PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Edson Barboza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sergei Kravelski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Barboza
vs
Kravelski

180 cm
22
155 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

176 cm
25
150 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Prefers standup

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent knees
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Edson Barboza!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Sergei Kravelski!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Paul Aken and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kravelski has closed the distance and engaged Barboza in a clinch.
Kravelski wants a takedown.
Barboza can't break the clinch.

Kravelski breaks from the clinch.
Barboza throws a leg kick that is checked

and Kravelski counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kravelski wants to get up but he can't break Barboza's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Kravelski content to stall in guard here.
Kravelski looking to pass the guard.
Barboza preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Barboza wants to stand and escape but Kravelski is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kravelski wants to stand but Barboza is controlling his posture from full guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Kravelski trying to control but Barboza is working from the bottom.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Sergei Kravelski wasn't active enough on the ground.
Barboza fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kravelski gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Barboza counters with a nice kick to the body.

Kravelski clinches with his opponent.

Kravelski escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Barboza throws a head kick but Kravelski moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Kravelski instigates a clinch.

Barboza escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kravelski misses with a body shot
and Barboza counters with a thumping low kick.

Kravelski closes the distance and clinches.
Stalling in the clinch from Barboza.
Barboza is trying to drag Kravelski to the mat but Kravelski just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Barboza breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kravelski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Barboza counters by moving into the clinch.
Edson Barboza has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sergei Kravelski.
Kravelski looks gassed!
Barboza is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kravelski is keeping busy.
Barboza is pressed up against the cage. Kravelski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Barboza down to the mat. Barboza avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kravelski swats away the attempt to clinch by Barboza.
Kravelski circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kravelski tries for a takedown but Barboza circles away easily
and Barboza counters with a right hand to the body.
A clash of legs there as Kravelski blocks the low kick.

Kravelski gets tackled into the cage by Barboza. Barboza maintains the clinch.
Barboza wants a takedown but no success here.
Barboza tries to pull guard but Kravelski holds him up against the cage and eventually Barboza drops back down to his feet.
Kravelski looking to throw knees to the head but Barboza is blocking nicely.
Kravelski letting Barboza take a breather here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barboza tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Barboza tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kravelski smiles and moves away.
Barboza attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.

Barboza forces Kravelski back against the cage and clinches.
Kravelski wants to get back to striking at distance but Barboza won't allow it.
Kravelski fails to pull guard.
Kravelski working aggressively here.
Barboza is pressed up against the cage. Kravelski has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Barboza down to the mat. Barboza avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Barboza wants to clinch up but Kravelski keeps it at a distance.
Barboza is looking to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergei Kravelski dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kravelski avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Barboza throws a leg kick which misses Kravelski's front leg but catches the back leg as Kravelski tries to avoid it.
Kravelski tries for a takedown but Barboza circles away easily
and Barboza counters with a slapping leg kick.
Sergei Kravelski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kravelski doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Barboza counters with an inside leg kick.
Barboza misses with a low kick.

Barboza has closed the distance and engaged Kravelski in a clinch.

Barboza has picked Kravelski up - he's going for a ride! Barboza dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Kravelski is breathing heavily.
Barboza seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kravelski does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Barboza prevents Kravelski from improving his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barboza controlling the pace.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Barboza working over Kravelski with some ground and pound. Kravelski looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Barboza tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kravelski knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kravelski wants to control the action here but instead Barboza manages to pass to full mount!

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.
Kravelski is wriggling around trying to escape.
Barboza wants to control the pace but Kravelski is squirming around nicely.
Kravelski can't escape the position.
Barboza controlling his opponent.
Barboza's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barboza tries to control but Kravelski wriggling away.
Kravelski is in all sorts of trouble here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Barboza looking to finish Kravelski with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kravelski!
Barboza tries to control but Kravelski wriggling away.
Barboza sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

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.
Kravelski is squirming around, avoiding Barboza's attempts to control the action.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Barboza takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Barboza has managed to clinch.
Barboza will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kravelski up against the cage.
Kravelski goes for a takedown in the clinch but Barboza prevents it.
Kravelski on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Barboza jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kravelski walks away with a smile on his face. Barboza gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kravelski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Barboza counters by clinching up.
Barboza tries to work over Kravelski's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Barboza on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kravelski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kravelski has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Barboza is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Edson Barboza has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sergei Kravelski.
Barboza goes for a takedown attempt but Kravelski pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Barboza misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Barboza tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Kravelski manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Barboza is looking to score with low kicks.
Kravelski avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Barboza moves out of range as Kravelski throws a body kick.
Kravelski on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Barboza. Barboza obviously looking to wear him down.
Kravelski takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kravelski blocks a leg kick.
Barboza throws a nice outside leg kick.
Edson Barboza is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Barboza throws a head kick but Kravelski moves out of range.
Barboza will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Barboza fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kravelski.
Edson Barboza is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Some bone on bone action there as Kravelski checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Barboza fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kravelski.
Barboza wants to land a leg kick but Kravelski is out of range.

Barboza has Kravelski up against the cage in a clinch.
Barboza tries for a takedown but Kravelski manages to get underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barboza is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kravelski pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kravelski is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Barboza is keeping busy.

Barboza has picked Kravelski up - he's going for a ride! Barboza dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Barboza perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

Barboza postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Kravelski to stand up.
Kravelski throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Barboza avoids a kick to the body.
Barboza throws a leg kick

and Kravelski counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Kravelski won't allow Barboza to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barboza utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Barboza looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kravelski is one step ahead there.
Barboza working a defensive guard here.
Barboza keeping full guard, as Kravelski tries to pass.

Kravelski thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edson Barboza clearly takes that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Barboza wants to clinch.
A nice leg kick lands there from Barboza.

Kravelski clinches up against the cage.
Barboza lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kravelski is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kravelski tries to break the clinch but Barboza is controlling the position.
Kravelski is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Barboza has Kravelski pressed against the cage, preventing Kravelski from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Stalling in the clinch from Kravelski.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barboza tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kravelski just stands there and leans against the cage.
Kravelski prevents a body shot from Barboza.
Kravelski jumps guard but Barboza stands there with Kravelski around his waist. Kravelski gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kravelski fails to pull guard.
Barboza has Kravelski pressed against the cage, preventing Kravelski from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Kravelski is fighting off a takedown attempt but Barboza is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Kravelski to the mat. Kravelski regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Barboza trying to control the position from guard on top but Kravelski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Barboza throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kravelski works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kravelski controls Barboza momentarily but Barboza frees himself.
Kravelski being controlled here, momentarily.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

Edson Barboza has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Nice body punch from Barboza.
A chopping leg kick lands by Barboza.
Barboza tries to land a leg kick but Kravelski saw it coming and moves away.
Good leg kick by Barboza there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kravelski throws a series of punches but Barboza avoids them all with ease.
Kravelski takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Barboza feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kravelski's calf.
Barboza throws a leg kick that misses.
Barboza tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kravelski is able to avoid easily.

Barboza rushes Kravelski and presses him up against the cage.

Barboza breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Barboza misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Barboza fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kravelski has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A leg kick checked by Kravelski.

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.
Kravelski on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Barboza. Barboza obviously looking to wear him down.
Barboza lets loose with a powerful body kick. Kravelski will feel that in the morning.
Barboza connects with a solid leg kick.
Barboza misses with a head kick.
Kravelski swats away the attempt to clinch by Barboza.
Barboza throws a right and a left that both miss.
A slapping leg kick lands for Barboza.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Kravelski clinches up with Barboza and pushes him back against the cage.
Barboza prevents the takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Edson Barboza had his way with Sergei Kravelski in that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. And we move into the final round!

A bone on bone clash there as Kravelski blocks the leg kick.
Kravelski checks a leg kick.

Kravelski closes the distance and pushes Barboza back into the cage.
Kravelski has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Barboza avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kravelski can't break the clinch.
Barboza can't get the takedown.

Barboza gets control of Kravelski's arms and successfully pulls guard. Barboza will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Barboza is trying to keep Kravelski in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
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.
Kravelski wants to pass the guard but Barboza is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kravelski slips nicely into half guard.
Barboza is looking to escape.
Barboza is refusing to be controlled, as Kravelski sits in half guard.

Kravelski is looking for a kimura but Barboza is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kravelski to get the leverage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Kravelski thows a huge punch but Barboza dodges it nicely.

Kravelski is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Barboza defends it well.
Kravelski missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kravelski thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Barboza's head.
Kravelski is trying to control the action in half guard but Barboza is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kravelski works his way into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kravelski advances to full mount.
Kravelski looking to control but Barboza is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Barboza is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kravelski trying to control but Barboza is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Kravelski takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Barboza takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Barboza is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Edson Barboza is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Barboza is trying to reverse the position but instead Kravelski has taken his back - oops!

And that's the end of the fight!
Sergei Kravelski comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Barboza 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 48:47
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 48:47
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Edson Barboza!
Edson Barboza is the new featherweight champion!