PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nick Bravo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kacper Kowalik (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kowalik is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Metallica- Turn the page. I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Bravo
vs
Kowalik

175 cm
21
160 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

177 cm
19
165 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Insanely flexible

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Nick Bravo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Kacper Kowalik!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Patrick Alders and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kowalik avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kowalik throws a low kick, looking for Bravo's leg but Bravo calmly moves out of range.

Bravo drives through with a takedown into Kowalik's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Kowalik working a defensive guard here.

Kowalik is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bravo is aware though and is defending well.

Kowalik looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Bravo trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kowalik trying to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kowalik is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Bravo is aware though and is defending well.
Kowalik keeping moving, preventing Bravo from controlling successfully.
Our spies down at at Mano`s Elite BJJ Gym inform us that Kowalik has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

Kowalik working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Bravo doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Bravo manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalik avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Bravo is fighting to break Kowalik's control of his arms but Kowalik is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Kowalik is trying to keep Bravo in close.
Bravo keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kowalik's head.

Kowalik has his foot on Bravo's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Bravo works his way back into a safe position though.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Bravo's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Kowalik escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Bravo gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kowalik has his hands on Bravo's head, controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalik wants to sweep here but Bravo controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Kowalik is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
We've been hearing good reports from Bravo's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.

Bravo got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kowalik has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Bravo has managed to get both his arms back between Kowalik's legs - danger averted.
Bravo controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

Bravo drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Bravo jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bravo looking to sit in guard and control but Kowalik gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Kowalik lands a couple of elbows.
Kowalik throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Bravo works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kowalik throwing strikes but missing.
Bravo keeping moving, preventing Kowalik from controlling successfully.
Bravo preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bravo is trying to control the position but Kowalik postures up.
Kowalik scoring with some ground and pound.
Kowalik won't allow Bravo to sweep him here.
Kowalik working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bravo is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Kowalik moves into the clinch.

Kowalik escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kowalik throws a hook to the side of Bravo's head but Bravo sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A jab from Kowalik finds it's way through Bravo's defenses.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Kowalik shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Kowalik was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Kowalik has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
You can see the frustration on Bravo's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kacper Kowalik dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kowalik gets a takedown into half guard.
Kowalik tries to pass to full mount but Bravo defends it.
Kowalik not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Bravo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kowalik.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kowalik connects with a nice short shot to Bravo's temple.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalik trying to mount his opponent but Bravo defends it.
Bravo keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kowalik lands with a punch from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kowalik is looking for a kimura but Bravo is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kowalik to get the leverage.

Kowalik is looking for a kimura but Bravo is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kowalik to get the leverage.
Kowalik wants to pass the guard but Bravo is defending well.
Bravo is trying to stand up here but Kowalik is controlling him well.
Bravo is doing well to control the position and prevent Kowalik from advancing to side control.
Kowalik throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Bravo has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kowalik is working away from the top position though.
Bravo is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kowalik's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kowalik's back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bravo has the hooks in. Kowalik is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Bravo gets his hands free as Kowalik looks to control.
Kowalik can't escape the position.

Bravo tightening his grip on Kowalik, looking for the choke.
Bravo is not going to allow Kowalik to sit and survive in this position.
Kowalik has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bravo lands a punch to the side of the head from the back.
Kowalik breaks Bravo's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Kowalik wants to control from the top but Bravo keeps moving.
Bravo preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bravo has his hands on Kowalik's head, controlling the position.

Bravo is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kowalik defends well.
Kacper Kowalik has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kowalik scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kowalik has gone for a leg lock! Bravo slips out almost immediately though and dives into Kowalik's guard.

Kowalik is looking for a triangle but Bravo pushes his legs off easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kowalik 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kacper Kowalik showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Bravo moves out of range as Kowalik strikes.

Kowalik shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Kowalik showed some decent athleticism there.
Bravo trying to hold on to Kowalik's head to control him but Kowalik postures up.

Kowalik is working for a kimura but Bravo is defending it quite comfortably.
Bravo trying to hold on to Kowalik's head to control him but Kowalik postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bravo is refusing to be controlled, as Kowalik sits in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bravo tries to get to full guard but Kowalik has control of the leg.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kowalik connects with a nice short shot to Bravo's temple.
Ground and pound from Kowalik.
Kowalik is trying to control. Bravo wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Bravo wants to control but Kowalik is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kowalik is nestled in close to Bravo, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Bravo is looking to control Kowalik's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Bravo avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kowalik thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Bravo's head.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kowalik throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kowalik scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Bravo wants to control but Kowalik is keeping busy and won't allow it.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kowalik throws a looping overhand right but Bravo ducks down to avoid it.
Kowalik slaps away a takedown attempt from Bravo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kowalik attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Bravo ducks under a wild hook from Kowalik.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bravo slips a jab from Kowalik.
Nick Bravo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kowalik pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Bravo misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Kowalik throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Kowalik is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Bravo's half guard.
Bravo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kowalik.
Kowalik throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Bravo is looking to escape.
Kowalik working the head and body with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bravo tries to roll over but Kowalik keeps him under control.
Kowalik performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Bravo is staying active underneath Kowalik, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kacper Kowalik is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kowalik is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Kowalik trying to control the action but Bravo is working from the bottom.
Kowalik seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A slow jab from Kowalik misses its intended target.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kacper Kowalik comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kowalik 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 26:30
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 26:30
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kacper Kowalik!
A relieved looking Kacper Kowalik thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.