PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dmitry Zerzhynsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Charles LaFontier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zerzhynsky
vs
LaFontier

180 cm
39
222 lbs
29 - 29 - 0

192 cm
37
216 lbs
34 - 21 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Heavy handed

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 29 - 29 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Dmitry Zerzhynsky!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 34 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Charles LaFontier!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Alec Ball and Elvis Blanc.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zerzhynsky changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. LaFontier tries to avoid it but Zerzhynsky manages to keep hold of a leg and drag LaFontier to the ground. LaFontier escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
LaFontier tries to counter with a clinch but Zerzhynsky shakes him off and moves away.
Zerzhynsky with a poor takedown
and LaFontier counters with an outside leg kick.
Zerzhynsky misses with a takedown attempt
and LaFontier counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

It looks like Dmitry Zerzhynsky has been cut.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dmitry Zerzhynsky. That's going to take a lot out of him.
LaFontier jabs Zerzhynsky to the body, keeping him at a distance.

LaFontier drives through and clinches with Zerzhynsky against the cage.
Zerzhynsky is trying to drag LaFontier to the mat but LaFontier just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
LaFontier lands with a short punch from the clinch.
LaFontier can't find room to land a body shot as Zerzhynsky controls the action.
Zerzhynsky has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. LaFontier avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
LaFontier throws a head punch that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaFontier gets through Zerzhynsky's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
LaFontier lands with a light punch inside.
Zerzhynsky prevents a body shot from LaFontier.
LaFontier has a couple of punches blocked by Zerzhynsky.
LaFontier tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zerzhynsky's elbow.
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!
LaFontier can't find room to land a body shot as Zerzhynsky controls the action.
LaFontier landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaFontier can't find room to land a body shot as Zerzhynsky controls the action.
LaFontier throws a punch but it's blocked by Zerzhynsky.
LaFontier working some nice short punches in the clinch.
LaFontier lands on the inside with an uppercut.
LaFontier misses with the head strike.
Zerzhynsky blocking some punches.
A head punch on the inside from LaFontier fails to land.
Zerzhynsky prevents a body shot from LaFontier.
LaFontier fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
LaFontier prevents the takedown attempt.
Zerzhynsky has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zerzhynsky.
Zerzhynsky has LaFontier pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. LaFontier manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Zerzhynsky tries to score a body lock takedown but LaFontier shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
LaFontier is defending well against a takedown attempt.
LaFontier throws a punch but it's blocked by Zerzhynsky.
Zerzhynsky tries for a takedown. No joy.
LaFontier lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for LaFontier.
Zerzhynsky is breathing heavily.
Nice elbow from LaFontier.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaFontier misses with a short punch on the inside.
LaFontier fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Zerzhynsky has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but LaFontier regains guard immediately.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
LaFontier is looking to stand up but Zerzhynsky isn't so interested in that idea.
LaFontier looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Zerzhynsky prevents LaFontier from getting back to his feet.
Zerzhynsky being controlled here momentarily.
LaFontier's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Zerzhynsky tries to free his leg and advance position but LaFontier is retaining full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Zerzhynsky fails to land the takedown.
LaFontier stuffs the takedown attempt from Zerzhynsky. Zerzhynsky gets slowly back to his feet.
LaFontier throws a head kick that misses.
Zerzhynsky is on the wrong end of a nice combination from LaFontier.
Zerzhynsky fails to land the takedown.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zerzhynsky tries to score a power double leg takedown but LaFontier sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zerzhynsky somewhat.

Zerzhynsky tries to sprawl but LaFontier drives through with a takedown into half guard.
LaFontier keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
LaFontier wants to get back to his feet.
Zerzhynsky wants to get back to full guard.
LaFontier controlling the pace.
LaFontier tries to pass the half guard into mount. Zerzhynsky knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Charles LaFontier dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Dmitry Zerzhynsky's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Zerzhynsky avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A quick step to the side and Zerzhynsky tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zerzhynsky tries for a takedown but LaFontier sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
LaFontier let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

Zerzhynsky changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. LaFontier looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
LaFontier is trying to control Zerzhynsky's posture but Zerzhynsky avoids it.
We've been hearing good reports from Zerzhynsky's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
LaFontier tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
LaFontier is trying to escape the mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaFontier sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Zerzhynsky looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Zerzhynsky thows a huge punch but LaFontier dodges it nicely.
LaFontier looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaFontier trying to control here.
LaFontier is trying to stand up here but Zerzhynsky is controlling him well.
LaFontier wants to improve his position but Zerzhynsky is controlling well.
LaFontier is not content to let Zerzhynsky control the position.
LaFontier is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
LaFontier wants to control but Zerzhynsky is keeping busy and won't allow it.
LaFontier pushes Zerzhynsky off but Zerzhynsky dives into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Zerzhynsky working away.
LaFontier is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
LaFontier can't do much from the bottom here.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
LaFontier has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Zerzhynsky fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Zerzhynsky throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. LaFontier tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Zerzhynsky is in LaFontier's guard.
Zerzhynsky is fighting to break LaFontier's control of his arms but LaFontier is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
LaFontier keeping moving, preventing Zerzhynsky from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaFontier pulls Zerzhynsky in close to prevent any damage.
LaFontier keeping moving, preventing Zerzhynsky from controlling successfully.
LaFontier working a defensive guard here.
LaFontier is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Zerzhynsky is controlling him.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
LaFontier slaps away a takedown attempt from Zerzhynsky, before circling back to the center of the mat.
LaFontier appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dmitry Zerzhynsky. That's going to take a lot out of him.
LaFontier leaves Zerzhynsky with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
LaFontier throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zerzhynsky is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Zerzhynsky tries to score a power double leg takedown but LaFontier sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zerzhynsky somewhat.
Zerzhynsky tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
LaFontier lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Charles LaFontier will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Dmitry Zerzhynsky's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

LaFontier throws a right and a left that Zerzhynsky avoids nicely.
LaFontier throws a shot to the body.
LaFontier displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zerzhynsky.

LaFontier clinches.
Zerzhynsky is looking to take this one to the mat.
Zerzhynsky has LaFontier pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. LaFontier manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dmitry Zerzhynsky. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zerzhynsky looking for a takedown.
LaFontier gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zerzhynsky.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaFontier tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
LaFontier lands an elbow that stopped Zerzhynsky in his tracks for a moment.
LaFontier misses with an elbow over the top.
LaFontier tries to work over Zerzhynsky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Zerzhynsky goes for a takedown attempt but LaFontier pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaFontier fails to land with a series of punches.
LaFontier moves in looking to clinch but Zerzhynsky pushes him off.
LaFontier defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zerzhynsky.

Excellent takedown into side control there by LaFontier.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
LaFontier working away.

LaFontier stands up and we're back to a striking position.
LaFontier stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and LaFontier wants it to stay on the feet.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zerzhynsky.

LaFontier rushes Zerzhynsky and presses him up against the cage.
Dmitry Zerzhynsky has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaFontier pushes Zerzhynsky back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zerzhynsky blocks an uppercut.

Zerzhynsky breaks from the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice shot lands for LaFontier.

LaFontier closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - LaFontier lands in his opponent's guard.
Charles LaFontier has got the better of the ground game so far.
LaFontier wants to pass the guard but Zerzhynsky is keeping the position.
LaFontier is pushing down on Zerzhynsky's leg trying to pass to half guard. Zerzhynsky is fighting to maintain full guard but LaFontier has managed to sneak the leg through.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zerzhynsky has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. LaFontier is working away from the top position though.
LaFontier controlling the action here.
LaFontier thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
LaFontier tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Zerzhynsky.
Zerzhynsky wants to improve his position but LaFontier is controlling well.
LaFontier controlling the pace.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Zerzhynsky shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. LaFontier defends it nicely.
LaFontier lands with a shot to the body.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zerzhynsky scores with a shot to the body.
LaFontier is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
LaFontier looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Zerzhynsky fakes high and swings low for a body shot but LaFontier manages to avoid it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Charles LaFontier comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well LaFontier has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Yves DeLean scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 25:30
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Charles LaFontier!
In his post fight interview, Charles LaFontier started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.