PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jason Black (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pavel Savkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jason Black has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Black
vs
Savkov

182 cm
21
180 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

175 cm
21
180 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

MayheM sportswear

Hellbent
MayheM sportswear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jason Black!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Pavel Savkov!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Dmitry Maklakov and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Savkov misses with a looping left.
A counter left hand to the body from Black misses its target.
Black misses the body punch
and Savkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Savkov throws an overhand right that lands on Black's shoulder, as Black tries to avoid the shot.
Black swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Savkov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

Savkov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Black lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Black leaning against his opponent.
Black swings wildly with an uppercut but Savkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Black blocking some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savkov throws a head punch that misses.
Black gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Savkov.
Savkov tries a body shot but Black blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savkov is working for takedown but Black is calmly controlling the position for now.
Black avoiding damage.
Savkov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Black backwards.
Savkov goes for a takedown attempt but Black pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Savkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Black manages to avoid it.
Savkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Black.
Savkov has a takedown stuffed.
Black misses with a body shot.
Savkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Savkov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Savkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Black prevents it.
Black is pressed up against the cage. Savkov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Black down to the mat. Black avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Black. Beautiful body shot.
Savkov slips a straight right by Black.
Black lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Black swings and misses with a hook to the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Black prevents a takedown attempt there.
Savkov has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Black seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Savkov can turn it around.
Savkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Black prevents it.

Black manages to break the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Savkov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Black, pushing him back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savkov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Black backwards.
Black stops a takedown attempt from Savkov.
Black is pressed up against the cage. Savkov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Black down to the mat. Black avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Savkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Savkov drives through and clinches with Black against the cage.
Black lands with a light punch inside.
Savkov is looking for a takedown.
Black misses with some punches.
Savkov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Black fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Black misses with a looping left.
Savkov feints the counter takedown.

Black darts in and clinches Savkov up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Savkov.
Savkov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savkov goes for a takedown attempt but Black pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Black throws a head kick that misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Savkov! But no joy.

Black darts in and clinches Savkov up against the cage.
Black working aggressively here.
Black has Savkov pushed against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Black fails to land.
A bit of stalling here from Black.
Black throws a punch but it's blocked by Savkov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Savkov has Black pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Black manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Savkov blocks an uppercut.
Savkov is trying to drag Black to the mat but Black just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Savkov wants the takedown. Black is fighting it off but Savkov persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Black's guard against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Black dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Black punishes Savkov's body with a nice straight punch.
Black lands a nice looking body shot.
Savkov throws a right hand that misses
and Black counters with a straight right hand.
Savkov drops his hands momentarily and Black takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Black throws the left hand but Savkov avoids the punch easily.
Savkov lunges at Black with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Black's hand.

Black has taken the fight to the clinch.

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

Black sneaks out the side door and pushes Savkov away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Savkov throws a jab when Black was well out of range.
Black waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Savkov.
Black scores with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Black instigates a clinch.
Savkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Black prevents it.
Black tries a body shot but Savkov blocks it.

Savkov lands a takedown into guard.
Savkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Black is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Black avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Savkov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Black tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Savkov throws an elbow that misses. Black uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Savkov's guard. Nice move by Black!

Black wants to control from the top but Savkov keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Black.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Savkov is on top in guard.

Savkov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Black controlling the position.
Savkov throws a big right hand that misses.

Savkov drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Black dives on top into guard.

This has been an exciting period of action!
Savkov looking for a sweep. Not yet Savkov, not yet.
Black controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Savkov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Black is one step ahead there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Black looking to sit in guard and control but Savkov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Savkov throws a strike but Black rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Black is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Savkov looking for a sweep. Not yet Savkov, not yet.
Savkov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Savkov is on top in guard.

Pavel Savkov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Black tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Black keeping full guard, as Savkov tries to pass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savkov trying to control but Black is working from the bottom.
Savkov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Black trying to keep a closed guard but Savkov is proving a slippery customer.
Black wants to get back to his feet but Savkov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Black 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.
Savkov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Black dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Savkov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Savkov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Pavel Savkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Black throws out a loose jab but Savkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters circling - Black throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Black gets a clinch.
Savkov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Black is defending well.
Savkov looking for a takedown.
Black digs a right hand into Savkov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Savkov's gas tank.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savkov goes for a takedown attempt but Black pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Savkov scores with a shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Savkov moves away.
Black looks to score with a jab to the body but Savkov is just out of range.
Black misses with a body shot.
Savkov swings widly with a right hand
and Black counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Black ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Black has managed to clinch.
Black gets underhooks to prevent Savkov's takedown attempt.
Savkov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Black after a bit of a struggle.
Savkov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Black avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Jason Black has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Savkov wants a takedown but no success here.
Black scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Black lands a nice shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Black prevents a takedown attempt there.
Black tries to work over Savkov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Savkov blocks a body shot from Black.
Savkov wants to take the fight to the mat but Black manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Savkov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Black pulls his leg out and moves away.
Black pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Savkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Savkov ducks under a wild hook from Black.
Savkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Black takes the fight into the clinch.
Black is trying to break free.
Black struggles to land a body shot inside as Savkov controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Black controlling the action here for a moment.

Savkov turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Savkov postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Savkov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Black is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Black takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Black regains half guard.
Savkov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Black keeps working.
Savkov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Black with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Savkov is trying to control. Black wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Black is trying to get back to full guard.
Savkov drops an elbow to the side of Black's head.
Savkov prevents Black from improving his position.
Savkov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Black is not content to let Savkov control the position.
Black tries to get to full guard but Savkov has control of the leg.
Black manages to get to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Black is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Savkov presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Black clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Savkov shoots in for a takedown but Black shows good takedown defense.
Savkov dives in and grabs Black's left leg, looking for a takedown. Black pushes down on Savkov's head and hops out.
Black lands with a hook. Savkov tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Savkov misses with a lunging right hand
and Black counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Savkov thinking.
Black looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Savkov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Black swinging wildly here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Black lands with a slapping head kick.
Jason Black is winning the standup battle so far.
Black tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Savkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Black.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Savkov throws a hook but Black blocks it.
Savkov blocks a jab.
Savkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Savkov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Black.
The fighters circling - Black throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Savkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Black uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Savkov.
The fighters circling - Savkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Savkov needs to keep his hands up - Black had a free shot at his head there.
Black just misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Black.
Savkov tries to clinch up.
It looked like Black wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Black is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Savkov throws a hook to the side of Black's head but Black sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice takedown defense from Black. No joy for Savkov on that attempt.
It looked like Black was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Savkov.
Black throws a shot to the body.
Nice takedown defense from Black. No joy for Savkov on that attempt.

Black moves into the clinch.
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!
Savkov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Black pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Savkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Black.
Savkov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Black pulls his leg out and moves away.
Black defending well as Savkov loads up on a big left hand.
Savkov might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Savkov misses with a hook. Black ducked under it nicely.
Black tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Savkov manages to circle out of the way.

Savkov tries to keep at a distance but Black has taken the fight into the clinch.
Savkov goes for a takedown attempt but Black pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Black connects with the punch.
Black throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Black scores with a decent looking hook.
Black throws a predictable looking body shot

and Savkov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Savkov trying to control but Black is working from the bottom.
Black working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Savkov.
Savkov throwing strikes but missing.
Black keeping moving, preventing Savkov from controlling successfully.
Savkov looking to sit in guard and control but Black gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Black controls from within his opponent's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Black had his way with Pavel Savkov in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Black misses the jab.
A swing and a miss from Black.
Savkov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Savkov misses with an uppercut. Black saw that one coming.
Black scores with a crisp jab that stopped Savkov in his tracks.
Black misses with a hook

and Savkov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Black wants to get back to his feet but Savkov passes into half guard.

Savkov is trying to control. Black wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savkov is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Savkov lands a nice short elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black wants to improve his position but Savkov is controlling well.
Savkov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Black does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Black keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Savkov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Savkov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

Savkov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Black sees it coming and defends easily.

Savkov is trying to work for a kimura but Black is defending well.
Black is looking for a sweep. Savkov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov stalling away here and it's allowed Black to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Black keeping moving, preventing Savkov from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Savkov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Black tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Savkov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Savkov postures up in Black's guard and throws a big left but Black blocks it.
Black is looking to stand up but Savkov isn't so interested in that idea.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

Black clinches up against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savkov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Black pulls his leg out and moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Black. Savkov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Pavel Savkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Black tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Black cracks Savkov with a good jab.
Black tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Black moves out of range as Savkov strikes.
Black is looking to counter with a shot to the body.

Savkov has closed the distance and engaged Black in a clinch.
Savkov can't get the takedown.
Savkov can't get the takedown.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Savkov is working for takedown but Black is calmly controlling the position for now.
Jason Black is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Black prevents it.
Savkov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Black misses with a hook from the clinch.
Black is pushing Savkov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Savkov is working for takedown but Black is calmly controlling the position for now.
Savkov is working for takedown but Black is calmly controlling the position for now.

Savkov works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Savkov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Savkov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Black preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Pavel Savkov.
I think Black 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 49:46
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 50:46
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 49:46

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