PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Andrey Lobtov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pavel Savkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Pavel Savkov will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Lobtov
vs
Savkov

150 cm
29
170 lbs
18 - 4 - 0

175 cm
22
180 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

MayheM sportswear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Andrey Lobtov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Pavel Savkov!
The judges for this bout are Ben Watson, Hugh Johnson and Francis DeMontford.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Savkov lands a head shot.
Savkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Lobtov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Lobtov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Bully Busters in the buildup to the fight.
Lobtov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Savkov lands a jab-cross combination.
Savkov throws a sloppy body shot

and Lobtov counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Savkov!
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Savkov tries to buck Lobtov off but Lobtov is having none of it.
Lobtov tries to score with some ground and pound. Savkov controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Savkov manages to get back to half guard.

Lobtov seems to be looking for submissions.
Lobtov throwing shots but Savkov is blocking nicely.
Savkov regains full guard. Nicely done.

Savkov has his foot on Lobtov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lobtov works his way back into a safe position though.
Lobtov is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Lobtov stopping the sweep attempt from Savkov.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Savkov looking for subs off his back but Lobtov has passed one foot through into half guard.
Savkov is looking to improve his position.
Lobtov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Savkov tries to roll over but Lobtov keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Lobtov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Lobtov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Savkov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Savkov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Lobtov is working away from the top position though.
Lobtov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Savkov trying to control from the bottom.

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Savkov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lobtov pulls his head out easily.

Savkov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lobtov pulls his head out easily.
Savkov manages to get to full guard.
Savkov is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Savkov looking for a sweep. Not yet Savkov, not yet.
Lobtov trying to control but Savkov is working from the bottom.
Our spies down at at St Petersburg MMA Gym inform us that Savkov has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lobtov stays in close to Savkov's body and controls the position.
Savkov keeping moving, preventing Lobtov from controlling successfully.

Savkov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Lobtov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Lobtov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Lobtov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Savkov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Lobtov is one step ahead there.

Savkov is looking for a triangle but Lobtov pushes his legs off easily.
Savkov keeping moving, preventing Lobtov from controlling successfully.

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

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.
Lobtov preventing the sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lobtov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

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

Savkov has his foot on Lobtov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Lobtov works his way back into a safe position though.
Savkov keeping moving, preventing Lobtov from controlling successfully.
Savkov trying to control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lobtov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Savkov keeping moving, preventing Lobtov from controlling successfully.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Pavel Savkov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Lobtov misses with a body shot.
Lobtov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Lobtov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Savkov moves away.
Lobtov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Savkov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Lobtov slips under a jab from Savkov.
Lobtov misses the shot to the body.
Lobtov misses with a body shot.
Savkov fails to land with a series of punches.
Savkov sizes up Lobtov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lobtov throws a lazy right hand but Savkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lobtov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Savkov manages to avoid it.
Savkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lobtov swings for the body but Savkov moves out of range.
Savkov lands a nice hook to Lobtov's body. Lobtov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Lobtov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Lobtov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Savkov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Savkov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Lobtov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
The fighters circling - Lobtov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Savkov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Lobtov lands with an overhand left.
Savkov scores with a jab to the head.
Savkov connects with a body shot.
Lobtov is looking to wear down Savkov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Savkov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lobtov.
Lobtov missing with a left hand there. Savkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Lobtov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Savkov throws a right and a left that Lobtov avoids nicely.
A swing and a miss from Savkov.
Pavel Savkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lobtov.
Savkov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Savkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lobtov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Savkov throws out a counter right but Lobtov avoids it with no problem.
Lobtov avoids the body shot from Savkov.
Lobtov jabs at Savkov's body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lobtov throws a body punch but Savkov moves out of range.
Lobtov throws a body punch but Savkov moves out of range.
Pavel Savkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lobtov swings for the body but Savkov moves out of range.
Savkov throws out a counter right but Lobtov avoids it with no problem.
Lobtov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Savkov.
Lobtov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Savkov scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Lobtov throws a jab but it's blocked by Savkov.
Savkov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Lobtov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Savkov.
Savkov clobbers Lobtov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savkov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Lobtov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Savkov misses with the combination.
Savkov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
The fighters circling - Lobtov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A nice side step and Savkov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Lobtov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Savkov.
It looked like Lobtov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Savkov slips under a jab.
Lobtov moves out of range as Savkov strikes.
Lobtov is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Savkov's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Savkov lands a glancing blow to the side of Lobtov's head.
Savkov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Savkov throws a series of punches but Lobtov moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lobtov connects with a crisp jab.
Lobtov stuns Savkov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Lobtov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lobtov misses with an uppercut. Savkov saw that one coming.
Savkov throws a right and a left that Lobtov avoids nicely.
Savkov lands with a right hand.
Savkov misses with a wild body shot.
Lobtov throws a body shot but no joy.
The fighters circling - Lobtov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Savkov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Lobtov throws the left hand but Savkov avoids the punch easily.
Lobtov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Savkov.
Savkov misses with a straight left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pavel Savkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Lobtov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Savkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Lobtov.
Savkov staying out of range there.
Lobtov throws a right hand that misses
and Savkov counters with a straight right hand.
Savkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Lobtov.
Lobtov digs a good body shot into Savkov's ribs.
Savkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Savkov dips to his left and cracks Lobtov with an uppercut!
Savkov looks to land a left hand but Lobtov moved out of range nicely.
Lobtov throws a shot from downtown. Savkov moves away and avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savkov misses with a double jab

and Lobtov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Lobtov.
Lobtov trying to control the position from guard on top but Savkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Savkov trying to keep a closed guard but Lobtov is proving a slippery customer.
Lobtov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lobtov wants to control from the top but Savkov keeps moving.
Savkov working a defensive guard but Lobtov manages to pass into side control anyway.
Lobtov trying to control the position but Savkov is working away.
Savkov struggling a bit here.
Savkov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Lobtov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Lobtov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Savkov is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Savkov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Savkov is trying to control Lobtov's posture but Lobtov avoids it.
Savkov manages to work his way to half guard, despite Lobtov's best efforts.

Lobtov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Savkov sees it coming and defends easily.
Andrey Lobtov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Lobtov wants to take a breather but Savkov is having none of it.

Lobtov seems to be looking for submissions.
Lobtov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Savkov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lobtov pulls his head out easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Savkov looking for submissions off his back.

Savkov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Savkov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Savkov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Savkov.
Lobtov is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Lobtov connects with a couple of short punches.
Andrey Lobtov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Lobtov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Lobtov drops back looking for a leg! Savkov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Savkov manages to kick Lobtov off! Lobtov jumps back into Savkov's guard.
Pavel Savkov 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.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Lobtov landing with the ground and pound.

Lobtov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Savkov has an active guard here but Lobtov has managed to pass into half guard.
Lobtov is thwarting Savkov's attempts to control the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Lobtov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Savkov defending well though.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andrey Lobtov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Savkov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Ben Watson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pavel Savkov!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Pavel Savkov waved his t-shirt featuring Hellbent 's logo in front of the cameras.
Andrey Lobtov spoke after the fight, saying 'Mama always says, Fights are like a box of chocolates,...u never know what u gonna get...'.