PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lawrence Soliman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Samurai Moonwalker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Soliman comes to the cage accompanied by detox. Lawrence Soliman had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 206.7lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Samurai Moonwalker was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Soliman
vs
Moonwalker

197 cm
23
225 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

205 cm
23
213 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Lawrence Soliman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Samurai Moonwalker!
The judges for this bout are Steve Erwin, Bruno Hogan and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Moonwalker shoots in but no luck this time.
Lawrence Soliman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Soliman fails to land with a series of punches.
Moonwalker dodges the punch combination from Soliman.
A telegraphed right hand from Soliman misses the target.
Soliman throws a lazy right hand but Moonwalker sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Moonwalker drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Moonwalker thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

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

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

Moonwalker is looking for a triangle but Soliman pushes his legs off easily.

Soliman avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Soliman has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Moonwalker looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soliman would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Soliman avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Soliman is looking to stand up but Moonwalker won't let him.

Moonwalker escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Soliman gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Moonwalker working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Soliman doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Soliman manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Soliman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Moonwalker swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's two 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.

Soliman avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Soliman controlling from the top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Moonwalker is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Soliman knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Moonwalker on the ground.

Soliman decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Moonwalker chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Soliman can pounce on him.
Moonwalker moves out of range of the leg kick from Soliman.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soliman lands a nice shot that snaps Moonwalker's head back.
Soliman throws a sloppy head kick and Moonwalker moves out of range easily.
Soliman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Moonwalker shoots in looking for a takedown. Soliman tries to sprawl out of it but Moonwalker keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Soliman manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Moonwalker shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Soliman but Soliman pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Lawrence Soliman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Samurai Moonwalker.
Soliman cracks Moonwalker with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Moonwalker walks into a straight right hand from Soliman.
Moonwalker tries to move into range but Soliman moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
A jab from Soliman does it's job there.
Soliman stuffs the takedown attempt from Moonwalker. Moonwalker gets slowly back to his feet.
Moonwalker takes a body punch but keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Soliman.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Soliman cracks the inside of Moonwalker's front leg.
A good leg kick by Soliman.
Soliman catches Moonwalker with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Soliman is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Soliman scores with a hook.
Moonwalker takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Soliman looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Moonwalker uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Soliman.
Moonwalker throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Soliman counters with a left to the body.
Soliman throws out a powerful jab.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Moonwalker slips a jab and a cross from Soliman.
Lawrence Soliman is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Moonwalker doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Soliman counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Moonwalker fails to land the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Soliman scores with a crisp jab that stopped Moonwalker in his tracks.
Moonwalker misses with a takedown attempt
and Soliman counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Moonwalker tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Soliman swivels and escapes.
Soliman lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Soliman lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Soliman misses with a hook. Moonwalker ducked under it nicely.
Soliman tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Moonwalker was well out of range. Poor timing from Soliman.
Moonwalker blocks a head kick by Soliman.

Moonwalker closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Moonwalker is working for a submission of some sort.

Moonwalker is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Soliman has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soliman is trying to stand back up but Moonwalker is controlling him
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Moonwalker is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Soliman doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Moonwalker.
Soliman moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Moonwalker drops back, looking for a kneebar! Soliman looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Soliman looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Soliman!

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Moonwalker misses with a takedown
and Soliman counters with a left and a right that stings Moonwalker.
Lawrence Soliman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Samurai Moonwalker.
Soliman pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Moonwalker on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Soliman. Soliman obviously looking to wear him down.
A big right from Soliman misses.
Lawrence Soliman is winning the standup battle so far.
Moonwalker misses with a looping right.
Moonwalker throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Moonwalker fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Nice shot lands for Soliman.
Soliman throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Moonwalker on the side of the head.
Moonwalker misses with a body shot.
Moonwalker is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Moonwalker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Soliman.
Soliman dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Moonwalker tries for a takedown but Soliman circles away easily
and Soliman connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moonwalker shoots and misses
and Soliman counters with a head kick.
Soliman throws a head kick but Moonwalker moves out of range.
Moonwalker with a lazy takedown attempt
and Soliman counters with a left to the body.
Soliman lands with a cross.
Moonwalker with a poor takedown
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Soliman cracks Moonwalker with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

Moonwalker drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Moonwalker is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Soliman is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Soliman has escaped and now he's on top!

Moonwalker escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Soliman gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Moonwalker had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Soliman is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Moonwalker Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Soliman's back instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Moonwalker looking for the RNC.

Moonwalker is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Soliman has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Soliman wants to escape the position.
Well, with Moonwalker on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Soliman is tapping out... Can he escape the position?

Moonwalker is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Moonwalker is persistently looking for the submission but Soliman is defending it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Lawrence Soliman will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Soliman lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Moonwalker backs up against the cage.
Moonwalker will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Soliman misses with a jab, cross combination.
Moonwalker connects with a good right hand that stumbles Soliman. Soliman circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Soliman turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Moonwalker uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Soliman.
Soliman lands with a straight right. Moonwalker didn't see that one coming.
Soliman throws a right hand that Moonwalker ducks under and follows up with a left that Moonwalker also avoids with ease.
Moonwalker misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A leg kick checked by Moonwalker.
Moonwalker walks into a stiff left hand from Soliman.
Soliman throws a nice inside leg kick.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soliman misses with a wild combination.
Moonwalker shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Soliman as he avoids it easily.
Lawrence Soliman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Samurai Moonwalker.
Moonwalker misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Moonwalker walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Soliman connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Moonwalker takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Moonwalker's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Soliman swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Soliman moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Moonwalker shoots in for a takedown but Soliman shows good takedown defense.
Soliman lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Moonwalker has his takedown stuffed
and Soliman counters with a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Moonwalker throws the kick towards the body but Soliman avoids it.
Soliman lands a nice looking body shot.
Soliman swings for the body but Moonwalker moves out of range.
Moonwalker has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Moonwalker gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Soliman counters with a three punch combo that has Moonwalker backing up. Moonwalker nods at Soliman to acknowledge the strikes.
Soliman swings away with a body shot that misses
and Moonwalker counters with a three punch combo that has Soliman backing up. Soliman nods at Moonwalker to acknowledge the strikes.
Soliman lands a jab to the head.
Moonwalker shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Soliman lands a two punch combo.
Soliman tries to land a leg kick but Moonwalker saw it coming and moves away.
Moonwalker swinging wilding here.
Soliman lands a high kick!
Moonwalker shoots in looking for a takedown. Soliman tries to sprawl out of it but Moonwalker keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Soliman manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moonwalker takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
A combination from Soliman does no damage.
Moonwalker shoots for a takedown but Soliman saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Soliman works Moonwalker's body with a nice hook.
Soliman misses with a double jab

and Moonwalker counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Moonwalker is trying to work for a kimura but Soliman is defending well.

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

Moonwalker is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Soliman doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Moonwalker.
Samurai Moonwalker has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Moonwalker seems to be looking for submissions.
Moonwalker throws a strike but Soliman avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Soliman wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Moonwalker trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Soliman controlling the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lawrence Soliman showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Soliman, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Steve Erwin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 30:27
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lawrence Soliman!