PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jason Black (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pavel Savkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Black
vs
Savkov

182 cm
21
180 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

175 cm
21
180 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

MayheM sportswear

Hellbent
MayheM sportswear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jason Black!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Pavel Savkov!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Fedor Mirinova and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Savkov misses with a looping right.

Black gets a clinch.
Black fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Black lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Savkov backwards.

Savkov lands a takedown into guard.
Black tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Savkov lands a couple of digs.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Savkov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Black wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Savkov throws a big elbow that misses.
Savkov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Savkov throws a big right hand that misses.
Savkov tries to free his leg and advance position but Black is retaining full guard.
Savkov throws a big right hand that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savkov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Black looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Black is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Savkov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Savkov preventing the sweep.
Savkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Black is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Black looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Savkov throwing strikes but missing.
Savkov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Savkov trying to control but Black is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov is in close to Black's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Black can't keep his opponent in guard - Savkov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Black has hold of Savkov's hands but Savkov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Savkov thows a huge punch but Black dodges it nicely.
Black is controlling Savkov's trapped leg to prevent Savkov from advancing to side control.
Savkov working over Black with some ground and pound. Black looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Savkov thows a huge punch but Black dodges it nicely.
Black tries to get to full guard but Savkov has control of the leg.
Black tries to kick Savkov off but Savkov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Black wants to control but Savkov is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savkov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Savkov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Savkov thows a huge punch but Black dodges it nicely.
Savkov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Savkov working over Black with some ground and pound. Black looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Savkov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Black blocking the ground and pound attempt from Savkov.
Savkov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Savkov wants to control but Black is keeping him busy.

Savkov seems to be working for a kimura but Black defends the submission attempt.
Savkov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savkov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Black keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Black is not content to let Savkov control the position.
Savkov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Black is staying active underneath Savkov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Savkov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Savkov drops an elbow to the side of Black's head.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Savkov is keen to just control but Black is a slippery customer.
Savkov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Savkov is looking to stall here but Black recovers full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pavel Savkov dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Savkov ducks under a wild hook from Black.
Savkov fails with the takedown.
A counter left hand to the body from Black misses its target.
Black moves out of range of the strikes.
Savkov misses with a looping left.
Black staying out of range there.
Black swings for the body but Savkov moves out of range.
Savkov wants to clinch
letting Black counter with a right hand.
Black ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savkov throws a looping overhand right but Black ducks down to avoid it.
Black misses with a body shot
and Black takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Savkov ducks under a wild hook from Black.
Savkov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Black defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A left lands for Savkov.
Savkov lands an overhand right.

Black closes the distance and clinches.
Savkov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Black misses with a hook from the clinch.
Savkov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Black dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Savkov wants a takedown but no success here.
A hook to the body from Black.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Black is trying to maintain a safe position but Savkov gets an underhook and turns Black into the cage.
Black is struggling to control the position.
Savkov has Black pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Black manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Nice body punch from Black.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Savkov.
I was talking to Black's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Savkov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Black pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Savkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Black misses with some punches.
Savkov can't find room to land a body shot as Black controls the action.
Savkov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Black.
Black lands with a short shot to the head.
Savkov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Savkov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Black is defending well.
Savkov is working for takedown but Black is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Savkov fails to land.
Savkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Savkov lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Savkov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Savkov is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Savkov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Savkov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Savkov scoring with some ground and pound.
Savkov postures up in Black's guard and throws a big left but Black blocks it.
Savkov trying to control but Black is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Black not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Savkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Black is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Black is trying to keep Savkov in close.
Savkov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Savkov throwing strikes but missing.
Black is trying to keep Savkov in close.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Savkov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Savkov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pavel Savkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
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.

Savkov has Black up against the cage in a clinch.
Savkov lands with a light punch inside.
Black misses with a hook from the clinch.
Savkov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Black is trying to push Savkov away but Savkov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Savkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Savkov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Black after a bit of a struggle.
Savkov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Good body shot from Black.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savkov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Black fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Savkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Savkov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Black's waist but Black gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Savkov off to one side.
A big left from Black misses.
Pavel Savkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Black walks into a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savkov looks to throw the jab but Black is out of range.
Savkov loads up on a big right hand but Black slips the punch.
Black throwing a counter right hand but Savkov manages to avoid it.
Black on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Black misses the jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Black misses the target.
Savkov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Black drops his hands momentarily and Savkov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Black takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Jason Black is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A telegraphed right hand from Savkov misses the target.
Black swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Black throws an overhand right that lands on Savkov's shoulder, as Savkov tries to avoid the shot.
Savkov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Black on the side of the head.
Savkov cracks Black with a right hand to the side of the head.
Savkov throws a poor cross that misses
and Black cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Savkov might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
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!

Savkov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Black on his heels. He'll look to pass Black's guard now, I'm sure.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Savkov pushing down on Black's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Savkov throwing shots but Black is blocking nicely.
Pavel Savkov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Savkov moves nicely into side control.

Savkov is trying to get an arm triangle but Black is defending well.
Savkov tries to score with some ground and pound. Black controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Black managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Savkov.
Black struggling a bit here.
Savkov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savkov is looking to take a break and control but Black is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Savkov throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Black gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Savkov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Savkov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

Savkov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Black is just riding it out for now. Savkov eventually gives up the hold.

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.
Black is trying to control but can't.
Savkov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Black tries to roll over but Savkov keeps him under control.

Savkov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Black is just riding it out for now. Savkov eventually gives up the hold.
Black is looking to control Savkov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Black avoid being mounted?
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pavel Savkov really dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Black ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Savkov moves away.
Savkov scores with a nice head shot.
Pavel Savkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Black throws the left hand but Savkov avoids the punch easily.
Nice cross by Savkov.
A big left from Black misses.
Black slips under a jab.
Savkov moves away from the strike by Black.
Black on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Black cracks a nice hook into Savkov's ribs.
Savkov throws a lazy uppercut
and Black cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Black misses with a looping left.
Savkov misses with a hook. Black ducked under it nicely.
Savkov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Black defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Savkov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Black swings for the body but Savkov moves out of range.

Black rushes Savkov and presses him up against the cage.
Black swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Black tries a body shot but Savkov blocks it.
Savkov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Savkov is trying to drag Black to the mat but Black just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Savkov misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Black.
Savkov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Black after a bit of a struggle.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Black lands a right hand.
Black misses with a body punch.
Savkov has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Black seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Savkov can turn it around.
Savkov is trying to drag Black to the mat but Black just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Black taking a breather.
Black lands with a light punch inside.
Savkov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Black avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Black.
Black misses with the head strike.
Black cracks Savkov with a nice body shot.
Savkov throws a head punch that misses.
Savkov blocks a body shot from Black.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Black lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Black goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Black fails to land.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Black.
Savkov working aggressively here.
Savkov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Jason Black has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Savkov has Black pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Black manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Savkov takes a shot to the head.
Savkov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Black.
Black scores with an uppercut up the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savkov goes for a takedown attempt but Black pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Savkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Black.
Savkov looks to throw the jab but Black is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Black.
Jab by Savkov.
Savkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Black.
Black lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Black has closed the distance and engaged Savkov in a clinch.
Savkov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Savkov is working for takedown but Black is calmly controlling the position for now.
Black prevents a takedown attempt there.
Savkov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jason Black had his way with Pavel Savkov in that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Savkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Black.
Savkov connects with a single shot there.

Savkov moves into the clinch successfully.
Black stalls.
Black stops a takedown attempt from Savkov.
Savkov misses with the head strike.
Savkov is looking for a takedown.
Black works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Black tries to work over Savkov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Black scores with a shoulder strike.
Black blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Black breaks the clinch.
Black misses with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Black keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Savkov throws a shot from downtown. Black moves away and avoids it.
Black was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Black uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Savkov.

Savkov gets tackled into the cage by Black. Black maintains the clinch.
Savkov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Jason Black has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pavel Savkov.
Black lands a right hand.
Savkov throws a head punch that misses.
Savkov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Black lands a hook to the side of the head.
Black stalling in the clinch but Savkov improves position.
A right hand to the body from Black.
Savkov is trying to drag Black to the mat but Black just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Savkov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Savkov is looking to control Black's arms but Black gets an underhook and turns him. Now Savkov has his back to the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Savkov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Black is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Black stalls.
Savkov swings wildly with an uppercut but Black uses good head movement to avoid it.
Black just leaning against Savkov, taking a breather.
Jason Black has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Savkov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Black is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Savkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Black prevents it.
Black goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Black swings wildly with an uppercut but Savkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Savkov wants a takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Black breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Savkov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Black appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Savkov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Savkov looks to land a right hand but Black moved out of range.
Savkov misses with an uppercut. Black saw that one coming.
Black scores with a decent looking hook.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Savkov.

Savkov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Black looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Black throws Savkov to one side and escapes!
Pavel Savkov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Savkov ducks under a wild hook from Black.
Black throws a jab when Savkov was well out of range.
Savkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Black missing with a left hand there. Savkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Savkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Black.
Black misses with a looping right.
Savkov scores with a hook.

Black forces Savkov back against the cage and clinches.
Black tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Black breaks from the clinch.
Savkov throws a big shot that misses.

Savkov looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Black showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Savkov 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 47:48
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 47:48
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pavel Savkov!
Pavel Savkov is the new welterweight champion!
As Pavel Savkov got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: Give me my belt back! Thanks for everyone!'.