PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Anton Krylov (ranked 169 p4p, 497 weight class) and Riku Momomoto (ranked 22 p4p, 59 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Krylov
vs
Momomoto

180 cm
29
195
13 - 4 - 0

187 cm
28
188
17 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Silverguard Outfitters ðŸ›¡
Furnace Performance ðŸ”¥

Northern Zombie
Shadow Realm Apparel

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Anton Krylov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Riku Momomoto!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, Wesley Smith and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Momomoto waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Krylov.
Anton Krylov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Momomoto uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Krylov.
Momomoto throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Nice defenses there by Momomoto.
Momomoto takes one to the side of the head.
Krylov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Momomoto swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Momomoto keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Krylov.
Krylov slips a jab from Momomoto.
An attempted straight right counter from Krylov misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krylov cracks Momomoto with an open hand slap.
Momomoto looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Krylov shoots and misses
and Momomoto counters with a left to the body.
Momomoto throws a right hand that misses

and Krylov counters with a shoot takedown. Momomoto fights it but they end up in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krylov trying to control the position from guard on top but Momomoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Krylov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Momomoto is keeping the position for now.

Krylov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Krylov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Momomoto looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Krylov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Momomoto swivels though and keeps the full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Momomoto can do anything to dispel that myth.
Krylov trying to control the position from guard on top but Momomoto is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Momomoto really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Krylov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Krylov is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Momomoto is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Krylov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Momomoto is keeping the position for now.

Krylov has gone for a leg lock! Momomoto slips out almost immediately though and dives into Krylov's guard.

Krylov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Krylov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Krylov looking for subs off his back but Momomoto has passed one foot through into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Krylov wants to control but Momomoto is keeping busy.
Momomoto keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Krylov is trying to get back to full guard.
Krylov is working hard here to advance position.
Krylov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Krylov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Momomoto's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Krylov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Momomoto got a little sloppy there for a moment and Krylov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Momomoto has managed to get both his arms back between Krylov's legs - danger averted.

Momomoto avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Krylov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Krylov controlling the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Krylov dominated that round.
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.

Krylov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Momomoto sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Momomoto misses with a hook. Krylov ducked under it nicely.
Krylov lands a jab to the nose.
Momomoto swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Momomoto looks to throw the jab but Krylov is out of range.
Krylov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Momomoto throws a good cross that connects.
Momomoto staying out of range there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krylov throws out a loose jab but Momomoto uses good head movement to avoid it.
Krylov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Momomoto as he avoids it easily.
Momomoto throws out a counter right but Krylov avoids it with no problem.
Krylov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Momomoto counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anton Krylov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Momomoto moves out of range as Krylov strikes.
Momomoto let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Krylov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Momomoto on the side of the head.
Momomoto ducks under a wild hook from Krylov.
Momomoto now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Anton Krylov is winning the standup battle so far.
Krylov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Momomoto counters with a crisp right hand that drops Krylov! Momomoto lets Krylov back up to his feet, looking for a finish!

Krylov is rocked!
Momomoto misses with a looping left.
Oh Krylov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Momomoto misses with a double jab
and Krylov counters with a straight right hand.
Krylov seems to have got his legs back now.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Krylov looking to score a takedown here. Momomoto is defending well but Krylov drives through and ends up in Momomoto's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

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

Krylov is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Momomoto tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Krylov is trying to improve his position.
Krylov seems a little lost for a moment, as Momomoto dominates the positioning.
Krylov is looking to reverse the position.
Krylov manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Krylov is trying to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Krylov looking for submissions off his back.

Krylov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Momomoto pulls his head out easily.
Momomoto is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Krylov wants to get back to full guard but Momomoto has passed into side control.
Krylov struggling a bit here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Momomoto takes a little break here. Krylov wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.
Momomoto wants to lay and pray for a moment but Krylov keeps working.
Krylov can't do much from the bottom here.
Krylov gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Krylov tries to roll over but Momomoto keeps him under control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Riku Momomoto 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.

Krylov drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Krylov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Momomoto keeping moving, preventing Krylov from controlling successfully.
Krylov passes Momomoto's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Krylov seems to be looking for submissions.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Krylov is looking for a kimura but Momomoto is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Krylov to get the leverage.

Krylov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Momomoto is positioning himself well to prevent Krylov advancing to mount.

Krylov is trying to work for a kimura but Momomoto is defending well.

Krylov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Krylov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Krylov is looking for a kimura but Momomoto is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Krylov to get the leverage.
Krylov controlling the pace.
Krylov wants to take a breather but Momomoto is having none of it.
Krylov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Momomoto knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Krylov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Momomoto has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Krylov is trying to work for a kimura but Momomoto is defending well.

Krylov seems to be working for a kimura but Momomoto defends the submission attempt.

Krylov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Krylov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Momomoto is staying active underneath Krylov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Momomoto lands an overhand right.
Krylov shoots in for a double leg but Momomoto sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Momomoto lands a right hook to the body.
Momomoto waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Krylov.
Krylov throws a right hand that misses
and Momomoto counters with a nice body shot.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Krylov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Momomoto moves away.
Momomoto throws out a counter right but Krylov avoids it with no problem.
Momomoto throws a hook but Krylov avoids it easily.
Krylov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Momomoto sprawls and moves away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Krylov clearly takes that round.
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.

Momomoto misses the jab.
Momomoto moves away from the strike by Krylov.
Momomoto throws out a counter right but Krylov avoids it with no problem.
Momomoto misses with a looping left.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Krylov.
Momomoto throws out a counter right but Krylov avoids it with no problem.
Krylov fails with the takedown
and Momomoto counters with a nice body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Momomoto connects with the punch.
Momomoto jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Krylov changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Krylov goes for a double leg but Momomoto avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Momomoto continues to drive forward.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Momomoto! But no joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anton Krylov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Momomoto breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Momomoto throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Krylov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Krylov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Momomoto.
Momomoto looks to land a left hand but Krylov moved out of range nicely.
Krylov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Nice sprawl there from Momomoto as Krylov shoots in.
Krylov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Momomoto throws a body punch but Krylov moves out of range.
Krylov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Krylov takes one on the button.
Krylov looks to throw the jab but Momomoto is out of range.
Momomoto misses the jab.
Momomoto throws a jab when Krylov was well out of range.
Riku Momomoto is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Momomoto throws a hook but Krylov avoids it easily.
Momomoto throws a jab when Krylov was well out of range.
Krylov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Krylov throws a good cross that connects.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Krylov.
It seemed like Momomoto was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Krylov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Momomotos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Momomoto moves out of range as Krylov strikes.
Momomoto swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Momomoto throws a hook but Krylov avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Krylov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Momomoto throws out a loose jab but Krylov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Krylov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Krylov moves out of range as Momomoto strikes.
Krylov throws the left hand but Momomoto avoids the punch easily.
Krylov throws a hook to the side of Momomoto's head but Momomoto sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Krylov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Krylov moves out of range of the strikes.
A big left from Momomoto misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Momomoto throws a right hand that Krylov ducks under and follows up with a left that Krylov also avoids with ease.
Krylov fails with the takedown.
Krylov closes the distance and clinches up with Momomoto, looking for a takedown. Krylov pushes Momomoto against the cage but Momomoto circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Krylov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Momomoto throws a hook but Krylov blocks it.

Krylov shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Krylov seems to be looking for submissions.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Riku Momomoto dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Krylov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Momomoto counters with a right hand to the body.
Krylov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Momomoto sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Krylov somewhat.
Momomoto is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Momomoto waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Krylov.

Krylov drives through with a takedown into Momomoto's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Momomoto trying to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krylov wants to control from the top but Momomoto keeps moving.
Krylov forces his way into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Momomoto trying to control here.
Momomoto is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Krylov seems to be working for a kimura but Momomoto defends the submission attempt.

Krylov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Krylov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Momomoto sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two 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.

Krylov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Momomoto has managed to free his arm - good work.

Krylov wants to work for an arm triangle but Momomoto is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Krylov seems to be trying to get a kimura but instead Momomoto has recovered full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Momomoto is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

Krylov can't do much from the bottom here.
Krylov is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Krylov is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Krylov looking for submissions off his back.

Krylov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Krylov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Krylov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Anton Krylov.
I think Krylov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 48:47
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 48:47
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anton Krylov!
Anton Krylov retains his middleweight title!
A victorious Anton Krylov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.