PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ahmed Al Balawi (ranked 3836 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rob Tidwell (ranked 2817 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Al Balawi
vs
Tidwell

175 cm
25
156 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

175 cm
25
157 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Very strong

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

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 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ahmed Al Balawi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Rob Tidwell!
The judges for this bout are Winston Alpacca, David Hoff and Bart Greer.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Balawi moves to clinch but Tidwell breaks away

and Tidwell counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Al Balawi!
Al Balawi is looking to reverse the position.
Al Balawi struggling a bit here.
Tidwell is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Al Balawi will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Al Balawi is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Tidwell's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Al Balawi is looking for a sweep. Tidwell is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tidwell is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Balawi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Tidwell keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Al Balawi trying to control here.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Tidwell tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al Balawi shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Tidwell as he jumps to the side.

Tidwell looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Al Balawi!
Tidwell tries to move to mount but Al Balawi blocks the move with his legs.
Al Balawi manages to work his way to half guard, despite Tidwell's best efforts.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tidwell has decided to stand back up but his arm is trapped. Whilst he's worrying about his arm, Al Balawi works to full guard.
Al Balawi will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tidwell stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Al Balawi swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Tidwell really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Al Balawi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Tidwell slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Tidwell has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Al Balawi to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Tidwell is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Al Balawi pulls down on the head and he's put Tidwell to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Ahmed Al Balawi!