his back and has dragged Balis with him. Balis is trying to defend but Taylor has an arm under the chin now! Balis grimaces and is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Thomas Taylor!