PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Adao De Souza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikolay Grigoriev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Adao De Souza has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

De Souza
vs
Grigoriev

195 cm
22
220 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

185 cm
18
210 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
KO power

Dangerous GnP
Basic striking
Very confident

Proof Supplements

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Adao De Souza!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Nikolay Grigoriev!
The judges for this bout are Edson Gomes, Thiago Cunha and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

De Souza scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Grigoriev sneaks back into half guard.
Grigoriev tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
De Souza prevents Grigoriev from improving his position.
De Souza trying to control the action but Grigoriev is working from the bottom.

De Souza is working for a submission of some sort.
Grigoriev trying to control from the bottom.

De Souza wants to work for an arm triangle but Grigoriev is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Grigoriev is trying to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Grigoriev throws a right and a left that De Souza avoids nicely.
Some wild striking there from Grigoriev.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Grigoriev!
De Souza fails with the takedown.
De Souza takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Grigoriev looks to score with a jab to the body but De Souza is just out of range.
Grigoriev fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. De Souza looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Nikolay Grigoriev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
De Souza shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Grigoriev but Grigoriev pushes him off and we're back to square one.
De Souza takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
De Souza is breathing heavily.
Grigoriev lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grigoriev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nice sprawl there from Grigoriev as De Souza shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Adao De Souza. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grigoriev lands a right hook to the body.
De Souza keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
De Souza showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Grigoriev.

De Souza drives through with a takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Grigoriev manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Grigoriev with a couple of short strikes.
Grigoriev trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Grigoriev dominating with strikes here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
De Souza is in a horrible position here. Grigoriev smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Grigoriev prevents De Souza from getting the reversal.
Grigoriev landing shots from mount.

De Souza is rocked!
Grigoriev looking to finish De Souza with some ground and pound. This is bad for De Souza!
Oh De Souza is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Grigoriev trying to control but he's not successful this time.
De Souza seems to have got his legs back now.
Grigoriev breaks from De Souza's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Grigoriev looking to control but De Souza is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
De Souza is wriggling around trying to escape.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Grigoriev is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. De Souza can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Grigoriev lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Grigoriev has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of De Souza's face.
Grigoriev is landing with some decent strikes but De Souza is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grigoriev tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Grigoriev connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Grigoriev scores with a couple of good head shots there.

Grigoriev looking for a guillotine from mount but De Souza is having none of it.

Grigoriev has hold of De Souza's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and De Souza manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
De Souza really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

Grigoriev goes for an armbar but De Souza turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from De Souza.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Grigoriev working a defensive guard here.
Grigoriev keeping full guard, as De Souza tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Grigoriev dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Grigoriev misses the shot to the body.
De Souza looks for a takedown but Grigoriev sprawls well.
De Souza misses with a takedown attempt - Grigoriev sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
De Souza fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Adao De Souza. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grigoriev just misses with a punch to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
De Souza has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
De Souza doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A shot to de liver by Grigoriev. Beautiful body shot.
De Souza fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Grigoriev swings for the body but De Souza moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grigoriev throws a nice looking combination but De Souza bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Nikolay Grigoriev is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
De Souza fails to land the takedown.
Grigoriev looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nice body punch from Grigoriev.
Grigoriev lands a nice shot to the body.
Grigoriev stalks De Souza and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into De Souza's face. De Souza staggers backwards, shaken.

De Souza shoots in and bounces Grigoriev off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Grigoriev keeping moving, preventing De Souza from controlling successfully.
De Souza tries to free his leg and advance position but Grigoriev is retaining full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
De Souza passes into half guard.
Grigoriev moves into full guard.
De Souza trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
De Souza tries to free his leg and advance position but Grigoriev is retaining full guard.
De Souza forces his way into half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Grigoriev manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

De Souza drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Grigoriev dives on top into guard.
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!
Grigoriev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Grigoriev scoring with some ground and pound.
Grigoriev postures up and lands a big shot to De Souza's brow.
Nikolay Grigoriev has got the better of the ground game so far.
Grigoriev throwing strikes from guard but De Souza blocks nicely.
Grigoriev sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed De Souza's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grigoriev performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
De Souza trying to hold on to Grigoriev's head to control him but Grigoriev postures up.
Grigoriev is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and De Souza reverses the position - he's now on top in Grigoriev's guard.
Grigoriev working a defensive guard here.

Grigoriev working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. De Souza doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. De Souza manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
De Souza wants to control from the top but Grigoriev keeps moving.

Grigoriev had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. De Souza is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Grigoriev Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take De Souza's back instead.
Grigoriev doesn't have the hooks in and De Souza manages to turn into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
De Souza slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Grigoriev manages to get back to half guard.
Grigoriev tries to roll over but De Souza keeps him under control.

De Souza is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Grigoriev has managed to free his arm - good work.

Grigoriev looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Grigoriev is trying to maintain the position but De Souza is very close to passing his half guard.
Grigoriev gets back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Grigoriev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Grigoriev misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from De Souza.
De Souza shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nikolay Grigoriev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
De Souza shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Grigoriev as he avoids it easily.
Grigoriev punishes De Souza's body with a nice straight punch.
De Souza takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Grigoriev throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Grigoriev digs a good hook to De Souza's body.
Nikolay Grigoriev seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Grigoriev with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Grigoriev tries to bum rush De Souza with a series of wild strikes but De Souza uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
De Souza takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Grigoriev digs a good body shot into De Souza's ribs.
De Souza uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Grigoriev.
Grigoriev jabs at De Souza's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grigoriev scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
De Souza fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Adao De Souza. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Grigoriev fakes high and swings low for a body shot but De Souza manages to avoid it.

De Souza drives through with a takedown into guard.
Grigoriev is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Grigoriev tries to land a sweep but no joy.
De Souza slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.

De Souza is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Grigoriev has escaped the position, nice work there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Grigoriev is looking to reverse the position.
Grigoriev is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grigoriev can't do much from the bottom here.
Grigoriev trying his best to control but De Souza has mounted him.
Grigoriev working to try and regain half guard.

De Souza is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Grigoriev is surviving well by controlling De Souza's body position as best he can.
Grigoriev is wriggling around trying to escape.
Grigoriev is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Grigoriev bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Grigoriev won't allow De Souza to sweep him here.
Grigoriev postures up and lands a big shot to De Souza's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
De Souza looking for a sweep. Not yet De Souza, not yet.
Grigoriev wants to control from the top but De Souza keeps moving.
Grigoriev lands a couple of digs.
Grigoriev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of De Souza's head.
De Souza avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

De Souza has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Grigoriev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Grigoriev lands a right hook to the body.
De Souza shoots in and drives through. Grigoriev sprawls well.

Grigoriev gets caught flat footed, as De Souza shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
De Souza preventing the sweep.
De Souza wants to control from the top but Grigoriev keeps moving.
Grigoriev looking for a sweep. Not yet Grigoriev, not yet.
Adao De Souza has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
De Souza stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Grigoriev swivels though and keeps the full guard.
De Souza distracts Grigoriev with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
De Souza stopping the sweep attempt from Grigoriev.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Grigoriev tries to bum rush De Souza with a series of wild strikes but De Souza uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Grigoriev looks to land a combination but De Souza avoids it well.
De Souza throws a jab when Grigoriev was well out of range.
A shot to the body from De Souza misses
and Grigoriev counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Grigoriev is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down De Souza rather than just go for the knockout.
Grigoriev wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Grigoriev comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Grigoriev 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 Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolay Grigoriev!