PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Dimitri Makhnov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Stepan Baraban (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Dimitri Makhnov has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Dimitri Makhnov seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Makhnov
vs
Baraban

175 cm
22
170 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

180 cm
22
164 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Dimitri Makhnov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Stepan Baraban!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Valeri Chadov and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Makhnov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Makhnov just misses with a punch to the body.
Baraban closes the distance and clinches up with Makhnov, looking for a takedown. Baraban pushes Makhnov against the cage but Makhnov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Makhnov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Baraban with a lazy takedown attempt
and Makhnov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Makhnov tries to clinch up.
Makhnov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Makhnov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Baraban with a poor takedown
and Makhnov counters with a nice uppercut.
Dimitri Makhnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stepan Baraban.
Makhnov throws a head kick but Baraban moves out of range.

Baraban shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Makhnov pulls Baraban in to control the position.

Baraban drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Makhnov dives on top into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Makhnov pushes down on Baraban's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Baraban is staying active underneath Makhnov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Baraban looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Baraban looks gassed!

Baraban looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Makhnov perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

Baraban is defending against the submission attempts here by Makhnov.
Makhnov wants to take a breather but Baraban is having none of it.
Baraban is trying to stand.
Makhnov working over Baraban with some ground and pound. Baraban looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

Makhnov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Makhnov connects with a nice short shot to Baraban's temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Makhnov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Makhnov wants to work for an arm triangle but Baraban is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Makhnov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Makhnov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Makhnov is keen to just control but Baraban is a slippery customer.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Baraban moves into full guard.
Makhnov wants to control from the top but Baraban keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Makhnov throwing strikes but missing.
Baraban not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Baraban looking for subs off his back but Makhnov has passed one foot through into half guard.
Baraban on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Baraban actively working from the bottom here.
Makhnov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Baraban defending well though.
Makhnov is trying to control. Baraban wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Baraban defending well though.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Makhnov lands a nice short elbow.
Makhnov works his foot free and advances to mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Baraban is trying to stand up.
Makhnov lands a big shot there that rocks Baraban but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Makhnov looking to finish Baraban with some ground and pound. This is bad for Baraban!
Makhnov 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.
Baraban takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Baraban really wants to buck Makhnov off and get back to his feet.
Makhnov lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Makhnov lands a nice shot to the head.
Makhnov lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.

Makhnov looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Makhnov working the ground and pound effectively.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Makhnov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Baraban misses with a takedown attempt - Makhnov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Baraban shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Makhnov moves into the clinch.
Makhnov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Makhnov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Baraban avoids it.
Stalling in the clinch from Makhnov.
Baraban prevents a body shot from Makhnov.
Makhnov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Makhnov.
Makhnov scores with a shot to the side of Baraban's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Makhnov lands with a left to the head.
Makhnov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Dimitri Makhnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stepan Baraban.
Baraban is breathing heavily.

Baraban works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Makhnov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Makhnov pushes Baraban off and gets back to his feet.
Makhnov feints a jab promting Baraban to slip. Makhnov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Baraban slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Baraban has his takedown stuffed
and Makhnov counters with a left to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov takes a swing at Baraban's ribcage but misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
No joy there for Makhnov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Baraban tries for a takedown but Makhnov circles away easily
and Makhnov counters with a left and a right that stings Baraban.
Makhnov throws a right hand that Baraban ducks under and follows up with a left that Baraban also avoids with ease.
Baraban fails to land the takedown.
Makhnov throws a shot from downtown. Baraban moves away and avoids it.
Makhnov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Makhnov scores with a jab.

Makhnov moves into the clinch.
Baraban blocks a body shot from Makhnov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov looking to throw knees to the head but Baraban is blocking nicely.
Makhnov lands a nice uppercut.
Baraban is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A short right from Makhnov.
Makhnov throws a punch but it's blocked by Baraban.
Makhnov lands with a left to the head.
Makhnov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Makhnov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baraban blocks it with crossed arms.
Makhnov pushes Baraban back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Baraban tries to score a body lock takedown but Makhnov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Baraban.
Makhnov swings wildly with an uppercut but Baraban uses good head movement to avoid it.
Baraban avoiding damage as Makhnov throws knees to the body.
Makhnov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Baraban has Makhnov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Makhnov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Makhnov misses with a knee strike.
A short left from Makhnov.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Makhnov creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Baraban's defenses.
Makhnov misses with a knee to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitri Makhnov dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Baraban tries for a takedown but Makhnov circles away easily

and Makhnov counters by clinching up.
A head punch on the inside from Makhnov fails to land.
Baraban is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Makhnov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Makhnov lands a nice uppercut.
Makhnov throws an elbow but it misses.
Baraban being controlled against the cage.
Baraban takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Makhnov scores with a shoulder strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Makhnov working aggressively here.
Makhnov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Barabans head.
Makhnov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Makhnov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Baraban backwards.
Baraban on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Makhnov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Baraban can do to turn this around?
Baraban managing to block the knees to the body from Makhnov.
Makhnov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Makhnov lands a body shot in the clinch.
Makhnov tries to land knees in the clinch but Baraban avoids the damage to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Makhnov.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Makhnov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Makhnov stalls.
Baraban is trying to drag Makhnov to the mat but Makhnov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Dimitri Makhnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stepan Baraban.
Makhnov effectively controlling the action here.
Makhnov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baraban has Makhnov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Makhnov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Baraban drops down looking for an ankle pick but Makhnov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Makhnov throws a nice head kick!
Baraban misses with a takedown
and Makhnov counters with a head kick. That will keep Baraban thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Makhnov tries to clinch there but Baraban circles away.
Dimitri Makhnov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Makhnov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Baraban has his takedown stuffed
and Makhnov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Baraban thinking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baraban avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Baraban avoids the body shot from Makhnov.
Makhnov works over Baraban's head and body with a nice combination.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Makhnov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Baraban moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Makhnov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Baraban.
Dimitri Makhnov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Baraban showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Makhnov.
Makhnov tries to clinch but Baraban moves out of range.
Baraban with a poor takedown
and Makhnov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Makhnov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Makhnov throws a nice looking combination but Baraban bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Makhnov misses the jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitri Makhnov clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Baraban misses with a takedown
and Makhnov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Makhnov misses with a hook. Baraban ducked under it nicely.
Makhnov throws a series of strikes that have Baraban backpedaling.
Makhnov lands with a good body shot.
Makhnov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Baraban on the side of the head.
Makhnov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Baraban moves away.
Baraban with a poor takedown
and Makhnov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Baraban is rocked!
Makhnov misses with a double jab.
Baraban is still on wobbly legs! Can Makhnov finish him?
Baraban steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Makhnov.
Baraban slips a jab and a cross from Makhnov.
Baraban seems to have recovered his senses.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Baraban takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Baraban uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Makhnov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baraban gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
enabling Makhnov to counter with a crisp jab.
Dimitri Makhnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stepan Baraban.
Makhnov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Baraban.
Baraban walks into a left hand.
Makhnov tries to bum rush Baraban with a series of wild strikes but Baraban uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Baraban shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Baraban has his takedown stuffed
and Makhnov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Makhnov, as that shot connected.
Baraban shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Makhnov as he avoids it easily.
Makhnov misses with an uppercut. Baraban saw that one coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baraban shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Makhnov counters with a right hand to the body.

Makhnov drives through and clinches with Baraban against the cage.
Makhnov slowing the pace effectively.
Baraban can't get the takedown.
Makhnov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Baraban blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Baraban is working for takedown but Makhnov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Makhnov putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Baraban in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Baraban has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Makhnov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Baraban is defending well for now.
Baraban drops down looking for an ankle pick but Makhnov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Baraban circles away from the clinch attempt.
Baraban shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Makhnov as he jumps to the side.
Makhnov throws a nice looking combination but Baraban bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Baraban avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Baraban fails with the takedown

and Makhnov counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Makhnov.
Makhnov with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Makhnov.
Baraban is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Makhnov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A short right from Makhnov on the inside.
Makhnov pressing his opponent against the cage.
Makhnov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Makhnov controlling the action here for a moment.
Baraban wants a takedown but no success here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitri Makhnov had his way with Stepan Baraban in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Makhnov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Baraban has his takedown stuffed

and Makhnov counters by clinching up.
Makhnov slowing the pace effectively.
Makhnov missing with knees to the body.
Makhnov prevents the takedown attempt.
Makhnov is pressed up against the cage. Baraban has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Makhnov down to the mat. Makhnov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Dimitri Makhnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Stepan Baraban.
Makhnov fails to land with a series of punches.
Baraban ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Baraban doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Makhnov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Baraban is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Makhnov misses with the combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Makhnov doesn't manage to clinch there - Baraban circles away.

Makhnov has managed to clinch.
Makhnov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Makhnov trying to land knees to the body.
Baraban blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Makhnov misses with a knee to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Makhnov.
Baraban blocks a body shot from Makhnov.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Baraban.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short left from Makhnov.
Baraban is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Makhnov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Baraban avoiding damage as Makhnov throws knees to the body.
Makhnov misses with a body punch.
Makhnov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Makhnov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Baraban.
Baraban blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Dimitri Makhnov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Makhnov gets through Baraban's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Makhnov lands with a light punch inside.
Makhnov tries a body shot but Baraban blocks it.
Baraban is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Makhnov pressing his opponent against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Makhnov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Baraban blocks it with crossed arms.
Dimitri Makhnov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Baraban has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Makhnov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Makhnov misses with a punch to the body.
Baraban is trying to drag Makhnov to the mat but Makhnov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Baraban blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dimitri Makhnov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Makhnov 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 50:45
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 50:45
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dimitri Makhnov!