PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Matvey Pavlov (ranked 570 p4p, 26 weight class) and Takeru Kubota (ranked 2632 p4p, 138 weight class). Pavlov comes to the cage accompanied by Prokofiev - Dance of the Knights. Kubota has chosen Devilman No Uta as his entrance music. Matvey Pavlov has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Pavlov
vs
Kubota

166 cm
21
149 lbs
10 - 0 - 0

170 cm
20
140 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Mockstar Energy Drinks 160Q
BuriedAlive// Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Matvey Pavlov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Takeru Kubota!
The judges for this bout are Micheangelo Fripello, Jeff Smith and Josh West.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pavlov looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Pavlov controlling the action here.
Kubota won't allow Pavlov to pass to mount.
Kubota is trying to stand back up but Pavlov is controlling him
Kubota really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Pavlov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Pavlov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kubota doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Pavlov.

Pavlov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kubota sees it coming and defends easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pavlov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kubota doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Pavlov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pavlov is controlling the pace.

Pavlov wants to work for an arm triangle but Kubota is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kubota holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Kubota looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura but Kubota is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Pavlov to get the leverage.
Kubota trying to control but Pavlov postures up.

Pavlov wants to work for an arm triangle but Kubota is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Pavlov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kubota sees it coming and defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pavlov is working for a submission of some sort.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Kubota wants to control but Pavlov passes into side.
Pavlov tries to advance to mount but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Pavlov is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Kubota's shoulder. That is not cool.

Pavlov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Kubota is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Pavlov slows the pace down.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Pavlov trying to control the action but Kubota is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matvey Pavlov dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kubota cracks Pavlov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kubota thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Pavlov if he has to take too many more of those.

Kubota gets caught flat footed, as Pavlov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Pavlov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kubota swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kubota keeping moving, preventing Pavlov from controlling successfully.
Kubota pulls Pavlov in close to prevent any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pavlov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kubota has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota is not content to let Pavlov control the position.
Kubota can't do much from the bottom here.

Pavlov tries for a kimura but Kubota is defending well.
Kubota is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Pavlov trying to control the position but Kubota is working away.

Pavlov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Kubota is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Kubota is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Pavlov asserts his dominance and retains side control.

Pavlov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Pavlov is looking to take a break and control but Kubota is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pavlov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kubota, who protects the arm well.

Pavlov tries for a kimura but Kubota is defending well.

Pavlov goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Kubota rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Pavlov's guard! Nice work there by Kubota!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kubota preventing the sweep.

Pavlov has his foot on Kubota's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kubota works his way back into a safe position though.
Pavlov seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Kubota being controlled here momentarily.
Matvey Pavlov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Pavlov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Pavlov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Pavlov pulls Kubota in close to his closed guard and prevents Kubota from doing any damage or advancing position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matvey Pavlov dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Pavlov is defended easily by Kubota.
Pavlov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kubota avoids it really well and circles away.
Kubota jabs Pavlov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Pavlov walks into a jab.
Pavlov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kubota can do to turn this around?
Pavlov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kubota can pounce on him.
Pavlov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kubota lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Pavlov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Pavlov lands in his opponent's guard.
Kubota is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pavlov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kubota has escaped the position, nice work there.
Pavlov wants to control but Kubota is keeping him busy.

Pavlov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Pavlov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Kubota tries to buck Pavlov off but Pavlov is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pavlov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Kubota can't do much from the bottom here.

Pavlov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kubota is looking to reverse the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pavlov thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Kubota gets back to half guard.
Pavlov moves nicely into side control.
Kubota tries to improve position but can't.

Pavlov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Kubota has escaped the position, nice work there.

Pavlov goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Kubota has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Pavlov but great work by Kubota.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pavlov is not content to let Kubota control the position.
Kubota tries to stand but Pavlov controls the position and pulls Kubota into his guard.

Pavlov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kubota is aware though and is defending well.

Pavlov has his foot on Kubota's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kubota works his way back into a safe position though.
Pavlov is trying to keep Kubota in close.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pavlov wants to sweep here but Kubota controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Takeru Kubota just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Pavlov sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Kubota moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Pavlov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Crunch! Kubota slams his shin into Pavlov's torso.
Pavlov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Kubota lands a head kick. Pavlov smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Pavlov dives in and grabs Kubota's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kubota pushes down on Pavlov's head and hops out.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Pavlov.
Kubota looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matvey Pavlov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kubota connects with the punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kubota.
Kubota scores with a leg kick.
Takeru Kubota seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Pavlov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kubota plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota feints and then cracks Pavlov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Pavlov down.
Kubota cracks the inside of Pavlov's front leg.
Pavlov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kubota is fending him off so far but Pavlov persists. Nope, Kubota circles away and we're back to standing.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kubota throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Pavlov.
Pavlov darts in looking for a takedown but Kubota gets double underhooks and turns Pavlov into the cage.
Kubota lands a nice leg kick that just misses Pavlov's sensitive parts.
Kubota leaves Pavlov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Pavlov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kubota but Kubota pushes him off and we're back to square one.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
An inside leg kick lands from Kubota.
Pavlov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Pavlov takes a kick to the side of the head.
Kubota stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kubota wants it to stay on the feet.
Kubota changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Pavlov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Pavlov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Matvey Pavlov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kubota thumps Pavlov with a low kick.
Pavlov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kubota sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pavlov somewhat.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Kubota - that will leave a mark!
Kubota connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Pavlov's hands.
Pavlov shoots in looking for a takedown. Kubota tries to sprawl out of it but Pavlov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kubota manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kubota throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Kubota's jab looks to have found its range, popping Pavlov under the eye.
Kubota stuffs the takedown.
Kubota ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kubota is looking to slow Pavlov down with leg kicks.
Kubota stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kubota wants it to stay on the feet.
Kubota lands a nice leg kick that just misses Pavlov's sensitive parts.
Kubota wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Pavlov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kubota.
Pavlov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Kubota turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kubota lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Kubota cracks the inside of Pavlov's front leg.
Nice takedown defense from Kubota. No joy for Pavlov on that attempt.
Pavlov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Pavlov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kubota lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kubota. That's going to slow Pavlov down.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pavlov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kubota, right into the meat.
That kick from Kubota tenderised Pavlov's leg. Pavlov is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pavlov fails with a takedown attempt.
Kubota dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Pavlov. That did some damage!
Kubota cracks Pavlov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

Pavlov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Kubota on his heels. He'll look to pass Kubota's guard now, I'm sure.
Kubota is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Kubota pushes Pavlov off and scrambles back to his feet.

Pavlov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Kubota on his heels. He'll look to pass Kubota's guard now, I'm sure.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Pavlov looking to sit in guard and control but Kubota 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.

Takeru Kubota dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Pavlov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kubota's waist but Kubota gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Pavlov off to one side.
Pavlov looks for a takedown but Kubota sprawls well.
Kubota lands a leg kick that knocks Pavlov off balance momentarily.
Kubota explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Kubota lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kubota lunges at Pavlov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Pavlov's hand.
Kubota bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Kubota throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Pavlov's head.
Kubota misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pavlov will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Good exchange - Kubota coming out on top.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pavlov fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matvey Pavlov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Pavlov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kubota can pounce on him.
Pavlov dives in for a single leg takedown but Kubota sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kubota scores with a hook to the body. Pavlov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kubota feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Pavlovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Good leg kick by Kubota there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kubota goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Kubota stuffs the takedown attempt from Pavlov. Pavlov gets slowly back to his feet.
Pavlov takes a kick to the side of the head.
Pavlov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Kubota is looking to slow Pavlov down with leg kicks.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Pavlov crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Kubota - the referee stops the clock and Pavlov gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Kubota. Pavlov manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

Pavlov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Pavlov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kubota doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Pavlov.
Pavlov prevents Kubota from improving his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kubota is defending against the submission attempts here by Pavlov.
Kubota is trying to stand back up but Pavlov is controlling him

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pavlov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Kubota is just riding it out for now. Pavlov eventually gives up the hold.
Pavlov is keen to just control but Kubota is a slippery customer.
Pavlov trying to mount his opponent but Kubota defends it.

Pavlov is working for a kimura but Kubota is defending it quite comfortably.

Pavlov 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.

That's four 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.

Pavlov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Kubota has managed to free his arm - good work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pavlov is keen to just control but Kubota is a slippery customer.

And that's the end of the fight!
Takeru Kubota comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kubota 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight 48:47
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 46:48
Judge Josh West scores the fight 46:48

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Takeru Kubota!
Takeru Kubota is the new bantamweight champion!
A less than humble Takeru Kubota misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.
Matvey Pavlov spoke after the fight, saying 'Honestly shocked I haven't lost sooner. Never Boxed or done Muay Thai a day in my life. This MMA thing was temporary until some grappling orgs came about'.