PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Alexey Andreev (ranked 542 p4p, 636 weight class) and Neyman Gariniho (ranked 75 p4p, 95 weight class). Neyman Gariniho acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Andreev
vs
Gariniho

175 cm
34
188
26 - 12 - 0

185 cm
34
196
28 - 18 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

KOMBAT KLOTHING
Altitude Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexey Andreev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 18 - 0, fighting out of London, Neyman Gariniho!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Kenichi Hosakawa and Sosuke Kotani.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Andreev tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gariniho was well out of range. Poor timing from Andreev.
No luck for Andreev with that takedown attempt.
Andreev throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Gariniho's waist but Gariniho gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Andreev off to one side.
Andreev throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gariniho sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Gariniho tries to clinch but Andreev moves out of range.
Andreev takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Andreev on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

Gariniho darts in and clinches Andreev up against the cage.
Gariniho has Andreev pushed against the cage.
Andreev with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Andreev misses with the head strike.

Gariniho manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gariniho slips a jab from Andreev.
Andreev tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gariniho swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexey Andreev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gariniho throws a leg kick but Andreev checks it.
Andreev looks to land a right hand but Gariniho moved out of range.
Andreev walks into a straight right hand from Gariniho.
Gariniho scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andreev is looking to chop away at Gariniho's legs.
A bone on bone clash there as Andreev blocks the leg kick.
Andreev tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Andreev throws a big shot that misses.
Gariniho blocks a leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Gariniho. Andreev does a little dance to reset his feet.
Andreev throws a body shot but no joy.
Gariniho is looking to clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Andreev takes one on the button.
Andreev misses with a double jab.
Gariniho walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Gariniho is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Gariniho fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Andreev manages to avoid it.
An inside leg kick lands from Gariniho.
Andreev throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gariniho sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Andreev misses with a looping right.
Andreev avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andreev misses with an uppercut.
Andreev connects with a looping right hand.
Gariniho checks a leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Andreev shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Gariniho eats them both and turns towards Andreev to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Andreev misses with a body shot
and Gariniho counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Gariniho tries to clinch but Andreev moves out of range.
Gariniho avoids a punch combination nicely.
Gariniho appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Neyman Gariniho is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Andreev misses with a hook.

Gariniho moves into the clinch.
Andreev is trying to stall.
Gariniho dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Andreev misses with an elbow over the top.
Our sources have told us that Andreev has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Andreev throws a punch but it's blocked by Gariniho.

Andreev pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Gariniho lands a head kick. Andreev smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

It looks like Alexey Andreev has been cut.
Andreev misses with a straight right.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andreev cracks Gariniho with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Andreev misses with a series of wild punches.
Gariniho is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Andreev rather than just go for the knockout.
No luck for Andreev with that takedown attempt.
Andreev works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

Gariniho has taken the fight to the clinch.
Andreev being controlled against the cage.
Gariniho tries a body shot but Andreev blocks it.

Andreev wants the takedown. Gariniho is fighting it off but Andreev persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Gariniho's guard against the cage.
Andreev is working Gariniho over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Gariniho keeping moving, preventing Andreev from controlling successfully.
Andreev is looking to work some ground and pound but Gariniho has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gariniho is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Andreev is controlling him.
Andreev works over Gariniho with some ground and pound from guard.
Gariniho utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Gariniho avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gariniho controlling the position.
Andreev won't allow Gariniho to get back to his feet.
Andreev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Andreev working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Gariniho keeping moving, preventing Andreev from controlling successfully.
Andreev working some strikes from top position.
Andreev won't allow Gariniho to sweep him here.
Andreev in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Alexey Andreev will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Alexey Andreev's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Andreev takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Gariniho uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Andreev.
Gariniho slips a straight right by Andreev.
Andreev throws an overhand right that lands on Gariniho's shoulder, as Gariniho tries to avoid the shot.
Andreev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Andreev misses the jab.
The crowd cheers as Gariniho lands an impressive looking overhand right. Andreev doesn't seem phased though.
Andreev gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Andreev shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gariniho pinned against the cage. Gariniho gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Neyman Gariniho seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Andreev takes one to the chin there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gariniho tries to clinch up.
Andreev looks to throw the jab but Gariniho is out of range.
Andreev throws a leg kick that misses.
A nice inside leg kick there by Andreev. That's going to slow Gariniho down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andreev fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gariniho avoids it really well and circles away.
Gariniho thinks about the counter body kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexey Andreev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A big left from Andreev misses.
Andreev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Andreev has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Gariniho.
Gariniho moves away from the strike by Andreev.

Andreev shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Andreev trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gariniho managing to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andreev looking to pass the guard.
Gariniho is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Andreev is controlling him.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Andreev postures up and lands a big shot to Gariniho's brow.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gariniho working a defensive guard here.
Gariniho working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Andreev.
Gariniho keeping moving, preventing Andreev from controlling successfully.
Andreev is in close to Gariniho's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andreev trying to control the position from guard on top but Gariniho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Andreev landing some decent shots from guard.
Gariniho is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Gariniho working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Andreev.
Andreev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Andreev trying to control but Gariniho is working from the bottom.
Andreev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Gariniho's head.
Andreev trying to control but Gariniho is working from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Andreev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andreev connects with a couple of short punches.
Andreev distracts Gariniho with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Andreev trying to control the position from guard on top but Gariniho is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Alexey Andreev overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Andreev is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Gariniho is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Andreev postures up in Gariniho's guard and throws a big left but Gariniho blocks it.
Gariniho is looking to stand up but Andreev isn't so interested in that idea.
Andreev trying to control but Gariniho is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gariniho preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexey Andreev dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Alexey Andreev'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. This is the final round!

Gariniho slips under a jab from Andreev.
Gariniho appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Gariniho chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Andreev lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Andreev.
Andreev misses with a two punch combination.
And Gariniho responds with a good body kick, but Andreev manages to step out the way in time.
Andreev throws a right hand that Gariniho ducks under and follows up with a left that Gariniho also avoids with ease.
Andreev walks into a left hand.
Andreev misses the jab.
Andreev throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Gariniho sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Andreev tries to keep at a distance but Gariniho has taken the fight into the clinch.
Andreev is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Gariniho's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Gariniho using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Andreev has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Gariniho working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Andreev has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Gariniho clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

Gariniho is looking to stand back up. He's having to work hard to escape but eventually he manages it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Andreev lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Andreev looks to land a left hand but Gariniho moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Andreev throws an overhand right that lands on Gariniho's shoulder, as Gariniho tries to avoid the shot.
Andreev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Gariniho tries to avoid it but Andreev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Gariniho to the ground. Gariniho escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Gariniho slips under a jab from Andreev.
Gariniho lands a nice hook to Andreev's body. Andreev takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

Gariniho pushes Andreev up against the cage in a clinch.

Gariniho breaks the clinch.
Gariniho has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Gariniho moves out of range of the leg kick from Andreev.
Gariniho ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A good leg kick by Gariniho.

Gariniho moves into the clinch successfully.

Gariniho's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Gariniho closes the distance and clinches.

Gariniho breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Both fighters circling a little - Gariniho finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Gariniho blocks a jab.
Gariniho unleashes a big counter combination but Andreev bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Andreev misses with a body shot.
Gariniho drops his hands momentarily and Andreev takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice sprawl there from Gariniho as Andreev shoots in.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Andreev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Gariniho circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexey Andreev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Gariniho lands with a straight right. Andreev didn't see that one coming.
Gariniho throws a looping overhand right but Andreev ducks down to avoid it.
Gariniho wants to clinch up but Andreev keeps it at a distance.
Andreev paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Gariniho tries to clinch but Andreev is having none of it.
Andreev misses with a body shot.
Gariniho moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
A telegraphed right hand from Andreev misses the target.
Gariniho dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Andreev. That did some damage!
Gariniho slips a jab and a cross from Andreev.
Andreev throws a right hand that Gariniho ducks under and follows up with a left that Gariniho also avoids with ease.
Andreev doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Andreev takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A punch combination from Andreev misses.
Andreev walks into a jab.
Andreev throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Gariniho let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Andreev swats away the attempt to clinch by Gariniho.
Andreev lands a jab to the head.
Gariniho cracks Andreev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Andreev misses with a two punch combination.
Gariniho counters with a body kick.
Gariniho tries to clinch but Andreev moves out of range.
Andreev attempts a counter takedown but Gariniho avoids it well and moves away.
Andreev avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Gariniho dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Gariniho tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Andreev paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Gariniho tries a low kick but Andreev avoids it.
An attempted straight right counter from Andreev misses the target.
Gariniho ducks under a wild hook from Andreev.
Gariniho wants to clinch up but Andreev keeps it at a distance.
Gariniho lands a jab.
Gariniho tries to close the distance and clinch up but Andreev swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gariniho is looking to clinch but Andreev is avoiding it.
Andreev bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Gariniho's head backwards.
Alexey Andreev is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Andreev swats away the attempt to clinch by Gariniho.
Andreev throws a jab but it's blocked by Gariniho.
Andreev fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Gariniho feints a counter leg kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Gariniho as he connects with a hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Andreev punishes Gariniho's body with a nice straight punch.
Gariniho misses with a looping left.
Gariniho blocks a jab.
Andreev moves away from the strike by Gariniho.
Andreev uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Neyman Gariniho has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gariniho slips under a jab from Andreev.
Gariniho lands with a nice body punch.
Gariniho wants to clinch up but Andreev keeps it at a distance.
Gariniho walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Andreev checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Andreev blocks a head kick by Gariniho.
Gariniho lands a right hook to the body.
Gariniho bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Andreev throws a hook but Gariniho avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Neyman Gariniho comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Andreev has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 29:28
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexey Andreev!
After winning the bout, Alexey Andreev thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.