PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Brandon Spears (ranked 4326 p4p, 5530 weight class) and Dimitr Ivanovski (ranked 410 p4p, 473 weight class). The key to victory for Brandon Spears has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Spears
vs
Ivanovski

179 cm
18
190
0 - 0 - 0

191 cm
22
185
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Brandon Spears!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Dimitr Ivanovski!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Peter Branson and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spears shoots in but no luck this time.
Spears fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Spears shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ivanovski's guard.

Ivanovski has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Spears is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

Ivanovski breaks the clinch.

Ivanovski clinches up against the cage.
Spears has Ivanovski pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ivanovski manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Spears. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ivanovski trying to land knees to the body.
Spears misses with a knee to the head.
Ivanovski misses with a knee strike.
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!
Ivanovski misses with an elbow strike.
Spears will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Ivanovski up against the cage.
Spears prevents the takedown attempt.
Ivanovski throws an elbow but it misses.
Spears is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ivanovski to keep the fight standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spears blocks the elbow strike.
Ivanovski throws a knee to the head but misses.
Spears tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ivanovski's elbow.
Ivanovski misses with an elbow over the top.
Spears is pushing Ivanovski up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Ivanovski jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Spears walks away with a smile on his face. Ivanovski gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Dimitr Ivanovski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Ivanovski has Spears up against the cage in a clinch.
Ivanovski told us before the fight that he's been working on his elbows. An under utilised technique these days - let's see if it can sway the outcome of the fight.
Spears changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ivanovski fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Ivanovski moves into range and clinches up with Spears.
Ivanovski tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Spears avoids it.
Spears has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ivanovski after a bit of a struggle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovski throws an elbow that misses.

Spears breaks from the clinch.
Spears tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Ivanovski fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Spears, pushing him back against the cage.
Ivanovski being controlled against the cage.
Ivanovski misses with a knee to the head.
Ivanovski using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Spears has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Spears blocks an elbow strike from Ivanovski.
Spears takes an elbow to the temple.
Ivanovski missing with knees to the body.
Spears dodges an elbow strike from Ivanovski.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Spears blocks a body shot from Ivanovski.
Ivanovski is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spears breaks the clinch.
Ivanovski stuffs the takedown.
Spears keeps the fight on the outside.
Spears shoots in for a takedown but Ivanovski shows good takedown defense.
Spears throws a sloppy head kick and Ivanovski moves out of range easily.
Spears shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Ivanovski pinned against the cage. Ivanovski gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ivanovski steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Spears.
Ivanovski throws a leg kick but Spears sees it coming and checks it nicely.
That kick from Ivanovski tenderised Spears's leg. Spears is trying to keep his angry face on.
Spears shoots in and drives through. Ivanovski sprawls well.
Spears shoots in but no luck this time.
An inside leg kick from Ivanovski misses.
Ivanovski tried to score with a low kick but Spears checks it.
Spears goes for a double leg but Ivanovski avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ivanovski continues to drive forward.
Spears drops down looking for an ankle pick but Ivanovski pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ivanovski rushes Spears and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Ivanovski trying to land knees to the body.
Ivanovski throws an elbow but it misses.

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

Spears moves into the clinch successfully.
Ivanovski throws a knee to the head but misses.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Ivanovski just misses with a elbow thrown towards Spears's brow.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Spears drags the fight down to the ground.
Spears trying to control the position.
Spears might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Spears is looking for a triangle here but Ivanovski uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitr Ivanovski 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.

Ivanovski fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ivanovski with a nice calf kick.

Spears gets tackled into the cage by Ivanovski. Ivanovski maintains the clinch.

Spears breaks from the clinch.
Brandon Spears is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Spears closes the distance and clinches.
Spears wants to take the fight to the mat but Ivanovski manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Spears wants a takedown.

Ivanovski manages to break the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Spears. Ivanovski does a little dance to reset his feet.
Ivanovski has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Spears fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Spears. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ivanovski tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spears swats him away and circles back towards the center.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ivanovski tries to clinch but Spears moves out of range.

Ivanovski darts in and clinches Spears up against the cage.
Dimitr Ivanovski seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Spears breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Spears stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ivanovski.
Ivanovski tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Spears is able to avoid easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good work by Spears as he checks the leg kick.

Spears moves into the clinch.
Spears lands an elbow that stopped Ivanovski in his tracks for a moment.

It looks like Dimitr Ivanovski has been cut.
With the fighters up against the cage, Ivanovski throws an elbow but misses.
Ivanovski managing to block the knees to the body from Spears.
A knee to the head by Ivanovski.
Ivanovski throws an elbow that misses.
Spears is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

Spears breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Spears has a takedown stuffed.
Spears scores with a jab.
Ivanovski throws a low kick but it's checked well by Spears.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Spears forces Ivanovski back against the cage and clinches.
Spears lands a body punch.
Ivanovski tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Ivanovski throws an elbow that misses.
Spears can't get the takedown.
Ivanovski tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spears is struggling to control the position.
Spears dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Spears blocks an elbow strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Ivanovski throws an elbow but misses.
Spears avoiding damage as Ivanovski throws knees to the body.
Spears fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovski prevents a takedown attempt there.

Spears has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Ivanovski uses from the top position.
Spears wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Ivanovski is now in half guard.
Spears is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Spears is working hard here to advance position.

Ivanovski decides to stand up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovski slips a jab and a cross from Spears.

Ivanovski has closed the distance and engaged Spears in a clinch.
Ivanovski throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ivanovski looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Spears tries to land knees in the clinch but Ivanovski avoids the damage to the body.
Spears blocks the elbow strike.
Ivanovski is looking to break free of the clinch but Spears has double underhooks.
Ivanovski managing to block the knees to the body from Spears.
Ivanovski misses with a knee to the head.
Ivanovski using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Spears has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Ivanovski is breathing heavily.
Spears wants to take the fight to the mat but Ivanovski manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Spears just leaning against Ivanovski, taking a breather.
Ivanovski working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Spears avoiding damage as Ivanovski throws knees to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Dimitr Ivanovski showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Dimitr Ivanovski's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Spears throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Spears takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

It looks like Brandon Spears has been cut.
Spears keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

Spears moves into the clinch successfully.

Spears escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ivanovski is looking to clinch.
Spears avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Ivanovski wants to slow Spears down by chopping away at his legs.
Spears shoots in for a takedown but Ivanovski shows good takedown defense.
Ivanovski lands with a thumping leg kick.
Spears shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ivanovski as he avoids it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ivanovski shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
As Ivanovski looks to move away, Spears throws a big counter combo but Ivanovski just gets out of the way.
Ivanovski scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Ivanovski tries to close the distance and clinch up but Spears swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ivanovski tries to clinch there but Spears circles away.
Ivanovski tries to clinch there but Spears circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Spears tries to keep at a distance but Ivanovski has taken the fight into the clinch.

Spears manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Spears looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Ivanovski puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.

Spears looking for a kimura from the bottom but Ivanovski passes into side control!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
You can see the frustration on Spears's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Ivanovski stands up.
Ivanovski misses with the combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Spears pushes Ivanovski up against the cage in a clinch.
Spears is trying to stall.

Spears pulls guard successfully.
Dimitr Ivanovski has got the better of the ground game so far.
Spears is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Spears throws his legs up looking for a submission but Ivanovski uses it to pass to side control.

Ivanovski decides to take the fight back to the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ivanovski has taken the fight to the clinch.
Spears has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ivanovski after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Brandon Spears. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ivanovski using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Spears has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Spears tries to pull guard but Ivanovski forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Spears tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Ivanovski smiles and moves away.
Ivanovski takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Spears throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ivanovski's waist but Ivanovski gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Spears off to one side.
Spears dives in for a single leg takedown but Ivanovski sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Ivanovski unleashes a big counter combination but Spears bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Ivanovski lands a nice knee to the body.
Ivanovski misses with a hook to the ribs.

Ivanovski jumps into guard, dragging Spears to the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ivanovski pushes Spears off and gets back to his feet.
Spears looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Ivanovski drives through and clinches with Spears against the cage.
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!
With the fighters up against the cage, Ivanovski throws an elbow but misses.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Ivanovski just misses with a elbow thrown towards Spears's brow.
Spears is trying to pull guard but Ivanovski has him pressed against the cage.
Spears tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Ivanovski misses with an elbow strike.

Spears breaks from the clinch.
Ivanovski misses with a leg kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Ivanovski.
Brandon Spears has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Spears instigates a clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Dimitr Ivanovski comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ivanovski has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Peter Branson scores the fight 27:30
Judge Michael Johnstone scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Dimitr Ivanovski!