PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Takeo Okamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fedor Alexandrov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Okamoto's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Morrowind/Skyrim Violin Medley. Alexandrov has chosen Pelageya & Darya Moroz-Oy, da ne vecher (russian folk music) as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Okamoto
vs
Alexandrov

178 cm
25
195 lbs
11 - 0 - 0

188 cm
27
220 lbs
15 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Very quick

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Happy Pills 159Q - Laundry 95%
KAISER

Brute

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Takeo Okamoto!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Fedor Alexandrov!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Steven Brown and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Okamoto blocks a jab.
Okamoto loads up on a big right hand but Alexandrov slips the punch.
Nice defenses there by Okamoto.
Alexandrov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Okamoto moves away.
Okamoto throws a jab when Alexandrov was well out of range.
Alexandrov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Okamoto tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Alexandrov is able to avoid easily.
Okamoto tries for a takedown but Alexandrov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Okamoto throws a hook to the side of Alexandrov's head but Alexandrov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Okamoto throws a leg kick

and Alexandrov counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Okamoto keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Alexandrov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Okamoto looking for submissions off his back.
Okamoto trying to hold on to Alexandrov's head to control him but Alexandrov postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Okamoto wants to improve his position but Alexandrov is controlling well.
Okamoto holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Alexandrov is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Alexandrov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Alexandrov prevents Okamoto from improving his position.
Okamoto on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Okamoto wants to control but Alexandrov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Okamoto wants to improve his position but Alexandrov is controlling well.
Alexandrov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Okamoto gets back to full guard.
Okamoto keeping moving, preventing Alexandrov from controlling successfully.
Okamoto working a defensive guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alexandrov scoring with punches to the head and body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Alexandrov is working Okamoto over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Okamoto working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov trying to control the position from guard on top but Okamoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Alexandrov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Okamoto works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Alexandrov scoring with some ground and pound.
Alexandrov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Okamoto wants to sweep here but Alexandrov controlling him for the moment.
Alexandrov lands a couple of elbows.
Alexandrov preventing the sweep.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Okamoto holds on and takes a little breather.
Alexandrov is looking to work some ground and pound but Okamoto has wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alexandrov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Okamoto trying to keep a closed guard but Alexandrov is proving a slippery customer.
Alexandrov stands and throws Okamoto's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Okamoto is looking for a sweep.
Alexandrov lands an elbow.
Okamoto wants to control but Alexandrov postures up.
Check out the look on Alexandrov's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Alexandrov scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Okamoto to see if he's OK.
Alexandrov is looking to take a break and control but Okamoto is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Alexandrov cracks Okamoto with a big elbow.
Alexandrov is putting a hurting on Okamoto here, landing some big shots from side control.
Okamoto tries to buck Alexandrov off but Alexandrov is having none of it.
Alexandrov grinds an elbow into Okamoto's temple.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okamoto wants to control but Alexandrov postures up.
Alexandrov working the ground and pound.
Alexandrov taking a breather here.
Check out the look on Alexandrov's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Okamoto tries to improve position but can't.

Alexandrov is trying to get an arm triangle but Okamoto is defending well.
Okamoto is trying to improve his position.
Alexandrov working the ground and pound from side control.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Okamoto is looking for a sweep.
Alexandrov wants to control but Okamoto is keeping him busy.
Okamoto is trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A slow jab from Okamoto misses its intended target.
Okamoto throws a body punch but Alexandrov moves out of range.
Okamoto scores with a hook to the body. Alexandrov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Okamoto throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Okamoto scores with a push kick.
Alexandrov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Okamoto lands a head shot.
Okamoto steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Alexandrov.
Alexandrov walks into a left hand.
Alexandrov tries to land a body kick
and Okamoto counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Okamoto swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Alexandrov throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Okamoto tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Alexandrov is in Okamoto's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Alexandrov stands up over Okamoto, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Alexandrov works over Okamoto with some ground and pound from guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Alexandrov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Okamoto trying to keep a closed guard but Alexandrov is proving a slippery customer.
Alexandrov trying to control but Okamoto is working from the bottom.
Alexandrov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Alexandrov is working Okamoto over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Okamoto wants to sweep here but Alexandrov controlling him for the moment.
Alexandrov landing some decent shots from guard.

Okamoto has his foot on Alexandrov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Alexandrov works his way back into a safe position though.
Okamoto is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Alexandrov gets back to full guard.
Alexandrov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alexandrov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Okamoto trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Okamoto looking to sit in guard and control but Alexandrov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Alexandrov won't allow Okamoto to sweep him here.
Alexandrov landing some decent shots from guard.
Fedor Alexandrov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Alexandrov trying to control the position from guard on top but Okamoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Alexandrov scoring with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alexandrov landing with the ground and pound.

Okamoto working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Alexandrov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Alexandrov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Alexandrov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Alexandrov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Alexandrov is in close to Okamoto's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Alexandrov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Alexandrov won't allow Okamoto to sweep him here.
Okamoto preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Alexandrov connects with a couple of short punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Alexandrov postures up in Okamoto's guard and throws a big left but Okamoto blocks it.
Alexandrov preventing the sweep.
Alexandrov chips away with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Okamoto working for a triangle but Alexandrov defends it easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Alexandrov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Okamoto is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Alexandrov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Alexandrov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Alexandrov stopping the sweep attempt from Okamoto.
Alexandrov advances to half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Okamoto is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fedor Alexandrov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Okamoto throws a looping overhand right but Alexandrov ducks down to avoid it.
Alexandrov fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Okamoto is out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Okamoto.
Okamoto waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Alexandrov.
Takeo Okamoto seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Okamoto misses with an uppercut
and Alexandrov counters with a nice uppercut.
Fedor Alexandrov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Alexandrov misses with a leg kick.
Okamoto swings widly with a right hand

and Alexandrov counters with a shoot takedown. Okamoto fights it but they end up in guard.
Alexandrov lands a couple of digs.
Okamoto wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Alexandrov is now in half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Alexandrov wants to work for an arm triangle but Okamoto is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Alexandrov trying to control the action but Okamoto is working from the bottom.
Okamoto wants to get back to full guard but Alexandrov has passed into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alexandrov cracks Okamoto with a big right hand but Okamoto just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Okamoto is trying to control Alexandrov's posture but Alexandrov avoids it.
Alexandrov wants to control but Okamoto is keeping him busy.
Alexandrov taking a breather here.
Alexandrov lands a few punches from side control.
Okamoto takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Alexandrov scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Okamoto to see if he's OK.
Alexandrov scoring with punches and elbows.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Alexandrov lands some shots froms side control.

Okamoto is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okamoto is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Okamoto sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Alexandrov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Oh Okamoto is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Okamoto wants to control but Alexandrov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Okamoto seems to have got his legs back now.
Alexandrov working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Alexandrov prevents Okamoto from improving his position.
Alexandrov frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Alexandrov landing strikes, looking to finish!
Alexandrov cracks Okamoto with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Alexandrov drops a big elbow. That's hurt Okamoto! More shots from Alexandrov and the ref steps in! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Fedor Alexandrov!
Fedor Alexandrov is the new light heavyweight champion!
A relieved looking Fedor Alexandrov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.