PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Phillipe Navarro (ranked 6336 p4p, 0 weight class) and Leha Zver (ranked 8286 p4p, 0 weight class). Leha Zver has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Navarro
vs
Zver

186 cm
20
270 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

203 cm
22
250 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Phillipe Navarro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Leha Zver!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Fedor Mirinova and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zver fails with the takedown

and Navarro holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Navarro tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Navarro misses with a punch on the inside.
Navarro goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Navarro really is a fat lump.
Zver tries to break the clinch but Navarro is controlling the position.
Navarro throws a knee to the head but misses.
Navarro misses with some punches.
Navarro tries to land knees in the clinch but Zver avoids the damage to the body.
Navarro tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zver's elbow.
Zver fails to pull guard.

Zver manages to pull guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zver wants to stand and escape but Navarro is having none of it.

Zver working for a triangle but Navarro defends it easily.
Navarro wants to stand but Zver is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zver throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Zver is trying to keep Navarro in close.
Zver is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Zver will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Zver shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Navarro but Navarro pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Phillipe Navarro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leha Zver.

Navarro moves into the clinch.
Navarro goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zver blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Navarro struggles to land a body shot inside as Zver controls his hands.
Navarro has a couple of punches blocked by Zver.
Navarro lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

It looks like Leha Zver has been cut.
A frustrated look appears on Zver's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Zver has Navarro pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Navarro manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Zver fails to pull guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zver has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Navarro is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Navarro utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Zver looks winded!
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Navarro obliges.
Navarro throws a head punch that misses.
Navarro landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Navarro tries to throw a body punch but Zver avoids it by throwing Navarro back against the cage.
Navarro crunches a lovely knee into Zver's ribcage.
Navarro misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Navarro landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Navarro lands an elbow inside.
Navarro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Navarro lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Navarro is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Navarro misses with a punch to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Navarro lands a knee to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Navarro.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Navarro lands a knee to the body.
Navarro tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zver's elbow.
Our sources have told us that Navarro has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Zver takes a knee to the side of the body.
Navarro doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Zver wants to get back to striking at distance but Navarro won't allow it.
Navarro creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Zver's defenses.
Navarro misses with a body punch.
Zver is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Navarro comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Navarro misses with a hook to the ribs.
Navarro landing knees to the head.
Navarro working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Navarro putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Zver in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Navarro lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Navarro misses with a shot to the kidneys.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Phillipe Navarro dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Leha Zver'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.

Zver takes the fight into the clinch.
Navarro tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zver avoids it.
Navarro lands a knee to the body.
Navarro is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Zver can do to turn this around?
Navarro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Navarro lands a good knee to the midsection. Zver won't want to take too many of those.
Navarro lands an elbow that stopped Zver in his tracks for a moment.
Navarro lands a knee to the head.
Navarro digs a right hand into Zver's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Zver's gas tank.
Navarro utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Navarro has a couple of punches blocked by Zver.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zver blocks a body shot from Navarro.
Navarro can't find room to land a body shot as Zver controls the action.
Zver is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Zver is breathing heavily.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Navarro.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zver is trying to maintain a safe position but Navarro gets an underhook and turns Zver into the cage.
Navarro lands a shoulder strike.
Zver is trying to pull guard but Navarro turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Phillipe Navarro has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zver.
Navarro putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Zver in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Navarro swings wildly with an uppercut but Zver uses good head movement to avoid it.
Navarro connects with a nasty looking knee right to Zver's face.
Navarro utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Navarro misses with a hook to the ribs.
Navarro lands with a left to the head.
Navarro misses with some punches.
Zver is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Navarro gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Navarro with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Navarro misses with a hook from the clinch.
Navarro landing knees to the head.
Navarro tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Navarro using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Zver has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Navarro lands a nice knee to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Navarro lands a knee to the head.
Navarro misses with a hook to the ribs.
Navarro misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zver.
Navarro trying to land knees to the body.
Navarro tries to throw a body punch but Zver avoids it by throwing Navarro back against the cage.
Navarro throws a punch but it's blocked by Zver.
Navarro gets underhooks to prevent Zver's takedown attempt.
Phillipe Navarro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leha Zver.
Navarro tries a body shot but Zver blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Navarro on the inside.
Zver takes an elbow to the temple.
Navarro can't find room to land a body shot as Zver controls the action.
A hook to the body from Navarro.
Zver on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Navarro has a couple of punches blocked by Zver.
Zver is working for takedown but Navarro is calmly controlling the position for now.
Navarro tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zver's elbow.
Navarro lands a good knee to the midsection. Zver won't want to take too many of those.
Navarro lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Zver is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Navarro to keep the fight standing.
Navarro working aggressively here.
Navarro doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Navarro lands an elbow inside that Zver shrugs off.
Navarro can't find room to land a body shot as Zver controls the action.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Navarro with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Navarro pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Zver tries to pull guard but Navarro won't allow it.
Navarro can't find room to land a body shot as Zver controls the action.
Navarro landing knees to the body.
Zver takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice elbow from Navarro.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Navarro lands a right hand.
Navarro lands a shoulder strike.
Zver is trying to pull guard but Navarro has him pressed against the cage.
Navarro struggles to land a body shot inside as Zver controls his hands.
Navarro struggles to land a body shot inside as Zver controls his hands.
Navarro tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zver avoids it.
Zver jumps guard but Navarro stands there with Zver around his waist. Zver gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Navarro connects with a nasty looking knee right to Zver's face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Phillipe Navarro dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Leha Zver's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Zver shoots in for a takedown but Navarro shows good takedown defense.

Zver darts in and clinches Navarro up against the cage.
Navarro lands a knee to the body.
Navarro putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Zver in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Navarro scores with a shoulder strike.
Navarro lands a knee to the head.
Navarro lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Navarro misses with a short punch on the inside.
Navarro with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Navarro working Zver over with knees to the body.
Navarro lands a knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Navarro connects with a nasty looking knee right to Zver's face.
Navarro unloads a knee to the mid-section. Zver lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Navarro misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Navarro lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Zver blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Navarro tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zver goes for a takedown attempt but Navarro pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Navarro closes the distance and pushes Zver back into the cage.
Navarro goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Navarro doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Zver prevents a body shot from Navarro.
Zver takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Navarro obliges.
Navarro misses with the head strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Navarro throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Zver blocks it with crossed arms.
Zver jumps guard but Navarro stands there with Zver around his waist. Zver gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Phillipe Navarro has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leha Zver.
Navarro with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Navarro swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Navarro throws a head punch that misses.
Zver blocks an elbow strike from Navarro.
Navarro lands a body punch.
Navarro tries to land a knee to the head but Zver blocks with his arms.
A short uppercut from Zver.
Zver tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Navarro can't find room to land a body shot as Zver controls the action.
Zver tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Navarro just stands there and leans against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zver blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Navarro scores with a knee to the head.
Zver jumps guard but Navarro turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Zver blocks a body shot from Navarro.
Good body shot from Zver.
Navarro tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Navarro gets underhooks to prevent Zver's takedown attempt.
Zver takes a knee to the side of the body.
Zver is trying to break the clinch but Navarro is controlling him.
Zver tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Navarro using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Navarro doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Navarro trying to land knees to the body.
Zver tries to pull guard but Navarro won't allow it.
Navarro tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Navarro landing knees to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Navarro can't find room to land a body shot as Zver controls the action.
Zver is working for takedown but Navarro is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Navarro obliges.
Navarro misses with a body punch.
Zver drops down looking for an ankle pick but Navarro pulls his leg out and moves away.
Navarro slaps away a takedown attempt from Zver, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Zver shoots in looking for a takedown. Navarro tries to sprawl out of it but Zver keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Navarro manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Navarro wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Leha Zver has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zver looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

And that's the end of the fight!
Phillipe Navarro showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Navarro, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 30:25
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:25
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:24

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Phillipe Navarro!