PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Karlssen Paulssen (ranked 3093 p4p, 23206 weight class) and Thumper Impala (ranked 383 p4p, 590 weight class). Impala has chosen Top Back as his entrance music. Thumper Impala will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Paulssen
vs
Impala

171 cm
22
162
3 - 1 - 0

180 cm
22
167
0 - 7 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Barry Bonds Performance Enhancers $110 160q Rec&St

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Karlssen Paulssen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Thumper Impala !
The judges for this bout are Darius Henderson, Ron Honeybunn and Francis DeMontford.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Impala has managed to clinch.
Paulssen is working for takedown but Impala is calmly controlling the position for now.
Paulssen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Paulssen takes a knee right on the jaw!
Stalling in the clinch from Impala .
Paulssen is trying to push Impala away but Impala has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A short right from Impala .
We've been hearing reports that Paulssen has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
A short uppercut from Impala .
Paulssen is looking for a takedown.
Impala lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Impala with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Impala lands a knee to the head.

Paulssen pulls guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Paulssen wants to sweep here but Impala controlling him for the moment.
Paulssen is trying to keep Impala in close.
Paulssen is controlling Impala 's posture.
Paulssen working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Impala .

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paulssen looking to control.
Paulssen is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Impala working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

Paulssen is looking for a triangle but Impala pushes his legs off easily.
Impala postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

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

Impala is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Paulssen has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Impala is looking to defend but Paulssen has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Impala ! Paulssen pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Impala taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Karlssen Paulssen!
In his post fight interview, Karlssen Paulssen started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.
Thumper Impala spoke after the fight, saying 'Well Ill go recoup and figure it out for the next one. '.