PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ruslan Mstislav Volkov (ranked 2929 p4p, 0 weight class) and Armondo Munoz (ranked 3497 p4p, 0 weight class). Volkov comes to the cage accompanied by Riverdance. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Mstislav Volkov
vs
Munoz

171 cm
39
156 lbs
26 - 10 - 1

192 cm
34
150 lbs
20 - 15 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Dangerous GnP
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Woodshins' Ship

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Hilo, Ruslan Mstislav Volkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 15 - 2, fighting out of Hilo, Armondo Munoz!
The judges for this bout are Chris Saunders, Josh West and Colin Fray.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Volkov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Munoz defends well and Volkov ends up having to push Munoz into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Munoz lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Munoz 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.
Volkov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Munoz.

It looks like Armondo Munoz has been cut.
Munoz blocks a low kick nicely.
Volkov misses with a body kick.
Munoz is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Munoz rushes Volkov and presses him up against the cage.

Munoz has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Volkov is trying to keep an underhook but Munoz manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Munoz throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Volkov is looking for a sweep. Munoz is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Volkov pushes Munoz off looking to stand but Munoz dives back in and keeps control.
Volkov tries to get to full guard but Munoz has control of the leg.
Munoz thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Munoz lands strikes from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Munoz not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Munoz not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Volkov holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Volkov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Munoz.

Munoz is looking for a kimura here.
Munoz thows a huge punch but Volkov dodges it nicely.
Volkov is pressing down on Munoz's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Munoz postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Munoz with a nice head shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Munoz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Volkov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Munoz stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Volkov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Munoz postures up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Volkov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Munoz sprawls well initially but Volkov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Volkov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Munoz works his way to full guard. Good work.
Volkov preventing the sweep.
Munoz wants to get back to his feet but Volkov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Volkov wants to control from the top but Munoz keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Munoz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Volkov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Munoz swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Volkov wants to control from the top but Munoz keeps moving.
Volkov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Munoz is keeping the position for now.
Volkov preventing the sweep.
Munoz is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Munoz wants to sweep here but Volkov controlling him for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Munoz trying to control the position.
Volkov prevents Munoz from getting back to his feet.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A jab lands there for Volkov.

Volkov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Volkov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A nice left hand lands by Volkov.
Nice body punch from Volkov.
Munoz looking for a takedown.
Munoz tries for a takedown but Volkov manages to get underhooks.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Volkov as Munoz tries to tie him up.
Volkov can't find room to land a body shot as Munoz controls the action.

Volkov lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Munoz is refusing to be controlled, as Volkov sits in half guard.
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 Ruslan Mstislav Volkov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Armondo Munoz's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Munoz avoids the head kick by Volkov.
Munoz 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.
Munoz throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Munoz throws a low kick but Volkov moves out of range easily.
Munoz looks for a takedown but Volkov sprawls well.

Volkov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Volkov blocks the elbow strike.
Volkov stops a takedown attempt from Munoz.
A short right from Volkov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Volkov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Munoz gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Volkov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Volkov tries to work over Munoz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right hook to the body lands for Volkov.
Volkov avoiding damage as Munoz throws knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Munoz's elbow.
Munoz's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A nice right hand lands inside from Volkov.
Munoz has Volkov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Volkov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Ruslan Mstislav Volkov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Armondo Munoz.
Munoz is working for takedown but Volkov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Volkov lands a left hand.

Volkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Volkov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Munoz counters with a left to the body.
Volkov is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
Volkov throws a series of punches but Munoz avoids them all with ease.
Munoz misses with a series of wild punches.
Munoz paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Volkov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Munoz manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Volkov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Munoz is keeping the position for now.
Volkov is looking to work some ground and pound but Munoz has wrist control.
Munoz keeping moving, preventing Volkov from controlling successfully.
Munoz manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Volkov manages to get himself to full guard.

Munoz is in close to Volkov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Volkov trying to control the position.
Munoz in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Volkov wants to stand up but Munoz is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Munoz looking to sit in guard and control but Volkov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Munoz wants to sweep here but Volkov controlling him for the moment.
Volkov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Volkov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Volkov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Munoz keeping moving, preventing Volkov from controlling successfully.
Munoz is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Volkov wanted to stand there but Munoz had control of the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Munoz keeping moving, preventing Volkov from controlling successfully.
Volkov prevents Munoz from getting back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Munoz looking to hit a scissor sweep but Volkov is one step ahead there.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Munoz trying to keep a closed guard but Volkov is proving a slippery customer.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Munoz jabs Volkov right on the nose. Volkov blinks but takes it well.
A punch combination from Volkov misses.
Munoz lands a jab to the nose.
Munoz showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Volkov.
Munoz throws a body shot but no joy.
Volkov closes the distance and clinches up with Munoz, looking for a takedown. Volkov pushes Munoz against the cage but Munoz circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Volkov fails with the takedown.
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 Ruslan Mstislav Volkov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Armondo Munoz's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Munoz scores with a jab to the jaw.
Volkov throws a leg kick but Munoz moved away.
Munoz counters with a body kick.
Munoz bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Volkov's head backwards.
Volkov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Munoz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Volkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Munoz.
Munoz lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Munoz has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Volkov throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.

Munoz gets tackled into the cage by Volkov. Volkov maintains the clinch.
Munoz looking for a takedown.
Munoz is working for takedown but Volkov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Volkov lands with a short shot to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Volkov has Munoz pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Munoz manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Munoz tries for a takedown but Volkov manages to get underhooks.
Ruslan Mstislav Volkov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Armondo Munoz.
Volkov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Volkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Munoz prevents it.
Munoz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Volkov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Munoz drops down looking for an ankle pick but Volkov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Munoz fails in his attempt to clinch.
Munoz delivers a nice body kick.
Munoz goes for a double leg but Volkov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Volkov continues to drive forward.

Munoz clinches with his opponent.
Munoz tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Volkov avoids it.
Munoz goes for a takedown attempt but Volkov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Munoz takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
That kick from Volkov tenderised Munoz's leg. Munoz is trying to keep his angry face on.
Volkov closes the distance and clinches up with Munoz, looking for a takedown. Volkov pushes Munoz against the cage but Munoz circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Munoz thuds his right hand into Volkov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Volkov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Munoz sprawls well. Munoz wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Volkov gets slowly back to his feet.
Munoz is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Munoz avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Volkov gets cracked there but stands up to it.

Volkov drives through and clinches with Munoz against the cage.
Volkov has Munoz pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Munoz manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Volkov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Munoz wants a takedown but no success here.
Ruslan Mstislav Volkov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Munoz slows down the pace here.
Volkov lands a left hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Munoz is looking to take this one to the mat.
Munoz has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
A right hook to the body lands for Volkov.
Volkov lands a hook that snaps the head of Munoz backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov tries to throw a body punch but Munoz avoids it by throwing Volkov back against the cage.
Volkov is leaning against Munoz and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Volkov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Munoz uses from the top position.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Volkov is on top in guard.

Munoz has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Volkov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Munoz is proving hard to escape from.
Armondo Munoz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ruslan Mstislav Volkov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Volkov won't allow Munoz to sweep him here.
Volkov is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Munoz is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Volkov pushes down on Munoz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Munoz won't allow Volkov to pass to mount.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Munoz wants to get back to full guard.
Volkov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Munoz keeps working.

Volkov escapes and gets back to his feet.
The fight stays on the outside here - Volkov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Volkov tries to clinch but Munoz is having none of it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ruslan Mstislav Volkov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Volkov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Chris Saunders scores the fight 30:27
Judge Josh West scores the fight 28:29
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 30:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Ruslan Mstislav Volkov!
Post fight, Ruslan Mstislav Volkov stared into the camera and said 'You were a good fighter laddy... But I've had stronger whiskey in me belly then them punches you be throwin.'.