PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Benito Andrews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fabian Kabakov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Fabian Kabakov was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Andrews
vs
Kabakov

157 cm
21
177 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

213 cm
25
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Benito Andrews!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Fabian Kabakov!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Vladimir Khabensky and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Andrews fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kabakov works the jab nicely.

Kabakov scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Andrews might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Kabakov decides to stand back up. Kabakov steps back and let's Andrews get back to his feet.
Kabakov throws a head kick but Andrews moves out of range.
Andrews fires out a quick counter leg kick but Kabakov just manages to avoid it.
Kabakov looks winded!
No joy there for Andrews, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Andrews really is a fat lump.
Kabakov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Andrews manages to avoid it.
A low kick from Kabakov misses
and Andrews connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kabakov is looking to clinch but Andrews is avoiding it.
Andrews looks to land a body kick but Kabakov moved away.

Andrews changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kabakov looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
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!
Kabakov tries to improve position but can't.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Kabakov takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Andrews scores with punches from side control.

Andrews stands up and we're back to a striking position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Andrews feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Andrews throws a big right hand that misses.
Andrews cracks Kabakov with a solid left hand.
Kabakov wants to stand but Andrews is controlling the position.

Andrews gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Kabakov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Andrews lands a two punch combo.
Andrews looks for a takedown but Kabakov sprawls well.
Andrews fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kabakov is looking to slow Andrews down with leg kicks.

Kabakov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Andrews was covering up waiting for the punch and Kabakov finishes the takedown easily into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kabakov looking to pass the guard.

Kabakov gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Andrews lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kabakov circles away quickly and effectively.
Kabakov avoids a kick to the body.
Kabakov walks forward, straight into a front kick from Andrews.
Kabakov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Andrews tries to counter by clinching up but Kabakov breaks away and moves out of range.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Andrews.
Andrews throwing shots but missing, from side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kabakov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kabakov taking some punishment here, with Andrews in his half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Kabakov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Kabakov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Andrews wants to stand but Kabakov has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Kabakov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Andrews doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Andrews manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Kabakov has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Andrews is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Kabakov.
Kabakov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Andrews scoring with punches and elbows.
Kabakov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Andrews off and has taken his back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andrews is trying to get back to his feet but Kabakov has full control of the position and if anything, Andrews has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Andrews trying to control the hands but Kabakov breaks the grip.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Kabakov is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Andrews has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Andrews trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
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!

Kabakov is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Andrews has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Kabakov avoiding Andrews 's attempts to control his hands.
Our spies down at at Cozad MMA St Petersburg inform us that Kabakov has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

Kabakov is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Andrews defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Kabakov is looking for the choke from the back position but Andrews is controlling his hands well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Fabian Kabakov will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Andrews darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Kabakov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Andrews.
Kabakov is trying to get back to full guard.
Kabakov is still trying to improve position.
Kabakov is trying to stand.
Andrews winds up and cracks Kabakov with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

Andrews decides to stand up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Andrews keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kabakov.
Kabakov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kabakov wants it to stay on the feet.
Andrews looks for a takedown but Kabakov sprawls well.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kabakov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Andrews feinted with a counter takedown.
Benito Andrews is winning the standup battle so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Andrews drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Kabakov is trying to get back to half guard.
Andrews working the body and head with strikes.
Andrews scoring with punches from side control.
Benito Andrews overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kabakov is looking to regain half guard here but Andrews keeps moving and retains side control.
Kabakov manages to get back to half guard.
Andrews takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Andrews is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Kabakov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Kabakov is looking to sweep but instead, Andrews has passed into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kabakov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Kabakov is looking to land body kicks.
As Kabakov tries to get set, Andrews tries to push him back and clinch up but Kabakov manages to avoid the attempt.
Benito Andrews is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kabakov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Fabian Kabakov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Andrews lands a nice looking kick to the body. Kabakov takes a step back to recover.
Andrews throws a hook to the side of Kabakov's head but Kabakov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kabakov throws a nice head kick!
Kabakov throws a head kick that misses.
Kabakov throws a right hand that misses

and Andrews moves into the clinch.
Kabakov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

Andrews escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kabakov tries to clinch up.
Andrews shoots for a takedown but Kabakov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Benito Andrews. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kabakov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Andrews was covering up waiting for the punch and Kabakov finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Kabakov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kabakov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Andrews looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kabakov is one step ahead there.

Andrews is working an open guard so Kabakov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Andrews takes one to the chin there.
Andrews moves out of range of the body kick from Kabakov.
Andrews tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Kabakov manages to circle out of the way.
A jab from Andrews finds it's way through Kabakov's defenses.
Andrews throws out a loose jab but Kabakov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kabakov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Andrews manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Andrews fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kabakov closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Andrews did well to prevent Kabakov getting side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Kabakov escapes and gets back to his feet.
Kabakov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Andrews fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kabakov avoids it really well and circles away.

Kabakov feints and as Andrews raises his hands in defense, Kabakov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kabakov tries to free his leg and advance position but Andrews is retaining full guard.
Andrews looking for a sweep. Not yet Andrews, not yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fabian Kabakov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Kabakov throws a push kick but Andrews slaps the foot to one side.
Andrews looks for a takedown but Kabakov sprawls well.
Andrews shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kabakov as he avoids it easily.
And Kabakov responds with a good body kick, but Andrews manages to step out the way in time.
Andrews shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Benito Andrews. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kabakov scoring well with a low kick there.
Kabakov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Andrews back to the cage. Kabakov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Kabakov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kabakov throws a nice looking combination but Andrews bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Andrews drives through with a takedown into Kabakov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Kabakov looking for a guillotine here but Andrews defends easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kabakov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Andrews's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kabakov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kabakov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Andrews pulls Kabakov in close to prevent any damage.

Kabakov decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Andrews, up you get!
Horrible takedown attempt by Andrews or perhaps it was just good defense by Kabakov, which made it look bad.
Kabakov throws a leg kick which misses Andrews's front leg but catches the back leg as Andrews tries to avoid it.
Kabakov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Andrews misses with a series of wild punches.
Kabakov moves out of range of the body kick.
Kabakov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kabakov gets a clinch.
Andrews fails to pull guard.
Kabakov lands an elbow inside.
Kabakov with a knee to the head.
Kabakov lands a nice uppercut.
Andrews tries to pull guard but Kabakov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Andrews decides to pull guard.

Kabakov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Kabakov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Andrews trying to control the position here.
Andrews looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kabakov is one step ahead there.
Kabakov looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kabakov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Andrews wants to get back to his feet but Kabakov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Andrews keeping full guard, as Kabakov tries to pass.
Kabakov stopping the sweep attempt from Andrews.
Kabakov lands a couple of elbows.

Andrews had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kabakov defends it easily.
Kabakov advances position into side control!
Kabakov tries to advance to mount but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kabakov tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Kabakov prevents Andrews from escaping the position.

Kabakov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Andrews knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Kabakov advances to mount.
Kabakov throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Kabakov sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Kabakov sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Andrews holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Kabakov tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

Kabakov is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Andrews to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Andrews shrugs it off.
Benito Andrews has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Andrews sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fabian Kabakov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kabakov 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 27:30
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fabian Kabakov!