PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vladimir Vodkastov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vodkastov comes to the cage accompanied by John Lennon - Imagine. Rasputin has chosen TURISAS - Rasputin as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Vodkastov
vs
Yefimovich Rasputin

225 cm
25
300 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

225 cm
23
300 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Solid boxing
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Hell's Kitchen Lab Corp

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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight 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 St Petersburg, Vladimir Vodkastov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Fedor Mirinova and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vodkastov scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Vodkastov lands a nice forearm strike.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rasputin is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Rasputin is not content to let Vodkastov control the position.
Vodkastov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Vodkastov working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Rasputin is looking for a sweep.
Rasputin is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Vodkastov has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Rasputin is working to avoid the ground and pound but Vodkastov connects with a decent elbow.
Rasputin struggling a bit here.
Vodkastov cracks Rasputin with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Rasputin striking from the bottom but nothing landed.
Vodkastov looks up at the clock and then as Rasputin takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Vodkastov smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Vodkastov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Rasputin, who protects the arm well.
Rasputin sneaks back into half guard.
Rasputin on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasputin is looking for a sweep. Vodkastov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Vodkastov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Rasputin does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Rasputin wants to improve his position but Vodkastov is controlling well.
Vodkastov trying to control the action but Rasputin is working from the bottom.
Vodkastov lands with a punch from half guard.
Rasputin wants to improve his position but Vodkastov is controlling well.
Rasputin is trying to maintain the position but Vodkastov is very close to passing his half guard.
Vodkastov is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Nice strikes from Vodkastov there.
Vodkastov trying to control the pace.
Rasputin is trying to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rasputin regains full guard. Nicely done.
Rasputin preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Rasputin is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Vodkastov content to stall in guard here.
Vodkastov tries to free his leg and advance position but Rasputin is retaining full guard.
Vodkastov wants to control from the top but Rasputin keeps moving.

Rasputin looking for a guillotine here but Vodkastov defends easily.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vodkastov controls Rasputin momentarily but Rasputin frees himself.
Vodkastov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Vodkastov keeping moving, preventing Rasputin from controlling successfully.

Rasputin thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Vodkastov wants to sweep here but Rasputin controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rasputin thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Rasputin looks gassed!
Vodkastov throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

Vodkastov looking for a guillotine here but Rasputin defends easily.
Vodkastov is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Vodkastov is on top in guard.
Vodkastov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Rasputin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Rasputin working for a triangle but Vodkastov defends it easily.

Rasputin had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Vodkastov is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Rasputin Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Vodkastov's back instead.
Rasputin not allowing Vodkastov to control his hands.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vodkastov rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Vodkastov trying to hold on to Rasputin's head to control him but Rasputin postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Vodkastov dominated that round.
That's time! Vodkastov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Vodkastov shoots for a takedown but Rasputin saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Rasputin stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Rasputin wants it to stay on the feet.
Rasputin wants to clinch up but Vodkastov keeps it at a distance.
Rasputin shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Vodkastov holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vodkastov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Rasputin avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vladimir Vodkastov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vodkastov presses Rasputin against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Rasputin looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Vodkastov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Rasputin prevents it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vodkastov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Vodkastov tries to score a body lock takedown but Rasputin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Rasputin is pressed up against the cage. Vodkastov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Rasputin down to the mat. Rasputin avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
A head kick by Rasputin misses

and Vodkastov counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Rasputin manages to get to full guard.

Rasputin working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Vodkastov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Vodkastov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Rasputin is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Vodkastov defends well.
Vodkastov scoring with some ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vodkastov thows a big elbow that misses.
Vodkastov trying to control but Rasputin is working from the bottom.
Rasputin working a defensive guard here.
Vodkastov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Rasputin wants to get back to his feet but Vodkastov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Rasputin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rasputin keeping full guard, as Vodkastov tries to pass.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Vodkastov misses with a takedown

and Rasputin counters with a shoot takedown. Vodkastov fights it but they end up in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rasputin got a little sloppy there for a moment and Vodkastov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rasputin has managed to get both his arms back between Vodkastov's legs - danger averted.
Vodkastov trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Rasputin wants to control from the top but Vodkastov keeps moving.
Vodkastov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rasputin.
Vodkastov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Vodkastov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Rasputin trying to control from the bottom.
Vodkastov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Vodkastov is trying to control the action in half guard but Rasputin is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Vodkastov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Vodkastov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Vodkastov is pressing down on Rasputin's thigh, looking to free his foot. Rasputin is holding on for now.
Rasputin avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vodkastov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Rasputin drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Vodkastov throwing some weak shots from the bottom that do no damage.
Rasputin cracks Vodkastov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Vodkastov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Rasputin wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Rasputin tries for a kimura but Vodkastov is defending well.
Vodkastov wants to control but Rasputin postures up.
Vodkastov takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Vodkastov struggling a bit here.
Vodkastov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Vodkastov is looking for a sweep. Rasputin is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Rasputin feints and as Vodkastov raises his hands in defense, Rasputin changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Vodkastov looking for a sweep. Not yet Vodkastov, not yet.
Vodkastov lands a couple of decent looking body shots there.
Vodkastov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Rasputin drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Rasputin jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Vodkastov working for a triangle but Rasputin defends it easily.

Rasputin is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Vodkastov is trying to keep Rasputin in close.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Rasputin fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rasputin fails with the takedown

and Vodkastov counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Vodkastov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Rasputin looking to control.
Rasputin keeping moving, preventing Vodkastov from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rasputin is looking for a triangle but Vodkastov pushes his legs off easily.
Vodkastov lands a couple of digs.
Vodkastov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Rasputin's head.
Vodkastov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Vodkastov trying to control but Rasputin is working from the bottom.

Vodkastov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Vodkastov passes into half guard.
Vodkastov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Rasputin tries to get to full guard but Vodkastov has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Vodkastov.
Rasputin is trying to control but can't.
Rasputin is looking for a sweep. Vodkastov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Rasputin won't allow Vodkastov to pass to mount.
Vodkastov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Rasputin wants to control but Vodkastov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Vodkastov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Vodkastov is looking to take a break and control but Rasputin is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Rasputin flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Vodkastov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rasputin circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Rasputin misses with a takedown attempt

and Vodkastov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Vodkastov prevents Rasputin from breaking the clinch.
Rasputin prevents the takedown attempt.
Vodkastov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Rasputin prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vladimir Vodkastov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rasputin tries to break the clinch but Vodkastov is controlling the position.
Rasputin lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

It looks like Vladimir Vodkastov has been cut.
Vodkastov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Rasputin is trying to drag Vodkastov to the mat but Vodkastov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Vodkastov can't get the takedown.
Rasputin landing knees to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Vodkastov clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Vladimir Vodkastov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Vodkastov slips a jab and a cross from Rasputin.
Rasputin misses with a few strikes there.

Vodkastov throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Rasputin was covering up waiting for the punch and Vodkastov finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Vodkastov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Vodkastov postures up.
Vodkastov cracks Rasputin with a solid left hand.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

Rasputin is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Vodkastov passes easily into side control. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vodkastov is looking to take a break and control but Rasputin is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Vodkastov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Rasputin tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Rasputin sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Rasputin tries to roll over but Vodkastov keeps him under control.
Vodkastov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Rasputin has hold of Vodkastov's hands but Vodkastov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Vodkastov prevents Rasputin from improving his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Vodkastov.
Vodkastov drops an elbow to the side of Rasputin's head.

Vodkastov seems to be working for a kimura but Rasputin defends the submission attempt.
Rasputin wants to get back to full guard.
Rasputin is looking to control Vodkastov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Rasputin avoid being mounted?
Vodkastov wants to take a breather but Rasputin is having none of it.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Vodkastov dodges the punch combination from Rasputin.
Rasputin wants to clinch up but Vodkastov keeps it at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vodkastov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rasputin gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Vodkastov counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Rasputin!
Vodkastov looking to finish Rasputin with some ground and pound. This is bad for Rasputin!
Vodkastov breaks from Rasputin's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Rasputin swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Vladimir Vodkastov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Vodkastov is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Rasputin can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Rasputin tries to hold on but Vodkastov postures up.
Rasputin is trying to escape the mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vodkastov looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Rasputin is working to get back to half guard.
Vodkastov landing punches.
Vodkastov landing strikes from the mount and Rasputin is in trouble!
Vodkastov working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Vodkastov in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Vodkastov cracks Rasputin with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Rasputin is in all sorts of trouble here.
Vodkastov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Vodkastov lands a nice shot to the head.
Rasputin is bucking up trying to escape but Vodkastov cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Vodkastov has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Rasputin's face.
Vodkastov looking to finish with strikes here!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Vodkastov had his way with Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin in that round.
The cut man is working on Vladimir Vodkastov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Rasputin throws a series of punches but Vodkastov moves out of range.

Vodkastov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Vodkastov showed some decent athleticism there.
Rasputin gets full guard.

Rasputin looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Rasputin is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Vodkastov defends well.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Rasputin looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vodkastov is one step ahead there.
Vodkastov lands a couple of elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vodkastov working some strikes from top position.

Rasputin looking for the choke but no joy.
Rasputin doesn't have the hooks in and Vodkastov manages to turn into his guard.

Rasputin working for a triangle but Vodkastov defends it easily.
Vodkastov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Vodkastov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Rasputin keeping full guard, as Vodkastov tries to pass.
Vodkastov trying to control the position from guard on top but Rasputin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vodkastov stopping the sweep attempt from Rasputin.
Vodkastov trying to control but Rasputin is working from the bottom.
Vodkastov distracts Rasputin with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Rasputin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Vodkastov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Vodkastov passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Vodkastov working the head and body with strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vodkastov working the head with strikes.
Rasputin taking a bit of punishment here - Vodkastov scoring with strikes.
Vodkastov trying to control the position but Rasputin is working away.
Rasputin wants to control but Vodkastov postures up.
Vodkastov scoring with punches from side control.
Vodkastov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Rasputin misses with a strike from the bottom.
Rasputin is looking for a sweep.
Rasputin takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Vodkastov fails with the takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Rasputin wants to clinch.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Vodkastov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Rasputin is fending him off so far but Vodkastov persists. Nope, Rasputin circles away and we're back to standing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Rasputin clinches with his opponent.
Grigori Yefimovich Rasputin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vladimir Vodkastov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Vodkastov has Rasputin pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Rasputin manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vladimir Vodkastov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Vodkastov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 49:46
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 49:46
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vladimir Vodkastov!
Vladimir Vodkastov retains his super heavyweight title!