PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Jacobs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vladimir Valkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Valkov has chosen A Day Late by Anberlin as his entrance music. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Jacobs
vs
Valkov

175 cm
27
155 lbs
13 - 2 - 0

175 cm
25
161 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ryan Jacobs!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vladimir Valkov!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, William Peck and Dillan Fox.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice body punch from Jacobs.
Jacobs with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Valkov to score with a decent uppercut.
Jacobs lands a nice shot that snaps Valkov's head back.
Jacobs misses with the combination.
Valkov scores with a leg kick.
Valkov tries to land a leg kick but Jacobs saw it coming and moves away.
Jacobs lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Valkov circles away quickly and effectively.
Jacobs slips under a jab.

Jacobs gets the takedown into side control.
Jacobs lands an elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jacobs wants to lay and pray for a moment but Valkov keeps working.
Valkov parries the strikes from Jacobs easily there. Jacobs is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Valkov to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jacobs trying to control the action but Valkov is working from the bottom.
Jacobs throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Jacobs 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.
You can see the frustration on Valkov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Jacobs in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Jacobs taking a break here but Valkov is having none of it and regains half guard.
Jacobs trying to control the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Jacobs throws a hook but Valkov blocks it.
Valkov with a nice cross.
Jacobs has a takedown stuffed.
Jacobs walks into a left hand.
Valkov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Jacobs keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Jacobs moves out of range of the strikes.
Valkov misses with a combination
and Jacobs counters with a stiff right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Valkov swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Jacobs counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Valkov misses with a body shot
and Jacobs counters with a nice body shot.
Vladimir Valkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jacobs fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Jacobs fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Jacobs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Valkov throws a chopping leg kick but Jacobs manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
A combination from Jacobs does no damage.
Jacobs lands with an uppercut that bounces Valkov off the cage and back into rage.
Jacobs slips a jab from Valkov.
Valkov fails to land with a series of punches.
Valkov tries to work over Jacobs's front leg with a kick but Jacobs checks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valkov slips under a jab from Jacobs.
Valkov lands with an overhand left.
Valkov slips under a jab from Jacobs.
Valkov cracks Jacobs with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Valkov tries to bum rush Jacobs with a series of wild strikes but Jacobs uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Jacobs tests Valkov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Jacobs throws the left hand but Valkov avoids the punch easily.
Valkov is looking to chop away at Jacobs's legs.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Valkov misses with a low kick as Jacobs jumps back.
Jacobs moves out of range as Valkov strikes.
Valkov misses with a straight right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Vladimir Valkov will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Valkov misses with an uppercut. Jacobs saw that one coming.
Jacobs slips under a jab from Valkov.
Valkov misses with a looping left.
Valkov is looking to score with low kicks.
A swing and a miss from Valkov.
Valkov misses with a looping left.
Jacobs throws a looping overhand right but Valkov ducks down to avoid it.
Jacobs moves out of range as Valkov strikes.
Valkov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jacobs throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Valkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Jacobs scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Valkov missing with a left hand there. Jacobs was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Jacobs throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Valkov throws a leg kick but Jacobs moved away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valkov throws the left hand but Jacobs avoids the punch easily.
Valkov throws a lazy right hand but Jacobs sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jacobs takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Jab from Jacobs.
Valkov misses with a low kick.
Jacobs cracks a nice hook into Valkov's ribs.
Valkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Jacobs swinging wildly here.
Jacobs misses with an uppercut.
Valkov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Jacobs momentarily.
Valkov throws a lazy right hand but Jacobs sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Jacobs ducks right into an uppercut from Valkov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Valkov throws a leg kick but Jacobs moved away.
Jacobs misses with a hook.
Jacobs misses with a hook. Valkov ducked under it nicely.
Jacobs missing with a left hand there. Valkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A telegraphed right hand from Valkov misses the target.
Jacobs avoids the body shot from Valkov.
Jacobs fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Valkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Jacobs uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Valkov.
Jacobs uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Valkov.
Jacobs throws a right hand that Valkov ducks under and follows up with a left that Valkov also avoids with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Jacobs dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Jacobs looks to score with a jab to the body but Valkov is just out of range.
Jacobs ducks under a wild hook from Valkov.
Valkov with a jab.
Valkov looks to land a left hand but Jacobs moved out of range nicely.
Valkov throws a right hand that Jacobs ducks under and follows up with a left that Jacobs also avoids with ease.
Jacobs swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jacobs closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Jacobs slips under a jab from Valkov.

Jacobs closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Valkov to the mat! Valkov manages to get full guard.
Jacobs wants to control from the top but Valkov keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valkov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Valkov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Jacobs working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Jacobs looking to pass the guard.
Jacobs throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Valkov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Jacobs accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
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 Ryan Jacobs will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Valkov is looking to score with low kicks.
Valkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Valkov throws a quick inside leg kick.
A big left from Valkov misses.
Jacobs uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Valkov.
Valkov misses with a shot to the body
and Jacobs counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Jacobs cracks Valkov with a right hand to the side of the head.
Valkov throws a big shot that misses.
A clash of legs there as Jacobs blocks the low kick.
Jacobs displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Valkov throws out the jab.
Valkov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Valkov with a hook.
Jacobs bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Valkov's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Jacobs.
Jacobs moves out of range of the leg kick from Valkov.
Valkov throws a nice inside leg kick.
Jacobs moves away from the strike by Valkov.
Vladimir Valkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Jacobs shoots for a double leg takedown but Valkov sprawls well. He's pushed Jacobs's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Jacobs lands with a shot to the body.
Jacobs displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Valkov throws out the jab.
Jacobs fails to land with a series of punches.
Jacobs tries for a takedown but Valkov circles away easily
and Valkov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Valkov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Jacobs sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nice defenses there by Jacobs.
Vladimir Valkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Valkov.
Valkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jacobs throws an overhand right that lands on Valkov's shoulder, as Valkov tries to avoid the shot.
Valkov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Jacobs misses with a straight right.
Jacobs throws a jab when Valkov was well out of range.
Jacobs misses with a straight right.
Valkov ducks under a wild hook from Jacobs.
Valkov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Valkov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Valkov misses with an uppercut.
Valkov throws a nice looking combination but Jacobs bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good exchange - Valkov coming out on top.
Valkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Valkov.
A swing and a miss from Valkov.
Jacobs swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Valkov throws out a loose jab but Jacobs uses good head movement to avoid it.
Valkov blocks a jab.
Jacobs keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Valkov.
Valkov scores with a one two! Jacobs had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Valkov tries to score with a low kick but Jacobs moves his leg out of the way.
Valkov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Jacobs on the side of the head.
Valkov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valkov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Jacobs momentarily.
Valkov throws a nice outside leg kick.
The fighters circling - Valkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Valkov misses with a looping left.
Jacobs throws a hook to the side of Valkov's head but Valkov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Jab, jab by Jacobs - just one landing.
Jacobs rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Valkov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Jacobs misses with the combination.
Valkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Jacobs is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Jacobs misses with an uppercut.
Valkov scores with a jab to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Valkov really dominated that round.
That's time! Jacobs's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A big left from Valkov misses.
Valkov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Jacobs takes one on the button.
Valkov connects with a high kick.

Jacobs is rocked!
Valkov throws a hook but Jacobs blocks it.
Jacobs misses with a double jab
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Valkov misses with a body shot
and Jacobs counters with a two punch combo.
Jacobs looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Valkov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Jacobs throws a hook but Valkov avoids it easily.
Jacobs ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Jacobs scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Jacobs goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Valkov has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Jacobs but great work by Valkov.
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.
Valkov is staying tight to Jacobs's torso, preventing him from escaping.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jacobs is trying to get back to half guard.
Valkov controls the position from side control.
Jacobs is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Valkov controls the position.
Jacobs sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Valkov has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Jacobs is in all sorts of trouble here.
Valkov controlling from the full mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Jacobs slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.

Jacobs looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Jacobs wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Vladimir Valkov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Valkov misses the shot to the body.
Valkov throws a hook but Jacobs blocks it.
Jacobs throws a sloppy body shot
and Valkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Valkov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Valkov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Valkov misses with a straight left.
Valkov moves out of range of the strikes.
Valkov throws a chopping leg kick but Jacobs manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Jacobs ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Valkov throws a big shot that misses.
Jacobs slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Jacobs slips a jab from Valkov.
Jacobs slips a jab from Valkov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Valkov scores with a jab.
Jacobs shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
A left lands for Valkov.
Valkov scores with a punch to the head.
Jacobs defending well as Valkov loads up on a big left hand.
Valkov tests Jacobs's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Valkov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Valkov throws a series of punches but Jacobs moves out of range.
Valkov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Jacobs circles away quickly and effectively.

Jacobs scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Valkov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Jacobs missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs misses with a head shot. Valkov uses the momentum to regain guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Valkov keeping moving, preventing Jacobs from controlling successfully.
Jacobs postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Jacobs looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Jacobs content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jacobs postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Valkov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Valkov has momentary wrist control but Jacobs slips an elbow through the middle.
Jacobs preventing the sweep.
Jacobs throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Valkov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Valkov is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Jacobs wants to control from the top but Valkov keeps moving.
Jacobs loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ryan Jacobs has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jacobs loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Jacobs throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Valkov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

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 Ryan Jacobs.
I think Valkov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 47:48
Judge William Peck scores the fight 45:50
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vladimir Valkov!
Vladimir Valkov is the new lightweight champion!