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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Johan Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Drago Maximov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Johan Axelsson had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business
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| 183 cm
37
194 lbs
34 - 17 - 0 |
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182 cm
32
211 lbs
16 - 13 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
34 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Johan Axelsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
16 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Drago Maximov!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, William Peck and Robert Douchet.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maximov wants to clinch up but Axelsson keeps it at a distance.
Maximov tries to clinch there but Axelsson circles away.
Maximov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Axelsson connects with a nice looking jab.
Axelsson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Maximov doesn't manage to clinch there - Axelsson circles away.
Maximov fails to land with a series of punches.
Axelsson misses with a series of wild punches.
Axelsson moves into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A head punch on the inside from Maximov fails to land.
Axelsson will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Maximov up against the cage.
Axelsson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Maximov digs a right hand into Axelsson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Axelsson's gas tank.
Axelsson blocks a body shot from Maximov.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A thudding body kick lands there by Maximov!
Maximov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Axelsson.
Axelsson shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Maximov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Maximov tries to escape but Axelsson is in control.
Axelsson is putting a hurting on Maximov here, landing some big shots from side control.
Maximov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Axelsson landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson just content to control the position.
Axelsson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Maximov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Maximov is pushing Axelsson's head away, looking to escape. Axelsson manages to hold on to the position though.
Maximov throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Axelsson darts in and clinches Maximov up against the cage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Axelsson.
Axelsson blocks a body shot from Maximov.
Axelsson breaks from the clinch.
Maximov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Maximov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Axelsson misses the shot to the body.
Maximov tries to counter by closing the distance.
Maximov tries to bum rush Axelsson with a series of wild strikes but Axelsson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nice straight punches there by Maximov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Maximov.
It looks like Johan Axelsson has been cut.
Maximov wants to clinch.
Maximov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Axelsson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Axelsson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Maximov sprawls and moves away.
Maximov misses with a body shot.
Maximov closes the distance but Axelsson moves to the side
and Axelsson counters with a series of strikes. Maximov will be more careful next time no doubt.
Axelsson avoids the head kick by Maximov.
Axelsson is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Maximov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maximov tries to clinch there but Axelsson circles away.
Axelsson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Maximov did well to prevent Axelsson getting side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet.
Axelsson is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet.
Maximov is staying active underneath Axelsson, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Maximov is trying to stand.
Axelsson slows the pace down in half guard.
Maximov tries to kick Axelsson off but Axelsson keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but I would say that Johan Axelsson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
That's time! Axelsson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Maximov misses with a hook
and Axelsson counters with a takedown into side control.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet but Axelsson drags him back down.
Axelsson wants to control but Maximov is keeping him busy.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Axelsson cracks Maximov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet but Axelsson drags him back down.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Axelsson grinds an elbow into Maximov's temple.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet but Axelsson drags him back down.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Maximov taking punishment in the form of punches.
Maximov is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Axelsson cracks Maximov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Maximov is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Axelsson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Maximov can do to turn this around?
Maximov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Axelsson trying to control the action but Maximov is working from the bottom.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson prevents Maximov from escaping the position.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Maximov clinches with his opponent.
Maximov tries a body shot but Axelsson blocks it.
A short uppercut from Maximov.
Maximov throws a head punch that misses.
Maximov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Maximov lands a nice uppercut.
Maximov misses with a knee to the head.
The referee calls for Axelsson to work.
Maximov struggles to land a body shot inside as Axelsson controls his hands.
Axelsson is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Maximov.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson unloads a knee to the mid-section. Maximov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Maximov trying to land knees to the body.
Axelsson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Drago Maximov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Maximov throws a body shot but no joy.
Maximov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Axelsson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Maximov closes the distance and clinches.
Maximov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Axelsson gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Maximov wants to stand up but Axelsson is controlling him.
Axelsson advances to half guard.
Axelsson is looking to take a break and control but Maximov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Maximov is trying to stand.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson moves nicely into side control.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet but Axelsson drags him back down.
Maximov is not content to let Axelsson control the position.
Axelsson scoring with punches from side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Axelsson content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Maximov is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Axelsson controlling the position.
Axelsson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Johan Axelsson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
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.
Maximov closes the distance and pushes Axelsson back into the cage.
Axelsson blocks an elbow strike from Maximov.
Axelsson misses with a hook to the ribs.
Axelsson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Nice body punch from Maximov - that landed with a thud.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Axelsson controls the action.
Axelsson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Maximov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A short right from Maximov on the inside.
Maximov prevents a body shot from Axelsson.
Maximov working aggressively here.
Maximov is fighting off a takedown attempt but Axelsson is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Maximov to the mat. Maximov regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Axelsson not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Axelsson trying to control but Maximov is working from the bottom.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson pushing down on Maximov's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Maximov is trying to stand back up but Axelsson is controlling him
Maximov is trying to escape back to his feet but Axelsson uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Maximov throws Axelsson to one side and escapes!
Maximov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Axelsson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Axelsson scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Maximov is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Axelsson has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Maximov is trying to get back to his feet.
Maximov is not content to let Axelsson control the position.
Axelsson is chipping away with strikes.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Axelsson here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Maximov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Axelsson is controlling him well.
Axelsson thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Maximov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Axelsson has just dragged him back down to the mat.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson trying to control the position but Maximov is working away.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet but Axelsson drags him back down.
Axelsson trying to control the position but Maximov is working away.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Maximov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Axelsson is controlling him well.
The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Axelsson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
It looked like Axelsson wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Maximov moves into range and clinches up with Axelsson.
Drago Maximov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Axelsson lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Maximov wants to stand back up but Axelsson manages to pass into side control.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maximov on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Maximov is trying to get back to his feet.
Check out the look on Axelsson's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Axelsson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Maximov keeps working.
Maximov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Axelsson has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Axelsson happy to just control the position for now.
Maximov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Axelsson is controlling him well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Johan Axelsson did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!
Axelsson lands a jab to Maximov's midsection.
Maximov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Nice takedown defense from Maximov. No joy for Axelsson on that attempt.
Maximov doesn't manage to clinch there - Axelsson circles away.
Maximov closes the distance but Axelsson moves to the side
and Axelsson counters with a nice body shot.
Maximov lands a head kick. Axelsson smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Axelsson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Maximov is fending him off so far but Axelsson persists. Nope, Maximov circles away and we're back to standing.
Maximov now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Axelsson swats away the attempt to clinch by Maximov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maximov throws a sloppy head kick
and Axelsson counters with a stiff right hand.
No joy there for Maximov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Maximov moves into range and clinches up with Axelsson.
Maximov gets through Axelsson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A short right from Maximov on the inside.
Maximov prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A body shot lands from Maximov.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Axelsson jumps guard but Maximov stands there with Axelsson around his waist. Axelsson gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Axelsson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Maximov has a couple of punches blocked by Axelsson.
Maximov is leaning against Axelsson and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Axelsson prevents a body shot from Maximov.
Maximov scores with a shot to the side of Axelsson's head.
Maximov misses with some punches.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Axelsson controls the action.
Maximov working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Maximov.
Maximov stops a takedown attempt from Axelsson.
A short left from Maximov.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Axelsson turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Axelsson tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Axelsson has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Axelsson sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Maximov is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Maximov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximov takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Maximov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Axelsson has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Axelsson lands a decent elbow from side control.
Maximov is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Axelsson asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Axelsson trying to control the action but Maximov is working from the bottom.
Maximov tries to escape but Axelsson is in control.
Axelsson landing a few strikes.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson is putting a hurting on Maximov here, landing some big shots from side control.
Maximov wants to get back to his feet but Axelsson drags him back down.
Maximov takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Maximov is trying to get back to his feet.
Axelsson cracks Maximov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close fourth round but Drago Maximov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson'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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Axelsson throws a shot from downtown. Maximov moves away and avoids it.
Axelsson moves out of range of the strikes.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Maximov prevents a body shot from Axelsson.
Maximov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Maximov tries to work over Axelsson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Maximov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Axelsson has Maximov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Maximov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Axelsson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Maximov scores with a shoulder strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Axelsson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Axelsson shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Maximov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Maximov is pushing Axelsson's head away, looking to escape. Axelsson manages to hold on to the position though.
That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Drago Maximov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Axelsson throws a good cross that connects.
Maximov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Axelsson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
A slow jab from Maximov misses its intended target.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson lands with a kick to the temple. Maximov shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Maximov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Axelsson counters with a two punch combo.
Axelsson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Axelsson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Maximov sprawls and moves away.
Maximov tries to clinch up.
Maximov tries to clinch but Axelsson is having none of it.
Maximov leaves Axelsson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Maximov throws a head kick that misses.
Axelsson feinted with a counter takedown.
Maximov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Axelsson stuns Maximov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Maximov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A little feinted left hand from Axelsson on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
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!
Axelsson blocks the body kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximov takes the fight into the clinch.
Maximov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Axelsson backwards.
Maximov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Axelsson is trying to drag Maximov to the mat but Maximov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Axelsson wants a takedown but no success here.
Maximov has a couple of punches blocked by Axelsson.
Maximov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Axelsson is looking to take this one to the mat.
Maximov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Axelsson.
Maximov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Axelsson lands a right hand.
Maximov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Drago Maximov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maximov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Maximov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Axelsson slowing the pace effectively.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Axelsson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Maximov throws a head punch that misses.
Axelsson trying to stall but Maximov improves his position.
A shot in the inside from Axelsson.
Maximov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Johan Axelsson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Axelsson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Maximov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Axelsson controls the action.
Axelsson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Maximov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Johan Axelsson is winning the standup battle so far.
Maximov closes the distance and pushes Axelsson back into the cage.
Axelsson dodges an elbow strike from Maximov.
And that's the end of the fight!
Drago Maximov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Axelsson 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 48:47
Judge William Peck scores the fight 46:49
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 48:47
In favor of your winner, by split decision... Johan Axelsson!
During a confident post fight interview, Johan Axelsson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
49% |
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