PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Maksim Zotov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Metal Militia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zotov's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Мы расправи. Maksim Zotov had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Zotov
vs
Militia

160 cm
27
137 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

165 cm
22
135 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

[IMMA] DTK Designs (Laundry)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of New York, Maksim Zotov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Metal Militia!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, Russell Pearce and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Militia with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Zotov to score with a decent uppercut.
Zotov cracks the inside of Militia's front leg.
A head kick misses from Militia.
Zotov blocks a head kick by Militia.
Militia pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zotov shoots in for a takedown but Militia shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Zotov misses with a leg kick
and Militia counters with a head kick.
Zotov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Zotov misses with a wild body shot.
Militia uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zotov.
Zotov tries to clinch but Militia moves away
and Militia counters with a head kick. That will keep Zotov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Zotov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Militia swats him away and circles back towards the center.
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!
Zotov looks to land a left hand but Militia moved out of range nicely.
A low kick from Zotov misses
and Militia counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Zotov is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Zotov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A low kick from Zotov is predictable there
and Militia counters with a head kick. That will keep Zotov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zotov misses with a low kick.
Militia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Militia avoids the head kick by Zotov.
Zotov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Militia checks the leg kick.
Militia throws a head kick that misses.
Zotov misses with an uppercut.
Zotov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Zotov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Militia. Militia circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Zotov blocks a head kick by Militia.
Zotov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Zotov dives in and grabs Militia's left leg, looking for a takedown. Militia pushes down on Zotov's head and hops out.
Militia throws a sloppy head kick and Zotov moves out of range easily.
Militia keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zotov tries to land a leg kick but Militia saw it coming and moves away.
Zotov misses with a low kick.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
Zotov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Militia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zotov tries to clinch but Militia moves away
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zotov misses with a body kick.
Zotov tries to clinch up.
Zotov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Militia manages to avoid it.
Zotov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A swing and a miss from Zotov.
Militia misses with a head kick.
Zotov is looking to land body kicks.
Militia ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zotov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zotov sizes up Militia with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A low kick from Zotov misses
and Militia counters with a head kick.
Zotov tries a head kick but it misses.
Zotov tries to land a body kick
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Maksim Zotov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zotov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Militia throws a sloppy head kick and Zotov moves out of range easily.
Militia misses with a head kick.
Zotov tries to clinch
and Militia counters with a nice low kick that buckles Zotov's knee momentarily.
Zotov misses with a low kick.
Zotov misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Militia counters with a flying knee. Nice.
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!
Zotov tries a head kick but it misses.
Zotov fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maksim Zotov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zotov throws a leg kick
and Militia counters with a nice kick to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zotov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Militia throws a sloppy head kick and Zotov moves out of range easily.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
A low kick from Zotov misses
and Militia counters with a head kick. That will keep Zotov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Metal Militia is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zotov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Militia if he has to take too many more of those.
Zotov throws a head kick that Militia semi-blocks.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Zotov lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Militia has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Militia and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Zotov throws a body kick that misses.
Zotov throws a nice outside leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Some wild striking there from Zotov.
Zotov throws a push kick but Militia slaps the foot to one side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Metal Militia will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A leg kick checked by Militia.
Zotov tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Zotov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Militia manages to avoid it.
Zotov is looking to slow Militia down with leg kicks.
A leg kick checked by Militia.
Militia misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zotov blocks a head kick by Militia.
Militia moves out of range of the strikes.
Metal Militia seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Militia steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Zotov.
Zotov throws a sloppy head kick and Militia moves out of range easily.
Zotov fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Militia is out of range.
A low kick from Zotov is predictable there
and Militia counters with a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick from Zotov is predictable there
and Militia counters with a nice kick to the body.
Militia keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Zotov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Militia's sensitive parts.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
Zotov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A solid body kick from Zotov.
Zotov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Zotov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
A head kick by Militia misses
and Zotov counters with a thumping low kick.
Militia throws a head kick that misses.
Zotov throws a body kick that misses
and Militia counters with a solid body kick.
Zotov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Militia keeps the fight on the outside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zotov cracks the inside of Militia's front leg.
Zotov closes the distance and clinches up with Militia, looking for a takedown. Zotov pushes Militia against the cage but Militia circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Militia tries a head kick but it misses.
Zotov lands a front kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Zotov. That's going to slow Militia down.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zotov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Militia throws a head kick that misses.
Zotov tries to clinch but Militia moves out of range.
Zotov tries to land a body kick
and Militia counters with an inside leg kick.
Militia throws a head kick that misses.
Militia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zotov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Militia sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Zotov misses with a body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zotov looks for the body kick but Militia saw that one coming.
Militia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zotov moves out of range of the body kick.
Militia throws a nice outside leg kick.
Militia displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zotov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maksim Zotov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zotov throws a leg kick
and Militia counters with a head kick. That will keep Zotov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Zotov wants to clinch but Militia slips to the side
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Militia is breathing heavily.
Zotov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Zotov fails with a takedown attempt.
Zotov is looking to clinch but Militia is avoiding it.
Militia's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zotov throws out a leg kick but Militia moves out of range and Zotov only half commits.
Zotov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Zotov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zotov throws a body kick that misses
and Militia counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Zotov is lucky that one didn't land flush.
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!
Zotov is looking to clinch but Militia is avoiding it.
Zotov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
A low kick from Zotov misses
and Militia finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Zotov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Zotov misses with a kick to the body
and Militia counters with a nice leg kick.
Zotov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Militia counters with a body kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Zotov.
Some wild striking there from Zotov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Maksim Zotov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A head kick misses from Militia.
A low kick from Zotov is predictable there
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Zotov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Militia moves away.
Zotov jabs at Militia's body.
Militia throws a head kick that misses.
Zotov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Militia pinned against the cage. Militia gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Zotov thows a leg kick but Militia checks it
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
An inside leg kick from Zotov misses.
Zotov misses with a low kick.
Zotov tries to land a body kick
and Militia counters with a slapping leg kick.
Zotov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Zotov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Militia.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Militia blocks a leg kick.
Militia misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zotov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Zotov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Zotov throws a leg kick
and Militia finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Militia throws a head kick but Zotov moves out of range.
Militia takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Militia throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Militia slips under a jab.
Militia tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Militia ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zotov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Militia can pounce on him.
Zotov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Zotov moves out of range of the body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zotov throws a half hearted mid kick.
Zotov will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Zotov thows a leg kick but Militia checks it
and Militia counters with a good, hard body kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Zotov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
Zotov looks for the body kick but Militia saw that one coming.
Zotov throws a leg kick that misses.
Zotov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Militia manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Zotov loads up on a big right hand but Militia slips the punch.
Militia checks the leg kick nicely there.
Militia tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zotov chopping away at his opponent's legs.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A nice leg kick lands there from Zotov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zotov misses with a low kick.
Zotov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Militia connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Zotov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Militia.
Militia throws a lazy head kick
and Zotov counters with a stiff right hand.
That kick from Zotov tenderised Militia's leg. Militia is trying to keep his angry face on.
Zotov lands a head shot.
Zotov throws a leg kick that misses.
Militia throws a head kick that half lands.

Zotov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Zotov lands in his opponent's guard.
Zotov looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Militia keeping moving, preventing Zotov from controlling successfully.
Zotov won't allow Militia to get back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zotov looking to sit in guard and control but Militia gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Zotov is looking for a triangle but Militia pushes his legs off easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Militia has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Zotov is proving hard to escape from.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maksim Zotov clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Militia tries a head kick but it misses.
Zotov tries a low kick but Militia avoids it.
Zotov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Militia counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Zotov is lucky that one didn't land flush.
A low kick from Zotov is predictable there
and Militia counters with a nice kick to the body.
Some bone on bone action there as Militia checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Militia tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Both fighters circling a little - Zotov finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
A head kick misses from Militia.
Zotov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Militia avoids it really well and circles away.
Zotov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Militia moves out of range of the body kick.
Militia checks a low kick from Zotov.
Zotov throws a lazy body kick
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Militia tries a head kick but it misses.
Militia tries a head kick but it misses.
Militia is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
A slapping leg kick lands for Zotov.
Zotov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Militia tries a head kick but it misses.
A head kick from Zotov lands but Militia takes it in his stride.
Zotov throws a chopping leg kick but Militia manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Zotov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maksim Zotov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zotov tried to score with a low kick but Militia checks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Militia pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Zotov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Militia is trying to push Zotov away but Zotov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Zotov misses with some punches.
Zotov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Militia is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Militia blocks an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zotov is trying to pull guard but Militia turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Militia manages to break the clinch.
Zotov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zotov throws a hook but Militia avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zotov shoots in but no luck this time.
Zotov is looking to chop away at Militia's legs.
Zotov scores with a leg kick.
Zotov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Militia sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zotov somewhat.
Militia throws a sloppy head kick and Zotov moves out of range easily.
Zotov blocks a head kick by Militia.
Militia blocks a jab.
Militia circles away from the clinch attempt
and Militia counters with a leg kick.
Zotov takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zotov swings widly with a right hand
and Militia counters with a head kick. That will keep Zotov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Zotov has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Militia.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zotov connects with a leg kick. Militia looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Zotov throws a leg kick that misses.
Militia keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Militia blocks the body kick.
Militia lands with a kick to the temple. Zotov shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Zotov tries a head kick but it misses.
Militia takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
Zotov motions for Militia to come forward. Zotov throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Zotov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Metal Militia will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Zotov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Militia paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Militia throws a sloppy head kick and Zotov moves out of range easily.
Zotov avoids the head kick by Militia.
Some bone on bone action there as Militia checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Militia throws a head kick but Zotov moves out of range.
Militia throws a head kick but Zotov moves out of range.
A head kick misses from Militia.
A head kick misses from Militia.
Zotov blocks a head kick by Militia.
Zotov tries to clinch there but Militia circles away.
Zotov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Militia checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Zotov lands a lovely overhand right.
Militia keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Militia is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zotov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Militia counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Zotov is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Zotov misses with a kick to the body.
Zotov wants to clinch
and Militia counters with a big head kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Zotov throws a body kick that misses.
Zotov blocks a head kick by Militia.
Militia misses with a head kick.
Zotov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Militia misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zotov closes the distance but Militia moves to the side
and Militia counters with a nice low kick that buckles Zotov's knee momentarily.
Zotov lands with a nice body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zotov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Militia throws the kick towards the body but Zotov avoids it.
Zotov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Militia sprawls well. Militia wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Zotov gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Maksim Zotov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zotov tries to land a front kick but Militia steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Militia keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Zotov lands a nice looking kick to the body. Militia takes a step back to recover.
Zotov feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Militia's calf.
Zotov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zotov closes the distance but Militia moves to the side
and Militia counters with a good low kick that Zotov was not able to check.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zotov throws a leg kick
and Militia counters with a good, hard body kick but Zotov shrugs it off.
Militia throws a head kick that misses.
Zotov throws a leg kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Zotov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zotov thows a leg kick but Militia checks it
and Militia counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Zotov is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Zotov is looking to slow Militia down with leg kicks.
Zotov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Militia swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Zotov throws a leg kick
and Militia counters with a head kick. That will keep Zotov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Zotov tries to clinch there but Militia circles away.
Militia throws a head kick that misses
and Zotov counters with a body kick that stops Militia in his tracks momentarily.
Zotov throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Militia counters with a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Zotov with that takedown attempt.
Zotov throws an off balance right hand
and Militia counters with a thumping low kick.
Militia throws a sloppy head kick and Zotov moves out of range easily.
A jab from Zotov finds it's way through Militia's defenses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Militia displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zotov.
Zotov tries to land a leg kick but Militia saw it coming and moves away.
Zotov lands a head kick!
Militia throws a quick inside leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zotov tries to land a leg kick but Militia saw it coming and moves away.
Zotov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Maksim Zotov.
Well Zotov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Joseph Jones scores the fight 48:47
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 49:47
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Maksim Zotov!
Maksim Zotov retains his bantamweight title!
Maksim Zotov bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.