PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Yuri Boyka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryan Cozard Jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cozard Jr has chosen Kid Rock - Born Free as his entrance music. Yuri Boyka has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Boyka
vs
Cozard Jr

180 cm
29
185 lbs
8 - 5 - 1

186 cm
24
198 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Yuri Boyka!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Ryan Cozard Jr!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Leandro Rodrigues and Luis Engracia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boyka throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A telegraphed right hand from Boyka misses the target.
A head kick misses from Boyka.
Cozard Jr on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Boyka tries to sprawl but Cozard Jr drives through with a takedown into half guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Boyka tries to roll over but Cozard Jr keeps him under control.
Cozard Jr prevents Boyka from standing back up.
Boyka has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Cozard Jr is keen to just control but Boyka is a slippery customer.
Cozard Jr controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Ryan Cozard Jr.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cozard Jr shoots for a double leg takedown but Boyka sprawls well. He's pushed Cozard Jr's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Boyka misses with a head kick.
Boyka looks to land a right hand but Cozard Jr moved out of range.
Cozard Jr avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cozard Jr connects with a single shot there.
Boyka looks to throw the jab but Cozard Jr is out of range.
A head kick misses from Boyka.
Boyka misses with a head kick.
Boyka connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cozard Jr's hands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Cozard Jr throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cozard Jr takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Boyka throws a nice head kick!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cozard Jr just misses with a punch to the body.
Boyka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.

Cozard Jr closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Cozard Jr lands in his opponent's guard.
Boyka has control of Cozard Jr's left arm, preventing Cozard Jr from doing any damage.
Boyka is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr trying to control but Boyka is working from the bottom.
Cozard Jr won't allow Boyka to get back to his feet.
Cozard Jr won't allow Boyka to sweep him here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Boyka misses with a head kick.
Cozard Jr works over Boyka's head and body with a nice combination.
Boyka misses with a head kick.
Boyka throws a head kick but Cozard Jr moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.
Boyka throws a head kick but Cozard Jr moves out of range.
Boyka misses with a head kick.
Boyka is looking to land body kicks.
Yuri Boyka seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cozard Jr has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Cozard Jr there as he acknowledges the shot.
Cozard Jr throws a jab but it's blocked by Boyka.
Boyka misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cozard Jr.
A solid body kick from Boyka.
Boyka pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Boyka tries a head kick but it misses.
Boyka connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cozard Jr's hands.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Boyka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Boyka throws a head kick but Cozard Jr moves out of range.
Boyka throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A lazy left from Cozard Jr finds it's target.
Cozard Jr avoids the head kick by Boyka.
Cozard Jr fails with a takedown attempt.
Boyka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Boyka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Cozard Jr shoots in but Boyka avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Cozard Jr takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Nice shot by Boyka.
Ryan Cozard Jr is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boyka takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Cozard Jr scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Cozard Jr avoids the head kick by Boyka.
Yuri Boyka is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cozard Jr moves forwards but Boyka connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Boyka tries a head kick but it misses.
Cozard Jr bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sloppy strikes from Boyka. Those never looked like landing.
Boyka throws a nice head kick!
Boyka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cozard Jr closes this distance looking for a takedown but Boyka circles away.
Yuri Boyka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Cozard Jr.
Cozard Jr throws a nice looking combination but Boyka bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Boyka throws a sloppy head kick and Cozard Jr moves out of range easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Boyka misses its intended target.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.
Cozard Jr uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Boyka.
Cozard Jr blocks a jab.
A big right from Boyka misses.
Cozard Jr looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Boyka is fending him off so far but Cozard Jr persists. Nope, Boyka circles away and we're back to standing.
Cozard Jr dives in for a single leg takedown but Boyka sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Boyka has had enough of the clinch but Cozard Jr keeps him there for the moment.

Boyka escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Boyka misses with a hook. Cozard Jr ducked under it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr blocks a head kick by Boyka.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.
Boyka lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Cozard Jr takes a kick to the side of the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Cozard Jr throws a series of punches but Boyka moves out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cozard Jr.
Boyka with a jab.
Cozard Jr avoids the head kick by Boyka.
Boyka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Cozard Jr dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boyka lands with a right hand.
Cozard Jr blocks a head kick by Boyka.
Boyka misses with a wild body shot.
A head kick misses from Boyka.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cozard Jr shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses.
Cozard Jr moves out of range as Boyka strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Cozard Jr looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Cozard Jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Boyka is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yuri Boyka 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.

Cozard Jr throws a shot from downtown. Boyka moves away and avoids it.
Boyka moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Boyka darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Boyka misses the target.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Boyka - that will leave a mark!
A head kick from Boyka lands but Cozard Jr takes it in his stride.
Boyka lands with a kick to the temple. Cozard Jr shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Yuri Boyka is winning the standup battle so far.
Boyka waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cozard Jr.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Cozard Jr.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Boyka struggling a bit here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cozard Jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but Boyka keeps working.
Cozard Jr controlling from side mount.
Boyka tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Boyka struggling a bit here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr tries to score with some ground and pound. Boyka controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Boyka is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Cozard Jr is controlling him well.
Cozard Jr trying to control the position but Boyka is working away.
Boyka is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Cozard Jr working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Cozard Jr is looking to take a break and control but Boyka is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Boyka tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Boyka is squirming around, avoiding Cozard Jr's attempts to control the action.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boyka tries to lock up and control but Cozard Jr gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cozard Jr takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Cozard Jr can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Boyka is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Yuri Boyka did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Boyka's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Boyka pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nice sprawl there from Boyka as Cozard Jr shoots in.
Boyka lands an overhand right.
Cozard Jr tries to score a power double leg takedown but Boyka sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Cozard Jr somewhat.
Boyka slaps away a takedown attempt from Cozard Jr, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Yuri Boyka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Cozard Jr.

Cozard Jr throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Boyka tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Cozard Jr is in Boyka's guard.
Boyka looking to hit a scissor sweep but Cozard Jr is one step ahead there.
Boyka manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boyka looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cozard Jr tries to hold on but Boyka pushes him away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Cozard Jr keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Cozard Jr can do anything to dispel that myth.
Boyka looking to control and managing it successfully.
Cozard Jr is looking to improve his position but Boyka isn't that keen on the idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Boyka stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Boyka throws a sloppy head kick and Cozard Jr moves out of range easily.
Boyka throws a head kick but Cozard Jr moves out of range.
Boyka goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Boyka throws a sloppy head kick and Cozard Jr moves out of range easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr avoids the head kick by Boyka.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Boyka goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A big left from Cozard Jr misses.
Boyka waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Cozard Jr.
Boyka stuffs the takedown attempt from Cozard Jr. Cozard Jr gets slowly back to his feet.
Boyka throws a head kick but Cozard Jr moves out of range.
Cozard Jr throws a series of punches but Boyka avoids them all with ease.
Boyka misses the shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Boyka throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cozard Jr counters with a nice uppercut.
Cozard Jr shoots in for a takedown but Boyka shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yuri Boyka had his way with Ryan Cozard Jr in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Boyka misses with a head kick.
Boyka fakes the leg kick and cracks Cozard Jr in the body.
Cozard Jr throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Cozard Jr takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Cozard Jr fails with a takedown attempt.
Cozard Jr walks into a stiff left hand from Boyka.
Boyka throws a shot from downtown. Cozard Jr moves away and avoids it.
Boyka connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Cozard Jr shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Boyka but Boyka pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Boyka misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Boyka misses with a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boyka tries a head kick but it misses.
Boyka stuffs the takedown.
Yuri Boyka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ryan Cozard Jr.
Cozard Jr is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Cozard Jr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Boyka's waist but Boyka gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Cozard Jr off to one side.
Boyka lands with a kick to the temple. Cozard Jr shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Cozard Jr defending well as Boyka loads up on a big left hand.
Cozard Jr on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Cozard Jr swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Boyka.
Boyka lands a high kick!
Boyka lands with a kick to the temple. Cozard Jr shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Cozard Jr uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Boyka.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cozard Jr ducks under a wild hook from Boyka.
Boyka throws a sloppy head kick and Cozard Jr moves out of range easily.
Boyka throws a good cross that connects.
Cozard Jr looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Cozard Jr has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Boyka.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cozard Jr's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Boyka connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Cozard Jr scrambles back to his feet.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Cozard Jr is defended easily by Boyka.
Boyka tests Cozard Jr's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boyka connects with a nice looking jab.
Boyka scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Boyka throws a nice head kick!
Boyka lands with a slapping head kick.
Boyka misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Boyka.
Cozard Jr shoots in looking for a takedown but Boyka manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Cozard Jr's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Boyka throws a head kick that Cozard Jr semi-blocks.
Boyka throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Boyka scores with a head kick. Cozard Jr tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Boyka tries a head kick but it misses.
A punch combination from Boyka misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cozard Jr looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Cozard Jr shoots for a takedown but Boyka saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Boyka moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Boyka misses with a head kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Boyka lands a lovely overhand right.
Boyka throws a sloppy head kick and Cozard Jr moves out of range easily.
Ryan Cozard Jr has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cozard Jr fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yuri Boyka showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Boyka, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 50:45
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 50:45
Judge Luis Engracia scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yuri Boyka!
Yuri Boyka retains his middleweight title!
After winning the bout, Yuri Boyka thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.