PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Enrique Saravia (ranked 1755 p4p, 2464 weight class) and Felix Krnacova (ranked 266 p4p, 361 weight class). The key to victory for Enrique Saravia has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Saravia
vs
Krnacova

178 cm
25
195
12 - 6 - 0

190 cm
39
195
19 - 24 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Voodoo Nutrition

Glomco Nutrition
Gatoroids

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 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Enrique Saravia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 24 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Felix Krnacova!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Wagner Zegers and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Krnacova misses with a head kick.
Saravia is looking to counter punch.
Krnacova displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Saravia throws out the jab.
Saravia throws a body punch but Krnacova moves out of range.

Krnacova changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Saravia looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Krnacova scores with a couple of short elbows.
Krnacova scoring with punches and elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Krnacova is staying tight to Saravia's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Saravia can't do much from the bottom here.
Saravia tries to get back to half guard but can't.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Krnacova lands a decent elbow from side control.
Krnacova cracks Saravia with a big right hand but Saravia just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Saravia is trying to control Krnacova's posture but Krnacova avoids it.
Krnacova grinds an elbow into Saravia's temple.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Krnacova cracks Saravia with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Saravia struggling a bit here.
You can see the frustration on Saravia's face as Krnacova controls the position.
You can see the frustration on Saravia's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Krnacova lands an elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krnacova landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Krnacova controls the position.
Krnacova working away.
Krnacova working the body and head with strikes.
Krnacova is looking to take a break and control but Saravia is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Krnacova cracks Saravia with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Saravia is trying to get back to half guard.
Saravia dodges the ground and pound from Krnacova.
Krnacova lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Saravia stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
Saravia struggling a bit here.
Saravia tries to improve position but can't.
Krnacova has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saravia is working hard here to advance position.
A lull in the action here.
Saravia struggling a bit here.
Saravia is not content to let Krnacova control the position.
Krnacova looks up at the clock and then as Saravia takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Krnacova smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Saravia can't do much from the bottom here.
Saravia is trying to get back to his feet.
Krnacova cracks Saravia with a big right hand but Saravia just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Krnacova lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Saravia down.
Krnacova wants to control but Saravia is keeping him busy.
Saravia wants to control but Krnacova postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
Krnacova scores with a couple of short elbows.
Krnacova scoring with punches and elbows.
Saravia tries to bench press Krnacova off him but Krnacova keeps the position.
Saravia can't do much from the bottom here.
Saravia is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Saravia might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Saravia is not content to let Krnacova control the position.
Krnacova lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Saravia down.
Saravia is trying to control Krnacova's posture but Krnacova avoids it.
Saravia is trying to get back to half guard.
Krnacova controlling the position from side mount.
Krnacova in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saravia trying to remain calm as Krnacova controls from the top position.
Saravia is working to avoid the ground and pound but Krnacova connects with a decent elbow.
Saravia taking punishment in the form of punches.
Saravia is trying to control Krnacova's posture but Krnacova avoids it.
Krnacova is chipping away with strikes.
Krnacova wants to control but Saravia is keeping him busy.
Saravia tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Krnacova wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Saravia takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Krnacova lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Saravia holds on to Krnacova's head and controls the position momentarily.
Saravia is not content to let Krnacova control the position.
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!
Saravia is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Saravia is looking to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Saravia throws a body punch but Krnacova moves out of range.
Krnacova unleashes a big counter combination but Saravia bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

Krnacova darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Saravia is trying to maintain the position but Krnacova is very close to passing his half guard.
Krnacova lands with a punch from half guard.
Saravia wants to control but Krnacova is keeping busy.
Krnacova wants to control but Saravia is keeping him busy.
Saravia is trying to control but can't.
Krnacova slips a nice elbow through Saravia's hands, connecting with Saravia's forehead.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saravia is looking to control Krnacova's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Saravia avoid being mounted?
Still in half guard, Krnacova seems content to control.
Saravia moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Krnacova preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krnacova's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Krnacova trying to control but Saravia is working from the bottom.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Krnacova's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Krnacova preventing the sweep.
Saravia is trying to control the position but Krnacova postures up.
Krnacova content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Saravia looking to control.
Krnacova trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Krnacova showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Saravia is trying to keep Krnacova in close.
Saravia tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Saravia has momentary wrist control but Krnacova slips an elbow through the middle.
Krnacova throws a big elbow that misses.
Krnacova working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Saravia's head.
Saravia tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Krnacova postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Krnacova landing with the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Saravia is on top in guard.

There's a bit of a scramble here and now Krnacova is on top in guard.

Krnacova looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Saravia has control of Krnacova's left arm, preventing Krnacova from doing any damage.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Krnacova working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
Saravia utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Saravia being controlled here, momentarily.
Felix Krnacova has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Krnacova's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Krnacova chips away with some ground and pound.
Krnacova postures up.
Krnacova not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Krnacova connects with a couple of short punches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Krnacova scoring with some ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saravia working a defensive guard here.
Saravia has Krnacova pulled in close to control his posture.
Saravia is trying to keep Krnacova in close.
Krnacova preventing the sweep.
Saravia trying to keep a closed guard but Krnacova is proving a slippery customer.
Krnacova is stalling in the full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Krnacova's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Krnacova is in close to Saravia's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Saravia keeping moving, preventing Krnacova from controlling successfully.
Krnacova lands a couple of elbows.
Krnacova distracts Saravia with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Krnacova lands a couple of digs.
Krnacova preventing the sweep.
Saravia is trying to control the position but Krnacova postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krnacova trying to control but Saravia is working from the bottom.
Krnacova is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Krnacova scoring with some ground and pound.
Krnacova slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Saravia controls Krnacova momentarily but Krnacova frees himself.
Saravia has momentary wrist control but Krnacova slips an elbow through the middle.
Krnacova being controlled here momentarily.
Saravia controls Krnacova momentarily but Krnacova frees himself.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Saravia looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Krnacova sitting in guard here, content to control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Felix Krnacova showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Krnacova will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Saravia fails to land with a series of punches.

Krnacova closes the distance and clinches.
Saravia lands a hook that snaps the head of Krnacova backwards.
Krnacova tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Saravia just stands there and leans against the cage.
Saravia misses with a punch on the inside.
Saravia throws a punch but it's blocked by Krnacova.
Krnacova tries for a takedown. No joy.
Enrique Saravia has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Felix Krnacova.
Krnacova tries to pull guard but Saravia forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Krnacova is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Saravia gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Saravia tries a body shot but Krnacova blocks it.
Saravia tries to throw a body punch but Krnacova avoids it by throwing Saravia back against the cage.
Krnacova blocking some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krnacova prevents a body shot from Saravia.
Still in the clinch, Saravia scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saravia pushes Krnacova back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Saravia lands a right hand.
Krnacova jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Saravia walks away with a smile on his face. Krnacova gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Saravia displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Krnacova.
Krnacova has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Krnacova takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krnacova keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Krnacova fails with the takedown.
Saravia moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Krnacova dives in for a single leg takedown but Saravia sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Krnacova shoots for a takedown but Saravia saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Saravia throws a body punch but Krnacova moves out of range.
Saravia misses with a right hand

and Krnacova counters with a shoot takedown. Saravia fights it but they end up in guard.
Saravia is pulling down on Krnacova's head to control his posture.
Saravia wants to sweep here but Krnacova controlling him for the moment.
Saravia controls Krnacova momentarily but Krnacova frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saravia keeping moving, preventing Krnacova from controlling successfully.
Krnacova stands up over Saravia, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Saravia seems keen to control Krnacova's posture.

Saravia is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Krnacova blocking some punches.
Saravia fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Saravia.
Krnacova jumps guard but Saravia turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Saravia misses with a short punch on the inside.

Krnacova pulls guard.
Saravia has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Krnacova is proving hard to escape from.
Krnacova wants to sweep here but Saravia controlling him for the moment.
Saravia looking to pass the guard.
Krnacova not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saravia trying to control the position from guard on top but Krnacova is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Krnacova is on top in guard.

Krnacova lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Krnacova won't allow Saravia to sweep him here.
Krnacova scoring with some ground and pound.
Krnacova lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Krnacova sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Saravia tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Krnacova lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Krnacova preventing the sweep.
Krnacova working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Saravia trying to control the position.
Krnacova controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saravia is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Saravia wants to stand and escape but Krnacova is having none of it.
Saravia being controlled here, momentarily.
Krnacova's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Krnacova throwing strikes but missing.
Krnacova is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Saravia wants to sweep but no luck.
Krnacova is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Nice sprawl there from Saravia as Krnacova shoots in.
Saravia displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Krnacova.
Enrique Saravia has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Krnacova ducks under a wild hook from Saravia.

And that's the end of the fight!
Enrique Saravia showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Krnacova 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 28:29
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 28:29
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 28:29

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