PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aslambekdov Saidov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and William Barbio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Saidov
vs
Barbio

187 cm
25
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

193 cm
25
205 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aslambekdov Saidov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, William Barbio!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Valeri Chadov and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barbio shoots in but Saidov avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Barbio shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Barbio showed some decent athleticism there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Saidov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Barbio pulls his head out easily.
Barbio not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Barbio missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Saidov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Barbio pulls his head out easily.
Barbio is just content to waste time from the top position. Saidov takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Saidov uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Barbio moves in looking to clinch but Saidov pushes him off.
Saidov digs a good hook to Barbio's body.
Barbio shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Saidov pinned against the cage. Saidov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Saidov lands a right hook to the body.
Barbio loads up on a big right hand but Saidov slips the punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saidov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barbio.
Barbio wants to clinch up but Saidov keeps it at a distance.
Saidov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Barbio lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Barbio keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Barbio fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Aslambekdov Saidov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of William Barbio.

Barbio closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Saidov did well to prevent Barbio getting side control.
Barbio prevents Saidov from standing back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saidov is refusing to be controlled, as Barbio sits in half guard.

Saidov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
William Barbio seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saidov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barbio manages to avoid it.
Saidov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Barbio keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Saidov.
Barbio tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Saidov is able to avoid easily.

Barbio manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Saidov on his heels. He'll look to pass Saidov's guard now, I'm sure.
Barbio wants to stand and escape but instead Saidov has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saidov landing with the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Saidov drops back looking for a leg! Barbio is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Barbio manages to kick Saidov off! Saidov jumps back into Barbio's guard.
Saidov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Barbio works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Barbio avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Saidov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
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!

Saidov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Saidov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Saidov is breathing heavily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barbio working a defensive guard here.
Saidov preventing the sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but William Barbio will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A telegraphed takedown attempt from Saidov is defended easily by Barbio.
Barbio uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Saidov.

Barbio shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Saidov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Barbio trying to control the position but Saidov is working away.
Barbio working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Saidov bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Barbio throws a sloppy head kick and Saidov moves out of range easily.
Barbio throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Saidov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Barbio shoots in for a takedown but Saidov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Saidov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Barbio looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Saidov has an Americana. Barbio didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Saidov is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Saidov hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Aslambekdov Saidov!