PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between James Howlett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jan Szczevnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jan Szczevnikov will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Howlett
vs
Szczevnikov

168 cm
29
142 lbs
17 - 7 - 0

182 cm
28
144 lbs
10 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

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 17 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, James Howlett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Jan Szczevnikov!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, William Gold and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Szczevnikov tries for a takedown but Howlett circles away easily
and Howlett connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A right-left combo lands from Howlett.

Howlett has Szczevnikov up against the cage in a clinch.
Szczevnikov has Howlett pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Howlett manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.
Szczevnikov is working for takedown but Howlett is calmly controlling the position for now.
James Howlett has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jan Szczevnikov.
A right hand to the body from Howlett.
Howlett gets through Szczevnikov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Szczevnikov has Howlett pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Howlett manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Howlett lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Howlett as the two fighters clinch.
Szczevnikov looks gassed!
Szczevnikov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Howlett pulls his leg out and moves away.
Szczevnikov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
letting Howlett counter with a right hand.

Howlett forces Szczevnikov back against the cage and clinches.
Szczevnikov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Howlett stalling.
Howlett lands a nice uppercut.
Howlett lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Szczevnikov wants a takedown but no success here.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Howlett digs a right hand underneath Szczevnikov's ribcage. Szczevnikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Howlett lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Howlett lands a left hand that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Howlett.
A left hand lands to the body for Howlett.
Howlett gets through Szczevnikov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Howlett leaning against his opponent.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Howlett.
A body shot lands from Howlett.
Howlett lands a nice shot to the body.
Howlett lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A body shot lands from Howlett.
A left hand lands to the body for Howlett.
Howlett lands with a right to the head.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Howlett lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Howlett presses Szczevnikov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Howlett is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Nice body punch from Howlett - that landed with a thud.
Howlett presses Szczevnikov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Howlett lands with a short shot to the head.
Howlett lands a shot to the body.
Howlett stalls.
Howlett softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Howlett.
Szczevnikov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Howlett gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Howlett lands a hook to the side of the head.
Howlett is leaning against Szczevnikov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Howlett lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Szczevnikov.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett lands a hook to the side of the head.
Howlett lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A short uppercut from Howlett.
Howlett lands with a right to the head.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Howlett lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Howlett.
Howlett lands a nice uppercut.
Howlett digs a right hand underneath Szczevnikov's ribcage. Szczevnikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Howlett lands a nice shot to the body.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Howlett is working Szczevnikov over against the cage.
Howlett lands a body punch.
Howlett lands a shoulder strike.
Still in the clinch, Howlett scores with a nice short uppercut.
Howlett stalling against the cage.
Howlett lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Howlett lands a body punch in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Howlett scores with a hook to the body.
Howlett lands an uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Howlett.
Howlett lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Howlett lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Szczevnikov.
A short right from Howlett.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Howlett has Szczevnikov pressed against the cage.
Howlett lands a body shot.
Howlett lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Howlett.
The referee calls for Howlett to work.
Howlett is pressed up against the cage. Szczevnikov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Howlett down to the mat. Howlett avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Howlett's corner calls for a 1-2. Howlett obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Howlett scores with a jab to the jaw.
Szczevnikov doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Howlett counters with a nice uppercut.
Szczevnikov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Howlett connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Szczevnikov scrambles back to his feet.
Jab, jab by Howlett - just one landing.

Howlett moves into the clinch.
Szczevnikov letting Howlett take a breather here.
Howlett lands a hook that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Howlett throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Szczevnikovs head.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Szczevnikov tries for a takedown. No joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Howlett.
Howlett lands with a left to the head.
Szczevnikov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Howlett works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Szczevnikov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Howlett leaning against his opponent.
Good body shot from Howlett.
Howlett lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Szczevnikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Howlett scores with a shot to the side of Szczevnikov's head.
Howlett working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Howlett lands an uppercut.
Howlett throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Szczevnikovs head.
Szczevnikov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Howlett pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Howlett pressing his opponent against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Howlett is leaning against Szczevnikov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Howlett throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Howlett dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Szczevnikov tries for a takedown but Howlett circles away easily
enabling Howlett to counter with a crisp jab.
Szczevnikov misses with a takedown
and Howlett counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nice uppercut there from Howlett.
Howlett thuds his right hand into Szczevnikov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
James Howlett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Howlett connects with a good right hand that stumbles Szczevnikov. Szczevnikov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

Howlett has taken the fight to the clinch.
Nice body punch from Howlett - that landed with a thud.
A right handed body shot lands from Howlett.
Howlett lands a hook that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Howlett digs a right hand underneath Szczevnikov's ribcage. Szczevnikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Howlett dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Howlett working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Howlett throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Szczevnikovs head.
Howlett lands a nice shot to the body.
Szczevnikov is breathing heavily.
Howlett cracks Szczevnikov with a nice body shot.
A shot in the inside from Howlett.
Nice body punch from Howlett - that landed with a thud.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Howlett.
Howlett is working Szczevnikov over against the cage.
Howlett works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.
A short right from Howlett.
Howlett avoiding damage.
Howlett lands an uppercut.
Howlett is struggling to control the position.
Howlett lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Howlett digs a right hand into Szczevnikov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Szczevnikov's gas tank.
Howlett taking a breather.
Szczevnikov is trying to drag Howlett to the mat but Howlett just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
James Howlett has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jan Szczevnikov.
Nice body punch from Howlett.
Howlett scores with a shoulder strike.
Howlett lands a left hand that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Howlett lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Howlett content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Howlett cracks Szczevnikov with a nice body shot.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.
A hook to the body from Howlett.
Howlett lands a shot to the body.
Howlett is pushing Szczevnikov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Howlett lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Howlett.
Howlett lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Szczevnikov.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Szczevnikov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Howlett scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Howlett presses Szczevnikov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Howlett stalls.
Szczevnikov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Szczevnikov being controlled against the cage.
Szczevnikov wants a takedown.
Howlett lands a body punch.
Howlett digs a right hand into Szczevnikov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Szczevnikov's gas tank.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Howlett creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Szczevnikov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Howlett smiles and moves away.
Good standup being displayed there by Howlett as he connects with a hook.
Howlett throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Szczevnikov.
Szczevnikov needs to keep his hands up - Howlett had a free shot at his head there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Szczevnikov tries for a takedown but Howlett circles away easily
and Howlett counters with a straight right hand.
Howlett looks to land a combination. Szczevnikov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Szczevnikov walks into a left hand.
Howlett with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Howlett jabs at Szczevnikov's body.
Howlett thuds his right hand into Szczevnikov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Howlett fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
James Howlett is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Szczevnikov dodges the punch combination from Howlett.
The fighters circle momentarily. Howlett darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Howlett misses with the combination.
Szczevnikov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Howlett finds it's way round the side to connect with Szczevnikov's head.
Howlett with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Howlett fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Szczevnikov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Nice straight punches there by Howlett. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Howlett.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Szczevnikov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Szczevnikov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nice jab there from Howlett.
Howlett is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Szczevnikov can do to turn this around?
Howlett misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A jab from Howlett finds it's way through Szczevnikov's defenses.
Szczevnikov has his takedown stuffed
enabling Howlett to counter with a crisp jab.
Nice shot by Howlett.
Howlett lands with a shot to the body.
Howlett lands a jab.
Nice shot by Howlett.
Howlett works over Szczevnikov's head and body with a nice combination.
Szczevnikov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Szczevnikov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Howlett to score with a decent uppercut.
Howlett misses with a series of wild punches.
Howlett works the jab nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Howlett dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Howlett lands with a right hand.
Howlett moves in looking to clinch but Szczevnikov pushes him off.
Szczevnikov shoots and misses
and Szczevnikov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Howlett dips to his left and cracks Szczevnikov with an uppercut!
Howlett connects with a single shot there.
Howlett connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

Howlett fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Szczevnikov, pushing him back against the cage.
Howlett lands a hook that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Szczevnikov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Howlett.
Howlett works on Szczevnikov's body with a couple of short punches.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.
Howlett works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Still in the clinch, Howlett scores with a nice short uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Howlett scores with a nice short uppercut.
Howlett's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Howlett softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A hook to the body from Howlett.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Howlett lands with a left to the head.
Howlett stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Howlett digs a right hand underneath Szczevnikov's ribcage. Szczevnikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Howlett makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Howlett lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Szczevnikov.
Howlett lands a left hand that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A hook to the body from Howlett.
Howlett lands a right hand that snaps the head of Szczevnikov backwards.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.
Szczevnikov is trying desperately to land a takedown but Howlett is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Szczevnikov.
Howlett holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A short right from Howlett on the inside.
Howlett stalling.
Howlett lands a shoulder strike.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Howlett.
Howlett scores with a shot to the side of Szczevnikov's head.
Szczevnikov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Howlett gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Szczevnikov has Howlett pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Howlett manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
James Howlett has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jan Szczevnikov.
Howlett is leaning against Szczevnikov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Howlett lands a left hand.
Howlett lands with a short head shot on the inside.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
A right hook to the body lands for Howlett.
James Howlett has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Howlett dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Howlett scores with a nice hook to the head.
Szczevnikov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Nice body punch from Howlett.
Howlett works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Howlett lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Szczevnikov or not.
Howlett content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Howlett prevents a takedown attempt there.
Howlett stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Howlett lands an uppercut.
Szczevnikov tries to circle away but Howlett has him pinned against the cage.
Howlett softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Howlett working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Howlett lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Howlett lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Szczevnikov.
A short right from Howlett.
A nice right hand lands inside from Howlett.
Howlett softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Howlett presses Szczevnikov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Howlett lands a shot to the body.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.

Szczevnikov breaks from the clinch.
Howlett scores with the left hand. Szczevnikov knows he should have avoided that one.
Howlett throws a good cross that connects.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Szczevnikov defending well as Howlett loads up on a big left hand.
Szczevnikov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Szczevnikov misses with a takedown
and Szczevnikov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Howlett moves into the clinch.
Howlett pushes Szczevnikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Szczevnikov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Szczevnikov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Howlett is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Howlett prevents the takedown attempt.
Howlett has Szczevnikov pressed against the cage.
Szczevnikov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Howlett fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Jab by Howlett.
Szczevnikov takes one to the side of the head.
Szczevnikov misses with a takedown attempt

and Howlett counters by moving into the clinch.
James Howlett is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Howlett lands a shoulder strike.
Howlett holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Szczevnikov wants to get back to striking at distance but Howlett won't allow it.
Howlett throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Howlett lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Howlett prevents the takedown attempt.
Howlett gets underhooks to prevent Szczevnikov's takedown attempt.
Howlett works on Szczevnikov's body with a couple of short punches.
Good body shot from Howlett.
Szczevnikov is trying to drag Howlett to the mat but Howlett just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Jan Szczevnikov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Howlett scores with a shoulder strike.
Szczevnikov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Howlett avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Howlett showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Howlett has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 30:26
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:25
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Howlett!