PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vangelis Kokkalis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thiago Tavares (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kokkalis's entrance music is Promises - Nero ft. Skrillex. A fine choice. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Kokkalis
vs
Tavares

190 cm
34
245 lbs
22 - 6 - 0

190 cm
34
240 lbs
18 - 8 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

GREEN!160

Hellbent

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 22 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vangelis Kokkalis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Thiago Tavares!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tavares showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kokkalis.
Kokkalis throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
As Kokkalis backs off Tavares throws a huge counter combo but Kokkalis manages to avoid it all.
Kokkalis sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Tavares keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kokkalis throws a shot from downtown. Tavares moves away and avoids it.
An inside leg kick from Tavares misses.
Kokkalis ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Tavares swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Tavares ducks under a wild hook from Kokkalis.
Tavares connects with a single shot there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jab from Tavares.
Tavares scores with a jab to the head.
Kokkalis 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.
Tavares smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kokkalis defending well as Tavares loads up on a big left hand.
Kokkalis checks a leg kick nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tavares takes a shot to the body in his stride.
The fighters circling - Kokkalis throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Tavares appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Tavares slips a jab from Kokkalis.
Thiago Tavares seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tavares checks a leg kick.
Kokkalis lands a jab.

It looks like Thiago Tavares has been cut.
Kokkalis has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kokkalis there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kokkalis uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tavares.
Kokkalis went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Kokkalis swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Decent striking displayed by Tavares there.
Tavares jabs Kokkalis to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Tavares swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Kokkalis counters with an outside leg kick.
Tavares is looking to score with low kicks.
Kokkalis appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Kokkalis chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kokkalis feints and then cracks Tavares's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tavares down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tavares lands a nice shot that snaps Kokkalis's head back.
Tavares scores with a hook.
Tavares swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tavares blocks the body kick.
Tavares throws out a loose jab but Kokkalis uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tavares throws a looping overhand right but Kokkalis ducks down to avoid it.
Kokkalis half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Tavares bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A swing and a miss from Tavares.
A little feinted left hand from Kokkalis on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Tavares misses the jab.
Kokkalis throws a leg kick
enabling Tavares to counter with a crisp jab.
Kokkalis works the jab nicely.
Tavares fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kokkalis on the side of the head.
Tavares throws a jab but it's blocked by Kokkalis.
A low kick from Tavares misses
letting Kokkalis counter with a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kokkalis misses with a low kick.
Tavares misses with a left hand
and Kokkalis cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tavares throws a body kick that misses

and Kokkalis counters with a single leg into guard. Tavares didn't expect that.
Kokkalis throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kokkalis wants to control from the top but Tavares keeps moving.

Tavares kicks Kokkalis off and gets to his feet.
Tavares tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kokkalis is able to avoid easily.
Some wild striking there from Tavares.
Tavares throws a solid leg kick but Kokkalis takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tavares.
Kokkalis throws a leg kick but Tavares moved away.
A swing and a miss from Kokkalis.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kokkalis ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tavares chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kokkalis can pounce on him.
Tavares moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Tavares takes a body punch but keeps moving.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tavares. Kokkalis does a little dance to reset his feet.
A shot to the liver by Kokkalis. Beautiful body shot.
Kokkalis misses with a body shot.
Tavares throws a body punch but Kokkalis moves out of range.
Kokkalis throws a solid leg kick but Tavares takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kokkalis.
Tavares displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kokkalis throws out the jab.
Tavares is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Kokkalis had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Kokkalis throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tavares misses with a wild body shot.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Tavares - that will leave a mark!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tavares tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kokkalis is able to avoid easily.
Kokkalis pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Thiago Tavares will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Thiago Tavares's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tavares throws a big shot that misses.
Kokkalis feinted with a counter takedown.
Tavares looks to land a body kick but Kokkalis moved away.
Tavares misses the shot to the body.
Kokkalis tests Tavares's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tavares misses with an uppercut

and Kokkalis counters with a single leg into guard. Tavares didn't expect that.
Kokkalis trying to control the position from guard on top but Tavares is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kokkalis throwing strikes but missing.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tavares keeping moving, preventing Kokkalis from controlling successfully.
Kokkalis 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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tavares is trying to keep Kokkalis in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kokkalis lands a couple of elbows.
Tavares looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kokkalis slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Tavares preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tavares lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kokkalis connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Tavares takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Thiago Tavares seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tavares loads up on a big right hand but Kokkalis slips the punch.
Jab by Kokkalis.
Tavares lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Tavares throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kokkalis.
Kokkalis is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kokkalis is looking to land body kicks.
Tavares scores with a hook.
Kokkalis chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tavares can pounce on him.
Tavares throws a body shot but no joy.
Tavares misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tavares lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Kokkalis backs up against the cage.
Kokkalis scores with a nice strike.
Nice straight punches there by Tavares. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tavares.
Tavares throws a looping overhand right but Kokkalis ducks down to avoid it.
Tavares throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Tavares chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kokkalis has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Tavares fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kokkalis on the side of the head.
Kokkalis connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A swing and a miss from Kokkalis.
Tavares let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kokkalis fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Tavares throws a nice looking combination but Kokkalis bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tavares scores with a punch to the head.
Kokkalis misses the jab.
Tavares misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kokkalis takes a jab right on the kisser.
Tavares pivots, looking for a leg kick but Kokkalis is out of range and Tavares settles back down.
That kick from Kokkalis tenderised Tavares's leg. Tavares is trying to keep his angry face on.
Tavares closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Tavares bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kokkalis's head backwards.
Kokkalis wants to land a leg kick but Tavares is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Kokkalis.
Tavares throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Kokkalis decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Tavares's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kokkalis working some strikes from top position.
Kokkalis with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kokkalis trying to control but Tavares is working from the bottom.
Kokkalis throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kokkalis wants to control from the top but Tavares keeps moving.
Tavares working a defensive guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tavares is looking to stand up but Kokkalis isn't so interested in that idea.
Kokkalis trying to control the position from guard on top but Tavares is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Thiago Tavares will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Thiago Tavares's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Kokkalis takes a swing at Tavares's ribcage but misses.
Kokkalis fails to land with a series of punches.
Tavares throws a fast counter high kick but Kokkalis manages to duck under it in time.
Kokkalis bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kokkalis tries to counter with a takedown but Tavares is quick to defend against it.
Nice cross by Tavares.
Kokkalis throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
A lazy body kick from Kokkalis
and Kokkalis takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kokkalis looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Kokkalis keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tavares.
Kokkalis throws a hook to the side of Tavares's head but Tavares sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kokkalis misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tavares.
Tavares bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tavares appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tavares lands with a right hand.
Tavares slips under a jab.
A little jabbing left from Tavares on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Tavares's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Tavares takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kokkalis throws a body shot but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tavares feints and then cracks Kokkalis's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kokkalis down.
Tavares ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kokkalis ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tavares moves away.
Kokkalis ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tavares moves away.
Tavares scores with a shot to the body.
Kokkalis takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Tavares connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kokkalis momentarily.
Tavares checks a leg kick nicely.
Kokkalis misses the shot to the body.
Good shot there by Tavares.
Kokkalis keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tavares.
Kokkalis thows a leg kick but Tavares checks it
and Tavares counters with a left to the body.
Tavares takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Tavares throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kokkalis.
Vangelis Kokkalis has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tavares throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Tavares takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Kokkalis connects with a jab.
Tavares with a nice cross.
Kokkalis is looking to score with low kicks.
Tavares tries to work over Kokkalis's front leg with a kick but Kokkalis checks it.
It appears Kokkalis was looking to counter with a kick there.
Kokkalis misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Tavares counters with a left and a right that stings Kokkalis.
Good leg kick by Tavares there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
An inside leg kick lands from Kokkalis.
Kokkalis lands with a good body shot.
Kokkalis steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tavares.
Kokkalis connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Tavares tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kokkalis was well out of range. Poor timing from Tavares.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kokkalis tries to work over Tavares's front leg with a kick but Tavares checks it.
Tavares swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Tavares steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kokkalis.
Kokkalis misses with a low kick.
Decent striking displayed by Tavares there.
Kokkalis takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kokkalis misses with an uppercut.
Tavares appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kokkalis motions for Tavares to come forward. Kokkalis throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kokkalis swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kokkalis throws the left hand but Tavares avoids the punch easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Tavares! But no joy.
Kokkalis tries to land a body kick
and Tavares counters with a nice uppercut.
Kokkalis throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tavares sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tavares appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Kokkalis misses the target.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Tavares! But no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tavares lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Tavares scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tavares throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kokkalis counters with a nice uppercut.
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!
Kokkalis scores with a nice strike.
Nice straight punches there by Tavares. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tavares.
Kokkalis drops his hands momentarily and Tavares takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Tavares ducks under a wild hook from Kokkalis.
Tavares connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kokkalis uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tavares.
Tavares lands with a thumping leg kick.
Tavares throws a leg kick that is checked

and Kokkalis counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tavares seems keen to control Kokkalis's posture.
Tavares avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Thiago Tavares.
I've got Tavares 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thiago Tavares!
An out of breath Thiago Tavares thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.