PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anatoliy Lapikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Angelo Smokeleaf (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lapikov comes to the cage accompanied by AC/DC - Hells Bells . 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.

Lapikov
vs
Smokeleaf

186 cm
30
220 lbs
14 - 14 - 0

192 cm
36
219 lbs
24 - 11 - 2

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

Modern Wear Apparel
Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Anatoliy Lapikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 11 - 2, fighting out of Amsterdam, Angelo Smokeleaf!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Alyssa Summers and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lapikov throws a right and a left that both miss.

Lapikov shoots in and bounces Smokeleaf off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
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.
Lapikov trying to control but Smokeleaf is working from the bottom.
Smokeleaf is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Smokeleaf keeping moving, preventing Lapikov from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smokeleaf is trying to control the position but Lapikov postures up.
Lapikov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smokeleaf swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Lapikov passes into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smokeleaf tries to kick Lapikov off but Lapikov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Smokeleaf gets back to full guard.
Lapikov preventing the sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lapikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Smokeleaf is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smokeleaf is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smokeleaf wants to sweep but no luck.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Smokeleaf keeping moving, preventing Lapikov from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Smokeleaf tries to clinch but Lapikov is having none of it.

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.
Lapikov throws a nice looking combination but Smokeleaf bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Smokeleaf misses with a head kick.
Smokeleaf throws a body punch but Lapikov moves out of range.
Lapikov attempts a counter takedown but Smokeleaf avoids it well and moves away.
Smokeleaf swings for the body but Lapikov moves out of range.
Smokeleaf throws an overhand right that lands on Lapikov's shoulder, as Lapikov tries to avoid the shot.
Lapikov tries to counter with a takedown but Smokeleaf is quick to defend against it.
Smokeleaf tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Smokeleaf jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Lapikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Smokeleaf.
Lapikov feinted with a counter takedown.
Angelo Smokeleaf seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lapikov connects with the punch.
Good standup being displayed there by Lapikov as he connects with a hook.
Lapikov misses with a series of wild punches.
Smokeleaf is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smokeleaf connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
That kick from Smokeleaf tenderised Lapikov's leg. Lapikov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Smokeleaf takes a swing at Lapikov's ribcage but misses.
Lapikov lands a jab.
Smokeleaf misses with a straight right.
Lapikov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Smokeleaf fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lapikov manages to avoid it.
Lapikov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice shot by Smokeleaf.
Lapikov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Lapikov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lapikov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Lapikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Smokeleaf is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lapikov wants to pass the guard but Smokeleaf is keeping the position.
Lapikov trying to control but Smokeleaf is working from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lapikov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smokeleaf swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anatoliy Lapikov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Smokeleaf attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Lapikov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Smokeleaf throws a lazy uppercut

and Lapikov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Lapikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Smokeleaf is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Lapikov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Smokeleaf is trying to keep Lapikov in close.
Smokeleaf keeping full guard, as Lapikov tries to pass.
Smokeleaf working a defensive guard here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lapikov wants to pass the guard but Smokeleaf is keeping the position.
Lapikov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Smokeleaf's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapikov prevents Smokeleaf from improving his position.
Lapikov moves nicely into side control.
Sloppy strikes there by Lapikov.
Lapikov in side control, just content to control the action for now.

Lapikov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Smokeleaf knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Lapikov trying to control the action but Smokeleaf is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Smokeleaf is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Lapikov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Smokeleaf can do to turn this around?
Smokeleaf struggling a bit here.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Lapikov throws an elbow but Smokeleaf slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smokeleaf is looking to reverse the position.
Lapikov trying to control the position but Smokeleaf is working away.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Lapikov avoids the body shot from Smokeleaf.
Lapikov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Lapikov tries to bum rush Smokeleaf with a series of wild strikes but Smokeleaf uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Smokeleaf tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A left and a right from Lapikov both land. Nice combination.
Nice takedown defense from Smokeleaf. No joy for Lapikov on that attempt.
Smokeleaf works Lapikov's body with a nice hook.
Smokeleaf is looking to clinch.
Lapikov attempts a counter takedown but Smokeleaf avoids it well and moves away.
A slow jab from Smokeleaf misses its intended target.
Lapikov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smokeleaf lands a nice hook to Lapikov's body. Lapikov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

Smokeleaf moves into the clinch.
Knees to the body from Smokeleaf.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Smokeleaf with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Smokeleaf tries a knee to the head but Lapikov blocks it.
Smokeleaf working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Smokeleaf.
Lapikov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lapikov is looking for a takedown.
Smokeleaf missing with knees to the body.
Smokeleaf tries a body shot but Lapikov blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Anatoliy Lapikov will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Smokeleaf throws a lazy right hand but Lapikov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lapikov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice shot lands for Smokeleaf.
Smokeleaf misses with a hook. Lapikov ducked under it nicely.
Smokeleaf misses with a leg kick.
Lapikov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Lapikov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Smokeleaf throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Jab, jab by Smokeleaf - just one landing.
Lapikov avoids the body shot from Smokeleaf.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smokeleaf fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Lapikov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A punch combination from Lapikov misses.
Lapikov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Smokeleaf can pounce on him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smokeleaf looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Smokeleaf dodges the punch combination from Lapikov.
Smokeleaf wants to counter with a clinch but Lapikov pushes him away.
Smokeleaf fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Smokeleaf dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Anatoliy Lapikov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Smokeleaf throws a lazy head kick

and Lapikov counters with a takedown into side control.
Smokeleaf struggling a bit here.
Lapikov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Smokeleaf is not content to let Lapikov control the position.
Angelo Smokeleaf has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smokeleaf is looking for a sweep.
Anatoliy Lapikov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Lapikov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Smokeleaf is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smokeleaf has one of Lapikov's arms on lockdown, trying to prevent him from doing any damage.

Lapikov goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Smokeleaf has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Lapikov but great work by Smokeleaf.
Lapikov prevents Smokeleaf from improving position.

Smokeleaf decides to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smokeleaf tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lapikov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Smokeleaf throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Lapikov tries to counter with a takedown but Smokeleaf is quick to defend against it.
Smokeleaf throws a body punch but Lapikov moves out of range.
Smokeleaf throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lapikov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Smokeleaf sprawls and moves away.
Smokeleaf throws a body shot but no joy.
Smokeleaf misses with a looping left.
Smokeleaf tries a low kick but Lapikov avoids it.
A telegraphed right hand from Lapikov misses the target.
Angelo Smokeleaf is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Lapikov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Smokeleaf.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smokeleaf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Smokeleaf throws a sloppy head kick and Lapikov moves out of range easily.
Lapikov tries to counter with a takedown but Smokeleaf is quick to defend against it.
Anatoliy Lapikov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lapikov throws a right hand that Smokeleaf ducks under and follows up with a left that Smokeleaf also avoids with ease.
Smokeleaf wants to clinch but Lapikov slips to the side

so Lapikov counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Lapikov stopping the sweep attempt from Smokeleaf.
Smokeleaf is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Lapikov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Smokeleaf manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Lapikov manages to get himself to full guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Angelo Smokeleaf comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Lapikov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 29:28
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 29:28

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