PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jakub Trabowski (ranked 3040 p4p, 305 weight class) and Stefano Skubini (ranked 3774 p4p, 367 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Trabowski
vs
Skubini

189 cm
27
252 lbs
12 - 9 - 0

193 cm
25
255 lbs
6 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 12 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jakub Trabowski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of London, Stefano Skubini!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A big head kick from Skubini and Trabowski is sent sprawling to the canvas!

It looks like Jakub Trabowski has been cut.
Skubini loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Trabowski trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Trabowski preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Skubini throws a strike but Trabowski rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Skubini looking for a sweep. Not yet Skubini, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Skubini is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Skubini is looking for a triangle but Trabowski pushes his legs off easily.
Trabowski throwing strikes but missing.
Trabowski throws a strike but Skubini rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Skubini throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Trabowski works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Skubini got a little sloppy there for a moment and Trabowski has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Skubini has managed to get both his arms back between Trabowski's legs - danger averted.
Skubini with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trabowski is pulling down on Skubini's head. It's preventing any offense from Skubini, at least for the moment.
Skubini throwing strikes but missing.
Trabowski is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Trabowski avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Skubini postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Trabowski controls Skubini momentarily but Skubini frees himself.
Skubini trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
My spies in London MMA Club inform me that Skubini has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Trabowski looking to hit a scissor sweep but Skubini is one step ahead there.
Trabowski is working hard here to advance position.

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.
Skubini wants to control from the top but Trabowski keeps moving.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Trabowski goes for a double leg but Skubini avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Skubini continues to drive forward.
Skubini tries a head kick but it misses.
Trabowski feinted with a counter takedown.
Skubini throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Good standup being displayed there by Skubini as he connects with a hook.
Skubini throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Skubini defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Trabowski.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Skubini misses with a head kick.
Skubini connects with a body shot.
Skubini lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Skubini misses with the combination.
Trabowski looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skubini misses with a wild body shot.
A jab from Skubini misses.
Skubini ducks under a wild hook from Trabowski.
Trabowski looks to land a combination but Skubini avoids it well.
Skubini is looking for the big counter here.
Skubini throws a sloppy head kick and Trabowski moves out of range easily.
Trabowski scores with a kick to the midsection.
Skubini throws a head kick that misses.
Sloppy strikes from Trabowski. Those never looked like landing.
Skubini cracks Trabowski with a right hand to the side of the head.
Skubini feints and then cracks Trabowski's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Trabowski down.
Stefano Skubini is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Skubini changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Skubini fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Skubini swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Skubini is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Trabowski rather than just go for the knockout.
Skubini wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Trabowski staying out of range there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Skubini chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Trabowski can pounce on him.
Skubini goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Trabowski tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Skubini paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Trabowski tests Skubini's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Skubini lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.

Trabowski moves into the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Skubini.
Skubini misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Trabowski.
Skubini managing to block the knees to the body from Trabowski.
Skubini's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Trabowski blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Skubini is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Trabowski is breathing heavily.
Skubini tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Trabowski's elbow.
A nice right hand lands inside from Skubini.
Trabowski tries to throw a body punch but Skubini avoids it by throwing Trabowski back against the cage.
Trabowski avoiding damage as Skubini throws knees to the body.
Skubini is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Trabowski is defending well for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stefano Skubini dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jakub Trabowski's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Skubini bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Trabowski's head backwards.
Trabowski looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Trabowski steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Skubini.
Trabowski tries to move into range but Skubini moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Skubini throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

Trabowski fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Skubini, pushing him back against the cage.
Skubini landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Skubini trying to land knees to the body.
Trabowski misses with a body punch.
Trabowski throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Skubini blocks it with crossed arms.
Trabowski managing to block the knees to the body from Skubini.
Skubini is leaning against Trabowski and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A shot in the inside from Skubini.
Skubini trying to land knees to the body.
Trabowski blocking some punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Trabowski lands a shoulder strike.
Trabowski lands a good knee to the midsection. Skubini won't want to take too many of those.
Trabowski misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Skubini.
Trabowski takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skubini gets through Trabowski's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Skubini missing with knees to the body.
Skubini blocks a body shot from Trabowski.
Trabowski tries to work over Skubini's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Skubini makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Skubini lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Skubini unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Skubini tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Skubini has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Skubini lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Skubini scores with a nice hook to the head.
Skubini is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Trabowski is defending well for now.
Skubini lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Skubini lands a left hand that snaps the head of Trabowski backwards.
Trabowski has a couple of punches blocked by Skubini.
Stefano Skubini seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Skubini lands with a light punch inside.
Knees to the body from Skubini.
Knees to the body from Skubini.
Trabowski missing with knees to the body.
Skubini missing with knees to the body.
Trabowski misses with a body punch.
Trabowski tries to work over Skubini's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Skubini throws a head punch that misses.
Trabowski on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Trabowski.
Trabowski digs a right hand into Skubini's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Skubini's gas tank.
Skubini missing with knees to the body.
Trabowski misses with a body punch.
A nice left hand lands by Skubini.
Skubini swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Skubini with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Still in the clinch, Skubini scores with a nice short uppercut.
Skubini landing knees to the body.
Trabowski tries to land knees in the clinch but Skubini avoids the damage to the body.
Knees to the body from Skubini.
Skubini landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Skubini crunches a lovely knee into Trabowski's ribcage.
Skubini lands a knee to the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Skubini obliges.
Skubini lands a shoulder strike.
Skubini misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Trabowski.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Skubini.
Trabowski blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Skubini lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Trabowski lands a hook that snaps the head of Skubini backwards.
Skubini lands a knee to the body.
Skubini can't find room to land a body shot as Trabowski controls the action.
Trabowski misses with a short punch on the inside.
Skubini utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Trabowski takes a knee to the side of the body.
Skubini misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Trabowski.
Trabowski misses with the head strike.
Skubini unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Skubini lands with a short shot to the head.
Trabowski can't find room to land a body shot as Skubini controls the action.
Skubini lands on the inside with an uppercut.
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!
Trabowski takes a shot to the head.
Trabowski avoiding damage as Skubini throws knees to the body.
Skubini tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Trabowski avoids it.
Skubini blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Trabowski struggles to land a body shot inside as Skubini controls his hands.
Skubini lands a right hand.
Trabowski avoiding damage as Skubini throws knees to the body.
Trabowski softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Skubini missing with knees to the body.
A short uppercut from Skubini.
Trabowski tries to land knees in the clinch but Skubini avoids the damage to the body.
Skubini lands a left hand.
Skubini crunches a lovely knee into Trabowski's ribcage.
Trabowski lands a body shot.
Skubini throws a punch but it's blocked by Trabowski.
Skubini lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Skubini lands a nice uppercut.
Trabowski on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Skubini avoiding damage as Trabowski throws knees to the body.
Trabowski swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Trabowski with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Skubini doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Skubini lands a left hand that snaps the head of Trabowski backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Stefano Skubini showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jakub Trabowski's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Skubini throws a head kick that misses.
An inside leg kick lands from Skubini.
Skubini pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Trabowski uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Skubini.
Skubini throws an overhand right that lands on Trabowski's shoulder, as Trabowski tries to avoid the shot.
Skubini pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A telegraphed right hand from Skubini misses the target.
Skubini misses with a double jab.
Trabowski tries to close the distance and clinch but Skubini swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Skubini as Trabowski shoots in.
Skubini looks like he wants to counter punch here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice shot by Skubini.

Trabowski shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Skubini's guard.
Skubini wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Trabowski manages to pass to side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Trabowski is trying to control. Skubini wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trabowski missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Trabowski landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Skubini on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Skubini manages to get to full guard.

Skubini looking for a guillotine here but Trabowski defends easily.
Skubini is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

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.
Trabowski lands a couple of digs.
Trabowski is looking to work some ground and pound but Skubini has wrist control.

Skubini is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Trabowski trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Trabowski passes Skubini's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Trabowski slips a nice elbow through Skubini's hands, connecting with Skubini's forehead.
Jakub Trabowski overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Trabowski prevents Skubini from standing back up.
Skubini regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Trabowski.
Skubini has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skubini lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Trabowski is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Skubini missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Skubini throws a strike but Trabowski rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Trabowski throwing strikes from guard but Skubini blocks nicely.
Skubini has momentary wrist control but Trabowski slips an elbow through the middle.
Skubini trying to keep a closed guard but Trabowski is proving a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Skubini working for a triangle but Trabowski defends it easily.
Trabowski lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Trabowski throwing strikes from guard but Skubini blocks nicely.
Skubini is trying to control the position but Trabowski postures up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Trabowski throws a big elbow that misses.

Skubini is looking for a triangle but Trabowski pushes his legs off easily.
Jakub Trabowski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stefano Skubini is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Trabowski in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Stefano Skubini.
I've got Skubini winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Stefano Skubini!
Stefano Skubini decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
Jakub Trabowski was interviewed post fight and said 'i want re-match'.