PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Andriy Yarmalenko (ranked 1811 p4p, 3239 weight class) and Timofey Babinski (ranked 67 p4p, 154 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.

Yarmalenko
vs
Babinski

197 cm
25
258
11 - 8 - 0

202 cm
26
301
5 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Fantasy Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 8 - 0, fighting out of New York, Andriy Yarmalenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Timofey Babinski!
The judges for this bout are Hirohito Nitta, Shirou Masuda and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yarmalenko keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Babinski.
Nice uppercut lands for Babinski. That snapped Yarmalenko's head back.
Babinski will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Babinski lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Yarmalenko has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Yarmalenko and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Yarmalenko thinks about countering with a head kick.
Yarmalenko tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Babinski defends well and Yarmalenko ends up having to push Babinski into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Babinski has had enough of the clinch but Yarmalenko keeps him there for the moment.
Yarmalenko scores a nice knee to the body.
Babinski working hard to break the clinch.
Yarmalenko landing knees to the head.

It looks like Timofey Babinski has been cut.
Babinski is trying to break free.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Babinski can't break the clinch.

Yarmalenko drags the fight down to the ground.

Babinski gets to his feet - Yarmalenko follows without any prompting.

Yarmalenko moves into the clinch successfully.
Yarmalenko prevents Babinski from breaking the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Yarmalenko has clasped his hands together around Babinski's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Yarmalenko is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Babinski knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Babinski tries to escape but Yarmalenko is in control.

Yarmalenko is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Babinski has escaped the position, nice work there.
Babinski is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

Yarmalenko decides to stand up, so the ref orders Babinski to his feet.

Yarmalenko takes the fight into the clinch.

Yarmalenko breaks the clinch.
A swing and a miss from Babinski.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yarmalenko misses with the combination.
Yarmalenko looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Yarmalenko staying out of range there.
Andriy Yarmalenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Babinski displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Yarmalenko.
Jab from Babinski.

It looks like Andriy Yarmalenko has been cut.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Yarmalenko is defended easily by Babinski.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andriy Yarmalenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A looping hook to the body misses from Babinski. Yarmalenko does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yarmalenko throws a head kick that misses.
Yarmalenko looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Yarmalenko tries to bum rush Babinski with a series of wild strikes but Babinski uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A slow jab from Babinski misses its intended target.
Nice jab there from Babinski.
Babinski looks to land a right hand but Yarmalenko moved out of range.
Babinski has worked on his takedown defense in the runup to this fight and it is paying off so far.
Babinski circles away from the clinch attempt.
Babinski throws a body kick that misses.
Babinski keeps the fight on the outside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Yarmalenko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Babinski throws out the jab.
It looked like Yarmalenko was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Yarmalenko tries to close the distance and clinch but Babinski swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Timofey Babinski is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Yarmalenko has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Yarmalenko there as he acknowledges the shot.
Yarmalenko shoots for a takedown but Babinski saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Yarmalenko has closed the distance and engaged Babinski in a clinch.
Babinski can't break the clinch.
Babinski wants to get back to striking at distance but Yarmalenko won't allow it.

Yarmalenko escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Babinski throws a body shot but no joy.
Yarmalenko went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Yarmalenko tries to land a front kick but Babinski steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Babinski looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Babinski throws a lazy head kick
and Yarmalenko counters with a one-two to the body.
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!
Yarmalenko shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Babinski defends it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Andriy Yarmalenko will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Yarmalenko throws a head kick that half lands.
Babinski throws a head kick that misses.

Babinski lands a big head kick that sends Yarmalenko tumbling to the mat! Babinski takes a step backwards and waves Yarmalenko back to his feet - he wants the finish!
A looping hook to the body misses from Babinski. Yarmalenko does a little dance to reset his feet.
Babinski misses with an uppercut.
Yarmalenko takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
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!
A head kick misses from Babinski.

Yarmalenko has managed to clinch.

Babinski pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babinski throws a right hand that misses
and Yarmalenko counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Babinski throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Babinski misses with a straight right.
Babinski misses the jab.

Yarmalenko forces Babinski back against the cage and clinches.
Babinski wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Babinski's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Yarmalenko keeps control of Babinski as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Yarmalenko manages to break the clinch.
Babinski swats away the attempt to clinch by Yarmalenko.
Yarmalenko blocks a head kick by Babinski.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Babinski thows a leg kick but Yarmalenko checks it
and Yarmalenko counters with a left and a right that stings Babinski.

Babinski tries to keep at a distance but Yarmalenko has taken the fight into the clinch.
Babinski wants to break the clinch but can't.
Yarmalenko prevents Babinski from breaking the clinch.
Babinski has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Babinski is trying to break free.
Babinski is trying to force a seperation but Yarmalenko has the dominant position.
Babinski has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Yarmalenko breaks the clinch.
Babinski throws the left hand but Yarmalenko avoids the punch easily.
Babinski tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Yarmalenko rushes Babinski and presses him up against the cage.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yarmalenko buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Timofey Babinski seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Babinski throws a hook but Yarmalenko avoids it easily.

Yarmalenko has closed the distance and engaged Babinski in a clinch.

Yarmalenko breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Yarmalenko.
Babinski swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Babinski throws a poor cross that misses
and Yarmalenko counters with a three punch combo that has Babinski backing up. Babinski nods at Yarmalenko to acknowledge the strikes.
Babinski throws a lazy right hand but Yarmalenko sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Babinski throws a sloppy head kick
and Yarmalenko counters with a left and a right that stings Babinski.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
A nice leg kick from Yarmalenko, right into the meat of the thigh.
Babinski throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice takedown defense from Babinski. No joy for Yarmalenko on that attempt.
A slow jab from Babinski misses its intended target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Babinski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Yarmalenko.
Yarmalenko steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Babinski. That one must have hurt.
Babinski throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Yarmalenko swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Babinski lands a right hook to the body.

Babinski tries to keep at a distance but Yarmalenko has taken the fight into the clinch.
Yarmalenko has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Babinski after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andriy Yarmalenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Yarmalenko's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Andriy Yarmalenko will probably get the nod.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Babinski misses with a left hand
and Yarmalenko counters with a series of strikes. Babinski will be more careful next time no doubt.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Yarmalenko here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Babinski throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Yarmalenko slips under a jab.

Yarmalenko drives through and clinches with Babinski against the cage.
Babinski is trying to break the clinch but Yarmalenko is controlling him.
Babinski is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Yarmalenko tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Babinski smiles and moves away.
Babinski looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Yarmalenko throwing a counter right hand but Babinski manages to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Yarmalenko shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Babinski defends it nicely.
Babinski scores with a nice strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babinski keeps the fight on the outside.
Babinski looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Babinski throws a body kick that misses.
Babinski throws a wild body kick that Yarmalenko sees coming a mile off.

Yarmalenko instigates a clinch.

Yarmalenko breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Babinski misses with a straight right.
Yarmalenko swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Babinski misses with a left hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Yarmalenko tries for a takedown but Babinski circles away easily
and Babinski counters with an outside leg kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andriy Yarmalenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Yarmalenko feints a jab promting Babinski to slip. Yarmalenko then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Babinski slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Yarmalenko takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Babinski is looking to slow Yarmalenko down with leg kicks.
A solid body kick from Babinski.
Babinski lands the left hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Babinski throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Yarmalenko counters with a two punch combo.
Yarmalenko misses with an uppercut. Babinski saw that one coming.
Yarmalenko shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Babinski as he jumps to the side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Babinski throws a lazy head kick
and Yarmalenko counters with a series of strikes. Babinski will be more careful next time no doubt.
Yarmalenko throws a head kick that misses
and Babinski counters with a nice low kick that buckles Yarmalenko's knee momentarily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Babinski misses with a right hand
and Yarmalenko counters with a left and a right that stings Babinski.
Babinski pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Yarmalenko tries to clinch up but Babinski circles away and keeps his distance.
Babinski swings away with a body shot that misses
and Yarmalenko counters with a one-two to the body.
Babinski moves forwards but Yarmalenko connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A shot to the body from Babinski misses
and Yarmalenko counters with a three punch combo that has Babinski backing up. Babinski nods at Yarmalenko to acknowledge the strikes.
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!
Babinski connects with a right hand. Yarmalenko shakes it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Babinski leaves Yarmalenko with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Yarmalenko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Babinski throws out the jab.
Yarmalenko slips a straight right by Babinski.
Some wild striking there from Yarmalenko.
Babinski only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Timofey Babinski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Yarmalenko tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Babinski shapes to counter with a head kick.
Babinski tests Yarmalenko's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Yarmalenko ducks under a wild hook from Babinski.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andriy Yarmalenko showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Yarmalenko, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Hirohito Nitta scores the fight 30:27
Judge Shirou Masuda scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Andriy Yarmalenko!