PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Mike Kovalev (ranked 5538 p4p, 267 weight class) and Matvey Pavlov (ranked 1642 p4p, 75 weight class). Mike Kovalev has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Kovalev
vs
Pavlov

150 cm
24
135 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

166 cm
20
149 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Mockstar Energy Drinks 160Q
Blue Moon

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mike Kovalev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matvey Pavlov!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Luis Engracia and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kovalev looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Pavlov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Pavlov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kovalev tries to avoid it but Pavlov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kovalev to the ground. Kovalev escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.

Pavlov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Kovalev on his heels. He'll look to pass Kovalev's guard now, I'm sure.
Kovalev could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Kovalev can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Pavlov controls the pace.
Kovalev wants to get back to his feet but Pavlov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Pavlov is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Kovalev tries to strike from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pavlov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Pavlov stands and throws Kovalev's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Pavlov goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Kovalev rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Pavlov's guard! Nice work there by Kovalev!
Pavlov is pulling down on Kovalev's head. It's preventing any offense from Kovalev, at least for the moment.

Pavlov looking to try and escape his hips here, looking for a submission. It looks like he's going for a triangle but Kovalev is defending well. Pavlov quickly switches to an armbar and extends the arm! Kovalev has no choice but to tap, to a very quick submission! Wow, that was lightning fast! Pavlov celebrates on the cage, with the crowd.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Matvey Pavlov!
Matvey Pavlov gave a mention to Mockstar Energy Drinks 160Q in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).