PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Volkov (ranked 7926 p4p, 529 weight class) and Sergei Smirnov (ranked 4786 p4p, 395 weight class). Ivan Volkov has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Volkov
vs
Smirnov

192 cm
21
225 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
25
220 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Volkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergei Smirnov!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Valeri Chadov and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Volkov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Smirnov is fending him off so far but Volkov persists. Nope, Smirnov circles away and we're back to standing.

Volkov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Smirnov lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Smirnov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Smirnov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Smirnov slips a nice elbow through Volkov's hands, connecting with Volkov's forehead.
Volkov regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Smirnov.
Volkov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Volkov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Smirnov.
Smirnov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Smirnov with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov keeping full guard, as Smirnov tries to pass.
Smirnov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Volkov is breathing heavily.
Volkov wants to stand but Smirnov is controlling the position.
Smirnov works over Volkov with some ground and pound from guard.
Smirnov postures up and lands a big shot to Volkov's brow.
Smirnov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Volkov being controlled here, momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Smirnov chips away with some ground and pound.
Smirnov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Volkov's head.
Smirnov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Smirnov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

Smirnov closes the distance and clinches.

Smirnov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Smirnov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Volkov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Volkov taking a bit of punishment here - Smirnov scoring with strikes.
Smirnov working the head with strikes.
Volkov looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Volkov is working to avoid the ground and pound but Smirnov connects with a decent elbow.
Smirnov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smirnov cracks Volkov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Volkov prevents Smirnov from moving into mount.
Smirnov working the ground and pound.
Smirnov landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.

Volkov is rocked!
Smirnov lands a strong strike to the head of Volkov. That's dazed him! Smirnov looking to finish here. Volkov is waving his arms around trying to block but he's hurt badly - Smirnov lands more strikes and the referee steps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sergei Smirnov!
Sergei Smirnov bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.