PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bob Backlund (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nando De Leeuw (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bob Backlund could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Nando De Leeuw 's chin.

Backlund
vs
De Leeuw

189 cm
30
189 lbs
12 - 10 - 0

181 cm
30
187 lbs
14 - 16 - 0

Great wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Fast

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Bob Backlund!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Nando De Leeuw !
The judges for this bout are Jeff Smith, Josh West and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
De Leeuw throws a head kick but Backlund moves out of range.
Backlund shoots in but no luck this time.
Backlund shoots in looking for a takedown but De Leeuw manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Backlund's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Backlund closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. De Leeuw did well to prevent Backlund getting side control.

Backlund is working for a submission of some sort.
De Leeuw pushes Backlund off looking to stand but Backlund dives back in and keeps control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Backlund is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Backlund is looking for a kimura here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
De Leeuw is looking to get back to is feet but Backlund passes into side control.

Backlund is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but De Leeuw is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Backlund swings around for an armbar but De Leeuw sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Backlund's guard.

Backlund has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but De Leeuw can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
De Leeuw is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Backlund had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. De Leeuw defends it easily.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Backlund is on top in guard.

Backlund looking to pass the guard.

Backlund drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Backlund jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Backlund wants to pass the guard but De Leeuw is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backlund slips nicely into half guard.
Backlund is pressing down on De Leeuw 's thigh, looking to free his foot. De Leeuw is holding on for now.

Backlund is working for a kimura but De Leeuw is defending it quite comfortably.
Backlund prevents De Leeuw from standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Backlund is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Backlund wants to pass the guard but De Leeuw is defending well.

Backlund is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, De Leeuw has managed to free his arm - good work.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Backlund tries to pass to full mount but De Leeuw defends it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bob Backlund dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Backlund closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into De Leeuw 's guard.
Backlund passes into half guard.

Backlund is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. De Leeuw doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Backlund.

Backlund is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, De Leeuw has managed to free his arm - good work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Backlund seems to be looking for submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Backlund is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so De Leeuw is just riding it out for now. Backlund eventually gives up the hold.

Backlund is sneakily working for an arm triangle but De Leeuw sees it coming and defends easily.

Backlund is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Backlund is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, De Leeuw has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two 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.
Backlund moves nicely into side control.

Backlund thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Backlund is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but De Leeuw is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Backlund goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, De Leeuw has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Backlund but great work by De Leeuw .

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backlund is looking for a sweep.

De Leeuw has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
De Leeuw connects with a good right hand that stumbles Backlund. Backlund circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
De Leeuw looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
De Leeuw lands a jab to the nose.
De Leeuw misses with the combination.
A decent looking cross lands there for De Leeuw .
Backlund goes for a double leg but De Leeuw avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as De Leeuw continues to drive forward.
Backlund shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. De Leeuw defends it nicely.
Backlund changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. De Leeuw tries to avoid it but Backlund manages to keep hold of a leg and drag De Leeuw to the ground. De Leeuw escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bob Backlund. That's going to take a lot out of him.

De Leeuw lands a big head kick that sends Backlund tumbling to the mat! De Leeuw takes a step backwards and waves Backlund back to his feet - he wants the finish!

Backlund is rocked!

It looks like Bob Backlund has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
De Leeuw connects with a nice cross there... Backlund is looking wobbly and De Leeuw recognises it - he's rushed in and lands two more brutal shots that send Backlund to the canvas, out cold! A brutal finish to the fight - De Leeuw jumps onto the cage to celebrate with the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:05 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Nando De Leeuw !
A less than humble Nando De Leeuw misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.