PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Krzysztof Sobieski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fedor Emalianenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Sobieski
vs
Emalianenko

190 cm
19
260 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

200 cm
19
237 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Krzysztof Sobieski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Fedor Emalianenko!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Fedor Mirinova and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Emalianenko scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Emalianenko decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Emalianenko throws a shot to the body.
Emalianenko moves forwards but Sobieski connects with a nice, crisp jab.

It looks like Fedor Emalianenko has been cut.
Sobieski tries to clinch up but Emalianenko circles away and keeps his distance.
Sobieski is looking to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Sobieski. No joy for Emalianenko on that attempt.
Emalianenko throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Sobieski is breathing heavily.
Sobieski stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Sobieski wants it to stay on the feet.

Emalianenko moves into the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Emalianenko stops a takedown attempt from Sobieski.
Emalianenko is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Krzysztof Sobieski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fedor Emalianenko.

Emalianenko jumps guard.
Emalianenko lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Sobieski!
Emalianenko trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Sobieski keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sobieski wants to control but Emalianenko is having none of it.
A nice elbow there by Emalianenko.
Sobieski knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Emalianenko on the ground.
Emalianenko wants to control the pace but Sobieski is squirming around nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Emalianenko punishing his opponent with strikes.
Emalianenko postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Sobieski looks a forlorn figure.
Sobieski slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Emalianenko perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Sobieski has hold of Emalianenko's hands but Emalianenko slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Sobieski is staying active underneath Emalianenko, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Emalianenko content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Emalianenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sobieski keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Emalianenko content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Sobieski is defending against the submission attempts here by Emalianenko.
Emalianenko wants to control but Sobieski is keeping him busy.
Sobieski gets full guard.
Sobieski is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emalianenko is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

Emalianenko stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Sobieski gets the takedown into side control.
Emalianenko manages to work his way to half guard, despite Sobieski's best efforts.
Emalianenko has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Emalianenko has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Sobieski is working away from the top position though.
Sobieski is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Emalianenko gets full guard.
Sobieski scoring with some ground and pound.
Sobieski's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Emalianenko looking to control.
Sobieski keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Emalianenko's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski throwing strikes from guard but Emalianenko blocks nicely.
Sobieski postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sobieski missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Emalianenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Emalianenko looks for a takedown but Sobieski sprawls well.
Sobieski wants to clinch up but Emalianenko keeps it at a distance.
Sobieski misses with a body shot
and Emalianenko counters with a left to the body.
Emalianenko stalks Sobieski and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Sobieski's face. Sobieski staggers backwards, shaken.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Sobieski scores with a takedown into Emalianenko's guard.
Emalianenko controlling the position.
Sobieski trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fedor Emalianenko dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Fedor Emalianenko's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Sobieski shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Emalianenko as he jumps to the side.
Emalianenko slips under a jab.
Sobieski throws an overhand right that lands on Emalianenko's shoulder, as Emalianenko tries to avoid the shot.
Sobieski walks into a stiff left hand from Emalianenko.
Sobieski avoids the head kick by Emalianenko.
Good leg kick by Emalianenko there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Emalianenko shoots in looking for a takedown. Sobieski tries to sprawl out of it but Emalianenko keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Sobieski manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Emalianenko tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Emalianenko shoots in for a takedown but Sobieski shows good takedown defense.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Emalianenko fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sobieski avoids it really well and circles away.
Krzysztof Sobieski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fedor Emalianenko.
Sobieski tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Emalianenko moves into the clinch.
Sobieski prevents a takedown attempt there.

Sobieski is trying to trip Emalianenko. He has hold of a leg but Emalianenko is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Sobieski persists though and gets the takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sobieski slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Emalianenko is on top in guard.
Emalianenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Sobieski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sobieski can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Emalianenko controls the pace.
Sobieski is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Sobieski is working hard here to advance position.
Emalianenko sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Emalianenko postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Sobieski keeping moving, preventing Emalianenko from controlling successfully.
Sobieski trying to strike off his back.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sobieski, as that shot connected.

Emalianenko forces Sobieski back against the cage and clinches.
Sobieski wants a takedown.
Emalianenko looking to slow down the pace here.
Sobieski fails to pull guard.
Emalianenko gets underhooks to prevent Sobieski's takedown attempt.
Sobieski can't get the takedown.
Sobieski prevents the takedown attempt.

Sobieski pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Emalianenko fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Sobieski sprawls well initially but Emalianenko persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Sobieski wants to get back to full guard.
Emalianenko seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Sobieski does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Emalianenko slows the pace down in half guard.
Emalianenko not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Sobieski is trying to get back to full guard.
Emalianenko trying to mount his opponent but Sobieski defends it.
Sobieski is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sobieski on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Sobieski tries to get out of the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Sobieski drives through with a takedown into guard.
Sobieski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Emalianenko lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Sobieski!
Emalianenko wants to control the pace but Sobieski is squirming around nicely.
Sobieski is looking to improve his position but Emalianenko isn't that keen on the idea.
Emalianenko takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
A nice elbow there by Emalianenko.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Fedor Emalianenko will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Fedor Emalianenko'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Emalianenko tries to clinch but Sobieski moves out of range.

Emalianenko has taken the fight to the clinch.

Sobieski has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Emalianenko regains guard immediately.
Sobieski makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Emalianenko will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Sobieski won't allow Emalianenko to sweep him here.
Sobieski works over Emalianenko with some ground and pound from guard.
Sobieski is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Sobieski in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Emalianenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Emalianenko avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Emalianenko looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sobieski is one step ahead there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Sobieski tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Emalianenko paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Emalianenko has managed to clinch.

Emalianenko pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Emalianenko uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sobieski.

Emalianenko instigates a clinch.

Emalianenko drags the fight down to the ground.

Emalianenko has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sobieski can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Emalianenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Fedor Emalianenko has got the better of the ground game so far.
Emalianenko avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Sobieski in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Emalianenko is trying to keep Sobieski in close.
Sobieski loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Emalianenko looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Emalianenko is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Sobieski trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Sobieski moves into the clinch.

Emalianenko breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Sobieski misses with a takedown attempt

and Emalianenko counters with a takedown into side control.
Sobieski tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Emalianenko wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Emalianenko postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Sobieski misses with a strike from the bottom.
Sobieski is trying to work for a sweep but Emalianenko has mounted him!
Sobieski throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Emalianenko is landing with some decent strikes but Sobieski is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski tries to hold on but Emalianenko postures up.
Sobieski is desperately trying to improve his position but Emalianenko has a good base and remains in mount.

Sobieski defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Emalianenko.
Emalianenko prevents Sobieski from getting the reversal.
Sobieski wants to control but Emalianenko is having none of it.
Emalianenko tries to control but Sobieski wriggling away.
Sobieski gets back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Emalianenko seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Sobieski does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Emalianenko is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Emalianenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sobieski keeps working.
Emalianenko prevents Sobieski from improving his position.

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

Emalianenko stands up from half guard.
Krzysztof Sobieski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fedor Emalianenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Sobieski takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fedor Emalianenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Emalianenko has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fedor Emalianenko!