PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Pavel Kostov (ranked 2474 p4p, 3314 weight class) and Leevi Saros (ranked 335 p4p, 430 weight class). Saros has chosen Marko Hietala - Stones as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kostov
vs
Saros

185 cm
23
190
3 - 3 - 0

183 cm
23
184
6 - 6 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

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 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Pavel Kostov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Leevi Saros!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Daniel Bishop and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kostov tries to keep at a distance but Saros has taken the fight into the clinch.
Saros lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Saros lands a shoulder strike.
Saros blocks an uppercut.
Saros lands a body punch in the clinch.
Kostov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kostov takes a shot to the head.
Kostov looking to slow down the pace here.
Kostov stalling against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Saros misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Saros tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Saros lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Saros blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Kostov breaks from the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Saros. Kostov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saros swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kostov throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Kostov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kostov just misses with a punch to the body.
A little jabbing left from Saros on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saros shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Saros uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kostov.

Saros has Kostov up against the cage in a clinch.
Saros can't find room to land a body shot as Kostov controls the action.
Saros digs a right hand underneath Kostov's ribcage. Kostov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Saros lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kostov.
Kostov stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Saros lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Saros tries to work over Kostov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Kostov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Saros scores with a nice head shot.
Saros misses with a wild body shot.
Saros fails with an attempt to clinch.
Saros uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kostov.
Kostov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Saros. That did some damage!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saros wants to clinch.
Kostov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

Saros closes the distance and clinches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kostov.
Saros misses with a punch to the body.
Saros blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kostov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Saros's elbow.
Kostov is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kostov lands a shot to the body.
Saros blocks an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kostov.
Saros prevents a body shot from Kostov.
Saros tries a body shot but Kostov blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kostov presses Saros against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Saros misses with a body punch.
Saros tries to throw a body punch but Kostov avoids it by throwing Saros back against the cage.
Saros swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Saros tries a body shot but Kostov blocks it.
Kostov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kostov stalling the fight.
A head punch on the inside from Saros fails to land.
Saros misses with a punch to the body.
Kostov prevents a body shot from Saros.
Kostov misses with the head strike.
Kostov throws a head punch that misses.
Kostov digs a right hand underneath Saros's ribcage. Saros let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kostov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kostov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kostov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Saros blocking some punches.
Kostov lands with a light punch inside.
Saros goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Saros struggles to land a body shot inside as Kostov controls his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kostov tries to throw a body punch but Saros avoids it by throwing Kostov back against the cage.
Saros misses with some punches.
Saros tries to throw a body punch but Kostov avoids it by throwing Saros back against the cage.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Saros as Kostov tries to tie him up.
Kostov has had enough of the clinch but Saros keeps him there for the moment.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Saros.
Kostov working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Kostov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Saros backwards.
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!

Kostov breaks from the clinch.
Saros tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kostov swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Saros gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Kostov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Saros or not.
Saros misses with a body punch.
Saros swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Saros's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Saros doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Saros tries to work over Kostov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Kostov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Pavel Kostov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kostov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Kostov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Saros uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kostov.
Kostov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Saros is out of range and Kostov settles back down.
And Saros tries to counter it with a takedown but Kostov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Kostov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Kostov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Saros momentarily.
An inside leg kick lands from Kostov.
Kostov takes one to the chin there.
Saros throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Pavel Kostov is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kostov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kostov looks to land a combination but Saros avoids it well.

Saros shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saros controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saros is keen to just control but Kostov is a slippery customer.
Saros slows the pace down in half guard.
Saros wants to take a breather but Kostov is having none of it.
Saros trying to pass the guard but Kostov defending well.

Saros is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Kostov is just riding it out for now. Saros eventually gives up the hold.
Still in half guard, Saros seems content to control.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

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.
Kostov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Saros stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kostov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Saros controlling from the top position.
Kostov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Saros manages to get himself to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kostov advances to half guard.
Saros is refusing to be controlled, as Kostov sits in half guard.
Kostov looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Saros is looking to improve his position.
Kostov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Saros can do to turn this around?
Kostov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Saros keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kostov sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Saros is trying to maintain the position but Kostov is very close to passing his half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Saros moves into the clinch.
Kostov working aggressively here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Pavel Kostov dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Saros uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kostov has time to react.
Saros doesn't manage to clinch there - Kostov circles away.
Kostov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Saros has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kostov misses with a body kick.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Saros.
Saros shoots for a double leg takedown but Kostov sprawls well. He's pushed Saros's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kostov with a hook.

Saros has taken the fight to the clinch.
Saros working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Saros tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saros misses with a punch on the inside.
Kostov tries to break free but Saros pushes him back against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Kostov.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kostov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
A short uppercut from Kostov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kostov trying to stall but Saros improves his position.
Kostov lands with a short shot to the head.
Kostov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Still in the clinch, Kostov scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saros can't find room to land a body shot as Kostov controls the action.
A frustrated look appears on Kostov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kostov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Saros backwards.
Kostov lands a shot to the body.
Kostov lands a shoulder strike.
Saros tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kostov's elbow.
Kostov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Saros blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Pavel Kostov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Saros goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kostov prevents it.
Good body shot from Kostov.
Kostov misses with a punch on the inside.
Saros lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Nice body punch from Kostov - that landed with a thud.
Saros drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kostov gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Pavel Kostov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Leevi Saros.
Kostov looking to stall.
Leevi Saros has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kostov scores with a shoulder strike.
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!
Kostov lands with a light punch inside.
Stalling in the clinch from Kostov.
Kostov taking a breather.
Saros is looking to take this one to the mat.
Saros goes for a takedown attempt but Kostov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Kostov fakes the leg kick and cracks Saros in the body.
Kostov slips a jab from Saros.
Kostov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Saros throws an overhand right that lands on Kostov's shoulder, as Kostov tries to avoid the shot.
Kostov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Saros tries to clinch but Kostov moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kostov lands with a hook. Saros tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Kostov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Saros is able to avoid easily.
Saros doesn't manage to clinch there - Kostov circles away.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kostov.
Kostov connects with a right hand. Saros shakes it off.
A jab from Saros misses.
Saros throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Saros tries to close the distance and clinch but Kostov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kostov blocks a jab.
Saros fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kostov throws a head kick that misses.

Saros drives through and clinches with Kostov against the cage.
Saros misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kostov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Saros misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kostov is struggling to control the position.
Saros lands a body punch in the clinch.
A short left from Kostov.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kostov working aggressively here.
Kostov lands a nice uppercut.
A bit of stalling here from Kostov.
Kostov throws a head punch that misses.
Kostov lands an uppercut.
Saros tries a body shot but Kostov blocks it.
Saros swings wildly with an uppercut but Kostov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Saros doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Kostov manages to break the clinch.
Kostov is looking to score with low kicks.
Saros tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kostov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
It looked like Kostov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Pavel Kostov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kostov lands a jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pavel Kostov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kostov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pavel Kostov!
A relieved looking Pavel Kostov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Leevi Saros was interviewed post fight and said 'A man can't outlast whatever he's made. Tonight my opponent extended this inevitability beyond the realms of mine. Congratulations. Rise or fall, we get up and keep grinding. And grinding, the constant movement, never ends. I will return.'.