PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Arlan Tolkynbekov (ranked 6609 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rodrigo Batista (ranked 5835 p4p, 0 weight class). Rodrigo Batista is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Tolkynbekov
vs
Batista

182 cm
27
157 lbs
3 - 9 - 0

157 cm
25
156 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Arlan Tolkynbekov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rodrigo Batista!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Anthony Taglia and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Batista closes the distance and clinches.
Tolkynbekov is working for takedown but Batista is calmly controlling the position for now.
Tolkynbekov is trying to pull guard but Batista turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Tolkynbekov has Batista pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Batista manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arlan Tolkynbekov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Batista tries to score a body lock takedown but Tolkynbekov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Batista goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tolkynbekov prevents it.

Batista's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tolkynbekov doesn't manage to clinch there - Batista circles away.
Tolkynbekov scores with a head kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tolkynbekov moves in looking to clinch but Batista pushes him off.
Tolkynbekov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Horrible takedown attempt by Batista or perhaps it was just good defense by Tolkynbekov, which made it look bad.
Tolkynbekov tries to clinch there but Batista circles away.
Tolkynbekov misses with a double jab.
Tolkynbekov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Batista paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Batista closes this distance looking for a takedown but Tolkynbekov circles away.

Batista fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Tolkynbekov, pushing him back against the cage.
Tolkynbekov tries to break free but Batista pushes him back against the cage.
Tolkynbekov working hard to break the clinch.
Batista gets underhooks to prevent Tolkynbekov's takedown attempt.
Tolkynbekov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Batista is defending well for now.
Batista scores with a shot to the side of Tolkynbekov's head.
Tolkynbekov is trying to break free.
Tolkynbekov tries to pull guard but Batista forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Batista pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Tolkynbekov wants to clinch up but Batista keeps it at a distance.
Batista changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Batista displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Tolkynbekov.
Tolkynbekov misses with a looping left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Tolkynbekov with that takedown attempt.
Batista drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Tolkynbekov defends it well.
Batista fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Batista defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Tolkynbekov.
Batista unleashes a big counter combination but Tolkynbekov bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Tolkynbekov dives in for a single leg takedown but Batista sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Tolkynbekov is breathing heavily.
Tolkynbekov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Tolkynbekov goes for a double leg but Batista avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Batista continues to drive forward.

Batista rushes Tolkynbekov and presses him up against the cage.
Batista is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Tolkynbekov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Batista has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Tolkynbekov after a bit of a struggle.
Tolkynbekov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tolkynbekov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Batista smiles and moves away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tolkynbekov connects with a high kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Batista fails in his attempt to clinch.
Tolkynbekov throws a nice looking combination but Batista bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tolkynbekov looks to throw the jab but Batista is out of range.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Batista is defended easily by Tolkynbekov.
Tolkynbekov throws a nice head kick!
A big left from Tolkynbekov misses.
Tolkynbekov is looking to clinch.
Tolkynbekov fails to land with a series of punches.
Batista looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Tolkynbekov is fending him off so far but Batista persists. Nope, Tolkynbekov circles away and we're back to standing.

Batista tries to sprawl but Tolkynbekov drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Batista has one foot on Tolkynbekov's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Batista avoids a punch combination nicely.
Batista with the counter takedown but Tolkynbekov avoids it easily.
Tolkynbekov misses with a takedown
and Batista counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Batista scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Tolkynbekov sneaks out the side door and pushes Batista away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Batista misses with a takedown attempt - Tolkynbekov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Batista pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Batista pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tolkynbekov thinks about countering with a head kick.

Tolkynbekov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Tolkynbekov happy to just control the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Arlan Tolkynbekov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Batista slips a jab and a cross from Tolkynbekov.
Batista looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Tolkynbekov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Batista is fending him off so far but Tolkynbekov persists. Nope, Batista circles away and we're back to standing.

Tolkynbekov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Batista on his heels. He'll look to pass Batista's guard now, I'm sure.
Tolkynbekov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Batista is on top in guard.

Batista throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Tolkynbekov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Batista trying to control the position from guard on top but Tolkynbekov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Batista slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Tolkynbekov parries the strikes from Batista easily there. Batista is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Tolkynbekov to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Batista throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Batista misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

Batista decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Batista will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Arlan Tolkynbekov is winning the standup battle so far.
Tolkynbekov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Batista pivots, looking for a leg kick but Tolkynbekov is out of range and Batista settles back down.
Batista shoots for a takedown but Tolkynbekov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Batista is breathing heavily.

Tolkynbekov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Batista manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Tolkynbekov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Tolkynbekov misses.
Tolkynbekov throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Batista's head.

Tolkynbekov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Batista sprawls well initially but Tolkynbekov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tolkynbekov trying to control the pace.
Tolkynbekov slips a nice elbow through Batista's hands, connecting with Batista's forehead.
Tolkynbekov wants to pass to mount but Batista is defending the position.
Well, if Tolkynbekov is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Batista wants to control but Tolkynbekov is keeping busy.
Tolkynbekov is controlling the pace.
Batista is pressing down on Tolkynbekov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Tolkynbekov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Batista wriggles free and stands up.
Batista fails with a takedown attempt.
Arlan Tolkynbekov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rodrigo Batista.
Batista tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tolkynbekov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Tolkynbekov wants to clinch but Batista slips to the side
and Batista counters with a left and a right that stings Tolkynbekov.
Batista tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Tolkynbekov defends well and Batista ends up having to push Tolkynbekov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Tolkynbekov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Batista sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tolkynbekov somewhat.
Tolkynbekov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Batista manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Arlan Tolkynbekov will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Batista misses with a body kick.
Batista keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tolkynbekov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tolkynbekov goes for a double leg but Batista avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Batista continues to drive forward.
Tolkynbekov wants to clinch
and Batista counters with a lovely straight right hand!

It looks like Arlan Tolkynbekov has been cut.
Tolkynbekov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Batista counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Arlan Tolkynbekov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Batista tries to clinch there but Tolkynbekov circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Batista looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tolkynbekov shoots in but Batista avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Batista forces Tolkynbekov back against the cage and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Batista gets underhooks to prevent Tolkynbekov's takedown attempt.

Batista has Tolkynbekov pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Batista pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Tolkynbekov tumbling to the mat - Batista dives into Tolkynbekov's guard.
Batista wants to control from the top but Tolkynbekov keeps moving.
Batista looking to sit in guard and control but Tolkynbekov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Tolkynbekov stops Batista from standing up.
Tolkynbekov connects with a couple of short punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tolkynbekov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Tolkynbekov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Batista pushes Tolkynbekov off and scrambles back to his feet.
Batista keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tolkynbekov.
Tolkynbekov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Tolkynbekov closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Batista's guard.
Rodrigo Batista has got the better of the ground game so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Tolkynbekov stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Tolkynbekov misses with a jab, cross combination.

Batista rushes Tolkynbekov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Tolkynbekov jumps guard but Batista turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tolkynbekov tries to circle away but Batista has him pinned against the cage.
Batista working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Tolkynbekov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Batista.
Batista tries to pull guard but Tolkynbekov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Tolkynbekov wants to get back to striking at distance but Batista won't allow it.
Tolkynbekov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tolkynbekov is trying to pull guard but Batista has him pressed against the cage.
Tolkynbekov tries to break free but Batista pushes him back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Tolkynbekov jumps guard but Batista turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Tolkynbekov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Tolkynbekov jumps guard but Batista stands there with Tolkynbekov around his waist. Tolkynbekov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Tolkynbekov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Batista.
Tolkynbekov is trying to break free.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Batista misses with a short punch on the inside.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Rodrigo Batista has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Arlan Tolkynbekov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Batista trying to land knees to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rodrigo Batista comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Tolkynbekov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 John Roberts scores the fight 29:29
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 28:29
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 29:29

The fight is ruled a majority draw!