PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Hayato Sakuraba (ranked 768 p4p, 827 weight class) and Nikolay Leonov (ranked 103 p4p, 135 weight class). Hayato Sakuraba could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Nikolay Leonov's chin.

Sakuraba
vs
Leonov

180 cm
31
202
11 - 10 - 0

180 cm
31
195
15 - 12 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Very strong

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Highland Clothing
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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 11 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, Hayato Sakuraba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolay Leonov!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leonov scoring well with a low kick there.
Sakuraba with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Leonov to score with a decent uppercut.
Leonov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Leonov thows a leg kick but Sakuraba checks it

and Sakuraba counters with a nice double leg into guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Leonov manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.
Sakuraba fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Leonov breaks the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov swinging wildly here.
Sakuraba takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sakuraba stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Leonov.
Leonov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Leonov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakuraba momentarily.
Leonov thuds a left hand into Sakuraba's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba takes a jab right on the kisser.
Leonov catches Sakuraba with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Leonov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sakuraba.
Sakuraba misses with the combination.
Leonov throws a leg kick but Sakuraba sees it coming and moves out of range.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Leonov sprawls well. Leonov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leonov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A left and a right from Leonov both land. Nice combination.
Leonov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Leonov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakuraba.
Leonov misses with a hook

and Sakuraba counters with a nice double leg into side control. Leonov won't be happy with that.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
You can see the frustration on Leonov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Sakuraba landing strikes.
Leonov is not content to let Sakuraba control the position.
Sakuraba prevents Leonov from escaping the position.
Sakuraba working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sakuraba goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Leonov has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Sakuraba but great work by Leonov.
Leonov in side control, throwing shots but Sakuraba defends.
Sakuraba defending against the ground and pound.
A control attempt from Sakuraba but he's now mounted!
Sakuraba tries to lock up and control but Leonov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Sakuraba is wriggling around trying to escape.
We've been hearing good reports from Sakuraba's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Leonov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sakuraba is looking to escape.
Leonov throws some wild stikes that Sakuraba manages to avoid easily.
Sakuraba is squirming around, avoiding Leonov's attempts to control the action.
Sakuraba is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Leonov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Sakuraba is looking to improve his position but Leonov isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakuraba wants to hold on but Leonov pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leonov throwing strikes here but Sakuraba is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Leonov throwing strikes here but Sakuraba is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Sakuraba is looking to improve his position but Leonov isn't that keen on the idea.
Sakuraba is working hard here to advance position.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Leonov cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov throwing strikes here but Sakuraba is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Sakuraba wants to control but Leonov is having none of it.
Leonov trying to control but Sakuraba is having none of it.
Leonov unloads with some shots from mount but Sakuraba bucks and avoids them well.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Sakuraba steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Leonov.
Leonov scores with a nice head shot.
Leonov misses with a combination

and Sakuraba counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Sakuraba.
Nikolay Leonov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Sakuraba throwing strikes but missing.
Leonov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sakuraba loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Sakuraba throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Leonov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Leonov wants to stand and escape but Sakuraba is having none of it.
Leonov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba postures up in Leonov's guard and throws a big left but Leonov blocks it.
Sakuraba prevents Leonov from getting back to his feet.
Leonov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Sakuraba stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Leonov swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Leonov keeping moving, preventing Sakuraba from controlling successfully.

Sakuraba drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sakuraba jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sakuraba won't allow Leonov to get back to his feet.
Leonov wants to sweep here but Sakuraba controlling him for the moment.
Sakuraba is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Leonov is looking to stand up but Sakuraba isn't so interested in that idea.

Leonov is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Sakuraba presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Sakuraba tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Leonov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Sakuraba is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Leonov to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba jumps guard but Leonov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Sakuraba tries to pull guard but Leonov won't allow it.
Sakuraba tries to throw a body punch but Leonov avoids it by throwing Sakuraba back against the cage.

Leonov breaks the clinch.
Leonov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Leonov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Sakuraba ducks right into an uppercut from Leonov.
Sakuraba walks into a stiff left hand from Leonov.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Leonov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Leonov looks to land a combination but Sakuraba avoids it well.
Sakuraba changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Leonov throws a leg kick but Sakuraba sees it coming and moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Leonov moves away.
Nikolay Leonov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Leonov scoring well with a low kick there.
Sakuraba ducks right into an uppercut from Leonov.
Leonov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Leonov throws a hook but Sakuraba blocks it.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Leonov sprawls and moves away.
Leonov throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Sakuraba's head.
Leonov throws out a loose jab but Sakuraba uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Leonov scores with a jab to the head.
Leonov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Leonov throws a big shot that misses.
Sakuraba attempts a counter takedown but Leonov avoids it well and moves away.
Leonov lands a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba shoots for a takedown but Leonov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Sakuraba crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Leonov - the referee stops the clock and Sakuraba gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Leonov. Sakuraba manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sakuraba misses with a hook.
Leonov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Leonov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Sakuraba walks into a left hand.
Sakuraba takes a swing at Leonov's ribcage but misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Leonov.
Nice uppercut lands for Leonov. That snapped Sakuraba's head back.
Sakuraba throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Leonov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Sakuraba is able to avoid easily.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Leonov.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Leonov is looking to land body kicks.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Leonov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Sakuraba. That did some damage!
Leonov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
Sakuraba drops down looking for a counter takedown but Leonov sprawls and moves away.
Leonov misses with a hook

and Sakuraba counters with a shoot takedown. Leonov fights it but they end up in guard.

Leonov pushes Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Leonov throws a leg kick but Sakuraba sees it coming and moves out of range.
Leonov throws a sloppy head kick and Sakuraba moves out of range easily.
Sakuraba feinted with a counter takedown.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Leonov.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Sakuraba shoots for a double leg takedown but Leonov sprawls well. He's pushed Sakuraba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Leonov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Sakuraba is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Leonov connects with a solid leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonov misses with a kick to the body

so Sakuraba counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Leonov pushes Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Leonov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Leonov lunges at Sakuraba with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sakuraba's hand.
Leonov throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Leonov swings for the body but Sakuraba moves out of range.
Sakuraba tries to counter with a takedown but Leonov is quick to defend against it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Leonov connects with a right hand. Sakuraba shakes it off.
A looping hook to the body misses from Leonov. Sakuraba does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Sakuraba slips a straight right by Leonov.
Sakuraba throws a body punch but Leonov moves out of range.
Leonov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Sakuraba appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Leonov throws a leg kick which misses Sakuraba's front leg but catches the back leg as Sakuraba tries to avoid it.
Leonov lands with a slapping head kick.
Leonov jabs at Sakuraba's body.
Sakuraba is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Leonov.
Sakuraba shoots in for a double leg but Leonov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Leonov throws a right hand that misses

so Sakuraba counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Sakuraba won't allow Leonov to sweep him here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov is looking to stand up but Sakuraba isn't so interested in that idea.
Leonov is pulling down on Sakuraba's head to control his posture.
Nikolay Leonov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sakuraba working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Leonov's head.
Leonov wants to sweep but no luck.
Sakuraba is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Sakuraba cracks Leonov with a solid left hand.
Leonov controls Sakuraba momentarily but Sakuraba frees himself.
Leonov has momentary wrist control but Sakuraba slips an elbow through the middle.
Sakuraba stopping the sweep attempt from Leonov.
Sakuraba postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sakuraba postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba passes into half guard.
Leonov tries to kick Sakuraba off but Sakuraba keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Leonov is looking to control Sakuraba's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Leonov avoid being mounted?
Sakuraba lands with a punch from half guard.
Leonov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sakuraba.
Leonov is holding on to half guard well.
Leonov wants to get back to his feet.
Leonov wants to control but Sakuraba is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Sakuraba is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Leonov is just riding it out for now. Sakuraba eventually gives up the hold.

Leonov kicks Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Leonov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Leonov 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 27:30

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