PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Avtandil Gamsakhurdia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kostya Zhuravlev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zhuravlev has chosen Aria - Volja i Razum as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Gamsakhurdia
vs
Zhuravlev

180 cm
24
175 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

162 cm
27
170 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Avtandil Gamsakhurdia!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kostya Zhuravlev!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Valeri Chadov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhuravlev slaps away a takedown attempt from Gamsakhurdia, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nice sprawl there from Zhuravlev as Gamsakhurdia shoots in.

Gamsakhurdia decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Zhuravlev avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Gamsakhurdia.
Gamsakhurdia takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Zhuravlev wants to improve his position but Gamsakhurdia is controlling well.
Zhuravlev wants to get back to his feet.
Still in half guard, Gamsakhurdia seems content to control.
Gamsakhurdia is trying to control. Zhuravlev wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gamsakhurdia working the head and body with strikes.
Gamsakhurdia lands strikes from half guard.
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!
Gamsakhurdia missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Gamsakhurdia is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Gamsakhurdia prevents Zhuravlev from standing back up.
Zhuravlev is refusing to be controlled, as Gamsakhurdia sits in half guard.
Zhuravlev wants to improve his position but Gamsakhurdia is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Zhuravlev looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Gamsakhurdia working Zhuravlev over with strikes.
Gamsakhurdia wants to take a breather but Zhuravlev is having none of it.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Zhuravlev is looking for a sweep. Gamsakhurdia is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Zhuravlev is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Gamsakhurdia takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Zhuravlev is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Gamsakhurdia is nestled in close to Zhuravlev, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Nice strikes from Gamsakhurdia there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Zhuravlev actively working from the bottom here.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Gamsakhurdia lands a nice short elbow.
Gamsakhurdia looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Zhuravlev with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Gamsakhurdia looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Gamsakhurdia winds up and cracks Zhuravlev with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Gamsakhurdia working Zhuravlev over with strikes.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Gamsakhurdia lands a nice short elbow.
Zhuravlev tries to get to full guard but Gamsakhurdia has control of the leg.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Gamsakhurdia lands a nice short elbow.
Gamsakhurdia takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Gamsakhurdia lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Gamsakhurdia lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Zhuravlev is rocked!
Gamsakhurdia scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Zhuravlev is still in real trouble! Can Gamsakhurdia finish him?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia trying to control the action but Zhuravlev is working from the bottom.
Zhuravlev seems to have recovered his senses.
Gamsakhurdia keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Gamsakhurdia is trying to control. Zhuravlev wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Gamsakhurdia connects with a nice short shot to Zhuravlev's temple.
Gamsakhurdia working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Gamsakhurdia lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Zhuravlev on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Zhuravlev is staying active underneath Gamsakhurdia, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Gamsakhurdia is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Gamsakhurdia is looking to take a break and control but Zhuravlev is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Zhuravlev is looking for a sweep. Gamsakhurdia is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Gamsakhurdia.
Gamsakhurdia is keen to just control but Zhuravlev is a slippery customer.
Gamsakhurdia working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Zhuravlev makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Zhuravlev.
Gamsakhurdia with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Zhuravlev keeping moving, preventing Gamsakhurdia from controlling successfully.
Zhuravlev 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.
Gamsakhurdia trying to control but Zhuravlev is working from the bottom.
Gamsakhurdia throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Zhuravlev works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zhuravlev is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Gamsakhurdia will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Gamsakhurdia landing with the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gamsakhurdia darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Zhuravlev slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Gamsakhurdia distracts Zhuravlev with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Gamsakhurdia won't allow Zhuravlev to sweep him here.
Gamsakhurdia throwing strikes but missing.
Gamsakhurdia postures up and lands a big shot to Zhuravlev's brow.
Gamsakhurdia missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gamsakhurdia loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gamsakhurdia is looking to work some ground and pound but Zhuravlev has wrist control.
Gamsakhurdia passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Gamsakhurdia is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Zhuravlev can do to turn this around?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zhuravlev is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhuravlev prevents Gamsakhurdia from moving into mount.
Zhuravlev is working to avoid the ground and pound but Gamsakhurdia connects with a decent elbow.
Zhuravlev taking punishment in the form of punches.
Gamsakhurdia lands an elbow.
Gamsakhurdia landing a few strikes.
Zhuravlev is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Ground and pound from Gamsakhurdia.
Zhuravlev wants to get back to full guard.

Zhuravlev pushes Gamsakhurdia off and gets back to his feet.
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!
Gamsakhurdia fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zhuravlev manages to avoid it.

Gamsakhurdia is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Zhuravlev's half guard.
Zhuravlev is breathing heavily.
Gamsakhurdia scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Zhuravlev on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Gamsakhurdia lands with a punch from half guard.
Zhuravlev is staying active underneath Gamsakhurdia, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Zhuravlev throws a strike from the bottom that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia is trying to control the action in half guard but Zhuravlev is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Gamsakhurdia lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Gamsakhurdia lands a nice short elbow.
Gamsakhurdia is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Gamsakhurdia slips a nice elbow through Zhuravlev's hands, connecting with Zhuravlev's forehead.
Zhuravlev gets full guard.

Gamsakhurdia drops back looking for a leg! Zhuravlev is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Zhuravlev manages to kick Gamsakhurdia off! Gamsakhurdia jumps back into Zhuravlev's guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Zhuravlev is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Gamsakhurdia is controlling him.
Gamsakhurdia with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Gamsakhurdia 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia throws a strike but Zhuravlev rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Zhuravlev looking to pass the guard.
Gamsakhurdia is trying to keep Zhuravlev in close.
Gamsakhurdia controlling the position.
Gamsakhurdia is looking to stand up but Zhuravlev isn't so interested in that idea.
Gamsakhurdia wants to sweep here but Zhuravlev controlling him for the moment.

Gamsakhurdia is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia has a closed guard, preventing Zhuravlev from standing up.

Gamsakhurdia scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Zhuravlev throws a series of punches but Gamsakhurdia avoids them all with ease.
Gamsakhurdia keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zhuravlev misses with a series of wild punches.
Gamsakhurdia misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Zhuravlev gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
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!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gamsakhurdia landing with the ground and pound.
Zhuravlev utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Avtandil Gamsakhurdia dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Zhuravlev lands with a shot to the body.
Zhuravlev misses the shot to the body.
Zhuravlev stuffs the takedown attempt from Gamsakhurdia. Gamsakhurdia gets slowly back to his feet.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Gamsakhurdia is defended easily by Zhuravlev.
Gamsakhurdia swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zhuravlev fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Gamsakhurdia fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zhuravlev avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Avtandil Gamsakhurdia. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zhuravlev digs a good hook to Gamsakhurdia's body.
Zhuravlev misses with a wild combination.
Gamsakhurdia shoots in looking for a takedown but Zhuravlev manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Gamsakhurdia's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Zhuravlev is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Gamsakhurdia rather than just go for the knockout.
Gamsakhurdia shoots in for a takedown but Zhuravlev shows good takedown defense.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zhuravlev keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zhuravlev scores with a shot to the body.
Gamsakhurdia throws a head kick but Zhuravlev moves out of range.

Zhuravlev throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Gamsakhurdia tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Zhuravlev is in Gamsakhurdia's guard.
Zhuravlev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Zhuravlev wants to pass the guard but Gamsakhurdia is keeping the position.
Gamsakhurdia is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Gamsakhurdia looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Zhuravlev is looking to work some ground and pound but Gamsakhurdia has wrist control.
Gamsakhurdia manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Zhuravlev manages to get himself to full guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Gamsakhurdia trying to control but Zhuravlev is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gamsakhurdia cracks Zhuravlev with a solid left hand.
Zhuravlev wants to stand and escape but Gamsakhurdia is having none of it.
Gamsakhurdia working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Zhuravlev's head.
Gamsakhurdia with a flurry of punches that miss.
Avtandil Gamsakhurdia overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gamsakhurdia is working Zhuravlev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Gamsakhurdia lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Gamsakhurdia in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Zhuravlev is trying to keep Gamsakhurdia in close.
Gamsakhurdia stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Zhuravlev swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Gamsakhurdia connects with a couple of short punches.
Gamsakhurdia distracts Zhuravlev with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhuravlev looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gamsakhurdia looking to sit in guard and control but Zhuravlev gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Zhuravlev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gamsakhurdia bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Zhuravlev's guard.

Gamsakhurdia drops back looking for a leg! Zhuravlev is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Zhuravlev manages to kick Gamsakhurdia off! Gamsakhurdia jumps back into Zhuravlev's guard.
Avtandil Gamsakhurdia is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gamsakhurdia engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Zhuravlev has a closed guard, preventing Gamsakhurdia from standing up.
Kostya Zhuravlev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zhuravlev wants to stand but Gamsakhurdia is controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhuravlev looking to hit a scissor sweep but Gamsakhurdia is one step ahead there.

Zhuravlev throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Gamsakhurdia escapes and throws Zhuravlev's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Gamsakhurdia controlling the position from side mount.
Gamsakhurdia landing a few strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Gamsakhurdia taking a break here but Zhuravlev is having none of it and regains half guard.
Gamsakhurdia controlling the action here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Avtandil Gamsakhurdia showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Gamsakhurdia, 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 30:27
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Avtandil Gamsakhurdia!