PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Goranov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gary Dove (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gary Dove has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Alexander Goranov's chin.

Goranov
vs
Dove

185 cm
22
220 lbs
9 - 7 - 0

190 cm
28
205 lbs
10 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Brawler
Knockout power

KO Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Goranov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Gary Dove!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Vladimir Khabensky and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Goranov looking to score a takedown here. Dove is defending well but Goranov drives through and ends up in Dove's guard.
Dove wants to sweep but no luck.
Goranov is looking to work some ground and pound but Dove has wrist control.
Dove has Goranov pulled in close to control his posture.
Dove wants to sweep but no luck.
Goranov trying to control the position from guard on top but Dove is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Alexander Goranov just wasn't active enough.
Dove shoots in for a takedown but Goranov shows good takedown defense.
Goranov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Dove as he jumps to the side.

Goranov moves into range and clinches up with Dove.

Dove gets control of Goranov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Dove will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Goranov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Goranov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Goranov with the ground and pound but Dove uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Goranov stopping the sweep attempt from Dove.
Goranov trying to move into half guard but instead Dove has managed to sweep!
Goranov is trying to keep Dove in close.
Goranov is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Dove throws a big right hand that misses.
Goranov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Goranov seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goranov trying to control the position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Goranov wants to sweep here but Dove controlling him for the moment.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Alexander Goranov.

Goranov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Dove's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Goranov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Goranov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Dove looking to hit a scissor sweep but Goranov is one step ahead there.
Goranov throws a big right hand that misses.
Dove working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Goranov.
Goranov stopping the sweep attempt from Dove.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goranov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Goranov trying to control the position from guard on top but Dove is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dove is trying to control the position but Goranov postures up.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Goranov avoids the head kick by Dove.
Goranov looks for a takedown but Dove sprawls well.

Dove scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Goranov manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Goranov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Goranov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Dove manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Goranov keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dove misses with a punch on the inside.

Goranov pulls guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Dove controlling from the top position.
Goranov 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.
Dove stops Goranov from standing up.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Dove working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Goranov wants to hit a switch here but Dove passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Goranov there!
Dove unloading with bombs!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Dove working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Dove landing strikes from the mount.
Goranov wants to hold on but Dove pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Goranov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Goranov moves into range and clinches up with Dove.

Goranov gets control of Dove's arms and successfully pulls guard. Goranov will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Goranov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
The fighters are battling for position here. Dove manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Goranov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Dove is proving hard to escape from.
Goranov trying to control the position from guard on top but Dove is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Goranov cracks Dove with a solid left hand.
Goranov is looking to work some ground and pound but Dove has wrist control.
Dove is trying to keep Goranov in close.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Goranov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goranov trying to control but Dove is working from the bottom.

Dove has his foot on Goranov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Goranov works his way back into a safe position though.
Goranov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Goranov wants to get up but he can't break Dove's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Dove striking off his back, scoring a few points.
Goranov throws a big elbow that misses.
Goranov slips nicely into half guard.
Dove is refusing to be controlled, as Goranov sits in half guard.
Dove on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goranov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Goranov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Goranov trying to mount his opponent but Dove defends it.
Dove is positioning himself well to prevent Goranov advancing to mount.

Goranov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Dove sees it coming and defends easily.
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!
Goranov tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Dove.

Goranov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Dove has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dove looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Goranov trying to control from half guard but Dove is working away.
Goranov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Dove defending well though.
Still in half guard, Goranov seems content to control.
Dove moves into full guard.
Dove keeping moving, preventing Goranov from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Goranov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Goranov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Dove's head.
Dove pulls Goranov in close to prevent any damage.
Dove keeping moving, preventing Goranov from controlling successfully.
Goranov wanted to stand there but Dove had control of the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Alexander Goranov.
Goranov fails to land the takedown.

Dove gets a double leg takedown into Goranov's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Goranov dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Goranov shoots in but no luck this time.
Goranov shoots in but no luck this time.

Dove throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Goranov tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Dove is in Goranov's guard.
Dove wants to control from the top but Goranov keeps moving.
Dove is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Dove tries to free his leg and advance position but Goranov is retaining full guard.
Goranov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Goranov working a defensive guard here.
Dove won't allow Goranov to get back to his feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Goranov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Dove's waist but Dove gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Goranov off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexander Goranov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Goranov fails in his attempt to clinch.

Dove closes the distance and clinches.
A frustrated look appears on Goranov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Goranov just misses with a elbow thrown towards Dove's brow.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Goranov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Dove wants to control from the top but Goranov keeps moving.
Dove lands a couple of digs.
Dove scoring with punches to the head and body.
Dove wants to control from the top but Goranov keeps moving.
Alexander Goranov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Goranov looking to control.
Goranov 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.
Dove missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Dove wants to control from the top but Goranov keeps moving.
Dove chips away with some ground and pound.

Dove decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Goranov moves into range and clinches up with Dove.
Goranov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Dove.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dove is looking to take this one to the mat.
Dove takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Dove is fighting off a takedown attempt but Goranov is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Dove to the mat. Dove regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Goranov wanted to stand there but Dove had control of the position.
Goranov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Goranov preventing the sweep.
Goranov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Dove keeping moving, preventing Goranov from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Goranov has gone for a leg lock! Dove slips out almost immediately though and dives into Goranov's guard.
Dove wants to pass the guard but Goranov is keeping the position.
Goranov lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Dove!
Alexander Goranov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Goranov is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Dove has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Dove!
Dove with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Goranov is trying to keep Dove in close.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dove throws a strike but Goranov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Dove is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Goranov presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Goranov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Dove backwards.
Goranov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Goranov wants a takedown.

Goranov breaks the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Dove has a takedown stuffed.
Goranov tries to clinch up but Dove circles away and keeps his distance.
Gary Dove has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dove throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Gary Dove.
Well Goranov 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Goranov!