PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jerome Brooks (ranked 25290 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fojante Elikman (ranked 5712 p4p, 574 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Elikman's choice of entrance music: Lajan Slim - Haitians. Jerome Brooks has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Brooks
vs
Elikman

160 cm
22
162 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

179 cm
25
165 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Very confident

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jerome Brooks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Fojante Elikman!
The judges for this bout are Chris Saunders, Paul Gruel and Roger Salmon.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Elikman throws a right hand that Brooks ducks under and follows up with a left that Brooks also avoids with ease.
Elikman throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Brooks counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

Brooks clinches with his opponent.

Elikman's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
That kick from Elikman tenderised Brooks's leg. Brooks is trying to keep his angry face on.
Elikman tries to bum rush Brooks with a series of wild strikes but Brooks uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Elikman getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Elikman, right into the meat.
Brooks tries to clinch but Elikman moves out of range.
Elikman scores with a one two! Brooks had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

It looks like Jerome Brooks has been cut.
A nice inside leg kick there by Elikman. That's going to slow Brooks down.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Brooks on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Elikman. Elikman obviously looking to wear him down.
Elikman misses with a jab, cross combination.
Brooks seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Elikman lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

Brooks bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Brooks decides to stand back up.
Elikman ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Brooks moves away.
Brooks ducks right into an uppercut from Elikman.
Brooks really is a fat lump.
Elikman looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Brooks shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Elikman's guard.
Brooks might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Elikman wants to stand up but Brooks is controlling him.

Brooks stands and steps away. Elikman gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Brooks doesn't manage to clinch there - Elikman circles away.
Elikman throws a jab but it's blocked by Brooks.
Brooks blocks a head kick by Elikman.
Elikman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Elikman throws an off balance right hand
and Brooks counters with a straight right hand.
Elikman lands a head shot.
Elikman is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Elikman ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Elikman has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Elikman throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Brooks.
Elikman looks winded!
Elikman looks to land a combination but Brooks avoids it well.
Brooks is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Elikman.
Elikman misses with a series of wild punches.
Elikman throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Elikman misses the shot to the body.
Brooks tries to clinch up but Elikman circles away and keeps his distance.
Brooks moves in looking to clinch but Elikman pushes him off.
As Brooks backs off Elikman throws a huge counter combo but Brooks manages to avoid it all.
A combination from Elikman does no damage.
Elikman misses with a wild combination.
Brooks doesn't manage to clinch there - Elikman circles away.
Elikman swinging wildly here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A low kick from Elikman misses

and Brooks decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Elikman's guard.

Brooks stands up and waves to Elikman to follow him.
Elikman defending well as Brooks loads up on a big left hand.
Fojante Elikman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Elikman throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
letting Brooks counter with a right hand.
Brooks tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Elikman swivels and escapes.
A combination from Elikman does no damage.
Brooks tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Elikman manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Brooks has taken the fight to the clinch.
Brooks taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Elikman is looking to break free of the clinch but Brooks has double underhooks.
Brooks with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Brooks breaks from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brooks tries to clinch up but Elikman circles away and keeps his distance.
Brooks walks into a straight right hand from Elikman.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Elikman throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Brooks's head.
Elikman scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Elikman moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Brooks misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Elikman.
A punch combination from Elikman misses.
Elikman misses with a body shot.
Elikman looks to land a combination but Brooks avoids it well.
A quick step to the side and Brooks tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Brooks swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Brooks shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Elikman is trying to defend but Brooks finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Brooks stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fojante Elikman dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jerome Brooks's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Brooks has a takedown stuffed.
Elikman takes a swing at Brooks's ribcage but misses.
A combination from Elikman does no damage.
Brooks shoots in looking for a takedown but Elikman manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Brooks's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Elikman connects with a single shot there.
Brooks wants to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Brooks takes the fight into the clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Brooks takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brooks just leaning against Elikman, taking a breather.
Brooks looking to throw knees to the head but Elikman is blocking nicely.
Brooks stalling.
Brooks tries a knee to the head but Elikman blocks it.
Stalling in the clinch from Brooks.
Brooks looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Elikman breaks the clinch.
No joy there for Elikman, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Fojante Elikman seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Elikman rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Brooks moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Brooks takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Brooks avoids the head kick by Elikman.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Elikman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Brooks is looking to counter punch.
Elikman takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Elikman throws out a powerful jab.
Elikman swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Brooks counters with a left to the body.
Elikman lands a lovely overhand right.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Elikman misses with an uppercut.
Brooks blocks a head kick by Elikman.
Elikman is breathing heavily.
Brooks dodges the punch combination from Elikman.
A combination from Elikman does no damage.
Brooks was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Brooks tries to clinch but Elikman is having none of it.
Elikman thinks about the counter body kick.
Elikman misses with a series of wild punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Elikman lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Elikman swings and misses with a hook to the body.
The fight stays on the outside here - Brooks looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Elikman rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Brooks makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Elikman rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Brooks moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Fojante Elikman is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Elikman throws a nice looking combination but Brooks bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Brooks moves into the clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Brooks.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Brooks misses with a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brooks stalling against the cage.
Brooks drops down looking for an ankle pick but Elikman pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jerome Brooks. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Elikman lands with a cross.
Brooks wants to clinch up but Elikman keeps it at a distance.
Elikman cracks Brooks with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Horrible takedown attempt by Brooks or perhaps it was just good defense by Elikman, which made it look bad.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Brooks tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Elikman manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Brooks fails with an attempt to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fojante Elikman showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jerome Brooks's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Elikman rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Brooks moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Brooks appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Elikman keeps the fight on the outside.
Elikman counters with a body kick.
Brooks tries to score a power double leg takedown but Elikman sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Brooks somewhat.
Elikman scores with a head kick. Brooks tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Elikman throws a nice looking combination but Brooks bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Elikman keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Brooks misses the shot to the body.
Elikman lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Nice sprawl there from Elikman as Brooks shoots in.
Elikman throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Brooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brooks fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice cross by Elikman.
Elikman lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Brooks backs up against the cage.
Elikman throws a lazy body kick

and Brooks counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Elikman takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Elikman wants to improve his position but Brooks is controlling well.
Elikman keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Brooks scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Brooks stops Elikman from getting back to his feet.

Brooks gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Brooks shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Elikman's guard.
Elikman has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Brooks landing some decent shots from guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Brooks postures up in Elikman's guard and throws a big left but Elikman blocks it.
Elikman wants to stand up but Brooks is controlling him.
Jerome Brooks overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Brooks lands a couple of elbows.
Elikman wants to stand up but Brooks is controlling him.
Brooks is in close to Elikman's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Elikman wants to stand and escape but Brooks is having none of it.

Brooks stands and steps away. Elikman gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Brooks bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Brooks decides to stand back up. Brooks steps back and let's Elikman get back to his feet.
The fighters circling - Elikman throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Elikman throws a right hand that Brooks ducks under and follows up with a left that Brooks also avoids with ease.
Brooks is looking to counter punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Brooks clinches up with Elikman and pushes him back against the cage.
Brooks tries for a takedown but Elikman manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jerome Brooks. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The referee calls for Brooks to work.
Elikman is trying to break the clinch but Brooks is controlling him.
Elikman throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Brookss head.
Brooks has Elikman pressed against the cage, preventing Elikman from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Brooks tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Brooks is looking to break free of the clinch but Elikman has double underhooks.
Elikman prevents the takedown attempt.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Elikman goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Elikman throws a leg kick but Brooks moved away.
Brooks dives in and grabs Elikman's left leg, looking for a takedown. Elikman pushes down on Brooks's head and hops out.
Brooks goes for a double leg but Elikman avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Elikman continues to drive forward.
Elikman throws a series of punches but Brooks avoids them all with ease.
Elikman's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Elikman duly obliges.
Elikman tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Brooks was well out of range. Poor timing from Elikman.
Brooks is looking to counter the offense by Elikman and move into the clinch.
A combination from Elikman does no damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Brooks looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A little jabbing left from Elikman on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Fojante Elikman is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Brooks is trying hard to land a takedown here. Elikman sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Jerome Brooks has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Elikman works over Brooks's head and body with a nice combination.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fojante Elikman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Elikman winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Chris Saunders scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Gruel scores the fight 27:30
Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fojante Elikman!
Fojante Elikman took some time post fight to say the following; 'Im the next big thing dog, this a crazy thing ya doin stepping against me but ya still gon get that paper even tho I beat ya niggas asses out here'.