PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Leo Kovarov (ranked 2688 p4p, 1837 weight class) and Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong (ranked 151 p4p, 106 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Kovarov
vs
Payakarakatong

167 cm
30
146
11 - 8 - 1

161 cm
34
136
25 - 20 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Leo Kovarov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 20 - 1, fighting out of London, Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Payakarakatong doesn't manage to clinch there - Kovarov circles away.
Kovarov thuds his right hand into Payakarakatong's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Payakarakatong with a hook.
Payakarakatong tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Kovarov counters with a left to the body.
Payakarakatong loads up on a big right hand but Kovarov slips the punch.
Payakarakatong slips a jab and a cross from Kovarov.

Kovarov looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Payakarakatong!

Kovarov stands up.
Payakarakatong throws a combination that misses
and Kovarov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Payakarakatong connects with a jab.

Payakarakatong gets caught flat footed, as Kovarov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Kovarov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kovarov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kovarov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kovarov throws a strike but Payakarakatong rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Kovarov is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Payakarakatong defends well.
Payakarakatong throwing strikes but missing.
Payakarakatong controlling from the top position.
Kovarov wants to improve his position but instead Payakarakatong has moved into half guard.
Payakarakatong prevents Kovarov from improving his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kovarov wants to get back to his feet.
Kovarov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Payakarakatong looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Kovarov is trying to maintain the position but Payakarakatong is very close to passing his half guard.
Kovarov is controlling Payakarakatong's trapped leg to prevent Payakarakatong from advancing to side control.
Kovarov is not content to let Payakarakatong control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kovarov gets full guard.
Kovarov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Payakarakatong is controlling him.
Payakarakatong is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Kovarov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Payakarakatong moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Payakarakatong keeping moving, preventing Kovarov from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kovarov gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Kovarov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Payakarakatong uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kovarov.
A punch combination from Kovarov misses.

Payakarakatong clinches up against the cage.

Payakarakatong breaks from the clinch.
Payakarakatong lands a head kick!

It looks like Leo Kovarov has been cut.
Payakarakatong wants to clinch up but Kovarov keeps it at a distance.
Kovarov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kovarov moves out of range as Payakarakatong strikes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kovarov. Payakarakatong does a little dance to reset his feet.
Payakarakatong misses the body punch
and Kovarov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Payakarakatong throws a head kick that misses.
Payakarakatong misses with a few strikes there.
Payakarakatong misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kovarov.
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 Leo Kovarov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Leo Kovarov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Payakarakatong slips under a jab from Kovarov.
Payakarakatong tries a head kick but it misses.
Kovarov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Payakarakatong.

Payakarakatong moves into the clinch.
Kovarov is trying to force a seperation but Payakarakatong has the dominant position.
Kovarov can't find room to land a body shot as Payakarakatong controls the action.

Kovarov manages to break the clinch.

Payakarakatong rushes Kovarov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Kovarov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kovarov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kovarov tries to circle away but Payakarakatong has him pinned against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakarakatong lands a hook that snaps the head of Kovarov backwards.
Payakarakatong misses with a hook from the clinch.
We've been informed that Payakarakatong has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Kovarov is trying to push Payakarakatong away but Payakarakatong has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kovarov is trying to push Payakarakatong away but Payakarakatong has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Payakarakatong breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kovarov avoids the body shot from Payakarakatong.
Kovarov looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Leo Kovarov is winning the standup battle so far.

Payakarakatong has managed to clinch.
Kovarov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kovarov is trying to drag Payakarakatong to the mat but Payakarakatong just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leo Kovarov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A nice right hand lands inside from Payakarakatong.

Payakarakatong breaks the clinch.
Payakarakatong tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kovarov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Payakarakatong fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Kovarov is looking to wear down Payakarakatong with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

Kovarov gets tackled into the cage by Payakarakatong. Payakarakatong maintains the clinch.
Payakarakatong keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kovarov's efforts to push away.
Payakarakatong stops a takedown attempt from Kovarov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Payakarakatong misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kovarov.

Kovarov lands a takedown into guard.
Kovarov wants to stand but Payakarakatong has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Payakarakatong has momentary wrist control but Kovarov slips an elbow through the middle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kovarov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Payakarakatong tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kovarov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Leo Kovarov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kovarov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kovarov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Kovarov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payakarakatong looking for a sweep. Not yet Payakarakatong, not yet.
Kovarov pushes down on Payakarakatong's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Kovarov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Kovarov thows a huge punch but Payakarakatong dodges it nicely.
Kovarov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Payakarakatong blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kovarov.
Kovarov thows a huge punch but Payakarakatong dodges it nicely.

Kovarov stands up from half guard.
Payakarakatong tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kovarov swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Kovarov scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Payakarakatong is not content to let Kovarov control the position.
Kovarov working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.

Kovarov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Kovarov working the head with strikes.
Sloppy strikes there by Kovarov.
The ground and pound from Kovarov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Leo Kovarov's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Payakarakatong tries to clinch up.
Payakarakatong tries to clinch up.
Kovarov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Kovarov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
A shot to the body from Payakarakatong misses
and Kovarov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kovarov avoids the head kick by Payakarakatong.
Kovarov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Payakarakatong darts in trying to clinch
enabling Kovarov to counter with a crisp jab.
Good work by Kovarov as he checks the leg kick.
Payakarakatong rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kovarov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Payakarakatong misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Payakarakatong walks into a stiff left hand from Kovarov.
Payakarakatong misses with a two punch combination.
Payakarakatong fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kovarov manages to avoid it.
Payakarakatong takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kovarov moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payakarakatong takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Payakarakatong throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kovarov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Leo Kovarov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kovarov throws a solid leg kick but Payakarakatong takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kovarov.

Payakarakatong closes the distance and pushes Kovarov back into the cage.
Payakarakatong working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kovarov pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Kovarov tries to pull guard but Payakarakatong won't allow it.

Kovarov breaks from the clinch.
Kovarov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Kovarov avoids the head kick by Payakarakatong.
Kovarov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kovarov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Payakarakatong cracks Kovarov with a good jab.
Kovarov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Payakarakatong looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kovarov takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kovarov swings for the body but Payakarakatong moves out of range.
Kovarov's corner calls for a 1-2. Kovarov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Payakarakatong misses with a head kick.
Kovarov sizes up Payakarakatong with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Payakarakatong moves to clinch but Kovarov breaks away
and Kovarov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Payakarakatong misses with a double jab.
Kovarov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Payakarakatong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
The fight stays on the outside here - Payakarakatong looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kovarov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Payakarakatong tries to clinch up.
Kovarov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kovarov looks for a takedown but Payakarakatong sprawls well.
Kovarov scores with a jab. Payakarakatong acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kovarov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kovarov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Payakarakatong works Kovarov's body with a nice hook.
Kovarov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Payakarakatong tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kovarov looks to score with a jab to the body but Payakarakatong is just out of range.
Payakarakatong throws a series of punches but Kovarov avoids them all with ease.

Payakarakatong clinches up with Kovarov and pushes him back against the cage.
Kovarov wants to break the clinch but can't.
A bit of stalling here from Kovarov.

Payakarakatong manages to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kovarov tries to keep at a distance but Payakarakatong has taken the fight into the clinch.

Payakarakatong breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kovarov throws a low kick but Payakarakatong moves out of range easily.
It seemed like Payakarakatong was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Payakarakatong swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kovarov.
Kovarov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Payakarakatong tries to clinch there but Kovarov circles away.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Payakarakatong gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Kovarov counters with a stiff right hand.
Payakarakatong misses with a body shot
and Kovarov counters with a straight right hand.
Payakarakatong fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kovarov misses the shot to the body.
Payakarakatong moves out of range as Kovarov strikes.
Payakarakatong is looking for the big counter here.
Palaktingpuet Payakarakatong is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kovarov works Payakarakatong's body with a nice hook.
Payakarakatong throws a lazy head kick

and Kovarov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Kovarov.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Leo Kovarov.
I think Kovarov 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:28
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Leo Kovarov!