PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikolay Leonov (ranked 485 p4p, 2820 weight class) and Adam Shalashaska (ranked 30 p4p, 166 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Leonov
vs
Shalashaska

180 cm
37
195
25 - 18 - 0

182 cm
37
186
28 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

NARCOS

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 25 - 18 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolay Leonov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 17 - 0, fighting out of London, Adam Shalashaska!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Percy O'Donnell and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Leonov misses with a hook. Shalashaska ducked under it nicely.
Leonov connects with a solid leg kick.
Shalashaska staying out of range there.
Shalashaska feints the counter takedown.
A jab from Leonov finds it's way through Shalashaska's defenses.
Shalashaska tries to move into range but Leonov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Shalashaska blocks the body kick.
Leonov fails to land with a series of punches.
Shalashaska appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Nice cross by Leonov.
Leonov misses with an uppercut. Shalashaska saw that one coming.
Shalashaska follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Some wild striking there from Leonov.
As Leonov backs off Shalashaska throws a huge counter combo but Leonov manages to avoid it all.
Leonov thuds a left hand into Shalashaska's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Shalashaska moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Shalashaska is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Leonov throws a sloppy head kick and Shalashaska moves out of range easily.
Shalashaska appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Leonov throws the kick towards the body but Shalashaska avoids it.
Shalashaska steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Leonov.
Shalashaska uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Leonov.
Leonov cracks Shalashaska with a right hand to the side of the head.
Leonov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nikolay Leonov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Leonov throws a push kick but Shalashaska slaps the foot to one side.
Leonov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Leonov misses with a double jab

and Shalashaska counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Leonov preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Shalashaska wants to free his trapped foot but Leonov is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonov is trying is best to control the position here.
Leonov is trying to control but can't.
Leonov looks like he's trying to stand up.
Leonov tries to roll over but Shalashaska keeps him under control.
Shalashaska prevents Leonov from standing back up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Leonov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Shalashaska needs to keep his hands up - Leonov had a free shot at his head there.
A big left from Leonov misses.
Shalashaska changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Leonov lands a jab to the head.
Leonov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Shalashaska steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Leonov looks to land a right hand but Shalashaska moved out of range.
Shalashaska is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Leonov with a body shot.
Shalashaska has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Shalashaska there as he acknowledges the shot.
Leonov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Leonov looks to land a left hand but Shalashaska moved out of range nicely.
Shalashaska shapes to counter with a head kick.
Leonov cracks a nice hook into Shalashaska's ribs.
A solid body kick from Leonov.
Leonov moves out of range as Shalashaska throws a body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Leonov throws the left hand but Shalashaska avoids the punch easily.
Shalashaska let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
A slow jab from Leonov misses its intended target.
Leonov sizes up Shalashaska with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shalashaska steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Leonov.
Leonov stalks Shalashaska and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Shalashaska's face. Shalashaska staggers backwards, shaken.
Shalashaska keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leonov.
Sloppy strikes from Leonov. Those never looked like landing.
Shalashaska takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Shalashaska keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Leonov.
Shalashaska appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Leonov lands a nice looking body kick.
Shalashaska doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Leonov lands an overhand right.
Shalashaska throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Shalashaska has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Shalashaska there as he acknowledges the shot.
Shalashaska has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Leonov tries to work over Shalashaska's front leg with a kick but Shalashaska checks it.
Leonov sets himself, and Shalashaska steps forward looking for the clinch! Leonov avoids it this time.
Leonov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Shalashaska under the eye.
Leonov lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Good leg kick by Leonov.
Leonov throws a sloppy head kick and Shalashaska moves out of range easily.
Shalashaska drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Leonov defends it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shalashaska is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Leonov.
Shalashaska needs to keep his hands up - Leonov had a free shot at his head there.
Shalashaska slips a jab from Leonov.
Shalashaska feints a counter leg kick.
Nikolay Leonov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Leonov misses with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Shalashaska.
Leonov throws the kick towards the body but Shalashaska avoids it.
Shalashaska replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Leonov blocks it well.
Leonov misses with a kick to the body.
Shalashaska throws a counter combo.
Leonov scores with a nice strike.
A head kick misses from Leonov.
Nikolay Leonov is winning the standup battle so far.
Leonov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Leonov lands a jab to Shalashaska's midsection.
Leonov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Shalashaska sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Leonov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Leonov lands a jab-cross combination.
Leonov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Shalashaska can do to turn this around?
Leonov swings for the body but Shalashaska moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Leonov misses with a lunging right hand
and Shalashaska cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Shalashaska bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Shalashaska raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high 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!
Shalashaska throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Leonov misses with a straight right.
Leonov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Shalashaska raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Leonov lands a nice shot that snaps Shalashaska's head back.
Leonov cracks Shalashaska with a right hand to the side of the head.
Shalashaska has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Leonov.
Leonov looks to score with a jab to the body but Shalashaska is just out of range.
Shalashaska is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Some bone on bone action there as Shalashaska checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Shalashaska now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Leonov throws a nice head kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Shalashaska.
Shalashaska uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Leonov.
Shalashaska dodges the punch combination from Leonov.
Leonov throws a head kick that misses.

Shalashaska closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Leonov did well to prevent Shalashaska getting side control.
Leonov pushes Shalashaska off looking to stand but Shalashaska dives back in and keeps control.
Leonov has his hands clasped together around Shalashaska's back. He's all about the action.
Leonov wants to get back to his feet.
Leonov tries to roll over but Shalashaska keeps him under control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shalashaska landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

Leonov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Leonov tried to score with a low kick but Shalashaska checks it.
It seemed like Shalashaska was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Shalashaska has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Leonov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Shalashaska's head.
A head kick misses from Leonov.
Shalashaska defending well as Leonov loads up on a big left hand.
Leonov throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Shalashaska counters with a left and a right that stings Leonov.
Leonov throws a right and a left that Shalashaska avoids nicely.
Shalashaska checks a low kick from Leonov.
Shalashaska changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Leonov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Shalashaska looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Leonov 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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Leonov throws a leg kick which misses Shalashaska's front leg but catches the back leg as Shalashaska tries to avoid it.
Adam Shalashaska has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leonov misses with the body kick
and Shalashaska counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Nice defenses there by Shalashaska.
Jab from Leonov.
Leonov misses the shot to the body.
Shalashaska appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Shalashaska moves away from the strike by Leonov.
Leonov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Shalashaska if he has to take too many more of those.
Leonov lands a jab to the nose.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Leonov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A jab from Leonov misses.
Leonov throws an overhand right that lands on Shalashaska's shoulder, as Shalashaska tries to avoid the shot.
Leonov lands a right hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Leonov is looking to chop away at Shalashaska's legs.
Leonov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Leonov throws a big shot that misses.
Shalashaska appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Leonov cracks Shalashaska with a right hand to the side of the head.
Leonov throws a good cross that connects.
Good leg kick by Leonov.
Shalashaska slips a straight right by Leonov.
Shalashaska tries to counter with a clinch but Leonov shakes him off and moves away.
Leonov thumps Shalashaska with a low kick.
Leonov misses with a looping right.
Leonov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Shalashaska on the side of the head.
Leonov with a nice cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shalashaska blocks a jab.
Shalashaska unleashes a big counter combination but Leonov bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Leonov misses with a two punch combination.
Leonov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Good shot there by Leonov.
Leonov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Shalashaskas jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Shalashaska uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Leonov.
Shalashaska now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Leonov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Shalashaska staying out of range there.
Shalashaska is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Shalashaska tries to move into range but Leonov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Leonov thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Leonov swings widly with a right hand
and Shalashaska counters with a thumping low kick.
The fighters circle momentarily. Leonov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Nikolay Leonov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A head kick misses from Leonov.
A countering left hand to the body from Shalashaska misses.
Shalashaska takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Leonov lands with an uppercut that bounces Shalashaska off the cage and back into range.
Leonov lands a jab to the head.
Leonov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Shalashaska's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Shalashaska dodges the punch combination from Leonov.
Shalashaska blocks a head kick by Leonov.
The fighters circling - Leonov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Shalashaska appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shalashaska dodges the punch combination from Leonov.
Shalashaska tries a quick counter leg kick but Leonov is wise to it.
Leonov looks to land a left hand but Shalashaska moved out of range nicely.
Shalashaska throws a counter combo.
Shalashaska keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Shalashaska is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Leonov connects with a high kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Leonov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Leonov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Shalashaska bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Shalashaska is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Shalashaska walks into a jab.
Leonov misses with a wild combination.
Shalashaska swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Leonov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Leonov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:26
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:26
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolay Leonov!
Nikolay Leonov thanked the fans post fight for their support.
Adam Shalashaska spoke after the fight, saying 'You're pretty good.'.