PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Karpov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Novittu Saatana (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Karpov's entrance music is Villieläin - Voittamaton. A fine choice. Karpov has a slight injury, which hopefully won't affect the fight too much. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Karpov
vs
Saatana

183 cm
18
200 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

189 cm
18
215 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Inexperienced

Transformer Supplements

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Karpov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Novittu Saatana!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Valeri Chadov and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Saatana closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Karpov to the mat! Karpov manages to get full guard.
Karpov is breathing heavily.
Karpov looking to control.

Saatana stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Saatana shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Karpov being controlled here, momentarily.

Saatana gets to his feet. Karpov looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Saatana forces Karpov back against the cage and clinches.
Karpov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Saatana just stands there and leans against the cage.
Saatana is pressed up against the cage. Karpov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Saatana down to the mat. Saatana avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Saatana tries to close the distance and clinch up but Karpov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Karpov keeps the fight on the outside.
Nice sprawl there from Karpov as Saatana shoots in.

Saatana rushes Karpov and presses him up against the cage.

Saatana manages to break the clinch.

Saatana shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Saatana was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
This has been an exciting period of action!

Saatana stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saatana lands with a kick to the temple. Karpov shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Saatana shoots in but Karpov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Karpov closes the distance and clinches up with Saatana, looking for a takedown. Karpov pushes Saatana against the cage but Saatana circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Karpov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Saatana moves into range and clinches up with Karpov.
Saatana wants a takedown but no success here.

Karpov successfully pulls guard.
Saatana wanted to stand there but Karpov had control of the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saatana seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Saatana wants to pass the guard but Karpov is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Saatana decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Karpov, up you get!
Saatana shoots and misses
and Karpov counters with a good low kick that Saatana was not able to check.

Saatana darts in and clinches Karpov up against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Saatana.
Saatana has Karpov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Karpov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Saatana leaning his opponent against the cage.

Saatana breaks from the clinch.
Saatana moves in looking to clinch but Karpov pushes him off.
Saatana moves in looking to clinch but Karpov pushes him off.
Karpov looks frusrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Nice takedown defense from Karpov. No joy for Saatana on that attempt.
Saatana scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saatana keeps the fight on the outside.
Saatana throws a sloppy head kick and Karpov moves out of range easily.
Saatana fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Karpov on the side of the head.

Saatana bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Saatana decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Karpov takes a jab right on the kisser.

Saatana rushes Karpov and presses him up against the cage.
Saatana wants to get back to striking at distance but Karpov won't allow it.

Saatana tightens his grip and picks Karpov up, before dumping him to the ground. Karpov manages to land in guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!

Saatana stands and steps away. Karpov gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Saatana shoots in but no luck this time.
Karpov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Horrible takedown by Saatana or perhaps it was just good defense by Karpov which made him look bad.
Saatana throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Karpov swats away the attempt to clinch by Saatana.
Saatana misses with a few strikes there.

Saatana looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Saatana stands up and beckons Karpov to join him on the feet.
Saatana takes a kick to the side of the head.
Saatana scores with a jab. Karpov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Saatana darts in trying to clinch

and Karpov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Saatana won't be happy with that.
Saatana tries to escape but Karpov is in control.
Saatana manages to get back to half guard.
Saatana trying to control here.
Karpov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Saatana on the ground.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Karpov wants to take a breather but Saatana is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Novittu Saatana dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Saatana wants to clinch.

Saatana gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Saatana pulls guard successfully.

Saatana kicks Karpov off and gets to his feet.
The fight stays on the outside here - Saatana looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Karpov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Saatana swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Saatana shoots in for a double leg but Karpov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Saatana on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Saatana shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Karpov but Karpov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Saatana wants to clinch.
Saatana doesn't manage to clinch there - Karpov circles away.
Karpov tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Saatana counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Saatana.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karpov jumps guard but Saatana stands there with Karpov around his waist. Karpov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
A right handed body shot lands from Saatana.

Saatana pulls guard.
Karpov throws a strike but Saatana rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Saatana wanted to stand there but Karpov had control of the position.
Karpov controls Saatana momentarily but Saatana frees himself.
Karpov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Saatana controls the pace.
Saatana trying to control the position from guard on top but Karpov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Saatana gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Karpov moves in looking to clinch but Saatana pushes him off.
Saatana tries to clinch

and Karpov counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Saatana has his feet on Karpov's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Saatana is looking to clinch but Karpov is avoiding it.
Karpov has his takedown stuffed

and Saatana counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Karpov!
Saatana sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Karpov is working to get back to half guard.
Saatana controlling from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Saatana is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Saatana looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Karpov is fending him off so far but Saatana persists. Nope, Karpov circles away and we're back to standing.
Ivan Karpov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Novittu Saatana.
A combination from Saatana does no damage.
Karpov lands a slapping body shot.

Karpov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Karpov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Saatana is trying desperately to improve position.
Saatana squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Karpov is stalling here but it's allowed Saatana to get half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Saatana pushes Karpov off and gets back to his feet.

Saatana scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Karpov is looking to escape.

Saatana stands up out of the half guard.
Saatana wants to clinch.

Saatana gets caught flat footed, as Karpov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saatana is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Saatana wants to get back to his feet but Karpov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Saatana is trying to control the position from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Novittu Saatana showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Saatana doesn't manage to clinch there - Karpov circles away.

Saatana rushes Karpov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Saatana is working for takedown but Karpov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Saatana blocks an uppercut.
Karpov prevents the takedown attempt.
Saatana wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Saatana trying to land knees to the body.

Saatana escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Saatana doesn't manage to clinch there - Karpov circles away.
Karpov checks a leg kick.
Karpov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Saatana as he avoids it easily.
Saatana shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Karpov pinned against the cage. Karpov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ivan Karpov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Novittu Saatana.
A combination from Karpov does no damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karpov shoots in for a double leg but Saatana sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Saatana tries to clinch but Karpov moves away
and Karpov counters with a head kick. That will keep Saatana thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Saatana looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Karpov!
Saatana controlling the position easily from mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karpov has given up his back here.
What can Karpov do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

Saatana working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Saatana is throwing punches to the body, looking to soften Karpov up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karpov manages to reverse the position and now he's in Saatana's guard. Nice work there by Karpov.
Karpov trying to control the position from guard on top but Saatana is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Saatana seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Karpov postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Saatana is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Karpov, into his guard.
Saatana tries to stand but Karpov is controlling from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saatana trying to control but Karpov is working from the bottom.
Karpov looking for a sweep. Not yet Karpov, not yet.

Saatana thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Saatana postures up and lands a big shot to Karpov's brow.

Saatana stands up and waves to Karpov to follow him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Saatana closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Saatana seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Karpov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Saatana decides to return to a standing position.

Saatana drives through and clinches with Karpov against the cage.
Karpov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Saatana tries for a takedown. No joy.
Saatana content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Karpov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Karpov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Saatana has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saatana misses with a low kick.

Karpov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Karpov tries for a takedown but Saatana manages to get underhooks.
Saatana has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Karpov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Karpov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Saatana takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Karpov shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Ivan Karpov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Saatana throws a body punch but Karpov moves out of range.

Saatana gets a clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Novittu Saatana comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Saatana has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Novittu Saatana!