PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vasilii Oshchepkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mick Spanner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Oshchepkov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Soviet National Anthem. 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.

Oshchepkov
vs
Spanner

185 cm
26
190 lbs
4 - 5 - 0

185 cm
26
210 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Vasilii Oshchepkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mick Spanner!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Viktor Lagutenko and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oshchepkov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Spanner manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Oshchepkov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Oshchepkov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.

Oshchepkov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Oshchepkov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Oshchepkov trying to control but Spanner is working from the bottom.

Spanner uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Spanner throws a low kick but Oshchepkov moves out of range easily.
Nice sprawl there from Oshchepkov as Spanner shoots in.
Oshchepkov shoots in looking for a takedown. Spanner tries to sprawl out of it but Oshchepkov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Spanner manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Spanner throws a body kick that misses.
Oshchepkov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Spanner sprawls well. Spanner wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Oshchepkov gets slowly back to his feet.
Spanner takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Oshchepkov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Spanner's half guard.

Spanner kicks off Oshchepkov and gets to his feet.
Spanner throws a head kick but Oshchepkov moves out of range.

Oshchepkov rushes Spanner and presses him up against the cage.

Oshchepkov pulls guard successfully.
Spanner really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Oshchepkov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Spanner throwing strikes from guard but Oshchepkov blocks nicely.
Oshchepkov wants to sweep here but Spanner controlling him for the moment.
Spanner postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Spanner working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Spanner thows a big elbow that misses.
Oshchepkov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Spanner's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Spanner pushes Oshchepkov off and scrambles back to his feet.
Spanner keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vasilii Oshchepkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Spanner throws a series of punches but Oshchepkov moves out of range.

Oshchepkov gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Spanner to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Oshchepkov is breathing heavily.
Oshchepkov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Spanner working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Spanner working some strikes from top position.
Spanner stopping the sweep attempt from Oshchepkov.
Spanner must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Oshchepkov looking for a guillotine here but Spanner defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spanner is looking to stand up but Oshchepkov won't let him.
Oshchepkov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Spanner.
Oshchepkov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Spanner throwing strikes but missing.

Spanner decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Oshchepkov, up you get!
Oshchepkov avoids a kick to the body.
Spanner shoots and misses

and Oshchepkov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Oshchepkov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Spanner kicks off Oshchepkov and gets to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Oshchepkov is looking to clinch.
Spanner throws a series of punches but Oshchepkov moves out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - Spanner scores with a four punch combination!

It looks like Vasilii Oshchepkov has been cut.
Spanner tries to bum rush Oshchepkov with a series of wild strikes but Oshchepkov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Oshchepkov is defended easily by Spanner.
Nice sprawl there from Oshchepkov as Spanner shoots in.
Spanner changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Oshchepkov tries to avoid it but Spanner manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Oshchepkov to the ground. Oshchepkov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Oshchepkov doesn't manage to clinch there - Spanner circles away.
Spanner misses with a jab, cross combination.
Oshchepkov shoots in for a takedown but Spanner shows good takedown defense.
Spanner misses with a wild combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mick Spanner will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Vasilii Oshchepkov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Spanner lunges at Oshchepkov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Oshchepkov's hand.
Oshchepkov stuffs the takedown attempt from Spanner. Spanner gets slowly back to his feet.

Oshchepkov closes the distance and pushes Spanner back into the cage.
Spanner has had enough of the clinch but Oshchepkov keeps him there for the moment.
Oshchepkov trying to land knees to the body.
Spanner stops a takedown attempt from Oshchepkov.

Oshchepkov breaks from the clinch.
Horrible takedown by Oshchepkov or perhaps it was just good defense by Spanner which made him look bad.
A head kick misses from Spanner.
Spanner tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Oshchepkov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Oshchepkov throws a head kick that misses.
Spanner throws a series of punches but Oshchepkov moves out of range.
Spanner throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Oshchepkov counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Oshchepkov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oshchepkov prevents the takedown attempt.
Oshchepkov blocks an elbow strike from Spanner.
Spanner is breathing heavily.

Oshchepkov tightens his grip and picks Spanner up, before dumping him to the ground. Spanner manages to land in guard.
Oshchepkov looking to pass the guard.
Spanner keeping moving, preventing Oshchepkov from controlling successfully.
Spanner is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Oshchepkov is controlling him.
Oshchepkov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Oshchepkov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Spanner pushes Oshchepkov off and scrambles back to his feet.
Spanner tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Oshchepkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Oshchepkov shoots in but Spanner avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vasilii Oshchepkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Oshchepkov misses with a takedown attempt
and Spanner counters with a one-two to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Spanner shoots for a double leg takedown but Oshchepkov sprawls well. He's pushed Spanner's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Oshchepkov checks a leg kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Spanner as he connects with a hook.

Oshchepkov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Spanner kicks Oshchepkov off and gets back to his feet.
Spanner fails to land with a series of punches.
Spanner tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Oshchepkov counters with a nice low kick that buckles Spanner's knee momentarily.
Oshchepkov misses with a takedown attempt - Spanner sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Spanner dives in and grabs Oshchepkov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Oshchepkov pushes down on Spanner's head and hops out.
Oshchepkov tries a low kick but Spanner avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Spanner gets a takedown into half guard.

Oshchepkov actively working from the bottom here.
Oshchepkov on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Ground and pound from Spanner.
Spanner looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Oshchepkov is trying to maintain the position but Spanner is very close to passing his half guard.
Spanner is trying to control. Oshchepkov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Oshchepkov tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Oshchepkov has hold of Spanner's hands but Spanner slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Spanner gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Spanner shoots in but no luck this time.
Oshchepkov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Spanner swivels and escapes.
Spanner is trying hard to land a takedown here. Oshchepkov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Oshchepkov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Spanner as he avoids it easily.
Mick Spanner seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Spanner throws a right hand that Oshchepkov ducks under and follows up with a left that Oshchepkov also avoids with ease.
Oshchepkov dives in and grabs Spanner's left leg, looking for a takedown. Spanner pushes down on Oshchepkov's head and hops out.
Sloppy strikes from Spanner. Those never looked like landing.
Oshchepkov moves in looking to clinch but Spanner pushes him off.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Oshchepkov shoots in looking for a takedown. Spanner tries to sprawl out of it but Oshchepkov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Spanner manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Some wild striking there from Spanner.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mick Spanner showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Vasilii Oshchepkov's cut.
That's time! Oshchepkov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!

Oshchepkov gets the takedown into side control.
Oshchepkov lands a decent elbow from side control.
Oshchepkov tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
An elbow from Oshchepkov crashes against the mat.
Spanner is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

Oshchepkov tries for a kimura but Spanner is defending well.

Oshchepkov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Oshchepkov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Vasilii Oshchepkov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Oshchepkov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Spanner some visible discomfort.
Spanner is trying to buck Oshchepkov off.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oshchepkov is looking to take a break and control but Spanner is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Spanner is pushing Oshchepkov's head away, looking to escape. Oshchepkov manages to hold on to the position though.
Oshchepkov wants to control but Spanner is keeping him busy.
Spanner is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Oshchepkov asserts his dominance and retains side control.

Oshchepkov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Oshchepkov thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Oshchepkov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Spanner has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes there by Oshchepkov.
Spanner is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

Oshchepkov working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Spanner tries to escape but Oshchepkov is in control.

Oshchepkov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Spanner avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Oshchepkov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spanner is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Oshchepkov has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Oshchepkov trying to control the position but Spanner is working away.
Spanner parries the strikes from Oshchepkov easily there. Oshchepkov is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Spanner to escape.

Spanner throws Oshchepkov to one side and escapes!
Oshchepkov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Spanner but Spanner pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Spanner goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Spanner does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Oshchepkov has a takedown stuffed.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Spanner is defended easily by Oshchepkov.
Mick Spanner 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.
Oshchepkov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Spanner lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Spanner closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Oshchepkov's guard.
Spanner trying to control the position from guard on top but Oshchepkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Oshchepkov trying to control the position.

Oshchepkov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Spanner gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Oshchepkov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vasilii Oshchepkov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Spanner 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 28:29
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mick Spanner!