PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Darjus Nikolaichev (ranked 5260 p4p, 3018 weight class) and Destro Vonstein (ranked 550 p4p, 362 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Nikolaichev
vs
Vonstein

180 cm
25
160
1 - 1 - 0

165 cm
25
165
1 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Darjus Nikolaichev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Destro Vonstein!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Sandra Marshall and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vonstein shoots in and drives through. Nikolaichev sprawls well.
Vonstein shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Nikolaichev pinned against the cage. Nikolaichev gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Nikolaichev.
Vonstein shoots in looking for a takedown. Nikolaichev tries to sprawl out of it but Vonstein keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Nikolaichev manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Darjus Nikolaichev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Destro Vonstein.
Nikolaichev displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vonstein.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Vonstein enables Nikolaichev to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Vonstein manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Vonstein throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Nikolaichev escapes and throws Vonstein's legs to the side, diving into side control!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nikolaichev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Vonstein keeps working.
Nikolaichev knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Vonstein on the ground.
Vonstein wants to control but Nikolaichev postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vonstein might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Nikolaichev haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Vonstein is not content to let Nikolaichev control the position.
Vonstein tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Nikolaichev definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Nikolaichev wants to control but Vonstein is keeping him busy.
Vonstein tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Nikolaichev is looking to take a break and control but Vonstein is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Nikolaichev remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Vonstein is trying to control Nikolaichev's posture but Nikolaichev avoids it.
Vonstein is looking for a sweep.
Nikolaichev tries to advance to mount but Vonstein denies him.
Nikolaichev has control of an arm but Vonstein manages to advance to Nikolaichev's back!
Vonstein misses with an elbow to the head.

Vonstein has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
My spies in HB Training center inform me that Vonstein has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!

Vonstein has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Nikolaichev! Can he survive? No! He's out! Vonstein gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Destro Vonstein!