PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tabari Davis (ranked 3228 p4p, 25444 weight class) and Viktor Spopovich (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Viktor Spopovich looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Davis
vs
Spopovich

190 cm
25
300
0 - 0 - 1

225 cm
18
300
0 - 3 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Great elbows
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tabari Davis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Viktor Spopovich!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Valeri Chadov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Spopovich gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Davis has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Spopovich is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Davis drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Spopovich drops down looking for an ankle pick but Davis pulls his leg out and moves away.

Davis gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Davis is trying to drag Spopovich to the mat but Spopovich 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 Tabari Davis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spopovich tries for a takedown. No joy.
Spopovich looks winded!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spopovich trying to stall but Davis improves his position.
Davis is pressed up against the cage. Spopovich has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Davis down to the mat. Davis avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Davis manages to break the clinch.

Davis moves into the clinch successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Davis is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Spopovich pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Spopovich wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Davis tries to score a body lock takedown but Spopovich shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Davis is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Spopovich gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Davis is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Spopovich is defending well.
Davis has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Spopovich is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Davis can't get the takedown.
Spopovich fails to pull guard.
Davis is working for takedown but Spopovich is calmly controlling the position for now.
Davis has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Spopovich is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Davis is trying to drag Spopovich to the mat but Spopovich just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Spopovich has picked Davis up - he's going for a ride! Spopovich dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Davis is trying to stand back up but Spopovich is controlling him
Spopovich stalling.
Spopovich is thwarting Davis's attempts to control the position.
Spopovich perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Davis is looking to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spopovich wants to pass the guard but Davis is defending well.
Spopovich prevents Davis from standing back up.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tabari Davis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Davis gets tackled into the cage by Spopovich. Spopovich maintains the clinch.
Spopovich is stalling here.
Davis goes for a takedown in the clinch but Spopovich prevents it.
Davis is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Spopovich wants a takedown but no success here.
Spopovich looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Davis has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Spopovich clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Davis lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Davis connects with a big shot to the side of Spopovich's head.
You can see the frustration on Spopovich's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Davis is punishing Spopovich with some ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Davis tries to keep control of the position but Spopovich is staying busy.
Davis lands with a hammerfist to the side of Spopovich's head.
Davis softening up his opponent with strikes here.
Davis lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Spopovich.
Spopovich is trying to break free.
We've been informed that Spopovich has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Spopovich covers up after that shot from Davis.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tabari Davis dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Davis shoots in for a double leg but Spopovich sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Spopovich is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.

Spopovich tries to keep at a distance but Davis has taken the fight into the clinch.
Spopovich gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Davis.
Davis has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spopovich avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tabari Davis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Davis has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spopovich avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Spopovich jumps guard but Davis stands there with Spopovich around his waist. Spopovich gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Spopovich is trying to stall.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Davis has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Spopovich after a bit of a struggle.
Spopovich misses with a punch to the body.
Spopovich has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Davis is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Davis wants a takedown but no success here.
Spopovich prevents the takedown attempt.
Spopovich is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Spopovich goes for a takedown attempt but Davis pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Spopovich gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Davis has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spopovich avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Davis drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Davis wants a takedown but no success here.
Spopovich tries to break free but Davis pushes him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spopovich jumps guard but Davis turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Davis prevents Spopovich from breaking the clinch.
Viktor Spopovich seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Davis goes for a takedown attempt but Spopovich pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Davis closes the distance and clinches.
Spopovich is trying to break free.
Spopovich tries to pull guard but Davis forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Spopovich wants a takedown.
Davis has Spopovich pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Spopovich manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Spopovich stops a takedown attempt from Davis.
Davis lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Spopovich.
Davis drops down looking for an ankle pick but Spopovich pulls his leg out and moves away.
Spopovich throws a head kick but Davis moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Davis looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Spopovich gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Davis has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Spopovich after a bit of a struggle.
Davis prevents the takedown attempt.
Davis has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spopovich avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Davis has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Spopovich avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Spopovich tries to score a body lock takedown but Davis shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Spopovich tries to break free but Davis pushes him back against the cage.

Spopovich gets control of Davis's arms and successfully pulls guard. Spopovich will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Spopovich really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Davis. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Davis lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
We've been hearing that Davis has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Davis makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Davis might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Davis cracks Spopovich with a solid left hand.
Davis content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Davis wants to control from the top but Spopovich keeps moving.
Spopovich throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Davis working some strikes from top position.
Davis connects with a couple of short punches.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Davis scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Davis's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Davis pushes down on Spopovich's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Spopovich on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ground and pound from Davis.
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!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Davis connects with a nice short shot to Spopovich's temple.
Davis working over Spopovich with some ground and pound. Spopovich looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Spopovich tries to get to full guard but Davis has control of the leg.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Tabari Davis dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Davis has Spopovich up against the cage in a clinch.
Davis is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Spopovich can do to turn this around?
Davis drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Davis is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Spopovich pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Spopovich gets underhooks to prevent Davis's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tabari Davis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spopovich stops a takedown attempt from Davis.
Spopovich is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Davis gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Spopovich jumps into guard, dragging Davis to the mat.
Spopovich wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Davis postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Davis stands up over Spopovich, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Davis postures up and lands a big shot to Spopovich's brow.
Davis connects with a couple of short punches.
Davis won't allow Spopovich to sweep him here.
Davis makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Davis lands a couple of elbows.
Davis passes into half guard.

Davis seems to be working for a kimura but Spopovich defends the submission attempt.
Davis works his way into side control.
Spopovich is trying to buck Davis off.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Davis working the head and body with strikes.
Spopovich tries to buck Davis off but Davis is having none of it.
Davis is looking to take a break and control but Spopovich is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Spopovich is working to avoid the ground and pound but Davis connects with a decent elbow.
Davis working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Spopovich on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Davis creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Davis 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.
Davis landing a few strikes.
Davis looks up at the clock and then as Spopovich takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Davis smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spopovich tries to buck Davis off but Davis is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Davis connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Spopovich some visible discomfort.
You can see the frustration on Spopovich's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Spopovich takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Spopovich is trying to get back to half guard.
Davis is working Spopovich over with some ground and pound from side control.
Davis is putting a hurting on Spopovich here, landing some big shots from side control.
Davis scoring with punches from side control.
Davis works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Spopovich is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Davis landing a few strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Davis is working Spopovich over with some ground and pound from side control.
Check out the look on Davis's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Spopovich on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Davis lands an elbow.
Davis looks up at the clock and then as Spopovich takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Davis smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Davis lands a few punches from side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Spopovich is looking for a sweep.
Spopovich takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Spopovich takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Davis landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Viktor Spopovich has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tabari Davis is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tabari Davis overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Spopovich is not content to let Davis control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tabari Davis showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Davis, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tabari Davis!