PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lucas Barbosa (ranked 768 p4p, 639 weight class) and Nikolay Leonov (ranked 34 p4p, 29 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Barbosa
vs
Leonov

178 cm
36
205
25 - 12 - 0

180 cm
36
195
23 - 17 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Fast

Sakura Style

NARCOS
Furnace Performance 🔥

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 25 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Lucas Barbosa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 17 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolay Leonov!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Steven Brown and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barbosa tries to clinch
and Leonov counters with a head kick.
Barbosa throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

Leonov tries to sprawl but Barbosa drives through with a takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Barbosa is thwarting Leonov's attempts to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leonov pushes Barbosa off looking to stand but Barbosa dives back in and keeps control.
Leonov pushes Barbosa off but Barbosa dives into side control.

Barbosa goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Leonov rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Barbosa's guard! Nice work there by Leonov!

Barbosa has his foot on Leonov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Leonov works his way back into a safe position though.
Barbosa manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Leonov manages to get himself to full guard.

We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Leonov has control of Barbosa's left arm, preventing Barbosa from doing any damage.
Barbosa trying to control the position from guard on top but Leonov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barbosa postures up.
We've been hearing good reports from Barbosa'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 is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Barbosa is controlling him.

Barbosa drops back, looking for a kneebar! Leonov looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Leonov looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Leonov!

You can see the frustration on Barbosa's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Leonov throws an elbow but Barbosa slips to the side and avoids it well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Leonov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Barbosa is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barbosa avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Leonov.
Leonov tries to score with some ground and pound. Barbosa controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Leonov in side control, throwing shots but Barbosa defends.
Barbosa prevents Leonov from moving into mount.
Barbosa gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Barbosa trying to hold on to Leonov's head to control him but Leonov postures up.
Barbosa blocking the ground and pound attempt from Leonov.
Barbosa is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Leonov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Leonov's back!
Barbosa has the hooks in. Leonov is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Barbosa gets his hands free as Leonov looks to control.
Leonov wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Barbosa off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Leonov trying to control the hands but Barbosa won't let him.

Barbosa has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

Barbosa looking for the choke but no joy.
Leonov is in bad spot here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Leonov trying to get back to his feet but Barbosa is in full control for now.
Leonov wants to control his opponent's hands but Barbosa gets his hands free.
Leonov is in bad spot here.
Leonov trying to control but not successfully.
Leonov tries to escape but Barbosa has the hooks in and won't let him break free.

Barbosa looking for the choke but no joy.
Leonov is trying to break free.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Lucas Barbosa dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Barbosa wants to clinch up but Leonov keeps it at a distance.
Leonov misses with a looping left.
Barbosa looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Barbosa on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Leonov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Lucas Barbosa is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Leonov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Barbosa shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Leonov as he jumps to the side.
Barbosa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Barbosa doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A big left from Leonov misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Donk. Leonov catches Barbosa right on the button with a cross.
Leonov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Lucas Barbosa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leonov throws a nice head kick!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Crunch! Leonov slams his shin into Barbosa's torso.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Leonov. Barbosa shrugs it off though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonov lands with a cross.
Leonov lands a leg kick that knocks Barbosa off balance momentarily.
Barbosa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A little jabbing left from Leonov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Barbosa slips a jab from Leonov.
Barbosa misses with a two punch combination.
Leonov misses with a few strikes there.
Leonov thuds a left hand into Barbosa's body.
Leonov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Leonov lands with an overhand left.
Barbosa shoots in and drives through. Leonov sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lucas Barbosa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Leonov blocks a leg kick.
Barbosa fails to land the takedown.
Barbosa shoots in and drives through. Leonov sprawls well.
Leonov connects with an inside leg kick.
Leonov misses with a head kick.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Barbosa walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barbosa slips a jab and a cross from Leonov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Donk. Leonov catches Barbosa right on the button with a cross.
Leonov connects with a looping right hand.
Leonov ducks under a wild hook from Barbosa.
Barbosa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Leonov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Barbosa somewhat.
Barbosa takes a kick to the side of the head.

It looks like Lucas Barbosa has been cut.
Barbosa walks into a jab.
Barbosa swinging wildly here.
Barbosa takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Leonov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Barbosa's head backwards.
Barbosa looks to score with a jab to the body but Leonov is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov looks to land a combination but Barbosa avoids it well.
Barbosa wants to clinch.
Nice uppercut lands for Leonov. That snapped Barbosa's head back.
Barbosa misses with a straight left.
Barbosa shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Leonov sprawls well. Leonov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Barbosa gets slowly back to his feet.
Barbosa throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Leonov throws a hook but Barbosa avoids it easily.
Leonov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Leonov lands a glancing blow to the side of Barbosa's head.
Barbosa on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Barbosa tries to work over Leonov's front leg with a kick but Leonov checks it.
Barbosa shoots in looking for a takedown. Leonov tries to sprawl out of it but Barbosa keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Leonov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonov scores with a shot to the body.
Barbosa misses with a left hand
and Leonov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Barbosa gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Barbosa tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Leonov misses with a head kick.
Barbosa fails with the takedown.
Good exchange - Leonov coming out on top.
Leonov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Barbosa tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Leonov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Leonov moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Leonov cracks Barbosa with a right hand to the side of the head.
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 cut man is working on Lucas Barbosa's cut.
That's time! Barbosa's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Leonov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Nice shot by Leonov.
Leonov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Leonov lands with a nice combination. Barbosa backs away looking to recover.
Barbosa tries for a takedown but Leonov circles away easily
and Leonov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Barbosa throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Leonov's waist but Leonov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Barbosa off to one side.
Leonov scores with a kick to the body.
Some wild striking there from Barbosa.
Barbosa has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Leonov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Barbosa looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Leonov is fending him off so far but Barbosa persists. Nope, Leonov circles away and we're back to standing.
A countering left hand to the body from Leonov misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Lucas Barbosa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A telegraphed right hand from Barbosa misses the target.
Barbosa walks into a straight right hand from Leonov.
Leonov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Leonov misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barbosa closes this distance looking for a takedown but Leonov circles away.
Leonov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Barbosa. Barbosa circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Barbosa takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Leonov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Barbosa looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Leonov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Barbosa stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

Barbosa drives through and clinches with Leonov against the cage.

Leonov breaks the clinch.
Barbosa takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Leonov misses with a looping left.
A thudding body kick lands there by Leonov!
Barbosa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Leonov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A left lands for Leonov.
Leonov swinging wildly here.
Leonov connects with a nice looking jab.
Leonov throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonov scores with a nice right hand.
Barbosa tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Barbosa throws a poor cross that misses
and Leonov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Barbosa thinking.
Barbosa closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Barbosa tries to clinch up.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leonov! But no joy.
Barbosa will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Leonov scores with a leg kick.
Barbosa walks into a jab.
Barbosa walks forward, straight into a front kick from Leonov.
Barbosa gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Barbosa throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Barbosa is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Leonov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Barbosa's head.
Barbosa shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Leonov eats them both and turns towards Barbosa to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Leonov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Barbosa fails with an attempt to clinch.
Leonov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Barbosa's hands.
Leonov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Barbosa.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov misses with a head kick.
Barbosa is looking for a counter combo.
Barbosa throws a hook but Leonov avoids it easily.
Leonov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barbosa.
Barbosa wants to clinch up but Leonov keeps it at a distance.
Barbosa fails with the takedown.
Leonov misses with a looping right.
Barbosa throws a nice looking combination but Leonov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Leonov tests Barbosa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Leonov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Barbosa circles away quickly and effectively.
Barbosa takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Leonov lands with a right hand.
Barbosa ducks under a wild hook from Leonov.
Barbosa half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

Barbosa scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Leonov bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Leonov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Leonov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Barbosas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Barbosa misses the jab.
Leonov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Barbosa takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Leonov throws a big shot that misses.
Barbosa appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A solid body kick from Leonov.
Leonov throws a series of punches but Barbosa avoids them all with ease.
Barbosa throws a series of punches but Leonov moves out of range.
The crowd cheers as Leonov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Barbosa doesn't seem phased though.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Barbosa takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Nikolay Leonov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Leonov connects with a nice looking jab.
Barbosa displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leonov throws out the jab.
Barbosa changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Barbosa walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Leonov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Leonov 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 James Atkins scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 28:29
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 28:29

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.