PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rulon Oboev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Flavor Emelianenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Flavor Emelianenko will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Oboev
vs
Emelianenko

150 cm
22
264 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

183 cm
24
237 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Determined

CROWN

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rulon Oboev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Flavor Emelianenko!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Valeri Chadov and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Emelianenko throws a right hand that Oboev ducks under and follows up with a left that Oboev also avoids with ease.

Emelianenko gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Emelianenko is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Emelianenko looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Emelianenko looking to hit a scissor sweep but Oboev is one step ahead there.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Emelianenko is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Emelianenko is looking to advance position but Oboev won't allow it.

Oboev looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Oboev wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Oboev is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Emelianenko pulls his head out easily.
Oboev is looking to improve his position.

Emelianenko seems to be looking for submissions.
Emelianenko wants to stand up but Oboev has a hold of him and won't allow it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

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

Oboev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Oboev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Oboev postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Emelianenko is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Oboev, into his guard.
Emelianenko forces his way into half guard.
Emelianenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Oboev keeps working.
Oboev works his way to full guard. Good work.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko trying to control from half guard but Oboev is working away.
Emelianenko frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Emelianenko lands a big shot there that rocks Oboev but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Oboev on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Oboev tries to get out of the position.

Emelianenko working for a guillotine from mount but Oboev is in no mood to give up.
Oboev taking shots to the head.
Oboev gets back to half guard.

Emelianenko wants to work for an arm triangle but Oboev is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Oboev is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Emelianenko's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Emelianenko's back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Oboev has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Emelianenko has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Emelianenko rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.

Oboev is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Oboev is breathing heavily.
Emelianenko slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Oboev looking to sit in guard and control but Emelianenko gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Flavor Emelianenko dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Emelianenko digs a good hook to Oboev's body.
Emelianenko throws a nice looking combination but Oboev bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Emelianenko gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Emelianenko pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Emelianenko closes the distance and lands a one-two.

Emelianenko has managed to clinch.
Oboev jumps guard but Emelianenko stands there with Oboev around his waist. Oboev gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Emelianenko creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Emelianenko can't break the clinch.
A hook to the body from Emelianenko.
Emelianenko can't break the clinch.

Emelianenko manages to break the clinch.
Oboev fails with the takedown.
No joy there for Emelianenko, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Emelianenko.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Oboev on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Emelianenko lands with a slapping head kick.
Emelianenko scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Oboev shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Emelianenko pinned against the cage. Emelianenko gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rulon Oboev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Emelianenko, right into the meat.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Oboev tries to keep at a distance but Emelianenko has taken the fight into the clinch.
Oboev has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Emelianenko is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A short right from Emelianenko on the inside.
Emelianenko has had enough of the clinch but Oboev keeps him there for the moment.
Oboev goes for a takedown in the clinch but Emelianenko prevents it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Emelianenko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Oboev shoots in and drives through. Emelianenko sprawls well.
Emelianenko connects with a high kick.
Nice sprawl there from Emelianenko as Oboev shoots in.
Rulon Oboev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Emelianenko stuns Oboev with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Oboev checks a leg kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Emelianenko.
Oboev checks the leg kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Emelianenko. That's going to slow Oboev down.

Emelianenko has taken the fight to the clinch.
Emelianenko is trying to break the clinch but Oboev has him pressed against the cage.

Emelianenko manages to break the clinch.
Emelianenko catches Oboev with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Emelianenko jabs at Oboev's body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Emelianenko gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Emelianenko can't break the clinch.

Emelianenko breaks from the clinch.
Emelianenko keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Emelianenko bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Oboev's head backwards.
Emelianenko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Emelianenko clobbers Oboev with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Emelianenko fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Oboev looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

Emelianenko has taken the fight to the clinch.

Emelianenko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Emelianenko is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Oboev rather than just go for the knockout.
Emelianenko lands a two punch combo.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Emelianenko gets a clinch.
Oboev looking for a takedown.
Emelianenko displaying some good clinch control by pressing Oboev up against the cage.
Emelianenko is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Emelianenko breaks the clinch.
A shot to de liver by Emelianenko. Beautiful body shot.
Oboev takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Oboev takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Emelianenko is looking to slow Oboev down with leg kicks.
Oboev has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Emelianenko lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Oboev backs up against the cage.
Emelianenko fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Oboev has a takedown stuffed.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Emelianenko changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Emelianenko with a body punch. A glancing blow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Flavor Emelianenko showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Oboev's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Oboev shoots for a takedown but Emelianenko saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Oboev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Emelianenko tries to avoid it but Oboev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Emelianenko to the ground. Emelianenko escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A chopping leg kick lands by Emelianenko.

Emelianenko has taken the fight to the clinch.
Emelianenko is looking to break free of the clinch but Oboev has double underhooks.

Emelianenko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Emelianenko lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Emelianenko.
Horrible takedown by Oboev or perhaps it was just good defense by Emelianenko which made him look bad.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rulon Oboev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Oboev takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Emelianenko has taken the fight to the clinch.
Emelianenko softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Emelianenko is looking to break free of the clinch but Oboev has double underhooks.
Emelianenko has had enough of the clinch but Oboev keeps him there for the moment.
Emelianenko lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Oboev or not.

Emelianenko breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko misses with a jab, cross combination.

Emelianenko pushes Oboev up against the cage in a clinch.
Emelianenko creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Oboev's defenses.
Emelianenko connects with a knee to the head.
Oboev prevents Emelianenko from breaking the clinch.
Emelianenko looking to throw knees to the head but Oboev is blocking nicely.
Emelianenko scores a nice knee to the body.
Emelianenko has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Emelianenko throws a knee to the head but misses.
Emelianenko wants to get back to striking at distance but Oboev won't allow it.

Emelianenko pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Flavor Emelianenko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Emelianenko connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Oboev takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Emelianenko lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Oboev at a distance.
Emelianenko fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Emelianenko fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko lands a nice hook to Oboev's body. Oboev takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Emelianenko throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Oboev stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Emelianenko!
Emelianenko throws a combination. Oboev tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Emelianenko lands with a nice body punch.
A slapping body kick lands there for Emelianenko.
Emelianenko scores with a hook to the body. Oboev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Emelianenko scores with a hook to the body. Oboev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Oboev takes one to the chin there.
Emelianenko with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Oboev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Oboev on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Oboev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Emelianenko circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
No joy there for Emelianenko, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Oboev doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Emelianenko changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Emelianenko feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Oboev's calf.
Emelianenko scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Oboev doesn't seem bothered though.
Emelianenko connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A right-left combo lands from Emelianenko.
Emelianenko lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Emelianenko moves into the clinch successfully.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Oboev tries to pull guard but Emelianenko won't allow it.
Emelianenko scores with a hook to the body.
Emelianenko tries to break the clinch but Oboev is controlling the position.
Emelianenko lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Emelianenko wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Oboev has him pressed against the cage.

Emelianenko breaks from the clinch.
Oboev fails with a takedown attempt.
Oboev tries for a takedown but Emelianenko sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Emelianenko stuns Oboev with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Flavor Emelianenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Emelianenko forces Oboev back against the cage and clinches.
Emelianenko is looking to break free of the clinch but Oboev has double underhooks.
A short right from Emelianenko on the inside.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Emelianenko manages to break the clinch.
Rulon Oboev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Emelianenko lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Oboev backs up against the cage.
Emelianenko throws a series of strikes that have Oboev backpedaling.

And that's the end of the fight!
Flavor Emelianenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Emelianenko 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 Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 25:30
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 25:30
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 25:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Flavor Emelianenko!