PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Nate Diaz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jan Olov Hermansson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Diaz
vs
Olov Hermansson

183 cm
31
168 lbs
15 - 18 - 0

178 cm
38
168 lbs
29 - 27 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 18 - 0, fighting out of London, Nate Diaz!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 27 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Jan Olov Hermansson!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Gregory Folan and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hermansson closes the distance and pushes Diaz back into the cage.
Hermansson prevents Diaz from breaking the clinch.
Diaz is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Diaz has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Hermansson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Hermansson prevents the takedown attempt.

Hermansson gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Diaz pushes Hermansson off but Hermansson dives into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hermansson wants to stand but Diaz has his arm trapped.
Diaz tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Hermansson presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hermansson manages to capitalize on a mistake by Diaz to take his back!
Diaz trying to control the hands but Hermansson breaks the grip.
Diaz tries to roll but Hermansson sticks to his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz trying to control the hands but Hermansson breaks the grip.
Diaz tries to roll but Hermansson sticks to his back.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Diaz trying to control the position but Hermansson manages to sink in the hooks.
Diaz tries to roll but Hermansson sticks to his back.
Diaz prevents his opponent from getting back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hermansson avoiding Diaz 's attempts to control his hands.
Diaz tries to escape the position.
Diaz trying to control the hands but Hermansson breaks the grip.
Diaz can't escape the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz trying to get back to his feet but Hermansson is in full control for now.
Diaz tries to escape but Hermansson has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Hermansson is looking to stand but he's in a difficult position to do so.
Hermansson controlling well, preventing Diaz from escaping the position.
Diaz trying to control the action but Hermansson just sinks the hooks in.
Diaz wants to escape the position.
Hermansson really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Diaz.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hermansson keeps control of the position as Diaz tries to break free.
Hermansson wants to stand back up.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Diaz is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Diaz is working hard here to advance position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hermansson biding his time, controlling Diaz.
Diaz trying to control the position but Hermansson manages to sink in the hooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jan Olov Hermansson dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Hermansson with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Diaz to score with a decent uppercut.

Hermansson takes the fight into the clinch.

Diaz breaks the clinch.
Diaz shoots in for a double leg but Hermansson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Hermansson closes the distance and clinches.

Diaz drags the fight down to the ground.

Diaz looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Hermansson passes into side control.
Diaz can't do much from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Hermansson has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

Hermansson clinches up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Hermansson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Diaz gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Diaz is pressed up against the cage. Hermansson has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Diaz down to the mat. Diaz avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Hermansson takes the fight into the clinch.

Diaz breaks the clinch.
Hermansson moves in looking to clinch but Diaz pushes him off.
Hermansson wants to clinch.

Hermansson clinches up against the cage.
Diaz is trying to pull guard but Hermansson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hermansson tries for a takedown but Diaz manages to get underhooks.
Nate Diaz has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jan Olov Hermansson.
Hermansson prevents Diaz from breaking the clinch.
Diaz working hard to break the clinch.
Diaz jumps guard but Hermansson stands there with Diaz around his waist. Diaz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
I was talking to Diaz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

Diaz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Hermansson gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Diaz wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Diaz is trying to break the clinch but Hermansson has him pressed against the cage.
Diaz is trying to break the clinch but Hermansson is controlling him.

Hermansson gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Diaz regains guard.

Diaz working for submissions but it's allowed Hermansson to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz trying to hold on to Hermansson's head to control him but Hermansson postures up.
Diaz is looking for a sweep. Hermansson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Diaz gets back to full guard.

Diaz has an active guard here but Hermansson has managed to pass into half guard.
Diaz gets back to full 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.
Diaz has a closed guard, preventing Hermansson from standing up.

Diaz looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Hermansson has picked Diaz up and slammed him! Diaz can't keep hold of the triangle and Hermansson manages to pass to side control!
Diaz wants to control but Hermansson postures up.
Diaz is trying to improve his position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jan Olov Hermansson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Hermansson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Diaz, pushing him back against the cage.
Diaz wants to break the clinch but can't.
Hermansson has Diaz pressed against the cage, preventing Diaz from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Hermansson keeps control of Diaz as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Diaz breaks from the clinch.
Hermansson is looking to clinch.
Diaz plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Diaz loads up on a big right hand but Hermansson slips the punch.
Diaz keeps the fight on the outside.

Hermansson clinches up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hermansson is looking for a takedown.
A frustrated look appears on Diaz's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Diaz escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Hermansson darts in and clinches Diaz up against the cage.
Diaz is trying to break free.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz is trying to push Hermansson away but Hermansson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Diaz is trying to pull guard but Hermansson turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Hermansson prevents Diaz from breaking the clinch.
Diaz tries to circle away but Hermansson has him pinned against the cage.
Hermansson has Diaz pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Diaz manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Diaz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Hermansson is looking to clinch.
Diaz misses with the combination.
Hermansson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Diaz throws a hook to the side of Hermansson's head but Hermansson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Diaz swats away the attempt to clinch by Hermansson.
Hermansson tries to clinch but Diaz moves away
and Diaz counters with a three punch combo that has Hermansson backing up. Hermansson nods at Diaz to acknowledge the strikes.
Hermansson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hermansson moves into the clinch.
Diaz is trying to break the clinch but Hermansson is controlling him.

Diaz has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Hermansson uses from the top position.

Diaz working for submissions but it's allowed Hermansson to get to half guard.
Hermansson tries to stand but can't do so whilst Diaz controls his leg.

Hermansson moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Diaz.
Diaz can't do much from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz tries to buck Hermansson off but Hermansson is having none of it.
Jan Olov Hermansson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Diaz struggling a bit here.
Diaz is holding Hermansson down, trying to stall.
Diaz is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Hermansson off and has taken his back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Diaz is looking for the choke from the back position but Hermansson is controlling his hands well.
Hermansson wants to get back to his feet.
Diaz tries to get the hooks in deep but Hermansson pushed the leg off.
Diaz is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.

Hermansson is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Diaz gets his way!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hermansson trying to get back to his feet but Diaz is in full control for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nate Diaz clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Hermansson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Diaz, pushing him back against the cage.

Diaz breaks the clinch.
Diaz missing with a left hand there. Hermansson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hermansson tries to clinch up
and Diaz counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Hermansson drives through and clinches with Diaz against the cage.

Diaz manages to pull guard.

Diaz has an active guard here but Hermansson has managed to pass into half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Diaz looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Diaz has a hand on Hermansson's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Hermansson takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Diaz is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Hermansson stands up from mount. Strange move.
A big left from Diaz misses.

Hermansson has taken the fight to the clinch.

Diaz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Diaz gets tackled into the cage by Hermansson. Hermansson maintains the clinch.

Diaz manages to pull guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hermansson stopping the sweep attempt from Diaz.
Hermansson trying to stand up but can't free himself from Diaz's guard.
Diaz controls Hermansson momentarily but Hermansson frees himself.

Hermansson gets to his feet. Diaz looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Diaz circles away from the clinch attempt.

Hermansson closes the distance and clinches.
Diaz tries to pull guard but Hermansson holds him up against the cage and eventually Diaz drops back down to his feet.

Hermansson is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Diaz can't fight it off and eventually Hermansson manages to take the fight to the floor. Diaz looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Diaz wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Hermansson manages to pass to side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Diaz wants to get back to full guard.
Hermansson wants to stand up but Diaz is controlling the position.

Diaz looking for submissions off his back.

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.
Diaz trying to control but Hermansson postures up.

Diaz actively working from the bottom here.

Diaz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hermansson pulls his head out easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Diaz wants to control but Hermansson is keeping busy.
Hermansson wants to stand but Diaz has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jan Olov Hermansson dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Hermansson fails in his attempt to clinch.
It looked like Diaz wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

Hermansson gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Diaz's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Diaz breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Diaz throws the kick towards the body but Hermansson avoids it.

Hermansson closes the distance and pushes Diaz back into the cage.
Diaz is looking to break free of the clinch but Hermansson has double underhooks.
Diaz wants to get back to striking at distance but Hermansson won't allow it.
Hermansson looking for a takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Diaz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Hermansson clinches up with Diaz and pushes him back against the cage.

Hermansson has picked Diaz up - he's going for a ride! Hermansson dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Diaz wants to control but Hermansson is keeping busy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Diaz is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Hermansson is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Hermansson seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Diaz trying to control from the bottom.
Hermansson wants to stand up but Diaz has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Diaz is looking to improve his position.

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

Hermansson pushes Diaz up against the cage in a clinch.
Jan Olov Hermansson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two 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.

Diaz jumps into guard, dragging Hermansson to the mat.
Diaz looking to control but Hermansson passes into half guard.
Hermansson passes into side control, despite Diaz's attempt to control the position.

Hermansson stands up and beckons Diaz to his feet.

Hermansson has managed to clinch.
Diaz prevents the takedown attempt.
Diaz tries to circle away but Hermansson has him pinned against the cage.
Diaz jumps guard but Hermansson stands there with Diaz around his waist. Diaz gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Nate Diaz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Diaz tries to circle away but Hermansson has him pinned against the cage.
Diaz jumps guard but Hermansson turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Diaz pulls guard.
Diaz has a closed guard, preventing Hermansson from standing up.

Diaz working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Hermansson has passed into half guard!
Diaz has a hand on Hermansson's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Hermansson takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Diaz wants to control but Hermansson is having none of it.
Diaz is looking to get to half guard.
Hermansson wants to stand but Diaz is holding on to him, trying to stop him posturing up.
Diaz wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Diaz wants to control his opponent's hands but Hermansson gets his hands free.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hermansson keeps control of the position as Diaz tries to break free.
Diaz trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jan Olov Hermansson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hermansson 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 46:49
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 46:49
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jan Olov Hermansson!
Jan Olov Hermansson is the new lightweight champion!
Jan Olov Hermansson thanked the fans post fight for their support.
The defeated Nate Diaz had this to say: 'Fuckoff, Ive got nothing to say to you. You fucking twat!!!'.