PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Shachlo Popyachtsa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gunner Simpson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Popyachtsa comes to the cage accompanied by Upyachka Dance. Simpson is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Forgotten. 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.

Popyachtsa
vs
Simpson

190 cm
30
202 lbs
19 - 14 - 0

191 cm
27
195 lbs
9 - 6 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Shachlo Popyachtsa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Gunner Simpson!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Popyachtsa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Simpson manages to avoid it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Simpson. Popyachtsa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Popyachtsa throws a lazy right hand but Simpson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Simpson throws a left and a right that both miss

and Popyachtsa counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Popyachtsa.
Simpson blocking some punches.
Simpson tries a body shot but Popyachtsa blocks it.
Simpson fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Simpson misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Simpson.
Simpson misses with a punch on the inside.
Popyachtsa misses with a punch to the body.
A hook to the body from Simpson.
Popyachtsa lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Simpson lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Popyachtsa backwards.
Simpson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Simpson lands a body punch in the clinch.
Popyachtsa can't find room to land a body shot as Simpson controls the action.
Popyachtsa tries to work over Simpson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Simpson lands with a short shot to the head.
Simpson throws a punch but it's blocked by Popyachtsa.
Simpson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Popyachtsa gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Simpson.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Popyachtsa takes a shot to the head.
Simpson lands a body shot.
Popyachtsa is breathing heavily.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Simpson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Popyachtsa can't find room to land a body shot as Simpson controls the action.
Simpson scores with a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Simpson - that landed with a thud.
Simpson lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Popyachtsa tries to work over Simpson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Simpson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Simpson lands a shoulder strike.
Simpson lands with a left to the head.
Simpson is working Popyachtsa over against the cage.
Simpson misses with a hook from the clinch.
Simpson is working Popyachtsa over against the cage.
Simpson is working Popyachtsa over against the cage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A left hand lands to the body for Simpson.
Simpson lands a hook that snaps the head of Popyachtsa backwards.
Simpson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Popyachtsa takes a shot to the head.
Simpson misses with a hook from the clinch.
Still in the clinch, Simpson scores with a nice short uppercut.
Simpson pushes Popyachtsa back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Simpson works on Popyachtsa's body with a couple of short punches.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Simpson creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Simpson scores with a nice hook to the head.
Simpson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Simpson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Popyachtsa blocking some punches.
Simpson scores with a shot to the side of Popyachtsa's head.
A short right from Simpson.
Simpson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Popyachtsa backwards.
Simpson is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Popyachtsa gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Popyachtsa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right from Simpson.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Simpson.
Simpson cracks Popyachtsa with a nice body shot.
Simpson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Simpson lands a body punch in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Popyachtsa tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Simpson lands a body shot in the clinch.
Simpson digs a right hand into Popyachtsa's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Popyachtsa's gas tank.
Simpson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Simpson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Popyachtsa backwards.
Simpson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Simpson lands a hook to the side of the head.
Simpson lands with a left to the head.
Simpson goes for a takedown attempt but Popyachtsa pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Shachlo Popyachtsa has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gunner Simpson.
A looping hook to the body misses from Simpson. Popyachtsa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Popyachtsa walks into a left hand.
Jab by Simpson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Simpson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popyachtsa moves away.
Popyachtsa connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Simpson's hands.
A left lands for Popyachtsa.
Simpson just misses with a punch to the body.
The fighters circling - Popyachtsa throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Simpson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Popyachtsa moves away.
Simpson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Popyachtsa rather than just go for the knockout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Popyachtsa drives through and clinches with Simpson against the cage.
Simpson lands a nice shot to the body.
Popyachtsa digs a right hand into Simpson's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Simpson's gas tank.
Simpson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Simpson presses Popyachtsa against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Simpson tries to throw a body punch but Popyachtsa avoids it by throwing Simpson back against the cage.
Simpson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Popyachtsa's elbow.
Popyachtsa working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Simpson.
Simpson scores with a shot to the side of Popyachtsa's head.
Popyachtsa lands with a short shot to the head.
Popyachtsa lands a left hand that snaps the head of Simpson backwards.
Simpson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Popyachtsa backwards.
Popyachtsa has a couple of punches blocked by Simpson.
Simpson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Popyachtsa.
Simpson throws a punch but it's blocked by Popyachtsa.
Simpson has a couple of punches blocked by Popyachtsa.
Popyachtsa lands an uppercut.
Popyachtsa tries to work over Simpson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Simpson drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Popyachtsa gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Simpson wants a takedown.
Popyachtsa lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Popyachtsa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Popyachtsa lands a shot to the body.
Popyachtsa digs a right hand underneath Simpson's ribcage. Simpson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Popyachtsa swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Popyachtsa throws a right and a left that Simpson avoids nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from Simpson misses the target.

Popyachtsa gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Simpson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Simpson makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Popyachtsa looking to control.
Simpson postures up in Popyachtsa's guard and throws a big left but Popyachtsa blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Simpson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Simpson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Simpson controlling from the top position.
Simpson lands a couple of digs.
Simpson postures up and lands a big shot to Popyachtsa's brow.
Popyachtsa utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Popyachtsa can't keep his opponent in guard - Simpson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Popyachtsa is looking for a sweep. Simpson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Simpson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Simpson looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Simpson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Popyachtsa's head.
Simpson trying to control the action but Popyachtsa is working from the bottom.

Simpson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Popyachtsa sees it coming and defends easily.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Popyachtsa wants to control but Simpson is keeping busy.
Simpson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Simpson is looking for a kimura but Popyachtsa is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Simpson to get the leverage.
Simpson lands strikes from half guard.

Popyachtsa actively working from the bottom here.
Simpson is looking to take a break and control but Popyachtsa is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Simpson is nestled in close to Popyachtsa, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Simpson is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Popyachtsa bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Simpson seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Popyachtsa drops back, looking for a kneebar! Simpson looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Simpson looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Simpson!
You can see the frustration on Popyachtsa's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gunner Simpson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

The fight stays on the outside here - Simpson looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Simpson moves in looking to clinch but Popyachtsa pushes him off.
Popyachtsa misses with a body shot
enabling Simpson to counter with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Popyachtsa swinging wildly here.
Popyachtsa needs to keep his hands up - Simpson had a free shot at his head there.
Shachlo Popyachtsa is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Popyachtsa gets tackled into the cage by Simpson. Simpson maintains the clinch.
A short right from Simpson.
Popyachtsa digs a right hand underneath Simpson's ribcage. Simpson let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A head punch on the inside from Popyachtsa fails to land.
A right hook to the body lands for Popyachtsa.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Popyachtsa.
Popyachtsa misses with the head strike.
Popyachtsa swings wildly with an uppercut but Simpson uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short body shot lands from Simpson as the two fighters clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Popyachtsa tries to work over Simpson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Simpson throws a head punch that misses.
Simpson lands a hook to the side of the head.
Popyachtsa tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Simpson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Popyachtsas head.
Simpson lands a left hand.

Simpson has picked Popyachtsa up - he's going for a ride! Simpson dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Popyachtsa has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Simpson escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Simpson!
Simpson has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Shachlo Popyachtsa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Popyachtsa bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

Popyachtsa got a little sloppy there for a moment and Simpson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Popyachtsa has managed to get both his arms back between Simpson's legs - danger averted.

Simpson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Popyachtsa trying to control the position from guard on top but Simpson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Popyachtsa seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Simpson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Popyachtsa defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Popyachtsa trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gunner Simpson has got the better of the ground game so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Popyachtsa accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Simpson has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Popyachtsa is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Simpson.
Simpson struggling a bit here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gunner Simpson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Simpson has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gunner Simpson!