PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Igor Stojnic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Junior Ciganov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Junior Ciganov will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Stojnic
vs
Ciganov

182 cm
18
247 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

190 cm
25
235 lbs
1 - 5 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Igor Stojnic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Junior Ciganov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Viktor Lagutenko and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ciganov shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Stojnic tries to roll over but Ciganov keeps him under control.
Stojnic keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Stojnic has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Ciganov is working away from the top position though.
Ciganov tries to stand but can't do so whilst Stojnic controls his leg.
Stojnic is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ciganov seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Stojnic misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ciganov looks to score with a jab to the body but Stojnic is just out of range.
Stojnic throws a right and a left that both miss.
Stojnic misses with an uppercut. Ciganov saw that one coming.
Ciganov throws a sloppy head kick and Stojnic moves out of range easily.
Stojnic looks to land a combination but Ciganov avoids it well.
Ciganov scores with a jab to the jaw.
Ciganov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Stojnic.
Stojnic throws a poor cross that misses
and Ciganov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Stojnic throws a series of punches but Ciganov avoids them all with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ciganov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Ciganov is looking to clinch but Stojnic is avoiding it.
Stojnic blocks a leg kick.
Stojnic takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Stojnic misses with a straight right.
Stojnic misses with a series of wild punches.
Some wild striking there from Stojnic.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ciganov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Stojnic manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
No joy there for Ciganov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A swing and a miss from Stojnic.
Stojnic throws a nice looking combination but Ciganov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Stojnic throws the left hand but Ciganov avoids the punch easily.
Stojnic is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Ciganov's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciganov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Stojnic finds it's way round the side to connect with Ciganov's head.
Stojnic throws a combination. Ciganov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

It looks like Junior Ciganov has been cut.
Stojnic is breathing heavily.
Ciganov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Stojnic.
Ciganov misses with a series of wild punches.
Stojnic dips to his left and cracks Ciganov with an uppercut!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stojnic throws a series of punches but Ciganov avoids them all with ease.
Ciganov is looking to clinch.
Stojnic throws a right hand that Ciganov ducks under and follows up with a left that Ciganov also avoids with ease.
Stojnic throws a right and a left that Ciganov avoids nicely.
Ciganov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Stojnic throws a right hand that Ciganov ducks under and follows up with a left that Ciganov also avoids with ease.

Ciganov moves into the clinch.
Stojnic tries to pull guard but Ciganov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ciganov is trying to push Stojnic away but Stojnic has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Stojnic is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ciganov to keep the fight standing.
Ciganov tries to break free but Stojnic pushes him back against the cage.
Stojnic prevents Ciganov from breaking the clinch.
Stojnic tries to score a body lock takedown but Ciganov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Igor Stojnic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ciganov wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Ciganov is trying to stall.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ciganov wants to break free but Stojnic has control.
Ciganov wants to break free but Stojnic has control.
Ciganov gets underhooks to prevent Stojnic's takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Igor Stojnic will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Junior Ciganov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Stojnic keeps the fight on the outside.
A big left from Stojnic misses.
Ciganov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Stojnic throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ciganov tries to clinch up.
Ciganov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Stojnic takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Stojnic looks to land a right hand but Ciganov moved out of range.
Ciganov looks to land a combination. Stojnic sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Ciganov thows a body kick. Stojnic tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Ciganov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Stojnic on his heels. He'll look to pass Stojnic's guard now, I'm sure.

Ciganov stands up and waves to Stojnic to follow him.
A swing and a miss from Stojnic.
Igor Stojnic is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stojnic tries to bum rush Ciganov with a series of wild strikes but Ciganov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ciganov slips a straight right by Stojnic.
Stojnic throws a lazy uppercut
and Ciganov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Igor Stojnic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ciganov tries to clinch but Stojnic is having none of it.
Ciganov defending well as Stojnic loads up on a big left hand.
Ciganov scores with a decent looking hook.
Ciganov lands a nice looking body shot.
Stojnic takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Stojnic throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ciganov.
Ciganov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Stojnic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Stojnic falls off balance throwing a combination
and Ciganov counters with a series of strikes. Stojnic will be more careful next time no doubt.
A nice combination there by Ciganov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ciganov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Stojnic misses with a combination
and Ciganov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stojnic rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ciganov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ciganov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ciganov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A punch combination from Stojnic misses.
Stojnic falls off balance throwing a combination
and Ciganov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ciganov scores with a body shot.
Ciganov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Stojnic stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The crowd cheers as Ciganov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Stojnic doesn't seem phased though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciganov dodges the punch combination from Stojnic.
Ciganov tries to clinch but Stojnic moves out of range.
Ciganov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Stojnic.
Stojnic rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ciganov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ciganov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ciganov moves in looking to clinch but Stojnic pushes him off.
A big left from Stojnic misses.
Ciganov slips a jab from Stojnic.
Ciganov feints a jab promting Stojnic to slip. Ciganov then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Stojnic slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Stojnic misses with a few strikes there.
Igor Stojnic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Ciganov drives through with a takedown into Stojnic's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ciganov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Stojnic is proving hard to escape from.
Stojnic tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Stojnic knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Ciganov on the ground.
Ciganov wants to get up but he can't break Stojnic's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Stojnic is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ciganov is aware though and is defending well.
Stojnic on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Stojnic tries to get out of the position.
Ciganov wants to get up but he can't break Stojnic's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ciganov won't allow Stojnic to get back to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Stojnic trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Ciganov wants to get up but he can't break Stojnic's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Junior Ciganov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Junior Ciganov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Ciganov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Stojnic.
Ciganov tries to clinch up but Stojnic circles away and keeps his distance.
Junior Ciganov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Ciganov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Stojnic's hands.
Ciganov tries a head kick but it misses.
Ciganov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Stojnic lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ciganov circles away quickly and effectively.
Ciganov tries to bum rush Stojnic with a series of wild strikes but Stojnic uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ciganov misses with a wild combination.
Stojnic throws a combination. Ciganov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice body punch from Ciganov.
Ciganov swinging wildly here.
Stojnic lands a two punch combo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stojnic throws a nice looking combination but Ciganov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Stojnic dodges the punch combination from Ciganov.
Stojnic throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ciganov slips a jab and a cross from Stojnic.
Stojnic looks to score with a jab to the body but Ciganov is just out of range.
Stojnic throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ciganov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

Ciganov throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Stojnic tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Ciganov is in Stojnic's guard.
Stojnic tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Junior Ciganov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Ciganov wants to stand but Stojnic is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stojnic looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ciganov is one step ahead there.

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

Stojnic working for a triangle but Ciganov defends it easily.
Ciganov prevents Stojnic from getting back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciganov wanted to stand there but Stojnic had control of the position.
Stojnic seems keen to control Ciganov's posture.
Stojnic wants to sweep but no luck.
Ciganov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Stojnic's guard.
Ciganov preventing the sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Ciganov slips under a jab.
Stojnic swinging wildly here.
Stojnic is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Ciganov throws a series of strikes that have Stojnic backpedaling.
No joy there for Stojnic, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Stojnic connects with a good right hand that stumbles Ciganov. Ciganov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Stojnic takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ciganov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Stojnic was well out of range. Poor timing from Ciganov.
Jab from Stojnic.
Ciganov takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Some wild striking there from Stojnic.
Stojnic moves out of range as Ciganov throws a body kick.

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

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Igor Stojnic!
Igor Stojnic tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.