PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Dos Santos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Karim Bashorov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bashorov is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Hangar 18. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Dos Santos
vs
Bashorov

185 cm
29
195 lbs
15 - 8 - 0

190 cm
26
194 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Great wrestler
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Granite chin

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Rafael Dos Santos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Karim Bashorov!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Sam Margolis and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dos Santos throws a body shot but no joy.
Dos Santos works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Bashorov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Dos Santos as he avoids it easily.

Bashorov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Dos Santos to the ground. Bashorov is now in Dos Santos's guard.
Bashorov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Dos Santos lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Dos Santos working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Bashorov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Dos Santos drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Bashorov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Dos Santos has Bashorov in his guard.

Bashorov pushing down on Dos Santos's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Dos Santos tries to get to full guard but Bashorov has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dos Santos manages to get to full guard.
Bashorov stopping the sweep attempt from Dos Santos.
Dos Santos is looking to sweep but instead, Bashorov has passed into half guard.
Bashorov prevents Dos Santos from improving his position.
Bashorov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Dos Santos has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Bashorov is working away from the top position though.
Dos Santos is not content to let Bashorov control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dos Santos regains full guard. Nicely done.
Bashorov advances position into side control!
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Dos Santos tries to buck Bashorov off but Bashorov is having none of it.
Bashorov working the ground and pound.
Dos Santos is not content to let Bashorov control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dos Santos takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Dos Santos is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Bashorov off and has taken his back!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bashorov defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Bashorov rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.

Dos Santos is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Bashorov defends it well.

Dos Santos is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Dos Santos is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Bashorov works his way to full guard. Good work.

Dos Santos drops back, looking for a kneebar! Bashorov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Bashorov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Bashorov!

Dos Santos gets back to half guard.
Bashorov is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Bashorov working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Bashorov working Dos Santos over with strikes here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

An inside leg kick lands from Dos Santos.
Nice cross by Bashorov.
The crowd cheers as Dos Santos lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bashorov doesn't seem phased though.
Bashorov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bashorov throws the left hand but Dos Santos avoids the punch easily.
Dos Santos connects with a right hand. Bashorov shakes it off.
Bashorov looks to score with a jab to the body but Dos Santos is just out of range.
Dos Santos misses with a low kick.
Bashorov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Dos Santos shoots in for a takedown but Bashorov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Bashorov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Dos Santos keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Dos Santos lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Bashorov at a distance.
Dos Santos misses with a series of wild punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bashorov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Dos Santos connects with a jab.
Bashorov misses with a takedown attempt - Dos Santos sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rafael Dos Santos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bashorov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Dos Santos.
Bashorov misses with a series of wild punches.
Dos Santos bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Dos Santos throws a good cross that connects.
A slow jab from Dos Santos misses its intended target.
Rafael Dos Santos is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dos Santos throws a low kick but Bashorov avoids it.
Bashorov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Dos Santos sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bashorov somewhat.
Bashorov throws out a loose jab but Dos Santos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bashorov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bashorov misses with a looping right.
Dos Santos slips under a jab from Bashorov.
Bashorov shoots in looking for a takedown but Dos Santos manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bashorov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rafael Dos Santos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Karim Bashorov.
Bashorov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Bashorov scores with a jab to the jaw.
Rafael Dos Santos is winning the standup battle so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
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!
Nice jab there from Dos Santos.
Dos Santos throws a leg kick but Bashorov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Dos Santos goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Dos Santos dives in for a single leg takedown but Bashorov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Dos Santos throws a sloppy head kick
and Bashorov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Bashorov throws a body shot but no joy.
Dos Santos takes one to the side of the head.

Dos Santos closes the distance and pushes Bashorov back into the cage.
Bashorov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Dos Santos tries to pull guard but Bashorov won't allow it.
Bashorov lands with a short shot to the head.
Dos Santos lands a body shot in the clinch.
Dos Santos tries to pull guard but Bashorov won't allow it.
Dos Santos is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Bashorov to keep the fight standing.
Bashorov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Bashorov lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Bashorov.
Dos Santos has Bashorov pressed against the cage, preventing Bashorov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A right hook to the body lands for Bashorov.
Dos Santos tries to pull guard but Bashorov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Bashorov.
Bashorov wants a takedown but no success here.
Bashorov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Dos Santos is defending well.
Dos Santos jumps guard but Bashorov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Bashorov scores with a shot to the side of Dos Santos's head.
Dos Santos fails to pull guard.
A left hand lands to the body for Bashorov.
Dos Santos tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Bashorov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Dos Santos changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Bashorov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Dos Santos misses with a straight right.
Dos Santos has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Dos Santos there as he acknowledges the shot.

Bashorov throws a left that rocks Dos Santos and follows with a right that sends him tumbling to the canvas! Bashorov dives into side control, looking to finish! Can Dos Santos regain composure!

Dos Santos is rocked!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Bashorov goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Dos Santos has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Bashorov but great work by Dos Santos.
Oh Dos Santos is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Bashorov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Dos Santos throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Bashorov is looking for a sweep.
Bashorov sneaks back into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Dos Santos throws a strike but Bashorov avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Dos Santos seems to have got his legs back now.
Bashorov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Bashorov is looking to stall here but Dos Santos recovers full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bashorov looking to pass the guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karim Bashorov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Bashorov blocks the body kick.
A little jabbing left from Bashorov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Bashorov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bashorov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bashorov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bashorov looks to land a right hand but Dos Santos moved out of range.
Dos Santos slips under a jab.
Dos Santos displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Bashorov throws out the jab.
Bashorov throws a body punch but Dos Santos moves out of range.
Dos Santos scores with a jab.
Dos Santos blocks a jab.
Bashorov throws a body punch but Dos Santos moves out of range.
Bashorov lands a glancing blow to the side of Dos Santos's head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dos Santos throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Dos Santos stuns Bashorov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Dos Santos throws a right and a left that both miss.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Bashorov! But no joy.
Bashorov throws a body punch but Dos Santos moves out of range.
Dos Santos sizes up Bashorov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Dos Santos misses with a hook
and Bashorov counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bashorov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Dos Santos comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A big right from Bashorov misses.
Bashorov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bashorov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Some bone on bone action there as Bashorov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bashorov is defended easily by Dos Santos.
Bashorov stuns Dos Santos with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Bashorov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Dos Santos pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Dos Santos ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A head kick from Dos Santos lands but Bashorov takes it in his stride.
Dos Santos blocks a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov lunges at Dos Santos with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Dos Santos's hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bashorov throws a right hand that misses
and Dos Santos counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Bashorov goes for a double leg but Dos Santos avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Dos Santos continues to drive forward.
Dos Santos thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bashorov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bashorov lands a body shot.

Bashorov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Bashorov stopping the sweep attempt from Dos Santos.
Bashorov wants to pass the guard but Dos Santos is keeping the position.
Dos Santos wants to sweep here but Bashorov controlling him for the moment.
Bashorov trying to control but Dos Santos is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dos Santos looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bashorov is one step ahead there.
We've been hearing good reports from Dos Santos's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Bashorov stays in close to Dos Santos's body and controls the position.
Dos Santos keeping full guard, as Bashorov tries to pass.
Bashorov trying to control but Dos Santos is working from the bottom.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Dos Santos swings widly with a right hand
and Bashorov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Rafael Dos Santos has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dos Santos throws a nice looking combination but Bashorov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Karim Bashorov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Bashorov throws a hook but Dos Santos blocks it.
Dos Santos throws a right and a left that Bashorov avoids nicely.
Dos Santos on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Dos Santos throws a body punch but Bashorov moves out of range.
Bashorov throws a hook to the side of Dos Santos's head but Dos Santos sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Dos Santos is looking to clinch.
Dos Santos tries for a takedown but Bashorov circles away easily
and Bashorov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Bashorov lands a lovely overhand right.
Bashorov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Dos Santos as he avoids it easily.
Rafael Dos Santos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Karim Bashorov.
Bashorov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Bashorov throws a one two combo.
Dos Santos throws a right and a left that both miss.
Bashorov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Bashorov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Bashorov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Dos Santos's head.
Bashorov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Dos Santos fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bashorov manages to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Karim Bashorov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Bashorov 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Karim Bashorov!
Karim Bashorov thanked the fans post fight for their support.