PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Artem Obukhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Iker Dedal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Iker Dedal is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Obukhov
vs
Dedal

170 cm
26
157 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
27
147 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Artem Obukhov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Iker Dedal!
The judges for this bout are Ryoma Takatsuka, Josh West and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dedal looks to land a right hand but Obukhov moved out of range.
Obukhov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Dedal throws a nice looking combination but Obukhov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Obukhov shoots for a takedown but Dedal saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Dedal lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Obukhov circles away quickly and effectively.
Iker Dedal seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dedal slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Obukhov misses with a looping right.
Obukhov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Dedal tries to avoid it but Obukhov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Dedal to the ground. Dedal escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Dedal lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Dedal.

Obukhov dives in and scores a takedown into Dedal's guard.
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!
Dedal wants to get back to his feet but Obukhov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Dedal keeping full guard, as Obukhov tries to pass.
Obukhov prevents Dedal from getting back to his feet.
Obukhov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dedal swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Obukhov stops Dedal from standing up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Dedal can do anything to dispel that myth.
Dedal utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Obukhov is looking to work some ground and pound but Dedal has wrist control.
Obukhov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Dedal working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Obukhov.
Dedal keeping moving, preventing Obukhov from controlling successfully.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Obukhov won't allow Dedal to get back to his feet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Sloppy strikes from Dedal. Those never looked like landing.
Obukhov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Obukhov definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Dedal throws a right and a left that Obukhov avoids nicely.
Obukhov misses with an uppercut.
Obukhov fails with a takedown attempt.
Dedal is looking for the big counter here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Artem Obukhov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov fails with a takedown attempt.
Dedal fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Obukhov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Dedal looks to land a right hand but Obukhov moved out of range.
Dedal just misses with a punch to the body.
A quick step to the side and Obukhov tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Dedal steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Obukhov.
As Obukhov backs off Dedal throws a huge counter combo but Obukhov manages to avoid it all.
Obukhov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Dedal.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Dedal.
Obukhov slips a straight right by Dedal.
Obukhov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Dedal unleashes a big counter combination but Obukhov bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Dedal fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Obukhov throws a body punch but Dedal moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Dedal moves away.
Dedal misses with the combination.
Obukhov takes one to the chin there.
A combination from Dedal does no damage.
Dedal goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Dedal misses with a double jab.
Obukhov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Dedal looks winded!
Dedal tries to bum rush Obukhov with a series of wild strikes but Obukhov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Obukhov swings for the body but Dedal moves out of range.
Obukhov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Dedal throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Obukhov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Dedal manages to avoid it.
Dedal thows a left - swing and a miss!
Dedal throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Obukhov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Dedal walks into a stiff left hand from Obukhov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Obukhov rushes Dedal and presses him up against the cage.
Obukhov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Dedal avoids it.

Obukhov has Dedal pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Obukhov pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Dedal tumbling to the mat - Obukhov dives into Dedal's guard.
Obukhov trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Dedal manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Obukhov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Obukhov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Dedal manages to get himself to full guard.

Dedal utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Obukhov drops back, looking for a kneebar! Dedal looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Dedal looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Dedal!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Obukhov tries to clinch but Dedal moves out of range.
Obukhov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Dedal has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Obukhov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Obukhov lands in his opponent's guard.

Dedal is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Obukhov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Obukhov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dedal is trying to control. Obukhov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

Dedal is looking for a kimura but Obukhov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Dedal to get the leverage.
Obukhov is not content to let Dedal control the position.
Obukhov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Dedal is working away from the top position though.
Obukhov is refusing to be controlled, as Dedal sits in half guard.
Obukhov gets back to full guard.
Dedal looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.

Dedal drops back looking for a leg! Obukhov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Obukhov manages to kick Dedal off! Dedal jumps back into Obukhov's guard.
Obukhov wants to sweep here but Dedal controlling him for the moment.
Obukhov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dedal's guard.

Obukhov passes into half guard.
Obukhov is pressing down on Dedal's thigh, looking to free his foot. Dedal is holding on for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Obukhov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Obukhov frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Poor strikes thrown by Obukhov there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Dedal tries to hold on but Obukhov pushes him away.

Obukhov goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Dedal turns into him and now he's in Obukhov's guard.
Obukhov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov trying to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Obukhov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dedal's guard.

Obukhov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Obukhov advances to half guard.
Obukhov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Obukhov is pressing down on Dedal's thigh, looking to free his foot. Dedal is holding on for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Obukhov dominated that second round.
That's time! Obukhov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A jab from Dedal misses.
It looked like Obukhov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
A big right from Dedal misses.
Dedal misses with a two punch combination.
Obukhov fails to land the takedown.
Dedal looks to land a combination but Obukhov avoids it well.

Obukhov closes the distance and pushes Dedal back into the cage.
Obukhov struggles to land a body shot inside as Dedal controls his hands.
Obukhov misses with a punch to the body.
Obukhov tries a body shot but Dedal blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Obukhov trying to land knees to the body.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Obukhov looking to slow down the pace here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Obukhov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Obukhov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Artem Obukhov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Dedal lands a takedown into guard.

Obukhov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Dedal is aware though and is defending well.
Dedal won't allow Obukhov to sweep him here.
Dedal trying to stand up but can't free himself from Obukhov's guard.
Obukhov lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Dedal wants to stand up but Obukhov is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov forces his way into half guard.
Obukhov stops Dedal from getting back to his feet.
Obukhov passes to full mount!

Obukhov wants to finish this one by submission but Dedal is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Obukhov.
Dedal takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Obukhov working for a submission but Dedal is keeping him at bay.
Obukhov throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Dedal because Obukhov loaded up on that one.
Artem Obukhov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dedal is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Obukhov sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Obukhov misses with a head shot.
Dedal wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Obukhov lands a couple of good shots and Dedal has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Dedal covering up well under a series of strikes from Obukhov.
Dedal is trying to escape under a series of strikes and manages to escape from Obukhov 's hooks.

Obukhov looking to secure an arm triangle but Dedal defends it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov working Dedal over with strikes here.
Obukhov punishing his opponent with strikes.
Obukhov punching from mount but Dedal doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Obukhov unloads with some shots from mount but Dedal bucks and avoids them well.
Obukhov working the ground and pound effectively.
Obukhov wants to control the pace but Dedal is squirming around nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Obukhov has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Dedal's face.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Obukhov throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Obukhov clearly takes that round.
That's time! Obukhov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Dedal scores with a one two! Obukhov had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Dedal misses with a wild combination.

Obukhov instigates a clinch.
Obukhov missing with knees to the body.

Obukhov has Dedal pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Obukhov pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Dedal tumbling to the mat - Obukhov dives into Dedal's guard.
Dedal is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Obukhov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Dedal's guard.
Obukhov passes to full mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Obukhov working for a guillotine from mount but Dedal is in no mood to give up.
Dedal is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Dedal is looking to improve his position but Obukhov isn't that keen on the idea.
Obukhov misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Obukhov throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Dedal because Obukhov loaded up on that one.
Dedal wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Obukhov has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Dedal's face.
Obukhov lands a nice shot to the head.

Obukhov working for a guillotine from mount but Dedal is in no mood to give up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dedal tries to lock up and control but Obukhov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Dedal is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Obukhov punching from mount but Dedal doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Obukhov thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Obukhov unloading with bombs!
Obukhov in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Obukhov trying to control but Dedal is having none of it.
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!
Obukhov scores with a couple of good head shots there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Obukhov looking to finish with strikes here!
Obukhov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Obukhov throwing strikes here but Dedal is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Dedal really wants to buck Obukhov off and get back to his feet.
Dedal avoids a series of strikes thrown by Obukhov.

Obukhov looking to secure an arm triangle but Dedal defends it well.
Dedal is really trying hard to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov throws some wild stikes that Dedal manages to avoid easily.
Obukhov throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Obukhov thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Obukhov tries to control but Dedal wriggling away.
Obukhov landing strikes from the mount.
Obukhov looking to finish with strikes here!
Obukhov throws some wild stikes that Dedal manages to avoid easily.
Obukhov sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Obukhov had his way with Iker Dedal in that round.
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!

Dedal will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Obukhov is looking to wear down Dedal with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Dedal tries to bum rush Obukhov with a series of wild strikes but Obukhov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Iker Dedal is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Dedal throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Obukhov.
Obukhov looks to clinch
and Dedal counters with a straight right hand.
Obukhov swings for the body but Dedal moves out of range.

Obukhov drives through and clinches with Dedal against the cage.
Obukhov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Obukhov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Obukhov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Stalling in the clinch from Obukhov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dedal blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Dedal lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Obukhov manages to get to full guard.
Dedal is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Obukhov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Dedal gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Obukhov wants to sweep but no luck.
Dedal seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Artem Obukhov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dedal preventing the sweep.
Obukhov controlling the position.
Dedal content to stall in guard here.
Dedal loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Obukhov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Obukhov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dedal's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dedal is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Dedal keeping moving, preventing Obukhov from controlling successfully.
Dedal wants to stand and escape but Obukhov is having none of it.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
No joy there for Dedal, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Dedal fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Obukhov clinches with his opponent.

Dedal turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Obukhov sneaks back into half guard.
Dedal is thwarting Obukhov's attempts to control the position.
Dedal perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Obukhov trying to control here.
Obukhov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Obukhov.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Obukhov holds on and takes a little breather.

And that's the end of the fight!
Iker Dedal comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Obukhov 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 48:47
Judge Josh West scores the fight 48:47
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Artem Obukhov!
Artem Obukhov is the new featherweight champion!
Artem Obukhov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.