PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lorenzo Valenta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Povetkin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexander Povetkin told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Valenta
vs
Povetkin

179 cm
31
169 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

185 cm
37
178 lbs
30 - 14 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Dangerous knees
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Reaper Combatwear
GREEN!160

VIRAL COMBAT

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Lorenzo Valenta!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Alexander Povetkin!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Josh West and Ryoma Takatsuka.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Valenta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Povetkin swivels and escapes.
Valenta fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Povetkin manages to avoid it.
Valenta throws a low kick, looking for Povetkin's leg but Povetkin calmly moves out of range.
Valenta throws a body shot but no joy.
Povetkin with a jab.
Valenta is looking to land body kicks.
A decent looking cross lands there for Povetkin.
Valenta takes a swing at Povetkin's ribcage but misses.
Povetkin looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Povetkin looks to throw the jab but Valenta is out of range.
Povetkin on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Valenta looks to score with a jab to the body but Povetkin is just out of range.
Povetkin has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Good standup being displayed there by Povetkin as he connects with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Povetkin throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A combination from Povetkin does no damage.
Lorenzo Valenta seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice uppercut lands for Povetkin. That snapped Valenta's head back.
Valenta walks into a left hand.
Povetkin swinging wildly here.
Povetkin fails to land with a series of punches.
Valenta dives in and grabs Povetkin's left leg, looking for a takedown. Povetkin pushes down on Valenta's head and hops out.
Valenta connects with a leg kick. Povetkin looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Valenta finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Valenta throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Povetkin throws a series of punches but Valenta moves out of range.
Valenta throws a body punch but Povetkin moves out of range.
Povetkin throws a right hand that Valenta ducks under and follows up with a left that Valenta also avoids with ease.
Valenta lands with a shot to the body.
Povetkin lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Povetkin fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Valenta has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Valenta lands the left hand.
Povetkin finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Valenta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Valenta pivots, looking for a leg kick but Povetkin is out of range and Valenta settles back down.
Valenta lands a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A low kick from Valenta misses
and Povetkin counters with a thumping low kick.
Valenta moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Valenta lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Povetkin scores with a jab to the body.
Povetkin tried to score with a low kick but Valenta checks it.
Valenta chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Povetkin can pounce on him.
Valenta buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Valenta is looking to wear down Povetkin with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
A clash of legs there as Povetkin blocks the low kick.
Valenta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Povetkin is looking to score with low kicks.
Povetkin connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valenta misses with a body shot.
Povetkin avoids the body shot from Valenta.
Valenta fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lorenzo Valenta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Povetkin looks to land a right hand but Valenta moved out of range.
Valenta lunges at Povetkin with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Povetkin's hand.
Valenta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Valenta is looking to score with low kicks.
Povetkin throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Povetkin throws a right hand that Valenta ducks under and follows up with a left that Valenta also avoids with ease.
Povetkin misses with a looping left.
Valenta fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Povetkin manages to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Povetkin misses with a looping left.
Valenta throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Valenta ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Povetkin moves away.
Valenta throws the kick towards the body but Povetkin avoids it.
Povetkin is looking to slow Valenta down with leg kicks.
Povetkin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Povetkin throws a series of punches but Valenta avoids them all with ease.
Valenta ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Alexander Povetkin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Povetkin cracks Valenta with an open hand slap.
Alexander Povetkin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Valenta lands a nice hook to Povetkin's body. Povetkin takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Povetkin keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Povetkin looks to score with a jab to the body but Valenta is just out of range.
Valenta throws a looping overhand right but Povetkin ducks down to avoid it.
A bone on bone clash there as Povetkin blocks the leg kick.
Valenta finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Povetkin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Povetkin throws a chopping leg kick but Valenta manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Valenta throws a body punch but Povetkin moves out of range.
Povetkin misses with a wild body shot.
Povetkin lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
An inside leg kick lands from Povetkin.
Alexander Povetkin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Valenta dodges the punch combination from Povetkin.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Valenta looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Valenta takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Povetkin misses with a two punch combination.
Povetkin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Valenta.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Valenta, right into the meat.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Valenta throws a low kick but Povetkin moves out of range easily.
Valenta throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A slow jab from Povetkin misses its intended target.
A clash of legs there as Povetkin blocks the low kick.
Povetkin throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Valenta stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Povetkin looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

Valenta gets the takedown into side control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Valenta throws a strike aimed at the side of Povetkin's head but Povetkin avoids it well.
Valenta working the ground and pound but Povetkin is defending the strikes.
Povetkin is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Povetkin gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Valenta is working for a submission of some sort.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valenta wants to lay and pray for a moment but Povetkin keeps working.
Valenta missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Povetkin regains full guard. Nicely done.
Povetkin is looking to stand up but Valenta isn't so interested in that idea.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Valenta makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexander Povetkin will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Valenta takes a swing at Povetkin's ribcage but misses.
Valenta jabs at Povetkin's body.
Valenta tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Povetkin was well out of range. Poor timing from Valenta.
Povetkin takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Povetkin looks to land a left hand but Valenta moved out of range nicely.
Valenta tries to clinch up
and Povetkin counters with a good low kick that Valenta was not able to check.
Povetkin scores with a one two! Valenta had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Povetkin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Valenta misses with an uppercut. Povetkin saw that one coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Povetkin lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Valenta has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Valenta and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Valenta pushes Povetkin away with a front kick.
Valenta waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Povetkin.
Valenta thuds a left hand into Povetkin's body.
Valenta looks to score with a jab to the body but Povetkin is just out of range.
Povetkin changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A right-left combo lands from Povetkin.
Povetkin fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Povetkin ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
An inside leg kick lands from Valenta.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Valenta throws a half hearted mid kick.

Valenta clinches up with Povetkin and pushes him back against the cage.
Povetkin is trying to force a seperation but Valenta has the dominant position.

Povetkin escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Valenta misses with a low kick as Povetkin jumps back.
Valenta moves out of range as Povetkin strikes.
Valenta swings for the body but Povetkin moves out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Povetkin.
Valenta throws a head kick that misses.
Valenta throws a leg kick that is checked
and Povetkin counters with a straight right hand.
Valenta fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Povetkin has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valenta is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Povetkin scores with a hook.
Valenta throws a low kick but it's checked well by Povetkin.
Povetkin is looking to score with low kicks.
Valenta's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Povetkin connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Valenta scrambles back to his feet.
Povetkin throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Valenta feints a jab promting Povetkin to slip. Valenta then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Povetkin slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Povetkin misses the shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valenta feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Povetkin's calf.
Valenta uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Povetkin.
Jab, jab by Valenta - just one landing.
Valenta throws a front kick aimed at Povetkin's knee but Povetkin avoids it well.
Povetkin missing with a left hand there. Valenta was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Valenta swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Povetkin uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Valenta.
Valenta turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Valenta shoots for a takedown but Povetkin saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Povetkin throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Alexander Povetkin just about did enough to take it.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Povetkin ducks under a wild hook from Valenta.
Valenta looks to land a body kick but Povetkin moved away.
Povetkin avoids the body shot from Valenta.
Povetkin slips a jab from Valenta.
Valenta uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Povetkin.
Valenta misses with a wild body shot.
Valenta uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Povetkin.
Povetkin throws a leg kick but Valenta checks it.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Valenta is defended easily by Povetkin.
Povetkin avoids a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Povetkin stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Valenta.
Povetkin scores with a jab. Valenta acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Povetkin throws an ugly left hook that misses

so Valenta counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Valenta postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Valenta throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Valenta accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Valenta trying to control the position from guard on top but Povetkin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Povetkin pulls Valenta in close to his closed guard and prevents Valenta from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Povetkin looking to control.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Povetkin wants to get back to his feet but Valenta is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

The ref stands the fighters back up. Alexander Povetkin was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Povetkin ducks under a wild hook from Valenta.
Povetkin takes a swing at Valenta's ribcage but misses.
Valenta throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Valenta throws a body kick that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Povetkin lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
A telegraphed right hand from Povetkin misses the target.
Valenta looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Valenta takes a swing at Povetkin's ribcage but misses.
Povetkin throws a hook to the side of Valenta's head but Valenta sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A clash of legs there as Valenta blocks the low kick.
Valenta throws a leg kick but Povetkin moved away.
Povetkin misses with a straight left.
Valenta throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Povetkin's waist but Povetkin gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Valenta off to one side.
Valenta on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Povetkin connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A cross from Povetkin lands.
Povetkin's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Povetkin lands a glancing blow to the side of Valenta's head.
Valenta gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Povetkin.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice sprawl there from Povetkin as Valenta shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lorenzo Valenta. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Povetkin uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Valenta has time to react.
Povetkin blocks the body kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Valenta swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Povetkin.
Povetkin tests Valenta's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Povetkin stuffs the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Alexander Povetkin will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Valenta lands a leg kick that knocks Povetkin off balance momentarily.
Valenta fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Povetkin manages to avoid it.
Valenta thumps Povetkin with a low kick.
Povetkin scores with the left hand. Valenta knows he should have avoided that one.
Povetkin throws out a leg kick but Valenta moves out of range and Povetkin only half commits.
Valenta will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
A bone on bone clash there as Valenta blocks the leg kick.
Valenta loads up on a big right hand but Povetkin slips the punch.
Valenta fails with the takedown.
Povetkin walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Valenta checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Povetkin throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Valenta looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A slapping leg kick lands for Valenta.
Povetkin stalks Valenta and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Valenta's face. Valenta staggers backwards, shaken.
Valenta throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Valenta swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Valenta looks to land a left hand but Povetkin moved out of range nicely.
Valenta shoots for a takedown but Povetkin saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Valenta takes a swing at Povetkin's ribcage but misses.
Valenta closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Lorenzo Valenta has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Valenta shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Valenta misses the body punch
enabling Povetkin to counter with a crisp jab.
Valenta with a hook.

Povetkin gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Povetkin holds on and takes a little breather.
Povetkin controls Valenta momentarily but Valenta frees himself.
Lorenzo Valenta overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Valenta won't allow Povetkin to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Valenta advances to half guard.
Valenta trying to control from half guard but Povetkin is working away.
Valenta throwing shots but Povetkin is blocking nicely.
Valenta trying to advance position but Povetkin counters by regaining guard.
Valenta loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Valenta won't allow Povetkin to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Valenta throws a big elbow that misses.
Valenta loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Povetkin manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Valenta manages to get himself to full guard.
Povetkin won't allow Valenta to sweep him here.

Valenta looking for a guillotine here but Povetkin defends easily.

Valenta working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Povetkin has passed into half guard!

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Lorenzo Valenta.
I think Povetkin has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 46:50
Judge Josh West scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Povetkin!
Alexander Povetkin is the new super heavyweight champion!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Alexander Povetkin waved his t-shirt featuring VIRAL COMBAT's logo in front of the cameras.