PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Marvin Fon Gadov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johan Pablo Escobar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Johan Pablo Escobar enters the cage!

Fon Gadov
vs
Pablo Escobar

194 cm
24
234 lbs
5 - 28 - 0

185 cm
23
280 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 28 - 0, fighting out of London, Marvin Fon Gadov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Johan Pablo Escobar!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Alexandre Firmino and Emerson Jorge.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Fon Gadov shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Pablo Escobar has a hand on Fon Gadov's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Fon Gadov takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Pablo Escobar tries to reverse the position but Fon Gadov maintains control.
Pablo Escobar looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

Fon Gadov gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Pablo Escobar enables Fon Gadov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Pablo Escobar manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Fon Gadov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Pablo Escobar has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Fon Gadov has managed to get both his arms back between Pablo Escobar's legs - danger averted.

Pablo Escobar is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Fon Gadov is aware though and is defending well.
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!

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Pablo Escobar has his foot on Fon Gadov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Fon Gadov works his way back into a safe position though.

Pablo Escobar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Fon Gadov defends well.

Pablo Escobar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Fon Gadov defends well.
Fon Gadov trying to control but Pablo Escobar is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fon Gadov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Pablo Escobar working for submissions but it's allowed Fon Gadov to get to half guard.

Pablo Escobar is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fon Gadov pulls his head out easily.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions off his back.
Fon Gadov uses his free foot to push down on Pablo Escobar's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Pablo Escobar.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Pablo Escobar can do anything to dispel that myth.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Fon Gadov prevents Pablo Escobar from getting the reversal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pablo Escobar bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Fon Gadov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Pablo Escobar has gone for a leg lock! Fon Gadov slips out almost immediately though and dives into Pablo Escobar's guard.

Pablo Escobar looking for a guillotine here but Fon Gadov defends easily.
Fon Gadov is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at KalDom that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

Pablo Escobar is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Fon Gadov is aware though and is defending well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fon Gadov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Pablo Escobar 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.

Pablo Escobar is looking for a triangle but Fon Gadov pushes his legs off easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Fon Gadov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Fon Gadov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Pablo Escobar is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Pablo Escobar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Fon Gadov defends well.
Fon Gadov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pablo Escobar is keeping the position for now.

Pablo Escobar looking for a guillotine here but Fon Gadov defends easily.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Fon Gadov passes Pablo Escobar's right leg, so he's now in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Fon Gadov is looking to take a break and control but Pablo Escobar is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Fon Gadov passes the guard and advances to mount!
Pablo Escobar can't escape the position.
Pablo Escobar is still trying to improve position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Fon Gadov unloading with bombs!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Pablo Escobar sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.

Pablo Escobar looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Pablo Escobar is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fon Gadov pulls his head out easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Johan Pablo Escobar will probably get the nod.
That's time! Fon Gadov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Pablo Escobar moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Fon Gadov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Pablo Escobar sprawls well initially but Fon Gadov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Fon Gadov tries to pass to full mount but Pablo Escobar defends it.

Pablo Escobar is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fon Gadov pulls his head out easily.

Pablo Escobar actively working from the bottom here.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Pablo Escobar is looking for a sweep. Fon Gadov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Pablo Escobar is staying active underneath Fon Gadov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pablo Escobar manages to get to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Fon Gadov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Pablo Escobar's guard.
Pablo Escobar is in trouble now - Fon Gadov has advanced to mount!
Pablo Escobar keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Pablo Escobar sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Pablo Escobar actively working from the bottom here.
Pablo Escobar is breathing heavily.
Pablo Escobar makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Pablo Escobar.

Pablo Escobar has his foot on Fon Gadov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Fon Gadov works his way back into a safe position though.
Fon Gadov trying to control the position from guard on top but Pablo Escobar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pablo Escobar has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Fon Gadov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Fon Gadov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Fon Gadov is working hard here to advance position.
Johan Pablo Escobar has got the better of the ground game so far.
Pablo Escobar 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.

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

Pablo Escobar is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Fon Gadov defends well.
Fon Gadov forces his way into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fon Gadov trying to mount his opponent but Pablo Escobar defends it.
Fon Gadov prevents Pablo Escobar from improving his position.

Pablo Escobar is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Fon Gadov pulls his head out easily.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Pablo Escobar wants to improve his position but Fon Gadov is controlling well.

Fon Gadov wants to work for an arm triangle but Pablo Escobar is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Pablo Escobar actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pablo Escobar wants to get back to full guard.

Pablo Escobar looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Pablo Escobar actively working from the bottom here.
Pablo Escobar tries to roll over but Fon Gadov keeps him under control.
Pablo Escobar really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Fon Gadov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Fon Gadov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Pablo Escobar keeps working.
Pablo Escobar wants to get back to full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Pablo Escobar gets full guard.

Pablo Escobar looking for a guillotine here but Fon Gadov defends easily.
Fon Gadov wants to pass the guard but Pablo Escobar is keeping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Pablo Escobar showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Pablo Escobar fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Fon Gadov on the side of the head.

Fon Gadov throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Pablo Escobar tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Fon Gadov is in Pablo Escobar's guard.

Pablo Escobar throws his legs up looking for a submission but Fon Gadov uses it to pass to side control.
Pablo Escobar is trying to get back to half guard.

Fon Gadov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Fon Gadov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Pablo Escobar is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Pablo Escobar is looking for a sweep.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fon Gadov advances to full mount.
Pablo Escobar is trying desperately to improve position.

Fon Gadov working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Pablo Escobar tries to reverse the position but Fon Gadov maintains control.

Fon Gadov looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Pablo Escobar is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Fon Gadov working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Pablo Escobar is in all sorts of trouble here.
Pablo Escobar sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Pablo Escobar makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Pablo Escobar.
Fon Gadov preventing the sweep.

Fon Gadov is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Pablo Escobar escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Fon Gadov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Pablo Escobar is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Fon Gadov looking to pass the guard.

Fon Gadov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Pablo Escobar throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Fon Gadov is pushing down on Pablo Escobar's leg trying to pass to half guard. Pablo Escobar is fighting to maintain full guard but Fon Gadov has managed to sneak the leg through.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pablo Escobar is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Fon Gadov jumps into side control!
Pablo Escobar tries to bench press Fon Gadov off him but Fon Gadov keeps the position.

Fon Gadov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Pablo Escobar is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Marvin Fon Gadov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fon Gadov creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Pablo Escobar sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Pablo Escobar is looking for a sweep.
Pablo Escobar sneaks back into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Pablo Escobar looking for submissions off his back.
Pablo Escobar slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Pablo Escobar has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Fon Gadov is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Pablo Escobar.
Pablo Escobar is looking for a sweep.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Johan Pablo Escobar.
Well Pablo Escobar has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Thiago Cunha scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 28:30
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johan Pablo Escobar!
Our winner, Johan Pablo Escobar, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.