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WP 88 PBP Commentary |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 47 wins and 62 losses; Boris Balkan! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 89 wins and 54 losses; Xavier Merlin!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Donald Grub and Paul Tew.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Balkan throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Merlin was covering up waiting for the punch and Balkan finishes the takedown easily into guard. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Balkan (2) vs (0) Merlin
Balkan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Merlin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Merlin is pulling down on Balkan's head. It's preventing any offense from Balkan, at least for the moment.
Merlin tries to land a sweep but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Balkan wants to pass the guard but Merlin is keeping the position.
Merlin has his hands on Balkan's head, controlling the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Balkan is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Balkan seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Merlin for as long as he can get away with.
Merlin is trying to keep Balkan in close.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Merlin keeping full guard, as Balkan tries to pass.
Merlin is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Merlin looking to control.
Merlin pulls Balkan in close to prevent any damage.
Balkan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balkan trying to control the position from guard on top but Merlin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Balkan controls from within his opponent's guard.
Merlin wants to sweep here but Balkan controlling him for the moment.
Balkan is stalling in the full guard.
Merlin keeping moving, preventing Balkan from controlling successfully.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balkan content to stall in guard here.
Merlin keeping full guard, as Balkan tries to pass.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Balkan is working hard here to advance position.
Balkan engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Merlin controlling Balkan's posture.
Merlin being controlled here, momentarily.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Merlin seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Balkan controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Balkan slips effortlessly into side control - very nice. Score +3 for passing guard: Balkan (5) vs (0) Merlin
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Balkan working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Balkan working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Balkan swings around for an armbar but Merlin sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Balkan's guard. Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Balkan (5) vs (2) Merlin
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Merlin not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Merlin trying to control the position from guard on top but Balkan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
My spies in KFA inform me that Merlin has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Balkan holds on and takes a little breather.
Balkan manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Merlin manages to get himself to full guard.
Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Balkan (7) vs (2) Merlin
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Balkan content to stall in guard here.
Balkan trying to control the position from guard on top but Merlin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Merlin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
We've been hearing good reports from Balkan's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Balkan wants to pass the guard but Merlin is keeping the position.
That's ten minutes gone in the round.
Merlin keeping moving, preventing Balkan from controlling successfully.
Balkan pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Merlin is keeping the position for now.
Balkan wants to control from the top but Merlin keeps moving.
Balkan showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
That's eleven minutes gone in the round.
Merlin keeping full guard, as Balkan tries to pass.
Balkan controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
That's twelve minutes gone in the round.
Balkan trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Merlin manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! Score +2 for sweep to guard / half guard: Balkan (7) vs (4) Merlin
Balkan seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Balkan wants to improve his position but instead Merlin has moved into half guard.
Balkan wants to control but Merlin passes into side.
Score +3 for passing guard: Balkan (7) vs (7) Merlin
Balkan is looking for a sweep.
That's thirteen minutes gone in the round.
Balkan holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.
Balkan tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Balkan struggling a bit here.
A lull in the action here.
Balkan is trying to improve his position.
That's fourteen minutes gone in the round.
Merlin in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Merlin tries to advance to mount but can't.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Merlin advances to full mount. Score +2 for reaching mount: Balkan (7) vs (9) Merlin
And that's the end of the fight!
Merlin wins on points by 9 to 7.
Our winner, Xavier Merlin, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans. |
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