PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleksandr Dubov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Caonabo Cruz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Dubov
vs
Cruz

183 cm
25
300 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

190 cm
26
291 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aleksandr Dubov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Caonabo Cruz!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Aleksandr Martynov and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dubov misses with a two punch combination.
Cruz blocks a low kick nicely.
Dubov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cruz's waist but Cruz gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Dubov off to one side.
Dubov could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Cruz takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Dubov misses with a lunging right hand

and Cruz counters by clinching up.

Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Dubov throws a left and a right that both miss

and Cruz moves into the clinch.
Dubov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Cruz successfully pulls guard.
Dubov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Cruz is proving hard to escape from.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.

Cruz looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Cruz 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.
Dubov is fighting to break Cruz's control of his arms but Cruz is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Cruz is on top in guard.
Dubov trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Cruz must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Cruz trying to control but Dubov is working from the bottom.
Dubov throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

Cruz decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Dubov, up you get!
Dubov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

It looks like Caonabo Cruz has been cut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dubov misses with a kick to the body.
Dubov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Cruz shoots in and drives through. Dubov sprawls well.
Cruz looks gassed!
Dubov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Cruz looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Dubov is fending him off so far but Cruz persists. Nope, Dubov circles away and we're back to standing.
Dubov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dubov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Dubov swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Good work by Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Dubov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cruz takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

That has opened up Caonabo Cruz's cut even more.
Dubov scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Dubov shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksandr Dubov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Decent striking displayed by Dubov there.
Cruz takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cruz.
Dubov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Dubov scores with a nice head shot.
Dubov lands a nice shot that snaps Cruz's head back.
Dubov shoots in looking for a takedown. Cruz tries to sprawl out of it but Dubov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Cruz manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A head kick misses from Cruz.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Aleksandr Dubov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dubov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cruz sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cruz fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cruz slips a jab and a cross from Dubov.
Cruz shoots for a double leg takedown but Dubov sprawls well. He's pushed Cruz's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dubov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Dubov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Dubov cracks a nice hook into Cruz's ribs.
Cruz fails to land the takedown.
Dubov lands a jab to the nose.
A leg kick checked by Cruz.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cruz moves into range and clinches up with Dubov.

Cruz's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Dubov is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Dubov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Dubov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Cruz sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Dubov somewhat.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Dubov scores with the left hand. Cruz knows he should have avoided that one.
Nice shot by Dubov.

The cut above Caonabo Cruz's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Dubov lands a jab to the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Cruz manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Dubov on his heels. He'll look to pass Dubov's guard now, I'm sure.
Cruz won't allow Dubov to get back to his feet.
Cruz is stalling in the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksandr Dubov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Caonabo Cruz's cut.
That's time! Dubov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Good exchange - Dubov coming out on top.
Cruz slaps away a takedown attempt from Dubov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nice uppercut there from Dubov.
Dubov thows a leg kick but Cruz checks it

and Cruz counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Cruz.

Cruz got a little sloppy there for a moment and Dubov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Cruz has managed to get both his arms back between Dubov's legs - danger averted.
Cruz controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Cruz's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

Cruz drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Dubov dives on top into guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dubov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Cruz's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dubov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Cruz is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Dubov is controlling him.
Dubov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cruz is keeping the position for now.
Cruz wants to sweep but no luck.
Cruz keeping moving, preventing Dubov from controlling successfully.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Cruz is trying to control the position but Dubov postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Dubov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Good work by Cruz as he checks the leg kick.
Dubov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Cruz tries to avoid it but Dubov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Cruz to the ground. Cruz escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Dubov shoots in looking for a takedown. Cruz tries to sprawl out of it but Dubov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Cruz manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksandr Dubov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Cruz fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Dubov sprawls well initially but Cruz persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Dubov is trying to control but can't.
Cruz throwing shots but Dubov is blocking nicely.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but Dubov defending well.
Dubov is looking to control Cruz's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Dubov avoid being mounted?
Dubov wants to improve his position but Cruz is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Dubov is trying to stand up here but Cruz is controlling him well.
Dubov regains full guard. Nicely done.

Dubov manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Cruz tries to bum rush Dubov with a series of wild strikes but Dubov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Dubov looks to score with a jab to the body but Cruz is just out of range.

Cruz shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Cruz chips away with some ground and pound.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Dubov keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dubov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cruz is one step ahead there.

Dubov looking for a guillotine here but Cruz defends easily.
Dubov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cruz controls the pace.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Dubov keeps moving.
Cruz wants to get up but he can't break Dubov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Caonabo Cruz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Caonabo Cruz's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Dubov with a hook.
Aleksandr Dubov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dubov ducks right into an uppercut from Cruz.

It looks like Aleksandr Dubov has been cut.
Dubov tests Cruz's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Dubov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Dubov with a poor takedown

and Cruz counters with a single leg into guard. Dubov didn't expect that.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Dubov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Cruz doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Cruz manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Cruz gets to his feet - Dubov follows without any prompting.
Dubov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Cruz momentarily.
Dubov scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Cruz closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Dubov is working for takedown but Cruz is calmly controlling the position for now.

Cruz breaks from the clinch.
Aleksandr Dubov is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cruz closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Dubov's guard.
Cruz trying to control but Dubov is working from the bottom.
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Dubov working a defensive guard here.

Dubov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Cruz gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Dubov is working an open guard so Cruz takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cruz closes the distance and pushes Dubov back into the ropes.
Dubov tries to break free but Cruz pushes him back against the ropes.
Dubov tries to score a body lock takedown but Cruz shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksandr Dubov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Cruz breaks the clinch.
Dubov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cruz.
Dubov scores with a jab.
Dubov looks to clinch

and Cruz counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Dubov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Cruz pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cruz stops a takedown attempt from Dubov.
Cruz stalling the fight.
Dubov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Cruz pulls his leg out and moves away.
Dubov throws a leg kick that is checked

and Cruz counters with a nice double leg into side control. Dubov won't be happy with that.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Cruz wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Dubov, who protects the arm well.
Dubov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz happy to just control the position for now.
Dubov defending against the ground and pound.
Cruz tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Dubov defending against the ground and pound.
Dubov is looking to reverse the position.

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.
Dubov gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Cruz wants to pass the guard but Dubov is defending well.
Dubov is not content to let Cruz control the position.

Cruz is trying to work for a kimura but Dubov is defending well.

Dubov actively working from the bottom here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cruz blocks the strikes from Dubov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Caonabo Cruz really dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Cruz loads up on a big right hand but Dubov slips the punch.

Cruz bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Dubov wants to get back to his feet but Cruz drags him back down.
Cruz trying to control the position but Dubov is working away.
Cruz prevents Dubov from escaping the position.
Dubov on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Cruz trying to control the position but Dubov is working away.
Dubov pushes Cruz away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Cruz gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Cruz trying to control the position but Dubov is working away.
Dubov is looking to reverse the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dubov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Cruz off and has taken his back!
Cruz tries to escape the position.
Dubov throwing wild punches that miss their target.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Dubov's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.

Dubov working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Cruz breaks Dubov's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz scoring with punches to the head and body.
Dubov wants to get back to his feet but Cruz is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Cruz sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Dubov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Cruz is looking to stand up but Dubov won't let him.

Dubov is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Cruz rolls with it to try and escape but Dubov cranks on the arm and Cruz is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:04 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Aleksandr Dubov!
Aleksandr Dubov is the new super heavyweight champion!