PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Rubaylo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boris Jevgenij (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Boris Jevgenij will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Rubaylo
vs
Jevgenij

190 cm
20
250 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

208 cm
19
280 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Rubaylo!
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, Boris Jevgenij!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Fedor Mirinova and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rubaylo misses with a head kick.
Rubaylo lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Jevgenij backs up against the cage.
Rubaylo circles away from the clinch attempt
and Jevgenij takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Jevgenij fails with the takedown
and Rubaylo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Jevgenij tries to clinch but Rubaylo moves away
and Rubaylo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rubaylo keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Jevgenij misses with a takedown attempt
and Jevgenij takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ivan Rubaylo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boris Jevgenij.
Jevgenij tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rubaylo counters with a three punch combo that has Jevgenij backing up. Jevgenij nods at Rubaylo to acknowledge the strikes.
Jevgenij dives in and grabs Rubaylo's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rubaylo pushes down on Jevgenij's head and hops out.
Jevgenij tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rubaylo counters with a left to the body.
Jevgenij looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jevgenij gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Jevgenij misses with a right hand
and Rubaylo counters with a one-two to the body.
Jevgenij closes the distance but Rubaylo moves to the side

and Rubaylo holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Rubaylo has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rubaylo is trying to force a seperation but Jevgenij has the dominant position.
Jevgenij misses with a punch on the inside.
Jevgenij unloads a knee to the mid-section. Rubaylo lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Jevgenij keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rubaylo's efforts to push away.
Knees to the body from Jevgenij.
Jevgenij scores a nice knee to the body.
Jevgenij putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rubaylo in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Rubaylo takes a knee right on the jaw!
Rubaylo is trying to break the clinch but Jevgenij is controlling him.
Jevgenij with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Rubaylo wants to break the clinch but can't.
Jevgenij throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Rubaylo blocks it with crossed arms.

Rubaylo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rubaylo lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Jevgenij backs up against the cage.
Rubaylo misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jevgenij dives in and grabs Rubaylo's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rubaylo pushes down on Jevgenij's head and hops out.
Rubaylo fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Rubaylo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Jevgenij tries for a takedown but Rubaylo circles away easily
and Rubaylo counters with a one-two to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Jevgenij tries for a takedown but Rubaylo circles away easily
letting Rubaylo counter with a right hand.
Rubaylo lands with a nice combination. Jevgenij backs away looking to recover.
Jevgenij takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Rubaylo is working the combinations to good effect here.
No luck for Jevgenij with that takedown attempt.
Jevgenij avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jevgenij tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rubaylo counters with a three punch combo that has Jevgenij backing up. Jevgenij nods at Rubaylo to acknowledge the strikes.
Jevgenij misses with a takedown
and Rubaylo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rubaylo scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Jevgenij looks to clinch
and Rubaylo counters with a two punch combo.
Rubaylo throws a combination. Jevgenij tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Jevgenij tries to clinch
and Rubaylo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rubaylo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Jevgenij moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Jevgenij shoots in for a double leg but Rubaylo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Rubaylo!

Jevgenij has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Jevgenij escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rubaylo fails to land with a series of punches.
Jevgenij misses with a leg kick.
Jevgenij darts in trying to clinch
and Rubaylo counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Jevgenij with a lazy takedown attempt
and Rubaylo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Jevgenij moves to clinch but Rubaylo breaks away
and Rubaylo counters with a three punch combo that has Jevgenij backing up. Jevgenij nods at Rubaylo to acknowledge the strikes.
Rubaylo with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Rubaylo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jevgenij.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rubaylo is looking to land body kicks.
Rubaylo lands with a nice combination. Jevgenij backs away looking to recover.
Rubaylo misses with a jab, cross combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan Rubaylo dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Jevgenij throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Jevgenij is trying desperately to land a takedown but Rubaylo is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Jevgenij.
A punch combination from Rubaylo misses.
Jevgenij tries to clinch

and Rubaylo counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Rubaylo takes a knee right on the jaw!

It looks like Ivan Rubaylo has been cut.
Jevgenij has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

Jevgenij pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rubaylo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rubaylo throws a sloppy head kick and Jevgenij moves out of range easily.
Jevgenij tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rubaylo counters with a straight right hand.
Rubaylo throws a right and a left that Jevgenij avoids nicely.
Rubaylo lands with a nice combination. Jevgenij backs away looking to recover.
Rubaylo falls off balance throwing a combination

and Jevgenij counters by moving into the clinch.
Jevgenij lands a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rubaylo wants to break the clinch but can't.
Jevgenij is breathing heavily.
Rubaylo is trying to force a seperation but Jevgenij has the dominant position.
Rubaylo is looking to break free of the clinch but Jevgenij has double underhooks.
Rubaylo working hard to break the clinch.
Jevgenij with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Rubaylo blocking some punches.
Rubaylo is trying to break free.
Jevgenij tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Jevgenij jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Rubaylo walks away with a smile on his face. Jevgenij gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rubaylo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Jevgenij.
Jevgenij shoots in and drives through. Rubaylo sprawls well.
Jevgenij will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ivan Rubaylo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boris Jevgenij.
A head kick misses from Rubaylo.
Ivan Rubaylo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rubaylo misses with a series of wild punches.
Rubaylo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Jevgenij tries for a takedown but Rubaylo circles away easily
and Rubaylo counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Jevgenij thinking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Rubaylo swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Boris Jevgenij seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rubaylo misses with a series of wild punches.
Rubaylo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Jevgenij moves to clinch but Rubaylo breaks away
and Rubaylo counters with a nice uppercut.
Rubaylo connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Rubaylo throws a series of punches but Jevgenij moves out of range.
Rubaylo throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Jevgenij closes the distance and clinches.

Jevgenij drags the fight down to the ground.
Rubaylo working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Jevgenij's head.
Rubaylo 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rubaylo gets to his feet. Jevgenij looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Rubaylo throws a lazy head kick

and Jevgenij counters with a shoot takedown. Rubaylo fights it but they end up in guard.
Jevgenij wants to pass the guard but Rubaylo is keeping the position.
Rubaylo is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Jevgenij postures up in Rubaylo's guard and throws a big left but Rubaylo blocks it.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Jevgenij is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Rubaylo is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Rubaylo has escaped and now he's on top!
Rubaylo stopping the sweep attempt from Jevgenij.

Jevgenij has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rubaylo can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rubaylo gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Jevgenij.
Jevgenij shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rubaylo as he avoids it easily.
Rubaylo pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Jevgenij back to the cage. Rubaylo follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Jevgenij wants to clinch but Rubaylo slips to the side
enabling Rubaylo to counter with a crisp jab.
Rubaylo rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Jevgenij moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Jevgenij tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Rubaylo counters with a one-two to the body.
Rubaylo misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Jevgenij is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rubaylo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Rubaylo fails to land with a series of punches.
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 Ivan Rubaylo will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Ivan Rubaylo's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Rubaylo stalks Jevgenij and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Jevgenij's face. Jevgenij staggers backwards, shaken.

Jevgenij closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Rubaylo did well to prevent Jevgenij getting side control.
Rubaylo is looking to escape.
Jevgenij wants to pass the guard but Rubaylo is defending well.
Jevgenij works his foot free and advances to mount.
Jevgenij is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Rubaylo can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Rubaylo is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Rubaylo is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Jevgenij lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

Jevgenij working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Jevgenij lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jevgenij looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Rubaylo is trying to stand.
Jevgenij pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Jevgenij throwing strikes here but Rubaylo is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

Jevgenij looking for a guillotine from mount but Rubaylo is having none of it.
Jevgenij working the ground and pound effectively.
Jevgenij connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Rubaylo here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.

Rubaylo bucks Jevgenij off and manages to get back to his feet!
Rubaylo keeps the fight on the outside.
Jevgenij looks to clinch
and Rubaylo counters with a three punch combo that has Jevgenij backing up. Jevgenij nods at Rubaylo to acknowledge the strikes.
Jevgenij fails with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jevgenij on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Rubaylo defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Jevgenij.
A right-left combo lands from Rubaylo.
Jevgenij wants to clinch
and Rubaylo makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Jevgenij throws a combination that misses
and Rubaylo counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Rubaylo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ivan Rubaylo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jevgenij shoots in for a double leg but Rubaylo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Ivan Rubaylo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Boris Jevgenij.
Rubaylo throws a shot to the body.
Jevgenij is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Jevgenij throws a head kick but Rubaylo moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rubaylo throws a series of strikes that have Jevgenij backpedaling.
Rubaylo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Rubaylo wants it to stay on the feet.
Rubaylo scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Jevgenij showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rubaylo.
Jevgenij has a takedown stuffed.
Jevgenij tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rubaylo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Rubaylo closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Jevgenij working Rubaylo over with knees to the body.
Jevgenij missing with knees to the body.
Jevgenij misses with a knee strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rubaylo can't break the clinch.
Rubaylo tries to break free but Jevgenij pushes him back against the cage.
Jevgenij looking to throw knees to the head but Rubaylo is blocking nicely.
Rubaylo has had enough of the clinch but Jevgenij keeps him there for the moment.
Jevgenij tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Rubaylo avoids it.
Rubaylo wants to break the clinch but can't.
Jevgenij looking to throw knees to the head but Rubaylo is blocking nicely.
A frustrated look appears on Rubaylo's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Rubaylo wants to break the clinch but can't.

Jevgenij breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Jevgenij tries to clinch
and Rubaylo counters with a left and a right that stings Jevgenij.
Jevgenij throws a body kick that misses.
Jevgenij has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Jevgenij misses with a low kick.
Rubaylo closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Boris Jevgenij has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ivan Rubaylo is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Jevgenij tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Rubaylo counters by clinching up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Boris Jevgenij comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Rubaylo 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 29:29
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Ivan Rubaylo!