PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tony Di Borgo Sabottino (ranked 22826 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kalle Bengtsson (ranked 4809 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.

Di Borgo Sabottino
vs
Bengtsson

225 cm
23
300 lbs
3 - 6 - 0

210 cm
25
300 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Tony Di Borgo Sabottino!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Kalle Bengtsson!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Sam Margolis and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a leg kick that misses.
Bengtsson tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Di Borgo Sabottino swivels and escapes.
Bengtsson blocks a leg kick.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a right hand that Bengtsson ducks under and follows up with a left that Bengtsson also avoids with ease.

Bengtsson instigates a clinch.
Bengtsson keeps control of Di Borgo Sabottino as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to break free but Bengtsson has control.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to break the clinch but can't.
Bengtsson working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Di Borgo Sabottino has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

Bengtsson decides to pull guard.

Bengtsson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Di Borgo Sabottino is looking to stand up but Bengtsson won't let him.

Di Borgo Sabottino gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Bengtsson fails with a takedown attempt.
A punch combination from Di Borgo Sabottino misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Di Borgo Sabottino misses with a series of wild punches.
Bengtsson shoots in looking for a takedown but Di Borgo Sabottino manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Bengtsson's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kalle Bengtsson.

Bengtsson closes the distance and clinches.
Di Borgo Sabottino has had enough of the clinch but Bengtsson keeps him there for the moment.
Bengtsson content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to break the clinch but Bengtsson is controlling him.
Bengtsson prevents Di Borgo Sabottino from breaking the clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Bengtsson.
Di Borgo Sabottino prevents the takedown attempt.
A frustrated look appears on Di Borgo Sabottino's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Bengtsson manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Di Borgo Sabottino stands and steps away. Bengtsson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Di Borgo Sabottino slaps away a takedown attempt from Bengtsson, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bengtsson checks the leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bengtsson dives in for a single leg takedown but Di Borgo Sabottino sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Bengtsson looks winded!
Bengtsson avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Bengtsson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a quick inside leg kick.
Bengtsson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Di Borgo Sabottino.
Di Borgo Sabottino turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.

Di Borgo Sabottino tries to keep at a distance but Bengtsson has taken the fight into the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Di Borgo Sabottino has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Di Borgo Sabottino looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Bengtsson prevents Di Borgo Sabottino from breaking the clinch.

Di Borgo Sabottino breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Bengtsson checks a leg kick.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

Bengtsson looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Bengtsson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Di Borgo Sabottino working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bengtsson.
Bengtsson throwing strikes but missing.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to get back to his feet but Bengtsson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Bengtsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Di Borgo Sabottino has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Bengtsson has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Di Borgo Sabottino working hard to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bengtsson jumps guard but Di Borgo Sabottino stands there with Bengtsson around his waist. Bengtsson gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to circle away but Bengtsson has him pinned against the cage.
Bengtsson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Di Borgo Sabottino gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to break free but Bengtsson pushes him back against the cage.

Bengtsson ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Bengtsson no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

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

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

Di Borgo Sabottino gets to his feet - Bengtsson follows without any prompting.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Di Borgo Sabottino misses with a low kick.
Di Borgo Sabottino lands with a thumping leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bengtsson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Di Borgo Sabottino tries to avoid it but Bengtsson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Di Borgo Sabottino to the ground. Di Borgo Sabottino escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Nice takedown defense from Di Borgo Sabottino. No joy for Bengtsson on that attempt.
Di Borgo Sabottino connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony Di Borgo Sabottino dominated that round.
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.

Bengtsson blocks a low kick nicely.
Bengtsson shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Di Borgo Sabottino pinned against the cage. Di Borgo Sabottino gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Bengtsson closes the distance and pushes Di Borgo Sabottino back into the cage.

Di Borgo Sabottino breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Di Borgo Sabottino dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Bengtsson. That did some damage!
Some bone on bone action there as Bengtsson checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

Bengtsson closes the distance and pushes Di Borgo Sabottino back into the cage.
Bengtsson tries to pull guard but Di Borgo Sabottino holds him up against the cage and eventually Bengtsson drops back down to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Di Borgo Sabottino has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Bengtsson drags the fight down to the ground.

Di Borgo Sabottino gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bengtsson is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Di Borgo Sabottino.
Di Borgo Sabottino lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to score with a low kick but Bengtsson moves his leg out of the way.
Di Borgo Sabottino misses with a low kick.

Bengtsson drives through and clinches with Di Borgo Sabottino against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Di Borgo Sabottino's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Bengtsson tries to break the clinch but Di Borgo Sabottino is controlling the position.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to break free but Bengtsson pushes him back against the cage.
Bengtsson has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Di Borgo Sabottino after a bit of a struggle.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kalle Bengtsson.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to break free but Bengtsson pushes him back against the cage.
Di Borgo Sabottino is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bengtsson can do to turn this around?
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to push Bengtsson away but Bengtsson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to circle away but Bengtsson has him pinned against the cage.
Di Borgo Sabottino blocks an elbow strike from Bengtsson.
Bengtsson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Di Borgo Sabottino gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Bengtsson is breathing heavily.
Di Borgo Sabottino working hard to break the clinch.
A frustrated look appears on Di Borgo Sabottino's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bengtsson has Di Borgo Sabottino pressed against the cage, preventing Di Borgo Sabottino from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A frustrated look appears on Bengtsson's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Bengtsson.
Bengtsson wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Di Borgo Sabottino breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Bengtsson closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Di Borgo Sabottino quickly recovers to half guard.

Di Borgo Sabottino has one foot on Bengtsson's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Di Borgo Sabottino rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bengtsson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Bengtsson has Di Borgo Sabottino up against the cage in a clinch.
Di Borgo Sabottino can't break the clinch.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to break free.
Bengtsson stalling in the clinch.

Bengtsson decides to pull guard.
Kalle Bengtsson has got the better of the ground game so far.

Di Borgo Sabottino decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bengtsson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Di Borgo Sabottino sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Bengtsson shoots for a takedown but Di Borgo Sabottino saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
A punch combination from Di Borgo Sabottino misses.
As Di Borgo Sabottino backs off Bengtsson throws a huge counter combo but Di Borgo Sabottino manages to avoid it all.
Bengtsson shoots in looking for a takedown. Di Borgo Sabottino tries to sprawl out of it but Bengtsson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Di Borgo Sabottino manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a nice outside leg kick.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Di Borgo Sabottino looks to land a combination but Bengtsson avoids it well.
Di Borgo Sabottino shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bengtsson shoots in but no luck this time.

Bengtsson has Di Borgo Sabottino up against the cage in a clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Bengtsson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to push Bengtsson away but Bengtsson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to circle away but Bengtsson has him pinned against the cage.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to break free.

Bengtsson pulls Di Borgo Sabottino into guard.

Di Borgo Sabottino gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Di Borgo Sabottino stuffs the takedown attempt from Bengtsson. Bengtsson gets slowly back to his feet.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a leg kick

and Bengtsson counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Di Borgo Sabottino!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The strikes coming from Bengtsson are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Bengtsson tries to move to mount but Di Borgo Sabottino blocks the move with his legs.
The strikes coming from Bengtsson are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

Di Borgo Sabottino bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tony Di Borgo Sabottino dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Di Borgo Sabottino throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Bengtsson counters with a right hand to the body.
Nice takedown defense from Di Borgo Sabottino. No joy for Bengtsson on that attempt.
Di Borgo Sabottino stuffs the takedown attempt from Bengtsson. Bengtsson gets slowly back to his feet.
Bengtsson shoots for a double leg takedown but Di Borgo Sabottino sprawls well. He's pushed Bengtsson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kalle Bengtsson.
Di Borgo Sabottino connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Di Borgo Sabottino misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Bengtsson misses with a wild combination.
Bengtsson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Di Borgo Sabottino stuffs the takedown attempt from Bengtsson. Bengtsson gets slowly back to his feet.
As Bengtsson looks to move away, Di Borgo Sabottino throws a big counter combo but Bengtsson just gets out of the way.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Di Borgo Sabottino is looking to slow Bengtsson down with leg kicks.
Di Borgo Sabottino fails to land with a series of punches.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Di Borgo Sabottino.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Bengtsson is able to avoid easily.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a low kick but Bengtsson avoids it.

Di Borgo Sabottino tries to keep at a distance but Bengtsson has taken the fight into the clinch.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to get back to striking at distance but Bengtsson won't allow it.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to push Bengtsson away but Bengtsson has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Bengtsson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Di Borgo Sabottino stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Di Borgo Sabottino wants it to stay on the feet.
Bengtsson throws a shot from downtown. Di Borgo Sabottino moves away and avoids it.
Di Borgo Sabottino misses with a wild combination.
No joy there for Di Borgo Sabottino, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Bengtsson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Di Borgo Sabottino.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bengtsson shoots in and bounces Di Borgo Sabottino off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Bengtsson looking to pass the guard.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to stand but Bengtsson is controlling the position.

Di Borgo Sabottino is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Bengtsson presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Bengtsson has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Di Borgo Sabottino uses from the top position.
Di Borgo Sabottino will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Di Borgo Sabottino stands and steps away. Bengtsson gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino is winning the standup battle so far.
Di Borgo Sabottino avoids the head kick by Bengtsson.
Bengtsson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Di Borgo Sabottino appears to be looking for a big counter.
Di Borgo Sabottino stalks Bengtsson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Bengtsson's face. Bengtsson staggers backwards, shaken.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a series of punches but Bengtsson avoids them all with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Bengtsson closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Di Borgo Sabottino tries to break free but Bengtsson pushes him back against the cage.

Bengtsson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Di Borgo Sabottino throws a series of punches but Bengtsson moves out of range.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Di Borgo Sabottino stops a takedown attempt from Bengtsson.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to force a seperation but Bengtsson has the dominant position.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to get back to striking at distance but Bengtsson won't allow it.
The referee calls for Bengtsson to work.
Bengtsson lands with a left to the head.
Kalle Bengtsson seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Bengtsson has Di Borgo Sabottino pressed against the cage, preventing Di Borgo Sabottino from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Di Borgo Sabottino wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Di Borgo Sabottino's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Bengtsson throws a wild body kick that Di Borgo Sabottino sees coming a mile off.

Bengtsson clinches up against the cage.
Bengtsson jumps guard but Di Borgo Sabottino turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Di Borgo Sabottino is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Bengtsson has had enough of the clinch but Di Borgo Sabottino keeps him there for the moment.

Bengtsson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Di Borgo Sabottino misses with a jab, cross combination.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bengtsson.

Bengtsson clinches up with Di Borgo Sabottino and pushes him back against the cage.
Bengtsson prevents Di Borgo Sabottino from breaking the clinch.
Kalle Bengtsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Bengtsson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tony Di Borgo Sabottino showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Di Borgo Sabottino, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tony Di Borgo Sabottino!