PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Usikov (ranked 858 p4p, 105 weight class) and Moonlight Maze (ranked 1163 p4p, 145 weight class). Maze has chosen Sabine Kors feat. Timaro - Dagestan as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Usikov
vs
Maze

175 cm
36
195 lbs
17 - 14 - 0

189 cm
30
190 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Groove Gear
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Usikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Moonlight Maze!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Maze clinches with his opponent.
Maze is working for takedown but Usikov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Maze looking for a takedown.
Maze tries for a takedown. No joy.
Alexander Usikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Moonlight Maze.
Maze blocks the elbow strike.

Maze gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Usikov regains guard.
Maze working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Usikov trying to keep a closed guard but Maze is proving a slippery customer.
Maze controlling from the top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Usikov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Maze lands a couple of elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maze lands a couple of digs.
Maze postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Maze distracts Usikov with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Usikov looking to control.
Maze working some strikes from top position.
Maze trying to control the position from guard on top but Usikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Usikov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Maze.
Usikov keeping moving, preventing Maze from controlling successfully.
Maze content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Usikov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Maze postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maze landing some decent shots from guard.
Maze connects with a couple of short punches.
Maze working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Usikov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Usikov pulls Maze in close to his closed guard and prevents Maze from doing any damage or advancing position.
Maze throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Maze lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Usikov trying to keep a closed guard but Maze is proving a slippery customer.
Usikov keeping moving, preventing Maze from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maze postures up.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Maze accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Maze landing some decent shots from guard.
Maze forces his way into half guard.
Maze working Usikov over with strikes.
Usikov taking some punishment here, with Maze in his half guard.
Maze has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Maze looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Usikov with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Usikov manages to get to full guard.
Maze trying to control but Usikov is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Usikov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Maze.
Maze trying to control but Usikov is working from the bottom.
Maze controlling from the top position.
Usikov is looking to stand up but Maze isn't so interested in that idea.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Usikov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Maze scoring with punches to the head and body.
Usikov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Moonlight Maze dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Maze moves into the clinch successfully.
Usikov throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Usikov tries a knee to the head but Maze blocks it.
Our sources have told us that Usikov has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Maze drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Maze wants a takedown but no success here.
Maze is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Usikov is defending well.
Alexander Usikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Moonlight Maze.
Maze is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Usikov is defending well.
Maze blocks the elbow strike.
Maze managing to block the knees to the body from Usikov.
Maze is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Usikov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maze goes for a takedown in the clinch but Usikov prevents it.
Usikov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Maze.
Maze wants a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maze changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Usikov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Maze takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Maze is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Usikov with a body shot.
Usikov connects with a leg kick. Maze looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Maze drives through and clinches with Usikov against the cage.
Maze looking for a takedown.
The referee is keeping an eye on Usikov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Usikov prevents the takedown attempt.
Usikov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Usikov throws a head punch that misses.
Usikov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Maze.
Maze is looking for a takedown.
Usikov stops a takedown attempt from Maze.
Maze has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Usikov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Usikov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Maze wants to take the fight to the mat but Usikov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maze wants a takedown but no success here.
Maze is breathing heavily.
Maze tries for a takedown but Usikov manages to get underhooks.
Maze's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Usikov misses with a knee strike.
Usikov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Usikov taking a breather.
Maze is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Usikov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Maze can't get the takedown.
Usikov content to slow the pace in the clinch.
The referee calls for Usikov to work.
Usikov is pressed up against the cage. Maze has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Usikov down to the mat. Usikov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Usikov darts in and clinches Maze up against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Usikov misses with a knee to the head.
Usikov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Maze has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Usikov after a bit of a struggle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maze wants a takedown but no success here.
Usikov creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Usikov tries to land knees in the clinch but Maze avoids the damage to the body.
Usikov looking to throw knees to the head but Maze is blocking nicely.
Usikov scores with a knee to the head.

It looks like Moonlight Maze has been cut.
Usikov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Maze.
Maze takes a knee right on the jaw!
Usikov stalling in the clinch.
Maze looking for a takedown.
Usikov throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Usikov pushes Maze back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Maze drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Usikov gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Usikov with a knee to the head.
Maze goes for a takedown in the clinch but Usikov prevents it.
Maze wants to take the fight to the mat but Usikov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Usikov slowing the pace effectively.
Usikov lands a nice knee to the body.
Maze is looking for a takedown.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Usikov leaning against his opponent.
Maze goes for a takedown in the clinch but Usikov prevents it.
Usikov scores with a knee to the head.
Maze has Usikov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Usikov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Usikov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Maze wants to take the fight to the mat but Usikov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Usikov displaying some good clinch control by pressing Maze up against the cage.
Maze takes an elbow to the forehead.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Usikov is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Usikov for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Usikov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Moonlight Maze's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Maze has Usikov up against the cage in a clinch.
Maze wants a takedown.
Usikov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Usikov gets underhooks to prevent Maze's takedown attempt.
Usikov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Alexander Usikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Moonlight Maze.
Maze drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Usikov gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Usikov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maze takes an elbow to the forehead.
Maze is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Maze goes for a takedown attempt but Usikov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Maze has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Maze takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maze walks forward, straight into a front kick from Usikov.
Maze on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Usikov. Usikov obviously looking to wear him down.
A good leg kick by Usikov.

Maze closes the distance and clinches.
Usikov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Maze is looking for a takedown.
Usikov stalling.
Maze is looking for a takedown.

Maze tightens his grip and picks Usikov up, before dumping him to the ground. Usikov manages to land in guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Usikov holds on and takes a little breather.
Usikov is looking to stand up but Maze isn't so interested in that idea.
Usikov is trying to control the position but Maze postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Usikov has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Maze off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
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!

Maze closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Maze is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Usikov is defending well.
Usikov lands a good knee to the midsection. Maze won't want to take too many of those.
Usikov looking to throw knees to the head but Maze is blocking nicely.
Usikov tries to land a knee to the head but Maze blocks with his arms.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Usikov.
Come on Usikov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Maze tries to score a body lock takedown but Usikov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Maze is trying to drag Usikov to the mat but Usikov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Usikov is struggling to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Usikov working Maze over with knees to the body.
A short right from Usikov.
Usikov displaying some good clinch control by pressing Maze up against the cage.
Maze has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Usikov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Usikov scores a nice knee to the body.
Usikov scores a nice knee to the body.
Usikov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Maze can do to turn this around?
Usikov creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Maze's defenses.
Maze takes an elbow to the forehead.
Maze has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Usikov after a bit of a struggle.
Usikov trying to land knees to the body.
Usikov tries to land a knee to the head but Maze blocks with his arms.
Usikov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Usikov has Maze pushed against the cage.
Maze wants a takedown but no success here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Usikov lands a damaging elbow.

That has opened up Moonlight Maze's cut even more.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Usikov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Maze has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Usikov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Maze is trying to drag Usikov to the mat but Usikov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Usikov landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Usikov.
Maze has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Usikov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Usikov unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Usikov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Maze tries to score a body lock takedown but Usikov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Usikov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Usikov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 29:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 29:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 29:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Usikov!
Alexander Usikov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
The defeated Moonlight Maze had this to say: 'blessed'.