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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Johan Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Drago Maximov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 183 cm
38
194 lbs
36 - 19 - 0 |
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182 cm
33
211 lbs
18 - 15 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Very quick |
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Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank |
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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
36 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Johan Axelsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
18 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Drago Maximov!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Alec Ball and Yves DeLean.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maximov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Axelsson manages to avoid it.
Axelsson wants to clinch.
Axelsson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Maximov on his heels. He'll look to pass Maximov's guard now, I'm sure.
Maximov is looking to stand up but Axelsson isn't so interested in that idea.
Axelsson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Maximov is looking to stand up but Axelsson isn't so interested in that idea.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Axelsson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Axelsson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Maximov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Axelsson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Maximov wants to stand and escape but Axelsson is having none of it.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Drago Maximov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Maximov lands a nice shot to the body.
Axelsson shoots in for a takedown but Maximov shows good takedown defense.
Maximov moves in looking to clinch but Axelsson pushes him off.
Axelsson shoots in looking for a takedown but Maximov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Axelsson's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Maximov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Maximov closes the distance and clinches.
Maximov effectively controlling the action here.
Axelsson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Maximov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Axelsson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Maximov lands a right hook to the body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maximov is looking to clinch.
Maximov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Maximov misses with some punches.
Axelsson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Maximov pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maximov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Maximov misses with a few strikes there.
An attempted straight right counter from Axelsson misses the target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Axelsson shoots in and drives through. Maximov sprawls well.
Axelsson shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Maximov as he jumps to the side.
Axelsson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Maximov tries to avoid it but Axelsson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Maximov to the ground. Maximov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Maximov misses with a right hand
and Axelsson counters with a stiff right hand.
Maximov throws a head kick but Axelsson moves out of range.
A head kick by Maximov misses
and Axelsson counters with a nice double leg into side control. Maximov won't be happy with that.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximov tries to escape but Axelsson is in control.
Axelsson trying to control the position but Maximov is working away.
Maximov is trying to buck Axelsson off.
Axelsson tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Axelsson has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Maximov is trying to buck Axelsson off.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Axelsson tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Maximov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Axelsson has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Axelsson is looking to take a break and control but Maximov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Maximov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Axelsson has just dragged him back down to the mat.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A momentary lapse in concentration from Maximov enables Axelsson to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Maximov manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Axelsson throws a big right hand that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Drago Maximov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Maximov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Maximov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Axelsson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A head kick by Maximov misses
and Axelsson counters with a nice uppercut.
A left lands for Axelsson.
Maximov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Axelsson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Axelsson drives through with a takedown into guard.
Axelsson trying to control but Maximov is working from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Axelsson lands a couple of elbows.
Maximov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Axelsson is controlling him.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Johan Axelsson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Axelsson won't allow Maximov to get back to his feet.
The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Maximov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Axelsson throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Maximov on the side of the head.
Drago Maximov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Maximov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
It looks like Johan Axelsson has been cut.
Maximov throws a lazy body kick
and Axelsson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Axelsson.
Maximov tries to land a knee to the head but Axelsson blocks with his arms.
Maximov gets underhooks to prevent Axelsson's takedown attempt.
Axelsson breaks from the clinch.
Maximov tries to clinch up but Axelsson circles away and keeps his distance.
Maximov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Maximov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Maximov takes the fight into the clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maximov lands with a right to the head.
Maximov blocks an uppercut.
Axelsson is looking to control Maximov's arms but Maximov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Axelsson has his back to the cage.
Axelsson goes for a takedown attempt but Maximov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Axelsson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Axelsson tries to keep at a distance but Maximov has taken the fight into the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Maximov has a couple of punches blocked by Axelsson.
Maximov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Axelsson backwards.
Maximov tries a body shot but Axelsson blocks it.
Axelsson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Maximov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Axelsson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Axelsson tries to counter with a takedown but Maximov is quick to defend against it.
Maximov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Johan Axelsson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Axelsson throws a low kick but Maximov moves out of range easily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Maximov is fending him off so far but Axelsson persists. Nope, Maximov circles away and we're back to standing.
Maximov pushes Axelsson up against the cage in a clinch.
Still in the clinch, Maximov scores with a nice short uppercut.
Axelsson tries to circle away but Maximov has him pinned against the cage.
Maximov misses with a punch to the body.
Maximov lands with a left to the head.
Axelsson breaks the clinch.
Maximov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Axelsson is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Maximov.
Axelsson shoots in looking for a takedown but Maximov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Axelsson's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Axelsson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Axelsson seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Drago Maximov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Axelsson lands with a nice combination. Maximov backs away looking to recover.
Maximov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Axelsson misses with a few strikes there.
Maximov pushes Axelsson up against the cage in a clinch.
Axelsson blocks a body shot from Maximov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maximov swings wildly with an uppercut but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maximov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Maximov blocks an uppercut.
Maximov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Axelsson backwards.
Maximov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Axelsson.
Maximov throws a punch but it's blocked by Axelsson.
Maximov throws a head punch that misses.
Maximov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Maximov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Axelsson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Maximov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Axelsson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Maximov pulls his leg out and moves away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Axelsson.
As Axelsson backs off Maximov throws a huge counter combo but Axelsson manages to avoid it all.
Maximov doesn't manage to clinch there - Axelsson circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Drago Maximov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Maximov is looking to clinch but Axelsson is avoiding it.
Axelsson moves into the clinch.
Maximov lands with a left to the head.
Maximov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Axelsson is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Maximov to keep the fight standing.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maximov.
Axelsson blocks a body shot from Maximov.
Maximov struggles to land a body shot inside as Axelsson controls his hands.
Maximov lands a left hand.
Axelsson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Maximov trying to land knees to the body.
Maximov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Axelsson blocks it with crossed arms.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Axelsson blocks an uppercut.
Axelsson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Maximov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Axelsson tries to pull guard but Maximov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maximov working aggressively here.
Axelsson is struggling to control the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson tries for a takedown but Maximov manages to get underhooks.
Maximov throws a punch but it's blocked by Axelsson.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Axelsson.
A nice right hand lands inside from Maximov.
Maximov struggles to land a body shot inside as Axelsson controls his hands.
Maximov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Maximov lands a hook to the side of the head.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Axelsson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Axelsson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Maximov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Axelsson has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Maximov uses from the top position.
Maximov wants to stand but Axelsson has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Maximov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Axelsson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Maximov is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Maximov scoring with some ground and pound.
Maximov trying to control the position from guard on top but Axelsson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Axelsson is trying to control the position but Maximov postures up.
Maximov wants to stand but Axelsson has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Axelsson keeping moving, preventing Maximov from controlling successfully.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Axelsson trying to keep a closed guard but Maximov is proving a slippery customer.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximov tries to clinch up.
Axelsson ducks under a wild hook from Maximov.
Axelsson tries to counter with a takedown but Maximov is quick to defend against it.
Maximov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Axelsson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Axelsson tries to keep at a distance but Maximov has taken the fight into the clinch.
Johan Axelsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Maximov throws an elbow that misses.
Maximov lands an uppercut.
Maximov lands a nice shot to the body.
Maximov slows down the pace here.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Axelsson controls the action.
Maximov tries a body shot but Axelsson blocks it.
Drago Maximov 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.
Maximov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Maximov swings wildly with an uppercut but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Maximov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Maximov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Maximov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Axelsson backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Maximov fails to land.
Axelsson prevents a body shot from Maximov.
A right hook to the body lands for Maximov.
Drago Maximov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Maximov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Axelsson is trying to maintain a safe position but Maximov gets an underhook and turns Axelsson into the cage.
Axelsson tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Axelsson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Maximov working aggressively here.
Maximov blocks an elbow strike.
Axelsson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
And that's the end of the fight!
Drago Maximov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Maximov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Ian Loll scores the fight 28:30
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 28:30
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Drago Maximov!
A victorious Drago Maximov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
46% |
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