PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vatslav Borisov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ivan Dolbakov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Borisov comes to the cage accompanied by Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Borisov
vs
Dolbakov

192 cm
25
289 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

193 cm
25
289 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Vatslav Borisov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Dolbakov!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Aleksandr Martynov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Borisov gets tackled into the cage by Dolbakov. Dolbakov maintains the clinch.
Dolbakov misses with the head strike.

Borisov successfully pulls guard.
Borisov wants to get back to his feet but Dolbakov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Dolbakov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Dolbakov wants to stand but Borisov has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Dolbakov stands up from Borisov's guard - Dolbakov perhaps looking for a knockout.

Dolbakov has Borisov up against the cage in a clinch.
Borisov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Dolbakov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Borisov has Dolbakov pressed against the cage.

Dolbakov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Borisov is in close to Dolbakov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Dolbakov wants to get back to his feet but Borisov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Borisov with a nice head shot there.
Borisov wants to control from the top but Dolbakov keeps moving.

Borisov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Dolbakov takes the fight into the clinch.

Borisov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Borisov is working an open guard so Dolbakov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Dolbakov moves into the clinch.
Borisov wants a takedown.
Dolbakov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov is trying to break the clinch but Borisov has him pressed against the cage.
Dolbakov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Dolbakov fails to land.
Dolbakov scores with a shoulder strike.

Dolbakov manages to pull guard.
Borisov postures up in Dolbakov's guard and throws a big left but Dolbakov blocks it.

Dolbakov pushes Borisov off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Borisov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Borisov scores with a couple of short elbows.
Borisov working the head with strikes.
Borisov working the ground and pound from side control.

Borisov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Borisov scores with punches from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov can't do much from the bottom here.
Dolbakov tries to escape but Borisov is in control.
Borisov is looking to take a break and control but Dolbakov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Dolbakov wants to control but Borisov postures up.

Borisov stands up and we're back to a striking position.

Dolbakov rushes Borisov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Dolbakov is pressed up against the cage. Borisov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Dolbakov down to the mat. Dolbakov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vatslav Borisov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Borisov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Dolbakov was covering up waiting for the punch and Borisov finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Borisov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Borisov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Borisov stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Dolbakov instigates a clinch.
Dolbakov lands with a light punch inside.
A short left from Dolbakov.
Dolbakov tries to circle away but Borisov has him pinned against the cage.
Borisov wants a takedown.
Borisov is breathing heavily.
Dolbakov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Dolbakov working hard to break the clinch.
Borisov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Dolbakov gets underhooks to prevent Borisov's takedown attempt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Dolbakov working hard to break the clinch.
Dolbakov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Borisov.
Dolbakov throws a punch but it's blocked by Borisov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vatslav Borisov dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dolbakov has Borisov up against the cage in a clinch.
Dolbakov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Borisov smiles and moves away.
Dolbakov moves away from the strike by Borisov.
Borisov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Dolbakov as he jumps to the side.

Dolbakov pushes Borisov up against the cage in a clinch.
Borisov blocks an uppercut.
Dolbakov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Dolbakov throws a punch but it's blocked by Borisov.
Dolbakov lands with a light punch inside.
Borisov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Dolbakov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Dolbakov misses with some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dolbakov wants a takedown but no success here.
Borisov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Dolbakov to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vatslav Borisov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Borisov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Dolbakov.
Dolbakov can't break the clinch.
Dolbakov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Borisov's elbow.

Borisov has Dolbakov pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Borisov pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Dolbakov tumbling to the mat - Borisov dives into Dolbakov's guard.
Borisov postures up in Dolbakov's guard and throws a big left but Dolbakov blocks it.
Borisov postures up and lands a big shot to Dolbakov's brow.
Borisov wants to control from the top but Dolbakov keeps moving.

Dolbakov pushes Borisov off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Dolbakov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Dolbakov lands a shoulder strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov has had enough of the clinch but Borisov keeps him there for the moment.
Dolbakov throws a punch but it's blocked by Borisov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Dolbakov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Borisov smiles and moves away.

Borisov has Dolbakov up against the cage in a clinch.
Dolbakov avoiding damage as Borisov throws knees to the body.

Borisov pulls Dolbakov into guard.
Borisov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Borisov lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Dolbakov!
Borisov sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Dolbakov wants to hold on but Borisov pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov is trying to stand.
Borisov is landing with some decent strikes but Dolbakov is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Dolbakov in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Dolbakov is trying to stand up.
Dolbakov is squirming around, avoiding Borisov's attempts to control the action.
Borisov avoids the attempt from Dolbakov to control.
Borisov is stalling here but it's allowed Dolbakov to get half guard.
Borisov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Borisov is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Borisov looking to control but Dolbakov is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Borisov landing strikes from the mount and Dolbakov is in trouble!
Dolbakov is breathing heavily.
Dolbakov wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Borisov is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Dolbakov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Borisov tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Borisov scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Dolbakov?
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Dolbakov is in a horrible position here. Borisov smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Borisov has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Dolbakov's face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vatslav Borisov dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Borisov closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Dolbakov did well to prevent Borisov getting side control.
Dolbakov wants to sweep but Borisov has passed to side control!
Borisov trying to control the position but Dolbakov is working away.

Borisov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Dolbakov pushes Borisov away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Borisov gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

Borisov tries for a kimura but Dolbakov is defending well.
Dolbakov is looking for a sweep.
Dolbakov is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dolbakov takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Borisov cracks Dolbakov with a big elbow.
Borisov cracks Dolbakov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Borisov grinds an elbow into Dolbakov's temple.
Dolbakov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Borisov prevents Dolbakov from escaping the position.

Borisov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Dolbakov has escaped the position, nice work there.
Borisov lands a nice forearm strike.
Borisov lands a few punches from side control.
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!

Borisov is trying to get an arm triangle but Dolbakov is defending well.
Dolbakov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Borisov has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Borisov trying to control the action but Dolbakov is working from the bottom.

Borisov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Dolbakov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Borisov cracks Dolbakov with an elbow. That is naaassty.

Borisov decides to stand back up. Borisov steps back and let's Dolbakov get back to his feet.

Borisov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Borisov stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Dolbakov to get to his feet.

Dolbakov clinches with his opponent.

Borisov drags the fight down to the ground.
Dolbakov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Borisov is trying to keep Dolbakov in close.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Borisov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dolbakov's guard.
Borisov won't allow Dolbakov to get back to his feet.
Borisov trying to control but Dolbakov is working from the bottom.
Borisov is in close to Dolbakov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Dolbakov wants to stand but Borisov is controlling the position.
Borisov seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Borisov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Borisov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Dolbakov's head.
Borisov won't allow Dolbakov to get back to his feet.
Borisov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Borisov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dolbakov's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Dolbakov is looking to stand up but Borisov isn't so interested in that idea.
Borisov wants to control from the top but Dolbakov keeps moving.
Borisov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Borisov trying to control the position from guard on top but Dolbakov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vatslav Borisov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Vatslav Borisov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Borisov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

And that's the end of the fight!
Vatslav Borisov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Borisov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vatslav Borisov!
After the fight, Vatslav Borisov was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.