PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sergei Babakov (ranked 2334 p4p, 241 weight class) and Chosu McGrady (ranked 1786 p4p, 194 weight class). Sergei Babakov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Chosu McGrady's chin.

Babakov
vs
McGrady

176 cm
28
154 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

170 cm
22
150 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sergei Babakov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Chosu McGrady!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Richard Clark and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Babakov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and McGrady connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Babakov scrambles back to his feet.

It looks like Sergei Babakov has been cut.
McGrady fails to land the takedown.
Babakov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Babakov looks to land a combination but McGrady avoids it well.
McGrady changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
McGrady tries to score a power double leg takedown but Babakov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten McGrady somewhat.
McGrady ducks right into an uppercut from Babakov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGrady lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
McGrady misses with a takedown attempt

and Babakov counters by clinching up.
Sergei Babakov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chosu McGrady.
McGrady tries to pull guard but Babakov won't allow it.
I was talking to Babakov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
McGrady drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
McGrady is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babakov controlling the action here for a moment.
Babakov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of McGrady backwards.
McGrady looking for a takedown.
McGrady tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
McGrady can't break the clinch.
McGrady drops down looking for an ankle pick but Babakov pulls his leg out and moves away.
McGrady looks for a takedown but Babakov sprawls well.
McGrady tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Babakov swivels and escapes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Babakov. McGrady does a little dance to reset his feet.
McGrady steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Babakov.
McGrady connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Chosu McGrady seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McGrady looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Babakov is fending him off so far but McGrady persists. Nope, Babakov circles away and we're back to standing.
Babakov seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
McGrady tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Babakov was well out of range. Poor timing from McGrady.
Babakov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from McGrady.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Babakov scores with the left hand. McGrady knows he should have avoided that one.
Babakov lands a lovely overhand right.
McGrady scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Babakov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but McGrady was well out of range. Poor timing from Babakov.
Babakov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

McGrady is rocked!
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!
Babakov cracks McGrady with a nasty uppercut that draws ooohs from the crowd and sends McGrady tumbling backwards onto the mat. He tries to recover but Babakov pounces and lands a hail of unanswered strikes that forces the referee to step in to end the fight! McGrady is not happy but he gave the referee no choice!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sergei Babakov!