PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Wasyl Plutov (ranked 672 p4p, 1347 weight class) and Ernest Graves (ranked 88 p4p, 183 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.

Plutov
vs
Graves

178 cm
38
155
28 - 19 - 0

172 cm
33
160
24 - 24 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Altitude Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Wasyl Plutov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 24 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Ernest Graves!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Patrick Alders and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Plutov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Graves is stalling here.
Nice body punch from Graves - that landed with a thud.
Plutov blocks an uppercut.
Plutov lands a nice uppercut.
Graves tries for a takedown. No joy.
Plutov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Graves.
Our sources have told us that Plutov has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Plutov misses with an elbow strike.
Graves is looking to control Plutov's arms but Plutov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Graves has his back to the cage.
Graves lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Graves gets through Plutov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Plutov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Plutov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Plutov is trying to maintain a safe position but Graves gets an underhook and turns Plutov into the cage.
Plutov creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Plutov.
Plutov working aggressively here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Plutov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Plutov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Graves or not.

Graves has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Plutov uses from the top position.
Graves looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graves is still trying to improve position.

Graves has his foot on Plutov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Plutov works his way back into a safe position though.
Plutov throwing strikes but missing.

Plutov gets to his feet. Graves looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Graves feints and as Plutov raises his hands in defense, Graves changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Plutov uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Wasyl Plutov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Plutov clinches up with Graves and pushes him back against the cage.
Plutov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Plutov dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Graves blocks a body shot from Plutov.
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!
Nice body punch from Graves.
Graves misses with a punch on the inside.
Plutov has a couple of punches blocked by Graves.
Plutov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves lands a right hand that snaps the head of Plutov backwards.
Graves lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Plutov or not.
Graves lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Plutov blocks an uppercut.
Graves fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Graves pushes Plutov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Graves takes a shot to the head.
Graves scores with a nice hook to the head.
Plutov looking to throw knees to the head but Graves is blocking nicely.
Graves lands a shoulder strike.
Graves lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Plutov is trying to maintain a safe position but Graves gets an underhook and turns Plutov into the cage.
Graves managing to block the knees to the body from Plutov.
Plutov missing with knees to the body.
Plutov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Graves scores with a shoulder strike.
Plutov tries to stall but Graves uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Graves scores with a nice hook to the head.
Graves works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Plutov misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graves lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Plutov lands with a left to the head.
Plutov pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Graves.
Plutov taking a breather.
Plutov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Graves is keeping busy.
Graves tries to pull guard but Plutov won't allow it.
Wasyl Plutov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernest Graves.
Graves is working Plutov over against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Plutov.
Graves lands a hook that snaps the head of Plutov backwards.
Graves throws a head punch that misses.
Graves throws a punch but it's blocked by Plutov.
Graves tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Plutov's elbow.
Graves throws a punch but it's blocked by Plutov.
Plutov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Graves misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Graves fails to land.
Plutov letting Graves take a breather here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Graves has picked Plutov up - he's going for a ride! Graves dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Plutov pushes Graves off looking to stand but Graves dives back in and keeps control.
Plutov is in trouble now - Graves has advanced to mount!
Graves lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Graves thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
You get the feeling that Plutov really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Graves has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Plutov's face.
Graves won't let Plutov get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Graves lands a big elbow.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Graves putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Graves with good strikes from the mount here!
Plutov's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Graves lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Plutov hang on?
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ernest Graves dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Plutov swings and misses with a shot to the body
enabling Graves to counter with a crisp jab.
Plutov walks into a jab.
Graves moves away from the strike by Plutov.
Graves wants to clinch.

Plutov moves into the clinch.
Plutov blocking some punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Plutov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Plutov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Graves.
Graves takes an elbow to the temple.
Graves working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Graves throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Plutovs head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plutov lands a nice elbow.

It looks like Ernest Graves has been cut.
Graves misses with a hook from the clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Plutov takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Plutov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Plutov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Plutov digs a right hand underneath Graves's ribcage. Graves let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Graves misses with the head strike.
Graves has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Graves avoids a wild elbow strike from Plutov.
Plutov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Graves blocks the elbow strike.

Graves has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Plutov regains guard immediately.
Graves is standing up over Plutov. Plutov looks to escape but Graves dives into side control.
Graves working the body and head with strikes.
Graves creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Plutov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Graves is controlling him well.
Ernest Graves has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves trying to control the position but Plutov is working away.
Plutov tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.
Plutov is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plutov prevents Graves from getting a body triangle.
Graves is punishing Plutov with strikes - can he finish him?!
Graves lands a couple of good shots to his opponent's body and a final shot to the head. Good little attack there by Graves.
Plutov is covering up but some of the strikes from Graves are getting through and doing damage.
Plutov looking very determined here, making life difficult for Graves.

Plutov is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Graves gets his way!
Graves softening up his opponent with strikes here.
Plutov is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Graves struggling to keep hold of the position.
Graves gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.
Plutov is trying to get back to his feet but Graves has full control of the position and if anything, Plutov has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Graves has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Plutov looking very determined here, making life difficult for Graves.

Graves patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
This has been an exciting period of action!
Plutov is trapped and Graves is scoring with shots to the head and body.

Graves is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Graves scores with strikes from the back.
Plutov is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ernest Graves showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ernest Graves's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Graves shoots in for a takedown but Plutov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Graves shoots in looking for a takedown. Plutov tries to sprawl out of it but Graves keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Plutov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Graves ducks under a wild hook from Plutov.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Graves.

Plutov closes the distance and pushes Graves back into the cage.
Graves lands a right hand.
Graves looking for a takedown.
Wasyl Plutov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ernest Graves.
Plutov tries a body shot but Graves blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Plutov just misses with a elbow thrown towards Graves's brow.
Graves drops down looking for an ankle pick but Plutov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Wasyl Plutov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Plutov throws a series of punches but Graves moves out of range.
Graves swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Plutov. Those never looked like landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graves connects with the punch.
Plutov lunges at Graves with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Graves's hand.
Plutov throws a hook but Graves avoids it easily.
Graves with the counter takedown but Plutov avoids it easily.
Plutov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

Plutov has managed to clinch.
Plutov prevents the takedown attempt.
Graves's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Plutov stalling the fight.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Graves leaning his opponent against the cage.
Plutov trying to stall but Graves improves his position.
Plutov tries to land a knee to the head but Graves blocks with his arms.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Plutov is keeping busy.

Graves breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Plutov misses with a hook. Graves ducked under it nicely.
Graves walks into a straight right hand from Plutov.
A chopping leg kick lands by Plutov.
Graves blocks a jab.
Graves scores with a jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Plutov takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

Plutov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Graves, pushing him back against the cage.
Plutov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Plutov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Graves is keeping busy.
Plutov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Graves.
Plutov lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graves lands a right hand that snaps the head of Plutov backwards.
Plutov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Graves lands a left hand.
Graves blocks an elbow strike.
Graves goes for a takedown attempt but Plutov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Plutov clinches with his opponent.
Graves stalling.
Graves makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Plutov misses with an elbow over the top.
Plutov trying to land knees to the body.
Graves lands with a left to the head.
Plutov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Graves.
Graves avoids the elbow strike from Plutov, against the cage.
Graves scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Graves.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Plutov is looking to control Graves's arms but Graves gets an underhook and turns him. Now Plutov has his back to the cage.
Graves misses with some punches.
Graves lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Plutov.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Graves blocks a body shot from Plutov.
Plutov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Graves taking a breather.

Graves jumps guard and drags Plutov to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Graves is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Plutov is staying active underneath Graves, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Plutov is trying to stand back up but Graves is controlling him
Graves takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Graves is nestled in close to Plutov, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Ernest Graves just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Ernest Graves's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Graves ducks under a wild hook from Plutov.
Graves is looking for the big counter here.

Plutov rushes Graves and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Graves lands a hook that snaps the head of Plutov backwards.
Plutov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Graves scores with a shoulder strike.
Plutov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Graves makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Come on Graves - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Graves swings wildly with an uppercut but Plutov uses good head movement to avoid it.

Graves breaks from the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The crowd cheers as Plutov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Graves doesn't seem phased though.

Plutov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Plutov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Plutov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Graves avoids it.
Graves lands a left hand that snaps the head of Plutov backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plutov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Graves lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Graves gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Graves lands with a punch from half guard.
Graves seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Plutov pushes Graves off looking to stand but Graves dives back in and keeps control.
Graves wants to pass the guard but Plutov is defending well.
Plutov is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Graves scores with a couple of nice shots.
Graves works his way into full mount!
Graves postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Plutov looks a forlorn figure.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Plutov's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graves looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Graves cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

Plutov is rocked!
Plutov's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Oh Plutov is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Graves with a couple of short strikes.
Plutov takes a big shot to the dome and his eyes have rolled back in his head! Graves's killer instinct has kicked in as he finishes the fight with more strikes. Impressive finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:49 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ernest Graves!
Ernest Graves is the new lightweight champion!
Ernest Graves decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.