PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Drakkar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and David Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Backstrom has chosen Girl I Love as his entrance music. 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.

Drakkar
vs
Backstrom

185 cm
21
202 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

182 cm
24
186 lbs
10 - 6 - 1

BJJ Blue Belt
Great elbows
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Fossington & Blythe: Gentlemen's Fight Attire
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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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Ivan Drakkar!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 6 - 1, fighting out of London, David Backstrom!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, James Atkins and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sloppy strikes from Drakkar. Those never looked like landing.
Drakkar turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Drakkar throws a jab but it's blocked by Backstrom.
Drakkar throws an off balance right hand

and Backstrom counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Backstrom is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Drakkar has managed to free his arm - good work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Backstrom connects with a nice short shot to Drakkar's temple.
Backstrom wants to control but Drakkar is keeping him busy.
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!
Drakkar keeping control of the position.
Drakkar trying to control here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Backstrom is looking for a kimura here.
Drakkar is refusing to be controlled, as Backstrom sits in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Backstrom is working for a submission of some sort.

Backstrom seems to be looking for submissions.
Backstrom throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Backstrom 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.

Backstrom is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Drakkar defends it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar tries to roll over but Backstrom keeps him under control.
Backstrom seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Drakkar does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Backstrom is working for a submission of some sort.

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

The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Backstrom is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Drakkar keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Backstrom is looking for a kimura here.

Backstrom is working for a kimura but Drakkar is defending it quite comfortably.
Backstrom trying to control from half guard but Drakkar is working away.
Drakkar is trying to stand.
Backstrom wants to take a breather but Drakkar is having none of it.
Backstrom throwing shots but Drakkar is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Backstrom seems to be looking for submissions.
Backstrom working over Drakkar with some ground and pound. Drakkar looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Drakkar tries to roll over but Backstrom keeps him under control.
Drakkar is trying to stand up here but Backstrom is controlling him well.

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

Drakkar is defending against the submission attempts here by Backstrom.
Drakkar pushes Backstrom off looking to stand but Backstrom dives back in and keeps control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Backstrom throws a strike but Drakkar avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Backstrom tries to free his leg and advance position but Drakkar is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Backstrom dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Backstrom misses with a takedown attempt - Drakkar sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
David Backstrom is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Backstrom.
Drakkar jabs Backstrom right on the nose. Backstrom blinks but takes it well.
Backstrom throws a head kick that Drakkar semi-blocks.
Drakkar scores with a nice head shot.
Drakkar looks to throw the jab but Backstrom is out of range.
Backstrom will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Ivan Drakkar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of David Backstrom.
Drakkar loads up on a big right hand but Backstrom slips the punch.
Drakkar moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Drakkar lands a right hook to the body.
Drakkar ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Drakkar stuffs the takedown attempt from Backstrom. Backstrom gets slowly back to his feet.
Drakkar connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drakkar tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Backstrom manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Backstrom thows a body shot but no joy.
Backstrom shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Drakkar but Drakkar pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Drakkar wants to clinch.
Ivan Drakkar is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Backstrom fails with an attempt to clinch.
Drakkar misses with a straight right.
Drakkar misses with the combination.
Backstrom shoots in but no luck this time.
Backstrom tries for a takedown but Drakkar sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Backstrom looks for a takedown but Drakkar sprawls well.
Backstrom is breathing heavily.
Backstrom blocks a head kick by Drakkar.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar lands a nice leg kick that just misses Backstrom's sensitive parts.
Drakkar smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Backstrom fails to land the takedown.

Backstrom scores with a takedown into Drakkar's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Backstrom prevents Drakkar from getting back to his feet.
Backstrom stopping the sweep attempt from Drakkar.
Backstrom is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Backstrom trying to control the position from guard on top but Drakkar is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Backstrom throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom wants to pass the guard but Drakkar is keeping the position.

Backstrom drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Backstrom jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Drakkar seems keen to control Backstrom's posture.
Drakkar looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Backstrom passes Drakkar's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Drakkar is trying to stand back up but Backstrom is controlling him
Backstrom tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Drakkar.
Backstrom wants to take a breather but Drakkar is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar wants to get back to his feet.
Drakkar is looking for a sweep. Backstrom is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Backstrom is trying to control the action in half guard but Drakkar is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Backstrom is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up. David Backstrom was stalling too much, according to the referee.
The fight stays on the outside here - Drakkar looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Backstrom closes this distance looking for a takedown but Drakkar circles away.
Drakkar throws a sloppy head kick and Backstrom moves out of range easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Backstrom misses the shot to the body.
Drakkar displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Backstrom.
Backstrom misses with a head kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but David Backstrom will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Backstrom takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
David Backstrom seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Backstrom has a takedown stuffed.
Drakkar leaves Backstrom with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Backstrom changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Drakkar tries to avoid it but Backstrom manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Drakkar to the ground. Drakkar escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ivan Drakkar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of David Backstrom.
Drakkar displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Backstrom.
Drakkar lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Drakkar dodges the punch combination from Backstrom.
Drakkar scores with the left hand. Backstrom knows he should have avoided that one.
A head kick misses from Drakkar.
Backstrom throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Drakkar counters with a stiff right hand.
Good standup being displayed there by Drakkar as he connects with a hook.
Drakkar lands a high kick!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drakkar throws a head kick that Backstrom semi-blocks.
Backstrom takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nice sprawl there from Drakkar as Backstrom shoots in.

Backstrom gets a double leg takedown into Drakkar's guard.
Drakkar trying to control the position here.

Drakkar pushes Backstrom off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Drakkar connects with a body shot.
Drakkar fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Backstrom manages to avoid it.
Backstrom shoots in looking for a takedown. Drakkar tries to sprawl out of it but Backstrom keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Drakkar manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Drakkar connects with a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar is looking to clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Drakkar throws a right and a left that Backstrom avoids nicely.
Backstrom fails with the takedown.
Drakkar keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Ivan Drakkar is winning the standup battle so far.
Drakkar connects with a leg kick. Backstrom looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Drakkar swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Backstrom.
Drakkar's jab looks to have found its range, popping Backstrom under the eye.
Drakkar lands a leg kick that knocks Backstrom off balance momentarily.
Backstrom tries to score a power double leg takedown but Drakkar sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Backstrom somewhat.
Backstrom throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Drakkar's waist but Drakkar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Backstrom off to one side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar scores with a head kick. Backstrom tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Backstrom shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Drakkar listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

Backstrom tries to keep at a distance but Drakkar has taken the fight into the clinch.
Drakkar with a knee to the head.
Backstrom tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Drakkar avoids it.
Backstrom stalling in the clinch but Drakkar improves position.
A short right from Drakkar on the inside.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Drakkar.
Backstrom is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Drakkar pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Drakkar lands a knee to the head.

It looks like David Backstrom has been cut.
Backstrom is trying to break the clinch but Drakkar has him pressed against the cage.
Nice elbow from Drakkar.
Drakkar gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Backstrom has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Drakkar is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Drakkar lands an elbow that stopped Backstrom in his tracks for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Drakkar.
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!
Drakkar with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Drakkar pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Drakkar fails to land with a series of punches.
Drakkar leaves Backstrom with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Drakkar lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Drakkar lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Backstrom fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Drakkar avoids it really well and circles away.
Drakkar throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Backstrom's head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Drakkar connects with a solid leg kick.
Horrible takedown by Backstrom or perhaps it was just good defense by Drakkar which made him look bad.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan Drakkar clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on David Backstrom's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Drakkar tries to clinch up but Backstrom circles away and keeps his distance.
Drakkar defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Backstrom.
A right-left combo lands from Drakkar.
Nice takedown defense from Drakkar. No joy for Backstrom on that attempt.
Drakkar works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Backstrom shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Drakkar as he jumps to the side.
Ivan Drakkar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of David Backstrom.
Drakkar throws a right and a left that Backstrom avoids nicely.
Drakkar lands with a right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Backstrom misses the target.
A jab lands there for Drakkar.
Backstrom is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Drakkar bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Backstrom's head.
Backstrom dives in and grabs Drakkar's left leg, looking for a takedown. Drakkar pushes down on Backstrom's head and hops out.
Drakkar looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drakkar leaves Backstrom with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Drakkar darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Drakkar scores with a jab to the body.
Backstrom throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Drakkar's waist but Drakkar gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Backstrom off to one side.
Backstrom moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Drakkar lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Drakkar ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Drakkar moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Backstrom on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Drakkar fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Drakkar using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Backstrom has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is looking to take this one to the mat.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Drakkar.

Drakkar manages to break the clinch.
Backstrom shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Drakkar as he jumps to the side.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Drakkar scores with a leg kick.
Backstrom fails with a takedown attempt.
Drakkar's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Drakkar duly obliges.
Drakkar connects with a jab.
Drakkar stuffs the takedown attempt from Backstrom. Backstrom gets slowly back to his feet.
Backstrom slips a jab and a cross from Drakkar.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar misses with a double jab.
Backstrom has a takedown stuffed.
Backstrom fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Drakkar takes the fight into the clinch.
Backstrom tries to break free but Drakkar pushes him back against the cage.
Backstrom takes a knee right on the jaw!
Drakkar lands a hook to the side of the head.
Backstrom's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Drakkar is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Backstrom is defending well for now.
Drakkar lands an elbow just above Backstrom 's eye.
Drakkar landing knees to the body.
Backstrom being controlled against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar has Backstrom pressed against the cage, preventing Backstrom from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Backstrom escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Backstrom swats away the attempt to clinch by Drakkar.
Backstrom tries to clinch but Drakkar moves out of range.
Backstrom lands a head kick!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Backstrom doesn't manage to clinch there - Drakkar circles away.
Drakkar moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

Backstrom drives through with a takedown into Drakkar's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Backstrom in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Drakkar utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Backstrom looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan Drakkar had his way with David Backstrom in that round.
The cut man is working on David Backstrom's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Drakkar tries a head kick but it misses.
Backstrom throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Drakkar looks to land a right hand but Backstrom moved out of range.
Backstrom looks for a takedown but Drakkar sprawls well.

Drakkar forces Backstrom back against the cage and clinches.
Drakkar lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Drakkar tries to circle away but Backstrom has him pinned against the cage.
Drakkar lands a damaging elbow.
Drakkar is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Drakkar lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Backstrom wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Drakkar has him pressed against the cage.
Drakkar is looking to break free of the clinch but Backstrom has double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Backstrom wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Drakkar working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Drakkar can't break the clinch.
Drakkar lands an elbow inside.
Drakkar with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Backstrom working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Drakkar tries to throw a body punch but Backstrom avoids it by throwing Drakkar back against the cage.
Drakkar misses with an elbow over the top.
Backstrom lands an elbow just above Drakkar 's eye.
Backstrom tries a body shot but Drakkar blocks it.

Backstrom turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Drakkar is not content to let Backstrom control the position.

Backstrom tries for a kimura but Drakkar is defending well.
Drakkar gets back to half guard.
David Backstrom has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Drakkar pushes Backstrom off and gets back to his feet.
Backstrom tries to score a power double leg takedown but Drakkar sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Backstrom somewhat.
Ivan Drakkar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of David Backstrom.
Drakkar getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Drakkar throws a head kick that Backstrom semi-blocks.
Backstrom's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Backstrom dives in and grabs Drakkar's left leg, looking for a takedown. Drakkar pushes down on Backstrom's head and hops out.
Backstrom shoots in but Drakkar avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Backstrom looks for a takedown but Drakkar sprawls well.
Drakkar lands with a nice combination. Backstrom backs away looking to recover.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom shoots in looking for a takedown but Drakkar manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Backstrom's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Drakkar connects with an inside leg kick.
Backstrom looks for a takedown but Drakkar sprawls well.
Drakkar connects with a looping right hand.
Drakkar leaves Backstrom with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Drakkar lands with a right hand.
Drakkar scores with a punch to the head.
Backstrom closes the distance and clinches up with Drakkar, looking for a takedown. Backstrom pushes Drakkar against the cage but Drakkar circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
A nice inside leg kick there by Drakkar. That's going to slow Backstrom down.
Drakkar tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Backstrom manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Drakkar throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Drakkar lands a high kick!
Backstrom drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Drakkar connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Backstrom momentarily.
Drakkar misses the jab.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Backstrom.
Drakkar's jab looks to have found its range, popping Backstrom under the eye.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Backstrom dodges the punch combination from Drakkar.
Drakkar moves in looking to clinch but Backstrom pushes him off.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Backstrom shoots in looking for a takedown. Drakkar tries to sprawl out of it but Backstrom keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Drakkar manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Drakkar slaps away a takedown attempt from Backstrom, before circling back to the center of the mat.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ivan Drakkar showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Drakkar 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 Donald Grub scores the fight for Ivan Drakkar!
Judge James Atkins scores the fight for Ivan Drakkar!
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight for Ivan Drakkar!

Ivan Drakkar wins by unanimous decision!
Ivan Drakkar retains his middleweight title!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Ivan Drakkar made sure he mentioned ~T~ Laoch Nutrition + Laundry Q140 NOW ONLY $15!!!, along with how happy he was to win his fight.