PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Leon Weber (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexei Berdnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Weber's entrance music is Hamburg Anthem. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Weber
vs
Berdnikov

169 cm
19
142 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

168 cm
23
145 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Determined

Irish Collar & Elbow Nutrition and Laundry
Lion Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Leon Weber!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexei Berdnikov!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Berdnikov tries to clinch but Weber is having none of it.
Berdnikov doesn't manage to clinch there - Weber circles away.
Berdnikov throws a hook but Weber avoids it easily.
Weber seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Leon Weber seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Weber misses with a wild combination.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.

Berdnikov moves into the clinch.
We've been hearing reports that Weber has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Weber tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Berdnikov smiles and moves away.
Berdnikov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Berdnikov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Weber is able to avoid easily.
Berdnikov tries to clinch up but Weber circles away and keeps his distance.
A counter left hand to the body from Weber misses its target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weber shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Weber throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Weber swings for the body but Berdnikov moves out of range.
Berdnikov replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Weber blocks it well.
Weber connects with a solid leg kick.
Berdnikov tries to clinch but Weber moves out of range.

Weber moves into the clinch successfully.

Weber pulls Berdnikov into guard.

Berdnikov drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Weber dives on top into guard.

Berdnikov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Weber is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Berdnikov is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Berdnikov has escaped and now he's on top!

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

Weber is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Weber is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Weber keeping moving, preventing Berdnikov from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weber keeping full guard, as Berdnikov tries to pass.
Berdnikov wants to control from the top but Weber keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Weber throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Berdnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Weber is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Berdnikov postures up in Weber's guard and throws a big left but Weber blocks it.
Weber keeping full guard, as Berdnikov tries to pass.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Berdnikov is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Weber is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Weber has escaped and now he's on top!

Weber is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Berdnikov is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Berdnikov has escaped and now he's on top!

Berdnikov stands and throws Weber's legs to the side, diving into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leon Weber dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Weber drives through and clinches with Berdnikov against the cage.
Weber fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Berdnikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Berdnikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Berdnikov is trying to maintain a safe position but Weber gets an underhook and turns Berdnikov into the cage.
Berdnikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Weber's elbow.
Berdnikov tries to stall but Weber uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Weber blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Weber successfully pulls guard.

Berdnikov is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Weber is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Weber has escaped and now he's on top!

Berdnikov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Weber keeping moving, preventing Berdnikov from controlling successfully.

Weber has his foot on Berdnikov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Berdnikov works his way back into a safe position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Berdnikov is looking to pass into half guard but Weber pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Weber is in guard.

Berdnikov has his foot on Weber's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Weber works his way back into a safe position though.

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

Berdnikov throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

Berdnikov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Berdnikov looking to control but instead Weber has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.

Berdnikov is trying to work for a kimura but Weber is defending well.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Berdnikov trying to work for an americana but Weber has managed to regain full guard.
Berdnikov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Berdnikov advances position into side control!

Berdnikov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Berdnikov goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Weber rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Berdnikov's guard! Nice work there by Weber!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Weber drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Berdnikov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Weber has Berdnikov in his guard.

Berdnikov stays in close to Weber's body and controls the position.
Berdnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Weber is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Weber manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Berdnikov manages to get himself to full guard.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexei Berdnikov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Weber's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Weber throws a body shot but no joy.

Weber feints and as Berdnikov raises his hands in defense, Weber changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Weber postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Berdnikov is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Weber, into his guard.

Weber has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Berdnikov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Weber keeping moving, preventing Berdnikov from controlling successfully.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Berdnikov advances position into side control!

Berdnikov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Weber is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Berdnikov swings around for an armbar but Weber sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Berdnikov's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Weber drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Berdnikov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Weber has Berdnikov in his guard.

Berdnikov wants to control from the top but Weber keeps moving.
Berdnikov advances to half guard.

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

Weber is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Berdnikov pulls his head out easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Berdnikov seems to be working for a kimura but Weber defends the submission attempt.
Berdnikov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Berdnikov is looking for submissions but instead, Weber has regained full guard.
Berdnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Weber is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Berdnikov drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Weber dives on top into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Weber working for a triangle but Berdnikov defends it easily.
Berdnikov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Weber works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Alexei Berdnikov just about did enough to take it.
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.

Berdnikov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Weber.
Berdnikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Weber was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Berdnikov doesn't manage to clinch there - Weber circles away.
Weber misses with a wild body shot.
Berdnikov throws a right hand that misses
and Weber counters with a nice body shot.
Berdnikov throws a hook to the side of Weber's head but Weber sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
An attempted straight right counter from Weber misses the target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Weber throws a leg kick that is checked

and Berdnikov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Weber wants to get back to full guard.
Weber regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Berdnikov.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Weber looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Berdnikov trying to control but Weber is working from the bottom.
Berdnikov's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Weber is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Berdnikov defends well.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Berdnikov landing some decent shots from guard.
Berdnikov wants to control from the top but Weber keeps moving.
Berdnikov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Berdnikov misses with a body punch
and Weber counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Weber closes this distance looking for a takedown but Berdnikov circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Weber misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Berdnikov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Berdnikov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Weber rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Berdnikov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Weber closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Berdnikov did well to prevent Weber getting side control.
Berdnikov is concentrating on defense, preventing Weber from advancing position.
Berdnikov wants to control but Weber is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Weber is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Berdnikov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Weber.
Berdnikov holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Berdnikov gets full guard.

Weber drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Berdnikov dives on top into guard.

Berdnikov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Berdnikov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Berdnikov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Berdnikov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Berdnikov trying to control the action but Weber is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexei Berdnikov dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Weber slips under a jab from Berdnikov.
Sloppy strikes from Weber. Those never looked like landing.
Berdnikov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Weber.
An attempted straight right counter from Weber misses the target.
Berdnikov throws a low kick, looking for Weber's leg but Weber calmly moves out of range.
Weber throws a big counter combination but Berdnikov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Weber swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Weber dodges the punch combination from Berdnikov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Berdnikov looks for the body kick but Weber saw that one coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Weber throws a right and a left that both miss.
Weber throws a nice looking combination but Berdnikov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Weber throws a body punch but Berdnikov moves out of range.
Berdnikov takes a swing at Weber's ribcage but misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Weber misses the target.
A good leg kick by Berdnikov.
Berdnikov throws a right and a left that Weber avoids nicely.
Weber will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Weber misses the shot to the body.
Weber throws a right and a left that both miss.
A countering left hand to the body from Berdnikov misses.
Berdnikov misses with a wild body shot.
Berdnikov misses with a wild body shot.
Weber is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Some bone on bone action there as Berdnikov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Berdnikov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Berdnikov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Weber counters with a lovely shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Berdnikov connects with a body shot that sends Weber's belly button to the back.
Berdnikov walks into a straight right hand from Weber.
Berdnikov avoids the body shot from Weber.
Berdnikov slips a jab and a cross from Weber.
Alexei Berdnikov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Weber is looking to wear down Berdnikov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Berdnikov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Weber goes for a double leg but Berdnikov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Berdnikov continues to drive forward.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Berdnikov misses.
Berdnikov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Weber.
Berdnikov tries to clinch up but Weber circles away and keeps his distance.
No joy there for Weber, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Weber misses with a series of wild punches.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Berdnikov is looking to clinch.
Berdnikov darts in looking for a takedown but Weber gets double underhooks and turns Berdnikov into the cage.
Weber throws a big counter combination but Berdnikov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Leon Weber showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Berdnikov 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 47:48
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 49:48
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Leon Weber!
Leon Weber retains his bantamweight title!
Post fight, Leon Weber stared into the camera and said 'I beat this guy 2 times for the title! How much will it take to see who is the real champ??'.