PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Manny Pacquiao (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Oleg Taqtarov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Taqtarov comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Macarena of Death kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Manny Pacquiao had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 136.2lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Manny Pacquiao has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Pacquiao
vs
Taqtarov

167 cm
21
141 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

180 cm
22
145 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Improved boxing
Experienced

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Manny Pacquiao!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Oleg Taqtarov!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Leandro Rodrigues and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pacquiao keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
The fight stays on the outside here - Pacquiao looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Pacquiao tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Taqtarov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Taqtarov instigates a clinch.
Taqtarov prevents Pacquiao from breaking the clinch.
Pacquiao is looking to break free of the clinch but Taqtarov has double underhooks.
Pacquiao has had enough of the clinch but Taqtarov keeps him there for the moment.
Taqtarov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Manny Pacquiao has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Oleg Taqtarov.
Pacquiao wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pacquiao misses with a hook to the ribs.
Taqtarov stalling in the clinch.
Pacquiao wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Pacquiao letting Taqtarov take a breather here.
Taqtarov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Taqtarov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taqtarov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Pacquiao pulls his leg out and moves away.
Pacquiao tries to clinch but Taqtarov moves away

and Taqtarov counters by clinching up.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Pacquiao struggles to land a body shot inside as Taqtarov controls his hands.
Pacquiao wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Taqtarov has him pressed against the cage.

Taqtarov is trying to trip Pacquiao. He has hold of a leg but Pacquiao is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Taqtarov persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Taqtarov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Taqtarov looks gassed!
Pacquiao utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Pacquiao can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Taqtarov controls the pace.
Pacquiao avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Pacquiao might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Taqtarov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Taqtarov passes into half guard.
Pacquiao is in trouble now - Taqtarov has advanced to mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Pacquiao can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Taqtarov looking to finish with strikes here!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A nice elbow there by Taqtarov.
Taqtarov punishing his opponent with strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pacquiao is trying to stand.
Pacquiao trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Taqtarov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Taqtarov postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Pacquiao looks a forlorn figure.

Pacquiao is rocked!
Taqtarov putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Oh Pacquiao is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Pacquiao seems to have got his legs back now.
Pacquiao squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Taqtarov throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Poor strikes thrown by Taqtarov there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Pacquiao is in a horrible position here. Taqtarov smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Pacquiao avoids a series of strikes thrown by Taqtarov.
Pacquiao wants to get back to his feet.
Taqtarov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Pacquiao squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Taqtarov lands with some strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov lands a big shot there that rocks Pacquiao but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Taqtarov looking to finish Pacquiao with some ground and pound. This is bad for Pacquiao!
Taqtarov working Pacquiao over with strikes here.
Taqtarov lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Taqtarov lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Pacquiao is bucking up trying to escape but Taqtarov cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Taqtarov lands a big elbow.
A nice elbow there by Taqtarov.
Pacquiao is trying to stand.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Pacquiao wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Taqtarov.
Taqtarov throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oleg Taqtarov dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Taqtarov checks the leg kick.
Pacquiao wants to clinch

and Taqtarov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
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. Taqtarov connects with a nice short shot to Pacquiao's temple.
Taqtarov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Pacquiao's head.
Taqtarov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Taqtarov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Taqtarov tries to pass to full mount but Pacquiao defends it.
Pacquiao tries to kick Taqtarov off but Taqtarov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Pacquiao blocking the ground and pound attempt from Taqtarov.

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

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Pacquiao closes the distance looking to clinch

and Taqtarov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Taqtarov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taqtarov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Pacquiao works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Taqtarov looking to pass the guard.
Taqtarov pushes down on Pacquiao's leg and manages to get into half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Taqtarov lands a nice short elbow.
Taqtarov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Taqtarov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Pacquiao doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Taqtarov.
Taqtarov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov trying to mount his opponent but Pacquiao defends it.
Pacquiao is looking to escape.
Taqtarov wants to free his trapped foot but Pacquiao is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Pacquiao avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Taqtarov.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Pacquiao misses with a double jab

and Taqtarov counters with a shoot takedown. Pacquiao fights it but they end up in guard.
Taqtarov postures up and lands a big shot to Pacquiao's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov trying to control the position from guard on top but Pacquiao is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Taqtarov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Pacquiao preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Taqtarov working some strikes from top position.
Taqtarov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Taqtarov looking to pass the guard.
Pacquiao wants to stand but Taqtarov is controlling the position.
Taqtarov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.

Taqtarov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Pacquiao's guard.
Taqtarov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Taqtarov stands up and waves to Pacquiao to follow him.
Taqtarov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Pacquiao throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Taqtarov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Taqtarov lands in his opponent's guard.
Pacquiao keeping full guard, as Taqtarov tries to pass.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Taqtarov is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Pacquiao utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oleg Taqtarov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Pacquiao tries to clinch up

and Taqtarov counters with a single leg into guard. Pacquiao didn't expect that.
Taqtarov prevents Pacquiao from getting back to his feet.
Taqtarov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Taqtarov is looking to stand up but Pacquiao won't let him.
Pacquiao is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Taqtarov pushing down on Pacquiao's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Taqtarov trying to control the action but Pacquiao is working from the bottom.
Pacquiao tries to kick Taqtarov off but Taqtarov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Taqtarov misses with a head shot. Pacquiao uses the momentum to regain guard.
Taqtarov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pacquiao is keeping the position for now.
Pacquiao wants to stand and escape but Taqtarov is having none of it.
Taqtarov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Taqtarov thows a big elbow that misses.
Taqtarov tries to free his leg and advance position but Pacquiao is retaining full guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Taqtarov tries to clinch but Pacquiao moves out of range.
Pacquiao closes the distance but Taqtarov moves to the side

and Taqtarov counters with a nice double leg into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov throws a big right hand that misses.
Taqtarov is working Pacquiao over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Taqtarov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Taqtarov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Taqtarov gets to his feet. Pacquiao looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Taqtarov rushes Pacquiao and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Pacquiao is pressed up against the cage. Taqtarov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Pacquiao down to the mat. Pacquiao avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Pacquiao tries to clinch up

and Taqtarov counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Taqtarov.
Taqtarov is trying to break the clinch but Pacquiao has him pressed against the cage.
Taqtarov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Pacquiao pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pacquiao scores with a one two! Taqtarov had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Pacquiao scores with a kick to the midsection.
Taqtarov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Pacquiao tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Taqtarov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Taqtarov wants to pass the guard but Pacquiao is keeping the position.
Pacquiao is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Taqtarov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Taqtarov trying to control the position from guard on top but Pacquiao is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Pacquiao wants to stand and escape but Taqtarov is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taqtarov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Pacquiao is keeping the position for now.
Pacquiao wants to stand up but Taqtarov is controlling him.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Taqtarov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Manny Pacquiao has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Oleg Taqtarov.
Pacquiao tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Taqtarov moves into the clinch.
Manny Pacquiao has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Pacquiao is trying to maintain a safe position but Taqtarov gets an underhook and turns Pacquiao into the cage.
Taqtarov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Pacquiao avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Pacquiao is pressed up against the cage. Taqtarov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Pacquiao down to the mat. Pacquiao avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Oleg Taqtarov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Taqtarov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 26:30
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 26:30
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Oleg Taqtarov!