PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Igor Baravski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Avon Barksdale (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Baravski comes to the cage accompanied by Punch Out. Avon Barksdale acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Baravski
vs
Barksdale

180 cm
22
190 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

182 cm
18
189 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Igor Baravski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Avon Barksdale!
The judges for this bout are David Schapiro, Alyssa Summers and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barksdale throws a series of punches but Baravski moves out of range.
Barksdale bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Baravski's head.
Barksdale scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.

It looks like Igor Baravski has been cut.
Barksdale scores with a nice head shot.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Baravski as he jumps to the side.
Danga de danga de dang - Barksdale scores with a four punch combination!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Baravski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Barksdale rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Baravski moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Barksdale connects with a body shot.
Nice sprawl there from Barksdale as Baravski shoots in.
Barksdale misses with a wild combination.

Nice combo by Barksdale! Oh, that's hurt him - Baravski falls to the canvas and Barksdale follows him into side control.

Baravski is rocked!
Barksdale fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Baravski is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Baravski regains half guard, as Barksdale was trying to land strikes.
Barksdale throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Baravski wants to control but Barksdale is keeping busy.
Barksdale is trying to control the action in half guard but Baravski is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Baravski tries to roll over but Barksdale keeps him under control.
Barksdale throws a strike but Baravski avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Barksdale throws and elbow that misses. Baravski uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Barksdale's guard. Nice move by Baravski!
Baravski tries to free his leg and advance position but Barksdale is retaining full guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Barksdale swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Barksdale keeps the fight on the outside.

That's two 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.
Barksdale closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Baravski misses with a series of wild punches.
Baravski fails with the takedown.
Barksdale shoots for a takedown but Baravski saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Barksdale ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Baravski fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Igor Baravski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Baravski is breathing heavily.
Barksdale throws a series of punches but Baravski avoids them all with ease.
Barksdale throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Baravski counters by clinching up.

Baravski gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Barksdale regains guard.
Barksdale controls Baravski momentarily but Baravski frees himself.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Baravski accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baravski wants to control from the top but Barksdale keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Barksdale preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Barksdale wants to stand up but Baravski is controlling him.
Barksdale is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Barksdale keeping moving, preventing Baravski from controlling successfully.

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.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Barksdale will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Baravski shoots in but Barksdale avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Barksdale will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Jab from Barksdale.
Barksdale cracks Baravski with an open hand slap.
Baravski changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Barksdale tries to avoid it but Baravski manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Barksdale to the ground. Barksdale escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Barksdale circles away from the clinch attempt.
Barksdale with a lazy takedown attempt
and Baravski counters with a body kick.
Baravski is looking to clinch but Barksdale is avoiding it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barksdale misses with a straight left.
Baravski misses with the combination.

Baravski closes the distance and pushes Barksdale back into the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Avon Barksdale dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Igor Baravski's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

A slow jab from Barksdale misses its intended target.
Baravski takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Barksdale misses with a double jab

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

Baravski breaks from the clinch.
Baravski delivers a nice body kick.
Barksdale misses the body punch

and Baravski counters with a nice double leg into side control. Barksdale won't be happy with that.
Baravski in side control, throwing shots but Barksdale defends.
Baravski sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Barksdale is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Baravski working the head with strikes.
An elbow from Baravski crashes against the mat.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Baravski sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Barksdale is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Baravski is looking to take a break and control but Barksdale is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Baravski seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Baravski sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Barksdale is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Barksdale really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Baravski. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Barksdale moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Barksdale throws a right hand that Baravski ducks under and follows up with a left that Baravski also avoids with ease.

Barksdale tries to keep at a distance but Baravski has taken the fight into the clinch.

Baravski manages to pull guard.

Baravski looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Barksdale wants to control from the top but Baravski keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baravski not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Barksdale throws a strike but Baravski rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Baravski stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Barksdale swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Baravski trying to control the position from guard on top but Barksdale is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Baravski clinches.
Barksdale drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Baravski breaks the clinch.
Barksdale lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baravski circles away quickly and effectively.
Nice sprawl there from Barksdale as Baravski shoots in.
Nice cross by Barksdale.
Baravski tries to close the distance and clinch but Barksdale swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Baravski leaves Barksdale with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale scores with a shot to the body.
Barksdale keeps the fight on the outside.
Barksdale stuffs the takedown.
Barksdale tries for a takedown but Baravski sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Igor Baravski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Avon Barksdale.
Barksdale fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Avon Barksdale seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Barksdale tries to keep at a distance but Baravski has taken the fight into the clinch.
Baravski is pressed up against the cage. Barksdale has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Baravski down to the mat. Baravski avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Barksdale will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Baravski gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Baravski tries for a takedown. No joy.
Barksdale tries for a takedown but Baravski manages to get underhooks.
Baravski lands an elbow just above Barksdale 's eye.
Baravski landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Barksdale is working for takedown but Baravski is calmly controlling the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Igor Baravski dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Igor Baravski's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Barksdale takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Barksdale throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Baravski moves into the clinch.
Barksdale fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Barksdale is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Baravski misses with a knee strike.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Baravski.
Baravski goes for a takedown in the clinch but Barksdale prevents it.
Baravski drops down looking for an ankle pick but Barksdale pulls his leg out and moves away.
Baravski tries for a takedown but Barksdale sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Igor Baravski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barksdale is trying hard to land a takedown here. Baravski sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Barksdale dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Barksdale shoots for a double leg takedown but Baravski sprawls well. He's pushed Barksdale's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Baravski misses with a head kick.
Igor Baravski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Barksdale throws a combination. Baravski tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barksdale lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Baravski misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Baravski takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Avon Barksdale seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Barksdale takes a head kick and keeps coming.
A left lands for Barksdale.
Baravski tries to clinch there but Barksdale circles away.
Barksdale defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Baravski.
Barksdale misses with a combination

and Baravski counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Baravski.
Baravski gets underhooks to prevent Barksdale's takedown attempt.
Barksdale is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Baravski pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Baravski tries for a takedown. No joy.
Baravski wants a takedown.
Barksdale drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Baravski gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Barksdale tries for a takedown but Baravski manages to get underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale tries to pull guard but Baravski won't allow it.
Barksdale takes a knee to the side of the body.
Knees to the body from Baravski.
Baravski content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Baravski stops a takedown attempt from Barksdale.
Baravski prevents a takedown attempt there.

Baravski breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Baravski fails with an attempt to clinch.
Barksdale fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Barksdale dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Baravski changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Barksdale tries to avoid it but Baravski manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Barksdale to the ground. Barksdale escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Baravski tries to close the distance and clinch but Barksdale swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Barksdale fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Baravski goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Barksdale keeps the fight on the outside.
Barksdale misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baravski shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Barksdale as he avoids it easily.

Baravski has Barksdale up against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale is trying to force a seperation but Baravski has the dominant position.

Baravski escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Baravski wants to clinch.
Barksdale is trying hard to land a takedown here. Baravski sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Baravski clinches.

Baravski has Barksdale pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Baravski pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Barksdale tumbling to the mat - Baravski dives into Barksdale's guard.
Barksdale wants to stand and escape but Baravski is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale can't keep his opponent in guard - Baravski advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Barksdale is trying to stand.
Baravski working the head and body with strikes.

Baravski decides to stand up.
Barksdale lands a jab-cross combination.
Baravski lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Barksdale circles away quickly and effectively.

Baravski pushes Barksdale up against the cage in a clinch.
Barksdale dodges an elbow strike from Baravski.
Barksdale drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Baravski gets the underhooks and prevents it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Igor Baravski clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Igor Baravski's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Baravski is looking to clinch.
Baravski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Baravski showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Barksdale.
Barksdale is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Baravski.
A right-left combo lands from Baravski.
Baravski with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Barksdale to score with a decent uppercut.
Baravski scores with a push kick.
Baravski tries to clinch there but Barksdale circles away.
Good exchange - Barksdale coming out on top.
Baravski shoots in but no luck this time.
Barksdale jabs Baravski right on the nose. Baravski blinks but takes it well.
Baravski shoots in for a takedown but Barksdale shows good takedown defense.
Barksdale throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Baravski stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Nice body punch from Barksdale.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baravski tries to clinch up.
A punch combination from Barksdale misses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Baravski.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Igor Baravski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Baravski fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Barksdale throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Baravski moves into the clinch.
Baravski stops a takedown attempt from Barksdale.

Baravski has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Barksdale uses from the top position.
Baravski has momentary wrist control but Barksdale slips an elbow through the middle.
Barksdale scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Baravski looking to hit a scissor sweep but Barksdale is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale prevents Baravski from getting back to his feet.
Baravski on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Baravski tries to get out of the position.
Barksdale wants to stand but Baravski is controlling his posture from full guard.

Baravski has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Barksdale off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Baravski pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Barksdale throws a series of strikes that have Baravski backpedaling.
Baravski showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Barksdale.

Baravski gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Barksdale is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Baravski connects with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Baravski pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Baravski stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Baravski misses with a knee strike.
Baravski stops a takedown attempt from Barksdale.
Barksdale is trying to stall.

Baravski jumps into guard, dragging Barksdale to the mat.
Baravski manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Barksdale can't escape the position.

Barksdale defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Baravski.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale is trying to stand.
Barksdale holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Baravski tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

Baravski looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Barksdale wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Baravski.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Igor Baravski had his way with Avon Barksdale in that round.
The cut man is working on Igor Baravski's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Barksdale fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Barksdale jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Baravski tries a low kick but Barksdale avoids it.
Barksdale misses with a two punch combination.
The fight stays on the outside here - Baravski looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
The fight stays on the outside here - Baravski looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Baravski tries to clinch up.
Barksdale lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Barksdale connects with the punch.
Barksdale throws a right hand that Baravski ducks under and follows up with a left that Baravski also avoids with ease.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Baravski fails with an attempt to clinch.
Barksdale displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Baravski misses with a double jab
and Barksdale counters with a stiff right hand.

Baravski gets a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baravski crunches a lovely knee into Barksdale's ribcage.

Baravski breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Baravski has taken the fight to the clinch.
Barksdale is pressed up against the cage. Baravski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Barksdale down to the mat. Barksdale avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Baravski shoots in and drives through. Barksdale sprawls well.
Baravski takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nice straight punches there by Barksdale. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Barksdale.
Baravski moves in looking to clinch but Barksdale pushes him off.
Barksdale shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Barksdale pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Baravski will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
No joy there for Barksdale, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Barksdale scores with a one two! Baravski had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Both fighters circling a little - Baravski finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barksdale. Baravski does a little dance to reset his feet.
Barksdale misses with a combination

and Baravski counters with a single leg into guard. Barksdale didn't expect that.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baravski wants to pass the guard but Barksdale is keeping the position.
Baravski is looking to work some ground and pound but Barksdale has wrist control.
Barksdale tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Barksdale wants to stand and escape but Baravski is having none of it.
Baravski throwing strikes but missing.
Baravski trying to control but Barksdale is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barksdale looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Barksdale preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Baravski rushes Barksdale and presses him up against the cage.
Baravski goes for a takedown in the clinch but Barksdale prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Igor Baravski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barksdale has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Baravski is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Barksdale goes for a takedown attempt but Baravski pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Baravski takes the fight into the clinch.

Baravski breaks from the clinch.
Barksdale misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Baravski looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Barksdale rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Baravski moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Baravski doesn't manage to clinch there - Barksdale circles away.
Baravski throws a nice looking combination but Barksdale bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Barksdale throws a series of punches but Baravski moves out of range.

Baravski has Barksdale up against the cage in a clinch.
Baravski looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Baravski wants a takedown.
Barksdale can't get the takedown.

Baravski escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Barksdale shoots in but no luck this time.
Baravski plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Danga de danga de dang - Barksdale scores with a four punch combination!
Igor Baravski is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Barksdale falls off balance throwing a combination

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

And that's the end of the fight!
Igor Baravski showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Baravski 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 49:46
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 49:46
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Igor Baravski!