PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Raikov (ranked 1991 p4p, 1415 weight class) and Axl Cailean (ranked 281 p4p, 213 weight class). Raikov comes to the cage accompanied by Back in the USSR. Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go! Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Raikov
vs
Cailean

178 cm
20
195
5 - 0 - 0

185 cm
21
190
6 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid Muay Thai
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

BE Younick

Shadow Realm Apparel
Bondi MMA ðŸï¸

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 2 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ivan Raikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Axl Cailean!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Valeri Chadov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Raikov tries for a takedown but Cailean sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Cailean tries to score with a low kick but Raikov moves his leg out of the way.
Raikov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Cailean's corner calls for a 1-2. Cailean obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
We've been hearing reports that Raikov has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Raikov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A combination from Cailean does no damage.
Raikov is looking to counter the offense by Cailean and move into the clinch.
Cailean lands a two punch combo.

It looks like Ivan Raikov has been cut.
Cailean throws a lazy right hand but Raikov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Raikov throws a head kick but Cailean moves out of range.
Cailean avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cailean misses with a body shot.
As Cailean tries to get set, Raikov tries to push him back and clinch up but Cailean manages to avoid the attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Raikov misses with a takedown attempt - Cailean sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Raikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Raikov slips under a jab from Cailean.
Axl Cailean seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cailean looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Raikov tries to counter with a takedown but Cailean is quick to defend against it.
Raikov avoids the head kick by Cailean.
Cailean lands a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cailean.
Raikov tries to close the distance and clinch but Cailean swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cailean scores with a three punch combo!
Cailean throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Raikov takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
A low kick lands for Cailean.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cailean.
Axl Cailean is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cailean swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Raikov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Cailean.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Cailean.
Raikov moves out of range of the body kick from Cailean.
Raikov throws a front kick aimed at Cailean's knee but Cailean avoids it well.
Cailean appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
The fighters circling - Cailean throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Cailean attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Raikov throws a low kick, looking for Cailean's leg but Cailean calmly moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Raikov blocks a jab.
Raikov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Cailean.
Nice uppercut there from Cailean.
Cailean throws a body kick, spinning off balance

and Raikov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Raikov tries to free his leg and advance position but Cailean is retaining full guard.
Cailean is pulling down on Raikov's head. It's preventing any offense from Raikov, at least for the moment.
Raikov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cailean is keeping the position for now.
Raikov passes Cailean's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Raikov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Cailean knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Cailean is looking to improve his position.
Raikov tries to pass to full mount but Cailean defends it.
Cailean felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Raikov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Cailean sees it coming and defends easily.
Cailean trying to control from the bottom.

Cailean looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Raikov wants to work for an arm triangle but Cailean is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Raikov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Cailean is in trouble now - Raikov has advanced to mount!
Raikov with some aggressive grappling here, looking for the finish.
Cailean holds on for dear life, controlling Raikov's posture momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Raikov wants to take his opponent's back but Cailean doesn't allow it.

Raikov has hold of Cailean's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Cailean manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Cailean is trying to escape the mount.
Cailean has given up his back here. Will Raikov look for the submission or keep pounding away?
Cailean turns into Raikov and is now in his guard.
Cailean not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Raikov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Raikov lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Raikov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cailean has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Raikov has managed to get both his arms back between Cailean's legs - danger averted.
Raikov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cailean swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Cailean is controlling Raikov's posture.
Raikov prevents Cailean from getting back to his feet.
Raikov stopping the sweep attempt from Cailean.
Cailean keeps trying to improve his position.
Raikov looking to pass the guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Raikov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Cailean's guard.
Raikov is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Cailean working a defensive guard here.

Raikov drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Cailean manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Raikov has Cailean in his guard.

Cailean trying to control but Raikov is working from the bottom.
Raikov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Cailean controls the pace.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Raikov is on top in guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Raikov stands and throws Cailean's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Raikov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Cailean knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Cailean gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Raikov goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Cailean turns into him and now he's in Raikov's guard.
Cailean won't allow Raikov to sweep him here.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Cailean engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Raikov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Raikov is looking for a triangle here but Cailean uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Raikov gets back to half guard.
Raikov wants to get back to full guard.
Cailean is looking to advance position but Raikov won't allow it.

Cailean is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Raikov manages to get to full guard.
Raikov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Raikov is looking for a triangle but Cailean pushes his legs off easily.
Cailean slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Raikov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Cailean is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Cailean trying to control the position from guard on top but Raikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Axl Cailean dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ivan Raikov's cut.
That's time! Raikov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Cailean throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cailean pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Raikov checks a low kick from Cailean.
No joy there for Cailean, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Raikov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Cailean wants to land a leg kick but Raikov is out of range.
Cailean scores with a crisp jab that stopped Raikov in his tracks.
Cailean moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Cailean throws a hook but Raikov blocks it.
Cailean throws a right hand that misses

and Raikov counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Raikov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Raikov is looking to control Cailean's arms but Cailean gets an underhook and turns him. Now Raikov has his back to the cage.

Raikov gets a trip takedown into half guard.
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!
Cailean trying to hold on to Raikov's head to control him but Raikov postures up.
Raikov wants to pass the guard but Cailean is defending well.
Cailean has his hands clasped together around Raikov's back. He's all about the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Raikov trying to mount his opponent but Cailean defends it.
Cailean has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Raikov seems to be working for a kimura but Cailean defends the submission attempt.
Raikov is looking to advance position but Cailean won't allow it.
Raikov is working hard here to advance position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Cailean controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Raikov is pressing down on Cailean's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cailean is holding on for now.
Cailean is looking to control Raikov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Cailean avoid being mounted?

Raikov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Cailean sees it coming and defends easily.
Cailean is controlling Raikov's trapped leg to prevent Raikov from advancing to side control.
Cailean trying to control here.

Raikov is looking for a kimura here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Raikov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Cailean doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Raikov.

Raikov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Raikov tries to pass to full mount but Cailean defends it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Raikov wants to work for an arm triangle but Cailean is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Cailean gets full guard.
Raikov looking to pass the guard.
Cailean trying to keep a closed guard but Raikov is proving a slippery customer.
Cailean trying to control the position here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nice sprawl there from Cailean as Raikov shoots in.
Raikov backing away here, and Cailean unleashes a leg kick that just misses.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Cailean misses the shot to the body.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Cailean lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Raikov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Raikov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Raikov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ivan Raikov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Raikov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Cailean was well out of range. Poor timing from Raikov.
Cailean connects with a solid leg kick.
Cailean fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Raikov.
Cailean scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Cailean is looking to score with low kicks.
Raikov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cailean throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Cailean lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Cailean misses with a body shot.
Cailean cracks a nice hook into Raikov's ribs.
Raikov swinging wildly here.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Cailean tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Raikov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cailean lands with a good body shot.
Axl Cailean seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Raikov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Raikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Cailean lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A jab from Cailean does it's job there.

Cailean closes the distance and clinches.
Cailean fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Cailean gets control of Raikov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Cailean will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Raikov looking to pass the guard.
Ivan Raikov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Raikov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

Raikov tries for a kimura but Cailean is defending well.

Raikov swings around for an armbar but Cailean sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Raikov's guard.
Raikov wants to sweep but no luck.
Cailean seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Raikov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Cailean's guard.

Ivan Raikov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Cailean is trying to keep Raikov in close.
Raikov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cailean is keeping the position for now.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Raikov passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Axl Cailean is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cailean is trying to control Raikov's posture but Raikov avoids it.

Raikov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Raikov is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Cailean is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Raikov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Cailean, who protects the arm well.
Cailean stops Raikov from passing to mount.
Cailean wants to control but Raikov postures up.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cailean avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Raikov.
Raikov tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Raikov throws a strike aimed at the side of Cailean's head but Cailean avoids it well.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Axl Cailean.
I think Cailean has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 18:20
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 18:20
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 18:20

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Axl Cailean!
Axl Cailean is the new middleweight champion!