PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Hayato Sakuraba (ranked 1133 p4p, 968 weight class) and Nikolay Leonov (ranked 171 p4p, 146 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Sakuraba
vs
Leonov

180 cm
27
190
7 - 5 - 0

180 cm
27
195
8 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hayato Sakuraba!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolay Leonov!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Phil Schofield and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Leonov defends it nicely.
The crowd cheers as Leonov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Sakuraba doesn't seem phased though.
Leonov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Leonov feints a jab promting Sakuraba to slip. Leonov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Sakuraba slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Sakuraba throws a hook but Leonov blocks it.
Sakuraba misses with a hook. Leonov ducked under it nicely.
Sakuraba is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Leonov misses with a hook.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakuraba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leonov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakuraba changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Leonov tries to avoid it but Sakuraba manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Leonov to the ground. Leonov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Leonov throws a counter combo.
Sakuraba gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Leonov tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Leonov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Sakuraba.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakuraba shoots for a takedown but Leonov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Leonov sprawls well. Leonov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Sakuraba gets slowly back to his feet.
Sakuraba takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Leonov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sakuraba attempts a counter takedown but Leonov avoids it well and moves away.

Sakuraba shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Sakuraba showed some decent athleticism there.

Sakuraba seems to be working for a kimura but Leonov defends the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Leonov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Sakuraba stalling.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sakuraba.
Leonov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Sakuraba is working away from the top position though.
Sakuraba thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Leonov has one foot on Sakuraba's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
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!
Sakuraba takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Leonov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba defending well as Leonov loads up on a big left hand.
Leonov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Leonov throws out a leg kick but Sakuraba moves out of range and Leonov only half commits.
Sakuraba throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Leonov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Leonov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Leonov walks into a left hand.
Leonov looks to throw the jab but Sakuraba is out of range.
Leonov lands with a straight right. Sakuraba didn't see that one coming.
Leonov slips a straight right by Sakuraba.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Leonov lands the left hand.
Good standup being displayed there by Leonov as he connects with a hook.
Sakuraba looks to throw the jab but Leonov is out of range.
Leonov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Leonov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sakuraba.
Leonov misses with a looping left.
A jab from Sakuraba finds it's way through Leonov's defenses.
Nice jab there from Sakuraba.
No joy there for Leonov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Leonov looks to land a combination but Sakuraba avoids it well.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Leonov.
Leonov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakuraba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leonov is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Sakuraba had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Leonov slips under a jab from Sakuraba.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakuraba moves away.
Sakuraba throws a right hand that Leonov ducks under and follows up with a left that Leonov also avoids with ease.
Sakuraba has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Leonov.
Leonov slips a jab from Sakuraba.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leonov! But no joy.
Leonov dips to his left and cracks Sakuraba with an uppercut!
Leonov misses the shot to the body.
Sakuraba has a takedown stuffed.
Leonov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Leonov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Leonov lands with a hook. Sakuraba tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Sakuraba is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Sakuraba slips a jab and a cross from Leonov.
Leonov throws a big shot that misses.
Sakuraba shoots in for a takedown but Leonov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Leonov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sakuraba with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Leonov to score with a decent uppercut.
Sakuraba shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Leonov defends it nicely.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Leonov looks to land a right hand but Sakuraba moved out of range.
Leonov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sakuraba looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A swing and a miss from Leonov.
Leonov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Leonov throws the left hand but Sakuraba avoids the punch easily.
Sakuraba ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Leonov lands a lovely overhand right.
Sakuraba fails with a takedown attempt.

Leonov tries to sprawl but Sakuraba drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Leonov tries to roll over but Sakuraba keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakuraba slips a nice elbow through Leonov's hands, connecting with Leonov's forehead.
Sakuraba tries to pass the half guard into mount. Leonov knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonov is looking to improve his position.
Well, if Sakuraba is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Leonov is trying to stand back up but Sakuraba is controlling him
Leonov is refusing to be controlled, as Sakuraba sits in half guard.
Leonov pushes Sakuraba off looking to stand but Sakuraba dives back in and keeps control.
Sakuraba is trying to control the action in half guard but Leonov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Leonov is trying to maintain the position but Sakuraba is very close to passing his half guard.
Sakuraba is looking to take a break and control but Leonov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Leonov is trying to control but can't.
Leonov won't allow Sakuraba to pass to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Leonov tries to roll over but Sakuraba keeps him under control.
Sakuraba slips a nice elbow through Leonov's hands, connecting with Leonov's forehead.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Leonov can do anything to dispel that myth.

Sakuraba is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Leonov defends it well.
Leonov on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Leonov kicks Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Leonov slips under a jab.
Sakuraba misses the jab.
Leonov throws an overhand right that lands on Sakuraba's shoulder, as Sakuraba tries to avoid the shot.
Leonov throws a solid leg kick but Sakuraba takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Leonov.
Danga de danga de dang - Leonov scores with a four punch combination!
Leonov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Leonov works over Sakuraba's head and body with a nice combination.
Sakuraba throws a hook to the side of Leonov's head but Leonov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Leonov tests Sakuraba's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Sakuraba throws a looping overhand right but Leonov ducks down to avoid it.
Leonov lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Sakuraba dives in and grabs Leonov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Leonov pushes down on Sakuraba's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hayato Sakuraba. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Leonov swinging wildly here.
Leonov with a hook.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Leonov scores with a nice strike.
Leonov throws an overhand right that lands on Sakuraba's shoulder, as Sakuraba tries to avoid the shot.
Leonov catches Sakuraba with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A low kick from Leonov is predictable there

and Sakuraba counters with a takedown into side control.
Sakuraba works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakuraba lands an elbow.
Leonov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Sakuraba is controlling him well.

Sakuraba tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Sakuraba scores with punches from side control.
Sakuraba working away.
Sakuraba scoring with punches from side control.
Leonov is trying to improve his position.
Sakuraba in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Leonov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Sakuraba has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Sakuraba tries for a kimura but Leonov is defending well.

Sakuraba working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Leonov misses with a straight left.
Sakuraba tests Leonov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Sakuraba bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Leonov's head backwards.
Sakuraba takes one to the side of the head.
Sakuraba scores with a nice strike.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Leonov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakuraba sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakuraba takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A low kick from Leonov is predictable there

and Sakuraba counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Sakuraba.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakuraba passes Leonov's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Sakuraba trying to control the action but Leonov is working from the bottom.
Leonov is trying to stand up here but Sakuraba is controlling him well.
Sakuraba is trying to control the action in half guard but Leonov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Leonov flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Leonov is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Sakuraba.
Ground and pound from Sakuraba.
Sakuraba missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Leonov is looking for a sweep. Sakuraba is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Leonov kicks Sakuraba off and gets back to his feet.
Sakuraba takes one on the button.
A slow jab from Leonov misses its intended target.
Leonov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sakuraba walks into a left hand.
Leonov misses with a few strikes there.
Sakuraba moves away from the strike by Leonov.
Sakuraba on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Sakuraba slips a jab from Leonov.
Sakuraba is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Leonov scores with a three punch combo!
Sakuraba displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Leonov throws out the jab.
Leonov cracks Sakuraba with an open hand slap.
Leonov slips a straight right by Sakuraba.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Sakuraba attempts a counter takedown but Leonov avoids it well and moves away.
Sakuraba blocks a jab.
Nice jab there from Leonov.
Leonov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Leonov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Leonov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sakuraba.
A looping hook to the body misses from Leonov. Sakuraba does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sakuraba walks into a left hand.
Leonov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Leonov scores with a jab to the body.
Leonov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Sakuraba looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

Sakuraba closes the distance and pushes Leonov back into the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for Leonov to work.
Leonov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Sakuraba has him pressed against the cage.
Nikolay Leonov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sakuraba jumps guard but Leonov stands there with Sakuraba around his waist. Sakuraba gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Leonov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Leonov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakuraba.
Sakuraba throws a jab when Leonov was well out of range.
Nice body punch from Leonov.
Leonov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Leonov! But no joy.
Leonov cracks Sakuraba with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Leonov misses the jab.
Sakuraba half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Leonov throws a hook to the side of Sakuraba's head but Sakuraba sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Leonov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sakuraba.
Leonov connects with a jab.
Leonov chopping away at his opponent's legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakuraba with a lazy takedown attempt
and Leonov counters with a straight right hand.
Leonov stuns Sakuraba with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Leonov misses with an uppercut.
Sakuraba scores with a crisp jab that stopped Leonov in his tracks.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Leonov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Sakuraba throws a jab but it's blocked by Leonov.
Leonov thumps Sakuraba with a low kick.
A swing and a miss from Leonov.
Nikolay Leonov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakuraba uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leonov.
A slow jab from Sakuraba misses its intended target.
A big right from Sakuraba misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Leonov scores with a hook.
Sakuraba connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Sakuraba takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Hayato Sakuraba has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leonov swats away the attempt to clinch by Sakuraba.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Leonov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Leonov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolay Leonov!
Nikolay Leonov bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.