PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Andrey Konovalov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andr De Fran (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Konovalov comes to the cage accompanied by CJClip - No reason to live but we do it. De Fran has chosen No Worries as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Konovalov
vs
De Fran

189 cm
21
166 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

172 cm
20
158 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

Fenrir Fightgear - Steel Penn
Steel Penn's Laundry 93%

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Andrey Konovalov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Andr De Fran!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Steve Montenegro and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Konovalov misses with a body shot.
De Fran scores with a sloppy right hand. Konovalov should have avoided that one.
De Fran bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

Konovalov tries to keep at a distance but De Fran has taken the fight into the clinch.
Konovalov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Konovalov manages to break the clinch.
De Fran tries to land a front kick but Konovalov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
De Fran tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Konovalov was well out of range. Poor timing from De Fran.
Konovalov jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Konovalov swings for the body but De Fran moves out of range.
De Fran pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
De Fran swings away with a leg kick that misses.
De Fran is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
De Fran throws a nice outside leg kick.
Konovalov checks a leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Konovalov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Konovalov takes a swing at De Fran's ribcage but misses.
Konovalov looks to land a right hand but De Fran moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
De Fran slips a jab from Konovalov.
Konovalov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
De Fran misses with a head kick.
Konovalov throws a hook but De Fran blocks it.
Konovalov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
De Fran tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
De Fran tries to land a leg kick but Konovalov saw it coming and moves away.
Konovalov lands a nice hook to De Fran's body. De Fran takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
De Fran misses with a low kick.
Andrey Konovalov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
De Fran is looking to score with low kicks.

Konovalov shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Konovalov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
De Fran is looking for a sweep. Konovalov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Konovalov seems to be trying to get a kimura but instead De Fran has recovered full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov controls from within his opponent's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
De Fran utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Konovalov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Konovalov works over De Fran with some ground and pound from guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Konovalov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Konovalov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Konovalov passes into half guard.
Konovalov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
De Fran trying to hold on to Konovalov's head to control him but Konovalov postures up.
Konovalov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov throwing shots but De Fran is blocking nicely.

Konovalov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Konovalov lands a nice short elbow.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Konovalov is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and De Fran defends it well.
De Fran tries to roll over but Konovalov keeps him under control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Konovalov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
De Fran is not content to let Konovalov control the position.
Konovalov thows a huge punch but De Fran dodges it nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Konovalov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Konovalov is figuring out what he wants to do next.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Konovalov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
De Fran just misses with a punch to the body.
Konovalov thuds a left hand into De Fran's body.
Konovalov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
De Fran misses with a low kick.
De Fran throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Konovalov with a nice cross.
Konovalov connects with the punch.
De Fran throws a jab but it's blocked by Konovalov.
Konovalov scores with a hook.
De Fran fails with an attempt to clinch.
Konovalov cracks a nice hook into De Fran's ribs.
De Fran swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Konovalov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
De Fran lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Konovalov misses with a wild body shot.
De Fran tries to land a leg kick but Konovalov saw it coming and moves away.
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!
Nice shot lands for Konovalov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Konovalov slips a straight right by De Fran.
Nice defenses there by De Fran.
De Fran avoids the body shot from Konovalov.
De Fran goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
De Fran throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Konovalov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from De Fran.
De Fran on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Good exchange - Konovalov coming out on top.
De Fran misses with a low kick.
De Fran on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Konovalov's corner calls for a 1-2. Konovalov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
The crowd cheers as Konovalov lands an impressive looking overhand right. De Fran doesn't seem phased though.
De Fran thumps Konovalov with a low kick.
De Fran connects with a single shot there.
Konovalov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
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!
Konovalov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Konovalov lands with a nice body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov moves out of range of the leg kick from De Fran.
Konovalov is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Konovalov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Konovalov lands an overhand right.
Konovalov just misses with a punch to the body.
De Fran looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Andr De Fran is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Konovalov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract De Fran.
Konovalov scores with a nice strike.
De Fran throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Konovalov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but De Fran was well out of range. Poor timing from Konovalov.
De Fran catches Konovalov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
De Fran misses with a series of wild punches.

A momentary lapse in concentration from De Fran enables Konovalov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. De Fran manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Konovalov 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.
De Fran keeping moving, preventing Konovalov from controlling successfully.
Konovalov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov throws a big right hand that misses.
De Fran working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Konovalov.
Konovalov throws an elbow that misses. De Fran uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Konovalov's guard. Nice move by De Fran!

Konovalov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
De Fran not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Konovalov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. De Fran defends it easily.

Konovalov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Konovalov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but De Fran can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
De Fran tries to stand but Konovalov is controlling from the bottom.

Konovalov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. De Fran doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. De Fran manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Konovalov working a defensive guard here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Konovalov dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Konovalov checks a low kick from De Fran.
Nice cross by Konovalov.
Konovalov just misses with a punch to the body.
Konovalov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from De Fran.
Konovalov checks a low kick from De Fran.
De Fran avoids the body shot from Konovalov.
Konovalov misses the shot to the body.
Konovalov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Konovalov blocks a low kick nicely.
De Fran takes a jab right on the kisser.
Konovalov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
De Fran fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Konovalov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
De Fran tries to score with a low kick but Konovalov moves his leg out of the way.
De Fran scores with a nice body kick.
De Fran misses with a looping left.
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!
De Fran dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Konovalov. That did some damage!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Konovalov jabs at De Fran's body.
De Fran takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A nice leg kick lands there from De Fran.
Konovalov walks into a left hand.

Konovalov shoots in and gets a takedown into De Fran's guard.
Konovalov throwing strikes from guard but De Fran blocks nicely.
Konovalov trying to control the position from guard on top but De Fran is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Konovalov with a flurry of punches that miss.
De Fran preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Konovalov passes De Fran's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
De Fran keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Konovalov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but De Fran sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
De Fran is trying to maintain the position but Konovalov is very close to passing his half guard.

Konovalov seems to be looking for submissions.
De Fran controlling the position well.
Konovalov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Konovalov is trying to control. De Fran wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
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. Konovalov connects with a nice short shot to De Fran's temple.
Konovalov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Konovalov wants to control but De Fran is keeping him busy.

De Fran is defending against the submission attempts here by Konovalov.
De Fran blocking the ground and pound attempt from Konovalov.
De Fran is trying to control but can't.
Konovalov passes into side control, despite De Fran's attempt to control the position.
Konovalov throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Konovalov passes to full mount! That's big trouble for De Fran!
De Fran really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Konovalov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Konovalov fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Konovalov throwing strikes here but De Fran is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Konovalov unloads with some shots from mount but De Fran bucks and avoids them well.

Konovalov jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… De Fran is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by De Fran and Konovalov has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
De Fran dodges the ground and pound from Konovalov.
Konovalov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but De Fran is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
De Fran parries the strikes from Konovalov easily there. Konovalov is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable De Fran to escape.

Konovalov has hold of De Fran's arm. He's looking for a kimura. De Fran seems comfortable defending it but Konovalov has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! De Fran is real pain and he's forced to tap out! De Fran is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Konovalov couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:49 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Andrey Konovalov!
Andrey Konovalov retains his lightweight title!
An out of breath and clearly excited Andrey Konovalov thanked Steel Penn's Laundry 93% for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).