PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Leonid Spartak (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ivan Dolbakov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Spartak
vs
Dolbakov

225 cm
29
302 lbs
7 - 16 - 0

193 cm
32
289 lbs
10 - 15 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 7 - 16 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Leonid Spartak!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 15 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Dolbakov!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Fedor Mirinova and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Dolbakov instigates a clinch.
Dolbakov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Dolbakov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Dolbakov lands with a short shot to the head.

Spartak drags the fight down to the ground.

Dolbakov gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Dolbakov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Spartak, pushing him back against the cage.
Dolbakov swings wildly with an uppercut but Spartak uses good head movement to avoid it.
Spartak tries to pull guard but Dolbakov won't allow it.
Dolbakov should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Spartak keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Dolbakov's efforts to push away.
A short uppercut from Dolbakov.
Dolbakov misses with some punches.
Spartak fails to pull guard.
Dolbakov stalls.
Dolbakov throws a punch but it's blocked by Spartak.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dolbakov prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonid Spartak. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dolbakov scores with a nice hook to the head.

Dolbakov manages to pull guard.
Dolbakov throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Spartak trying to control the position from guard on top but Dolbakov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spartak prevents Dolbakov from getting back to his feet.
Dolbakov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Dolbakov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Spartak decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Dolbakov closes the distance and pushes Spartak back into the cage.

Spartak breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Dolbakov moves into range and clinches up with Spartak.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov misses with a short punch on the inside.

Dolbakov pulls guard effortlessly.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Dolbakov uses the cage to get back to his feet.

Spartak has taken the fight to the clinch.
Dolbakov misses with a punch on the inside.
Spartak tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Dolbakov swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Dolbakov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Dolbakov has closed the distance and engaged Spartak in a clinch.
Spartak fails to pull guard.
A frustrated look appears on Dolbakov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Dolbakov can't break the clinch.
Dolbakov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Spartak blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Dolbakov as Spartak tries to tie him up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spartak is trying to pull guard but Dolbakov has him pressed against the cage.

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

Dolbakov rushes Spartak and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Spartak successfully pulls guard.
Dolbakov trying to control the position from guard on top but Spartak is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spartak pulls Dolbakov in close to prevent any damage.
Dolbakov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Spartak will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Spartak working for a triangle but Dolbakov defends it easily.
Dolbakov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Spartak preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov wants to stand and escape but instead Spartak has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Spartak stops Dolbakov from standing up.
Spartak stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dolbakov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Dolbakov wants to get back to his feet but Spartak is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Dolbakov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Spartak's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dolbakov wants to stand but Spartak is controlling the position.
Spartak looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Spartak works over Dolbakov with some ground and pound from guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ivan Dolbakov dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Dolbakov moves forwards but Spartak connects with a nice, crisp jab.

Dolbakov moves into range and clinches up with Spartak.
Dolbakov lands with a light punch inside.

Spartak pulls Dolbakov into guard.
Dolbakov wants to stand and escape but instead Spartak has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Spartak won't allow Dolbakov to sweep him here.
Spartak trying to control the position from guard on top but Dolbakov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Spartak decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Dolbakov rushes Spartak and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Spartak manages to break the clinch.

Dolbakov drives through and clinches with Spartak against the cage.
Spartak blocking some punches.
Spartak goes for a takedown in the clinch but Dolbakov prevents it.

Spartak has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Dolbakov clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartak lands a shot to the head.
Dolbakov has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

Spartak is looking for the choke from the back position but Dolbakov is controlling his hands well.
Spartak has the hooks in. Dolbakov is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Dolbakov controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Spartak tries to get the hooks in deep but Dolbakov pushed the leg off.
Dolbakov looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

Dolbakov manages to stand up with Spartak still on his back. Eventually Spartak drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.
No luck for Spartak with that takedown attempt.

Dolbakov rushes Spartak and presses him up against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spartak can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonid Spartak. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dolbakov lands with a left to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Spartak takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Dolbakov trying to stall but Spartak improves his position.
Dolbakov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Spartak backwards.
Dolbakov avoiding damage as Spartak throws knees to the body.
A short right from Dolbakov.
Ivan Dolbakov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Dolbakov drags the fight down to the ground.
Dolbakov trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dolbakov keeping moving, preventing Spartak from controlling successfully.
Dolbakov wants to stand but Spartak is controlling the position.
Spartak throwing strikes from guard but Dolbakov blocks nicely.
Leonid Spartak overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dolbakov wants to get back to his feet but Spartak is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Spartak tries to free his leg and advance position but Dolbakov is retaining full guard.
Dolbakov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Dolbakov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Spartak is controlling him.
Dolbakov is breathing heavily.
Spartak trying to control the position from guard on top but Dolbakov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Spartak slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Leonid Spartak wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Spartak tries a low kick but Dolbakov avoids it.

Dolbakov closes the distance and pushes Spartak back into the cage.

Spartak gets control of Dolbakov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Spartak will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Spartak has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Dolbakov off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Leonid Spartak is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Spartak gets tackled into the cage by Dolbakov. Dolbakov maintains the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Dolbakov.
Spartak keeps control of Dolbakov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Dolbakov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Dolbakov throws a head punch that misses.
Dolbakov is working Spartak over against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Spartak breaks from the clinch.

Dolbakov forces Spartak back against the cage and clinches.

Dolbakov drags the fight down to the ground.
Dolbakov wants to get back to his feet but Spartak is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Spartak is pushing down on Dolbakov's leg trying to pass to half guard. Dolbakov is fighting to maintain full guard but Spartak has managed to sneak the leg through.
Dolbakov trying to control here.
Spartak performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ivan Dolbakov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Spartak misses with a body kick.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Dolbakov. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Spartak blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Dolbakov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Dolbakov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

Dolbakov pulls guard successfully.
Dolbakov is looking to stand up but Spartak isn't so interested in that idea.

Spartak stands and steps away. Dolbakov gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Dolbakov instigates a clinch.
Spartak blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Dolbakov working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spartak is looking to take this one to the mat.
Spartak jumps guard but Dolbakov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Spartak tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Dolbakov just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leonid Spartak. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spartak tries to pull guard but Dolbakov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Dolbakov scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Spartak has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Dolbakov clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Dolbakov is trying to get back to his feet but Spartak has full control of the position and if anything, Dolbakov has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Spartak looking for the choke from the back.
Dolbakov trying to control the hands but Spartak breaks the grip.
Dolbakov trying to get back to his feet but Spartak is in full control for now.
Spartak is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.

Dolbakov is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Dolbakov is trying to stand back up.

Spartak is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Dolbakov defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Dolbakov looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

Spartak is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Dolbakov defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Spartak looking to break Dolbakov's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Dolbakov remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Spartak will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Dolbakov is keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dolbakov defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
Dolbakov is trying to get back to his feet but Spartak has full control of the position and if anything, Dolbakov has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Dolbakov is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.
Spartak lands shots from the back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spartak biding his time, looking for the opening.
Dolbakov holding both Spartak 's hands and preventing any damage.
Spartak connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Dolbakov to escape the position.
Dolbakov is keeping busy.

Dolbakov fending off the submission attempt from Spartak.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dolbakov looking very determined here, making life difficult for Spartak.

And that's the end of the fight!
Leonid Spartak showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Dolbakov 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 29:28
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 29:29
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 29:29

The fight is ruled a majority draw!