PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Saul Tigh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vasiliy Khrapov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Khrapov has chosen Rocky road to Dublin (RUS) as his entrance music. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Tigh
vs
Khrapov

182 cm
25
180 lbs
13 - 9 - 0

178 cm
32
170 lbs
14 - 7 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Brawler
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Sparta Fightware

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of London, Saul Tigh!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Vasiliy Khrapov!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Ivan Kurochkin and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A shot to the liver by Khrapov. Beautiful body shot.
Khrapov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've been hearing reports that Tigh has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Khrapov jabs at Tigh's body.
Khrapov tries a head kick but it misses.
Tigh dives in for a single leg takedown but Khrapov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Tigh blocking some punches.
Khrapov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tigh controls his hands.
Khrapov gets through Tigh's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Khrapov lands a left hand.
Khrapov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tigh's elbow.
A short right from Khrapov on the inside.
Khrapov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Khrapov misses with a body punch.
Khrapov lands an uppercut.
Tigh blocks a punch to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Khrapov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tigh blocking some punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Khrapov.
Khrapov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Khrapov tries a body shot but Tigh blocks it.
Khrapov tries a body shot but Tigh blocks it.
Khrapov tries to work over Tigh's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Tigh is looking to take this one to the mat.
Khrapov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Khrapov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Khrapov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Khrapov has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Tigh seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Khrapov can turn it around.

Tigh has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Khrapov uses from the top position.
Khrapov lands a couple of elbows.
Khrapov wants to control from the top but Tigh keeps moving.
Khrapov connects with a couple of short punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tigh working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Khrapov.

Khrapov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tigh has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Khrapov has managed to get both his arms back between Tigh's legs - danger averted.
Tigh looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Khrapov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Khrapov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Tigh looking to hit a scissor sweep but Khrapov is one step ahead there.
Khrapov wants to control from the top but Tigh keeps moving.
Khrapov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Tigh works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tigh looking for a guillotine here but Khrapov defends easily.
Tigh wants to sweep but no luck.
Khrapov throws a big elbow that misses.
Khrapov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Khrapov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Tigh's head.

Khrapov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tigh has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Khrapov has managed to get both his arms back between Tigh's legs - danger averted.
Khrapov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Khrapov postures up.
Khrapov trying to control the position from guard on top but Tigh is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
An inside leg kick lands from Khrapov.
Khrapov throws a nice looking combination but Tigh bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Khrapov thuds a left hand into Tigh's body.
Khrapov throws a body shot but no joy.
Khrapov cracks a nice hook into Tigh's ribs.
Tigh gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Khrapov counters by clinching up.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Saul Tigh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Khrapov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Khrapov controlling the action here for a moment.
Tigh blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vasiliy Khrapov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tigh misses with a takedown attempt
and Khrapov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A swing and a miss from Khrapov.
A jab lands there for Khrapov.

It looks like Saul Tigh has been cut.

Khrapov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Khrapov.
Khrapov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tigh's elbow.
Khrapov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Khrapov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Khrapov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Khrapov throws a head punch that misses.
Tigh is trying to pull guard but Khrapov turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Vasiliy Khrapov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A short body shot lands from Khrapov as the two fighters clinch.
Khrapov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Tigh blocks a body shot from Khrapov.
Khrapov misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khrapov tries to throw a body punch but Tigh avoids it by throwing Khrapov back against the cage.
Tigh blocks an uppercut.
Khrapov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Khrapov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tigh.
Khrapov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tigh controls his hands.
Khrapov misses with a punch to the body.
Khrapov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Khrapov lands a body shot.
Khrapov swings wildly with an uppercut but Tigh uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tigh's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Khrapov misses with the head strike.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Khrapov.
Tigh blocking some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Khrapov pushes Tigh back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Khrapov can't find room to land a body shot as Tigh controls the action.
Khrapov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tigh's elbow.
Khrapov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Khrapov misses with some punches.
Tigh prevents a body shot from Khrapov.
Khrapov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tigh's elbow.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Khrapov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Khrapov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Khrapov.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Khrapov taking a breather.
Tigh is trying to pull guard but Khrapov has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Saul Tigh. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khrapov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tigh wants a takedown but no success here.
Khrapov misses with a punch to the body.
Khrapov lands with a right to the head.
Khrapov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Khrapov misses with a punch on the inside.
Khrapov misses with a body punch.
Khrapov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tigh.
Tigh jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Khrapov walks away with a smile on his face. Tigh gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Khrapov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Tigh.
Tigh tries for a takedown but Khrapov circles away easily
and Khrapov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Khrapov lands a really nice looking cross but Tigh seems unphased.
Tigh slips a straight right by Khrapov.
Khrapov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Khrapov forces Tigh back against the cage and clinches.
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!
Good body shot from Khrapov.
Tigh jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Khrapov walks away with a smile on his face. Tigh gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Tigh takes a jab right on the kisser.
Khrapov wants to clinch up but Tigh keeps it at a distance.
Khrapov lands with a right hand.
Khrapov stuffs the takedown.
Khrapov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Khrapov throws a body punch but Tigh moves out of range.
Saul Tigh seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Khrapov looks to throw the jab but Tigh is out of range.

Tigh shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Tigh working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Tigh pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Khrapov is keeping the position for now.
Khrapov looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vasiliy Khrapov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Saul Tigh's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Tigh fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Khrapov misses with a looping right.
Khrapov looks to land a body kick but Tigh moved away.
Tigh doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Khrapov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Khrapov lands with a good body shot.
Tigh doesn't succeed with the takedown
letting Khrapov counter with a right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Saul Tigh. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tigh doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Tigh takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That kick from Khrapov tenderised Tigh's leg. Tigh is trying to keep his angry face on.
Vasiliy Khrapov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tigh avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A good leg kick by Khrapov.
Tigh tries for a takedown but Khrapov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Khrapov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Khrapov cracks Tigh with an open hand slap.
Tigh with a poor takedown
and Khrapov counters with a straight right hand.
Khrapov is looking to clinch.
Tigh takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Khrapov throws a head kick that misses.

Khrapov drives through and clinches with Tigh against the cage.
Khrapov lands a shot to the body.
Tigh blocks a body shot from Khrapov.
Tigh changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Khrapov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Khrapov lands with an uppercut that bounces Tigh off the cage and back into range.
Khrapov connects with an inside leg kick.
Tigh has his takedown stuffed
and Khrapov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Tigh thinking.
Khrapov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Tigh.

Saul Tigh's cut is getting worse.
Vasiliy Khrapov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Khrapov lands a slapping body shot.

Khrapov closes the distance and clinches.
Khrapov misses with the head strike.
Khrapov throws a head punch that misses.
Khrapov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Khrapov tries to work over Tigh's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Khrapov tries to throw a body punch but Tigh avoids it by throwing Khrapov back against the cage.
Tigh blocks an uppercut.
Khrapov lands a nice shot to the body.
Khrapov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Khrapov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tigh's elbow.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Khrapov.
Khrapov lands a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Khrapov lands a hook that snaps the head of Tigh backwards.
Khrapov can't find room to land a body shot as Tigh controls the action.
Khrapov throws a head punch that misses.
Khrapov misses with some punches.
Khrapov misses with a punch to the body.
Khrapov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short body shot lands from Khrapov as the two fighters clinch.
Khrapov lands a right hand.
Khrapov lands a right hand.
A short body shot lands from Khrapov as the two fighters clinch.
Khrapov looking to slow down the pace here.
Saul Tigh has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Khrapov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tigh's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short left from Khrapov.
Khrapov will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Tigh up against the cage.
Khrapov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Khrapov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Vasiliy Khrapov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Khrapov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tigh.
Tigh is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Khrapov pulls him back up using the underhooks.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vasiliy Khrapov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Khrapov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 26:30
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 25:30
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vasiliy Khrapov!
During a confident post fight interview, Vasiliy Khrapov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.