PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Paul Harris (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dimi Karalopolous (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Harris
vs
Karalopolous

173 cm
25
163 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

170 cm
27
165 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Big heart

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Paul Harris!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Dimi Karalopolous!
The judges for this bout are Dirk Anderson, Winston Alpacca and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Karalopolous fails with the takedown.
Harris appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

Harris moves into range and clinches up with Karalopolous.
Karalopolous misses with a body punch.
Karalopolous is defending well against a takedown attempt.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Karalopolous creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Harris tries for a takedown. No joy.
Harris taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Karalopolous blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Harris is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Karalopolous is keeping busy.
Karalopolous lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Harris.
Harris goes for a takedown attempt but Karalopolous pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Paul Harris. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karalopolous cracks Harris with a right hand to the side of the head.
Harris pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Karalopolous blocks the body kick.
Nice sprawl there from Harris as Karalopolous shoots in.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Harris wants to clinch.
Harris shoots in looking for a takedown but Karalopolous manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Harris's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
It seemed like Karalopolous was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Karalopolous displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Harris throws out the jab.
Harris takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Karalopolous moves out of range of the strikes.
Karalopolous scores with a body shot.
Harris misses the shot to the body.
Karalopolous shoots in for a takedown but Harris shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Harris swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Karalopolous looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Karalopolous fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Harris defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Karalopolous.
Harris throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Harris misses with a series of wild punches.
Karalopolous tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Karalopolous.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Karalopolous scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Karalopolous creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Harris sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
An elbow from Karalopolous crashes against the mat.
Harris is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Harambe Remembrance Hall, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Karalopolous tries to stand but Harris is controlling his head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Harris manages to get back to half guard.
Harris regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Karalopolous.
Karalopolous passes into half guard.
Harris gets back to full guard.
Karalopolous missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harris keeping moving, preventing Karalopolous from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Karalopolous accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Karalopolous working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Karalopolous controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Karalopolous loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Karalopolous is looking to work some ground and pound but Harris has wrist control.
Harris is trying to keep Karalopolous in close.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Karalopolous trying to control the position from guard on top but Harris is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Karalopolous trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Karalopolous trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karalopolous throwing strikes from guard but Harris blocks nicely.
Karalopolous throwing strikes from guard but Harris blocks nicely.
Karalopolous postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Karalopolous working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Karalopolous throwing strikes from guard but Harris blocks nicely.
Karalopolous won't allow Harris to get back to his feet.
Karalopolous engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Harris working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Karalopolous.
Harris not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Karalopolous working some strikes from top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Harris tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Karalopolous manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Karalopolous uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Harris.
Karalopolous looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Harris has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Karalopolous finds it's way round the side to connect with Harris's head.
Paul Harris is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Karalopolous shoots for a takedown but Harris saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Harris misses with a takedown attempt - Karalopolous sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Karalopolous drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Karalopolous won't allow Harris to get back to his feet.
Karalopolous has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Harris trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Karalopolous keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Harris's head.
Karalopolous trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Karalopolous throws a big right hand that misses.
Karalopolous working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karalopolous works over Harris with some ground and pound from guard.
Karalopolous wants to control from the top but Harris keeps moving.
Harris is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Karalopolous postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Karalopolous postures up in Harris's guard and throws a big left but Harris blocks it.
Karalopolous trying to control but Harris is working from the bottom.
Harris wants to sweep here but Karalopolous controlling him for the moment.
Karalopolous trying to control but Harris is working from the bottom.
Karalopolous with a flurry of punches that miss.
Karalopolous throwing strikes but missing.
Karalopolous wants to control from the top but Harris keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karalopolous preventing the sweep.
Harris utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Harris is controlling Karalopolous's posture.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Karalopolous has a takedown stuffed.
Paul Harris has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dimi Karalopolous.
Karalopolous displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Harris throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Karalopolous manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Harris on his heels. He'll look to pass Harris's guard now, I'm sure.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Karalopolous missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Harris trying to control the position.
Harris utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karalopolous with a nice head shot there.
Karalopolous cracks Harris with a solid left hand.
Karalopolous loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Karalopolous postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Karalopolous throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Harris is adopting a defensive guard.
Harris on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Harris tries to get out of the position.
Karalopolous trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Karalopolous trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Karalopolous lands a couple of elbows.
Karalopolous trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Karalopolous wants to control from the top but Harris keeps moving.
Karalopolous is looking to pass into half guard but Harris pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Harris is in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Karalopolous has an active guard here but Harris has managed to pass into half guard.
Karalopolous is trying to get back to full guard.
Karalopolous blocking the ground and pound attempt from Harris.
Karalopolous wants to control but Harris is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Harris scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Karalopolous is not content to let Harris control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Karalopolous is looking for a sweep. Harris is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Karalopolous is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Harris's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Harris's back!

Karalopolous working for a choke but Harris is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dimi Karalopolous showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Karalopolous goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Karalopolous tries to score a power double leg takedown but Harris sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Karalopolous somewhat.
Karalopolous darts in looking for a takedown but Harris gets double underhooks and turns Karalopolous into the cage.
Karalopolous avoids the head kick by Harris.
Harris misses with a series of wild punches.
Karalopolous looks for a takedown but Harris sprawls well.
Paul Harris has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dimi Karalopolous.
Karalopolous dodges the punch combination from Harris.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice takedown defense from Harris. No joy for Karalopolous on that attempt.
Karalopolous dives in for a single leg takedown but Harris sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Harris stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Harris wants it to stay on the feet.
Harris throwing a counter right hand but Karalopolous manages to avoid it.
Karalopolous takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Karalopolous tries for a takedown but Harris circles away easily
letting Harris counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karalopolous tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Harris defends well and Karalopolous ends up having to push Harris into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Harris throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Karalopolous sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Karalopolous fails with a takedown attempt.

Harris shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Karalopolous is trying to defend but Harris finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Harris lands with a punch from half guard.
Harris trying to control the action but Karalopolous is working from the bottom.
Harris uses his free foot to push down on Karalopolous's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Karalopolous.
Harris is in the full mount, landing strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harris avoids the attempt from Karalopolous to control.
Karalopolous swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Karalopolous is wriggling around trying to escape.
Harris is landing with some decent strikes but Karalopolous is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Karalopolous is trying desperately to improve position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Harris tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Karalopolous is working to get back to half guard.
Harris pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harris working Karalopolous over with strikes here.
Harris lands a heavy elbow.
Harris looking to control but Karalopolous is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Karalopolous is trying to escape the mount.
Harris trying to control but Karalopolous is having none of it.
Dimi Karalopolous has got the better of the ground game so far.
Karalopolous is desperately trying to improve his position but Harris has a good base and remains in mount.
Paul Harris has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Harris scoring with strikes but Karalopolous is staying in there.
Harris landing strikes from the mount and Karalopolous is in trouble!
Harris landing punches.
Harris with a couple of short strikes.
The referee warns Karalopolous that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Harris working away from the top, dropping strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Karalopolous is desperately trying to improve his position but Harris has a good base and remains in mount.
Harris lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Dimi Karalopolous is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Harris prevents Karalopolous from getting the reversal.

And that's the end of the fight!
Paul Harris showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Karalopolous 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dirk Anderson scores the fight 28:28
Judge Winston Alpacca scores the fight 28:28
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 28:28

The fight is ruled a draw!