PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Barry Batson (ranked 6222 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Kovalev (ranked 6633 p4p, 0 weight class). Mike Kovalev is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Batson
vs
Kovalev

171 cm
19
144 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

150 cm
24
135 lbs
3 - 6 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Barry Batson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mike Kovalev!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Aafke Stam and Paulsen Ambrosius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kovalev throws a head kick but Batson moves out of range.

Kovalev clinches up with Batson and pushes him back against the cage.

Kovalev manages to break the clinch.
Batson moves out of range of the body kick from Kovalev.
Kovalev throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

Batson is rocked!

It looks like Barry Batson has been cut.
Kovalev shoots in looking for a takedown but Batson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kovalev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Batson tries for a takedown but Kovalev sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Batson moves out of range of the body kick from Kovalev.
Batson throws a big counter combination but Kovalev scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Batson will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kovalev steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Batson.
Kovalev 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.
Batson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kovalev moves away.
Kovalev lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

Kovalev clinches up against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Kovalev - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kovalev wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kovalev looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Batson is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kovalev is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Batson to keep the fight standing.
Kovalev managing to block the knees to the body from Batson.

Batson manages to pull guard.

Kovalev decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Batson, up you get!
Horrible takedown attempt by Kovalev or perhaps it was just good defense by Batson, which made it look bad.
Batson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Barry Batson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mike Kovalev.
Batson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Batson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kovalev swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kovalev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Batson dives in and grabs Kovalev's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kovalev pushes down on Batson's head and hops out.
Batson fails with the takedown.
Batson tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kovalev sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Batson somewhat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev tries a head kick but it misses.

Kovalev clinches.

Kovalev breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kovalev pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
It looked like Batson was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Kovalev.
Kovalev misses with a series of wild punches.
Kovalev misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kovalev throws a head kick but Batson moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Batson avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Kovalev looks winded!

Kovalev has taken the fight to the clinch.
Batson is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kovalev pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Batson has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kovalev avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Batson is trying to force a seperation but Kovalev has the dominant position.
Batson avoiding damage as Kovalev throws knees to the body.

Kovalev manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kovalev rushes Batson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Kovalev breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Batson avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Batson attempts a counter takedown but Kovalev avoids it well and moves away.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Kovalev has eaten all the pies!
Batson throws a series of punches but Kovalev moves out of range.
Kovalev lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Kovalev misses with a body kick.
Batson tries to clinch but Kovalev is having none of it.
Kovalev throws a half hearted mid kick.
Kovalev stuffs the takedown.
A bone on bone clash there as Kovalev blocks the leg kick.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Batson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Kovalev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Batson doesn't manage to clinch there - Kovalev circles away.
Batson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kovalev circles away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Batson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

Kovalev fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Batson, pushing him back against the cage.
Kovalev prevents a takedown attempt there.

Kovalev's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kovalev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
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!
Kovalev throws a head kick but Batson moves out of range.

Kovalev lands a big head kick that sends Batson tumbling to the mat! Kovalev takes a step backwards and waves Batson back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Oh Batson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

Kovalev lands a head kick that stumbles Batson and the fighters go to the mat.

Batson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kovalev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kovalev in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Kovalev dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Barry Batson's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Kovalev pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Batson seems to have got his legs back now.
A head kick misses from Kovalev.
Kovalev moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Kovalev has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kovalev shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Batson as he jumps to the side.
It looked like Batson was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Kovalev.
Mike Kovalev seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kovalev goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Batson tries to clinch but Kovalev is having none of it.
Kovalev displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Batson.
Kovalev throws a sloppy head kick and Batson moves out of range easily.
Batson appears to be looking for a big counter.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Batson is defended easily by Kovalev.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses.
Kovalev throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.

Kovalev closes the distance and pushes Batson back into the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kovalev lands a nice shot to the body.

Batson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kovalev wants to control from the top but Batson keeps moving.

Kovalev stands and steps away. Batson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Batson blocks a head kick by Kovalev.
Batson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Batson dodges the punch combination from Kovalev.
Batson avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Batson feinted with a counter takedown.
Kovalev misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kovalev misses with a jab, cross combination.
Batson appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Kovalev throws a half hearted mid kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev lets loose with a powerful body kick. Batson will feel that in the morning.
Kovalev stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kovalev wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Barry Batson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Batson blocks a head kick by Kovalev.
Batson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kovalev moves away.
Barry Batson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kovalev pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Batson pushes Kovalev up against the cage in a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Batson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Kovalev closes the distance and clinches.

Kovalev breaks from the clinch.
Kovalev blocks a head kick by Batson.
Batson avoids the head kick by Kovalev.
Kovalev throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Batson crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Kovalev - the referee stops the clock and Batson gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Kovalev. Batson manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Kovalev avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Batson lands with a straight right. Kovalev didn't see that one coming.
Kovalev moves in looking to clinch but Batson pushes him off.
Batson scores with a head kick.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kovalev is defended easily by Batson.
Batson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kovalev swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mike Kovalev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kovalev fails to land with a series of punches.
Kovalev keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Kovalev fails to land with a series of punches.
Kovalev tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Batson lands a right hook to the body.

Kovalev darts in and clinches Batson up against the cage.
Batson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kovalev.
Kovalev throws a punch but it's blocked by Batson.

Batson successfully pulls guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kovalev lands a couple of digs.

Kovalev stands and steps away. Batson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Kovalev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Batson throws a front kick that sends Kovalev stumbling back into the cage.
Kovalev misses with a head kick.
Batson wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Batson keeps the fight on the outside.
Batson feinted with a counter takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Kovalev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Barry Batson's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Kovalev misses with a few strikes there.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Mike Kovalev seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Batson wants a takedown.

Kovalev manages to break the clinch.
Kovalev tries to land a leg kick but Batson saw it coming and moves away.
Kovalev misses with a body kick.
Kovalev swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kovalev throws a head kick but Batson moves out of range.
Kovalev pulls out of a head kick attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses.
Kovalev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Batson will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Batson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kovalev tries to avoid it but Batson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kovalev to the ground. Kovalev escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Barry Batson. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Batson clinches.
Kovalev blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

Kovalev's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A head kick by Kovalev misses

and Batson counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Kovalev is looking to break free of the clinch but Batson has double underhooks.
Batson tries for a takedown but Kovalev manages to get underhooks.

Kovalev manages to break the clinch.
Kovalev throws a series of punches but Batson moves out of range.
Batson looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kovalev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Kovalev closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Batson's guard.
Kovalev is standing up over Batson. Batson looks to escape but Kovalev dives into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Batson trying his best to control but Kovalev has mounted him.
Kovalev controlling the pace for now.
Kovalev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Kovalev has control of Batson's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Batson regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Batson can't escape the position.
Kovalev lands with some strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Batson is trying to escape the mount.
Kovalev pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Kovalev connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Batson in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Batson keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Kovalev controlling from the full mount.
Kovalev working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Kovalev avoids the attempt from Batson to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kovalev is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Kovalev punishing his opponent with strikes.

Kovalev jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Batson manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Kovalev in side control, throwing shots but Batson defends.

Kovalev decides to take the fight back to the feet.

Kovalev pushes Batson up against the cage in a clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Kovalev manages to break the clinch.
Barry Batson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mike Kovalev is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
A head kick by Kovalev misses
and Batson counters with an inside leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Kovalev comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kovalev 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 27:30
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mike Kovalev!