PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikita Astakhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steven Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Astakhov's entrance music is Tupac - Uppercut. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Astakhov
vs
Johnson

190 cm
25
265 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

201 cm
24
250 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Big right hand

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Nikita Astakhov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Steven Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Santiago Holmes, Bart Greer and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Astakhov clinches.
Astakhov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

It looks like Steven Johnson has been cut.
Astakhov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Johnsons head.
Johnson jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Astakhov walks away with a smile on his face. Johnson gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Johnson throws a head kick that misses
and Astakhov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Johnson fails with a takedown attempt.
Nice body kick there by Johnson.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Johnson tries for a takedown but Astakhov circles away easily
and Johnson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nikita Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Steven Johnson.

Astakhov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Astakhov could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to force a seperation but Astakhov has the dominant position.
Johnson wants to stall.
Astakhov dips a shoulder and cracks Johnson with a mighty uppercut! Johnson falls back against the cage and Astakhov unloads with a barrage of strikes! Johnson is completely out with his eyes open, only supported by the cage! Save him ref! Eventually the ref decides to do his job and jumps in - Astakhov screams abuse at the incompetent official before going over to celebrate with his corner. Brutal stuff!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Nikita Astakhov!
During a confident post fight interview, Nikita Astakhov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.