PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Pyotr Korobeikin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Massimo Benvenuti (ranked 0 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.

Korobeikin
vs
Benvenuti

182 cm
32
203 lbs
16 - 8 - 1

182 cm
32
187 lbs
27 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Pitt Nutrition 160Q!
Bos Energy MMA159.4

Museum of Monsters & Madmen
Highland Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Pyotr Korobeikin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Massimo Benvenuti!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, James Ackerman and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Benvenuti swinging wildly here.
Benvenuti keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Korobeikin.
Korobeikin lands a jab to the head.
A good leg kick by Benvenuti.
Korobeikin takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Korobeikin looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Korobeikin drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Korobeikin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Benvenuti swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Korobeikin trying to control but Benvenuti is working from the bottom.

Korobeikin has gone for a leg lock! Benvenuti slips out almost immediately though and dives into Korobeikin's guard.

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Benvenuti avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benvenuti stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Korobeikin swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Benvenuti got a little sloppy there for a moment and Korobeikin has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Benvenuti has managed to get both his arms back between Korobeikin's legs - danger averted.
Benvenuti's corner is telling him to maintain position.

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.
Benvenuti preventing the sweep.
Benvenuti's corner is telling him to maintain position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Korobeikin is on top in guard.

Korobeikin trying to control but Benvenuti is working from the bottom.
Korobeikin looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Korobeikin slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Korobeikin tries to free his leg and advance position but Benvenuti is retaining full guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Korobeikin postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Korobeikin not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Korobeikin shoots in for a double leg but Benvenuti sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Benvenuti misses with a body shot.
Nice sprawl there from Benvenuti as Korobeikin shoots in.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Benvenuti! But no joy.
Benvenuti throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Korobeikin counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Korobeikin throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Korobeikin trying to control but Benvenuti is working from the bottom.
Benvenuti really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Korobeikin. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Korobeikin looking to sit in guard and control but Benvenuti gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Korobeikin throws his legs up looking for a submission but Benvenuti uses it to pass to side control.
Korobeikin is not content to let Benvenuti control the position.
A lull in the action here as Benvenuti stalls from top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Pyotr Korobeikin will probably get the nod.
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.

Korobeikin paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Benvenuti moves out of range of the strikes.
Benvenuti jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Benvenuti throws a big shot that misses.
Korobeikin fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Korobeikin avoids the head kick by Benvenuti.
Korobeikin appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Benvenuti misses the shot to the body.

Benvenuti closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Benvenuti.
Korobeikin 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.
Korobeikin tries for a takedown but Benvenuti manages to get underhooks.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Benvenuti creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Benvenuti being controlled against the cage.
Benvenuti working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benvenuti slowing the pace effectively.
Benvenuti misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Benvenuti lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Korobeikin backwards.
Korobeikin being controlled against the cage.
Benvenuti is trying to maintain a safe position but Korobeikin gets an underhook and turns Benvenuti into the cage.
Benvenuti has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Korobeikin seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Benvenuti can turn it around.
Benvenuti goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Benvenuti wants to stall.
Korobeikin stalling in the clinch but Benvenuti improves position.
Benvenuti has Korobeikin pushed against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Korobeikin - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Korobeikin is trying to maintain a safe position but Benvenuti gets an underhook and turns Korobeikin into the cage.

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.
Korobeikin looking to stall.
Benvenuti stalling.
Benvenuti lands a right hand.
Benvenuti lands with a right to the head.
A right handed body shot lands from Benvenuti.
Benvenuti goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Korobeikin is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
A frustrated look appears on Korobeikin's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Benvenuti lands a left hand that snaps the head of Korobeikin backwards.
Benvenuti wants to stall.
Benvenuti scores with a nice hook to the head.
Korobeikin can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pyotr Korobeikin. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Benvenuti - that landed with a thud.
Korobeikin has Benvenuti pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Benvenuti manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Benvenuti takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Benvenuti lands a right hand.
Benvenuti avoiding damage.
Benvenuti tries to work over Korobeikin's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Benvenuti misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Korobeikin jumps guard but Benvenuti turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Massimo Benvenuti seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Benvenuti lands a hook to the side of the head.
Korobeikin is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Benvenuti content to slow the pace in the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Benvenuti.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Korobeikin looking to slow down the pace here.
A head punch on the inside from Benvenuti fails to land.
Korobeikin displaying some good clinch control by pressing Benvenuti up against the cage.
Korobeikin has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Benvenuti after a bit of a struggle.
Korobeikin has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Benvenuti is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Benvenuti lands a nice uppercut.
Benvenuti will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Korobeikin up against the cage.
A short right from Benvenuti.
A hook to the body from Benvenuti.

Benvenuti breaks from the clinch.
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!
Korobeikin connects with a looping right hand.
Benvenuti throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Massimo Benvenuti showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Korobeikin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Korobeikin takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Benvenuti has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Korobeikin on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Some wild striking there from Benvenuti.
A swing and a miss from Korobeikin.
A countering left hand to the body from Benvenuti misses.
Benvenuti misses with a wild body shot.
Benvenuti connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A big right from Benvenuti misses.
Korobeikin throws a looping overhand right but Benvenuti ducks down to avoid it.
Benvenuti lands a nice hook to Korobeikin's body. Korobeikin takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Korobeikin misses with a right hand
and Benvenuti counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Benvenuti wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Benvenuti waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Korobeikin.
Benvenuti throws a nice inside leg kick.
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!
Korobeikin throws a lazy uppercut
and Benvenuti counters with a nice low kick that buckles Korobeikin's knee momentarily.
Benvenuti moves out of range of the strikes.
Korobeikin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Benvenuti connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benvenuti lands a jab-cross combination.
Korobeikin just misses with a punch to the body.
Korobeikin on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Benvenuti. Benvenuti obviously looking to wear him down.
Benvenuti lands a leg kick that knocks Korobeikin off balance momentarily.
Korobeikin throws an overhand right that lands on Benvenuti's shoulder, as Benvenuti tries to avoid the shot.

Korobeikin shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Benvenuti manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Pyotr Korobeikin overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Korobeikin postures up in Benvenuti's guard and throws a big left but Benvenuti blocks it.
Korobeikin with a flurry of punches that miss.
Korobeikin wants to control from the top but Benvenuti keeps moving.
Korobeikin is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Benvenuti is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Benvenuti is trying to keep Korobeikin in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Korobeikin preventing the sweep.

Korobeikin postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Benvenuti is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Korobeikin, into his guard.

We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Korobeikin is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Benvenuti defends well.

Korobeikin working for submissions but it's allowed Benvenuti to get to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benvenuti is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Korobeikin is looking for a sweep. Benvenuti is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Well, if Benvenuti 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.
Korobeikin is pressing down on Benvenuti's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Benvenuti looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Massimo Benvenuti really dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Korobeikin swats away the attempt to clinch by Benvenuti.
Benvenuti misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Korobeikin appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Korobeikin throws out a loose jab but Benvenuti uses good head movement to avoid it.
Benvenuti wants to counter with a clinch but Korobeikin pushes him away.
Korobeikin takes a swing at Benvenuti's ribcage but misses.
Korobeikin waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Benvenuti.
Korobeikin avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Benvenuti lands an overhand right.
Benvenuti throws out a loose jab but Korobeikin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Korobeikin fails with the takedown.
Korobeikin swats away the attempt to clinch by Benvenuti.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Benvenuti cracks the inside of Korobeikin's front leg.
Korobeikin throws a hook to the side of Benvenuti's head but Benvenuti sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

Korobeikin closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Korobeikin lands in his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Korobeikin slips nicely into half guard.
Korobeikin passes to full mount!
Korobeikin throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Korobeikin connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Korobeikin with the ground and pound from mount.
Korobeikin throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Benvenuti because Korobeikin loaded up on that one.
Korobeikin trying to control but Benvenuti is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Korobeikin goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Benvenuti turns into him and now he's in Korobeikin's guard.
Benvenuti is looking to advance position but Korobeikin has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Korobeikin misses with some ground and pound and Benvenuti recovers position to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Benvenuti is pressing down on Korobeikin's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Korobeikin passes Benvenuti's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Korobeikin prevents Benvenuti from improving his position.

Korobeikin is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Korobeikin is looking for a kimura here.
Korobeikin sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Benvenuti defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Korobeikin prevents Benvenuti from improving his position.

Korobeikin seems to be looking for submissions.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Korobeikin lands a nice short elbow.
Benvenuti regains full guard. Nicely done.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Korobeikin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Benvenuti swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Benvenuti keeping moving, preventing Korobeikin from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pyotr Korobeikin had his way with Massimo Benvenuti in that round.
That's time! Korobeikin's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Benvenuti scores with a leg kick.
Benvenuti throws a nice outside leg kick.
Benvenuti feints a jab promting Korobeikin to slip. Benvenuti then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Korobeikin slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Korobeikin on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Korobeikin swats away the attempt to clinch by Benvenuti.
Korobeikin has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Korobeikin takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Benvenuti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Korobeikin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Korobeikin shoots for a takedown but Benvenuti saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Korobeikin swings for the body but Benvenuti moves out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A looping hook to the body misses from Benvenuti. Korobeikin does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Benvenuti misses with a straight left.

Benvenuti rushes Korobeikin and presses him up against the cage.
Korobeikin has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Benvenuti avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Come on Benvenuti - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Benvenuti working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Benvenuti looking to slow down the pace here.
Benvenuti tries to work over Korobeikin's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Benvenuti's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Benvenuti taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Benvenuti prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pyotr Korobeikin. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Benvenuti working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Korobeikin is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Korobeikin looking to stall.
Korobeikin is trying to break the clinch but Benvenuti has him pressed against the cage.
Stalling in the clinch from Benvenuti.
A short body shot lands from Benvenuti as the two fighters clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Benvenuti.
Korobeikin effectively controlling the action here.
Korobeikin is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Benvenuti content to slow the pace in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Korobeikin blocks an uppercut.
Korobeikin drops down looking for an ankle pick but Benvenuti pulls his leg out and moves away.
Korobeikin misses with a right hand
and Benvenuti counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Benvenuti connects with a solid leg kick.
Benvenuti's corner calls for a 1-2. Benvenuti obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Benvenuti throws a sloppy head kick and Korobeikin moves out of range easily.
Korobeikin slips under a jab.
Massimo Benvenuti is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Benvenuti misses with a two punch combination.
Benvenuti rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Korobeikin moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Korobeikin staying out of range there.
Benvenuti moves away from the strike by Korobeikin.
Nice straight punches there by Benvenuti. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Benvenuti.
Korobeikin's jab looks to have found its range, popping Benvenuti under the eye.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Benvenuti misses with a combination

and Korobeikin counters with a single leg into guard. Benvenuti didn't expect that.

Benvenuti has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Korobeikin off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Benvenuti needs to keep his hands up - Korobeikin had a free shot at his head there.
Korobeikin misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nice defenses there by Korobeikin.
Korobeikin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Benvenuti moves away.
Benvenuti digs a good hook to Korobeikin's body.
Korobeikin throws the left hand but Benvenuti avoids the punch easily.
Benvenuti tries to clinch but Korobeikin is having none of it.
Benvenuti jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Benvenuti takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Korobeikin misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Benvenuti.
Benvenuti tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Korobeikin was well out of range. Poor timing from Benvenuti.
Korobeikin tries to counter with a takedown but Benvenuti is quick to defend against it.
Benvenuti misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nice jab there from Benvenuti.

And that's the end of the fight!
Massimo Benvenuti comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Benvenuti 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 47:48
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 47:48
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Massimo Benvenuti!
Massimo Benvenuti is the new middleweight champion!
A very excited looking Massimo Benvenuti made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.