PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Vasily Zaytsev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Takeshi Naoki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zaytsev comes to the cage accompanied by Katyusha. Takeshi Naoki has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Zaytsev
vs
Naoki

184 cm
22
190 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

182 cm
21
201 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Fury Nutrition Inc.
FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Vasily Zaytsev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Takeshi Naoki!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Sam Margolis and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Naoki dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Zaytsev. That did some damage!
Zaytsev has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Naoki is looking to slow Zaytsev down with leg kicks.
Naoki misses with a straight left.
A head kick misses from Naoki.
Zaytsev dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Naoki scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Naoki throws a hook but Zaytsev blocks it.
Naoki throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Naoki closes the distance and clinches up with Zaytsev, looking for a takedown. Naoki pushes Zaytsev against the cage but Zaytsev circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Naoki looks to land a left hand but Zaytsev moved out of range nicely.
Good shot there by Zaytsev.
Naoki checks a leg kick.
Zaytsev thuds his right hand into Naoki's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Zaytsev keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Naoki.
Zaytsev misses with the combination.
Naoki looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Zaytsev gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Naoki throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Naoki throws a nice inside leg kick.
Naoki throws out a leg kick but Zaytsev moves out of range and Naoki only half commits.
Naoki misses with a hook. Zaytsev ducked under it nicely.
Naoki throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Zaytsev on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Zaytsev clobbers Naoki with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Zaytsev throws a series of punches but Naoki avoids them all with ease.
Naoki shoots in for a double leg but Zaytsev sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Naoki shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Zaytsev manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Zaytsev pulls Naoki in close to prevent any damage.
Naoki scoring with punches to the head and body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zaytsev is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Naoki throws a big elbow that misses.
Zaytsev preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Zaytsev keeping moving, preventing Naoki from controlling successfully.
Naoki working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Naoki slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Naoki trying to control the action but Zaytsev is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Naoki.
Naoki tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Naoki misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Naoki sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Zaytsev is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Naoki looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
The ground and pound from Naoki seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Naoki tries to score with some ground and pound. Zaytsev controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Zaytsev dodges the ground and pound from Naoki.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Naoki working away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Naoki goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Zaytsev rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Naoki's guard! Nice work there by Zaytsev!
Naoki has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Naoki has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeshi Naoki dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zaytsev avoids the body shot from Naoki.
Naoki shoots for a takedown but Zaytsev saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Naoki on the wrong end of a nice jab.

Zaytsev tries to sprawl but Naoki drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Naoki seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Zaytsev does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Zaytsev wants to control the action here but instead Naoki manages to pass to full mount!
Naoki looking to control but Zaytsev is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Naoki working the ground and pound effectively.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Naoki tries to control but Zaytsev wriggling away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee warns Zaytsev that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Naoki misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Naoki unloads with some shots from mount but Zaytsev bucks and avoids them well.
Zaytsev is trying desperately to improve position.
Naoki controlling from the full mount.
Naoki throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev tries to lock up and control but Naoki gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Takeshi Naoki has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zaytsev is looking to get to half guard.
Naoki unloads with some shots from mount but Zaytsev bucks and avoids them well.
Zaytsev is squirming around, avoiding Naoki's attempts to control the action.
Naoki lands with some strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Naoki takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev avoids a strike by Naoki and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in Naoki's guard! Fantastic escape!
Naoki looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Zaytsev wants to get up but he can't break Naoki's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
An inside leg kick lands from Naoki.
Naoki throws a chopping leg kick but Zaytsev manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Zaytsev on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Naoki keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev swings for the body but Naoki moves out of range.
Naoki motions for Zaytsev to come forward. Naoki throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Zaytsev needs to keep his hands up - Naoki had a free shot at his head there.
Zaytsev looks to land a left hand but Naoki moved out of range nicely.
Naoki shoots in and drives through. Zaytsev sprawls well.
Zaytsev misses with a straight left.
Naoki connects with an inside leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Naoki attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Naoki is defended easily by Zaytsev.
Vasily Zaytsev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Takeshi Naoki.
Zaytsev misses with a body punch
and Naoki makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Naoki throws a looping overhand right but Zaytsev ducks down to avoid it.
Zaytsev connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Naoki fails with the takedown.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zaytsev goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Naoki lands a body shot.
Good work by Naoki as he checks the leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeshi Naoki showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Naoki just misses with a punch to the body.
Naoki throws a low kick but Zaytsev avoids it.
Zaytsev checks a low kick from Naoki.
A low kick from Naoki misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
The fighters circling - Naoki throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Takeshi Naoki seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zaytsev misses with a wild body shot.
Zaytsev jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Naoki connects with a body shot that sends Zaytsev's belly button to the back.
Zaytsev moves away from the strike by Naoki.
Zaytsev connects with a body shot that sends Naoki's belly button to the back.
Naoki just misses with a punch to the body.
Naoki fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Zaytsev is out of range.
Zaytsev throws a head kick but Naoki moves out of range.
Zaytsev is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Zaytsev walks into a jab.
Zaytsev throws a leg kick but Naoki sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Naoki takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Naoki throws a looping overhand right but Zaytsev ducks down to avoid it.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Zaytsev.
Zaytsev works Naoki's body with a nice hook.
Naoki checks a low kick from Zaytsev.
Naoki is looking to slow Zaytsev down with leg kicks.
Zaytsev works over Naoki's head and body with a nice combination.
Zaytsev misses with a double jab

and Naoki counters with a single leg into guard. Zaytsev didn't expect that.
Zaytsev is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Naoki throws a big elbow that misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Naoki trying to control but Zaytsev is working from the bottom.
Naoki is looking to work some ground and pound but Zaytsev has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Naoki trying to control the position from guard on top but Zaytsev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Zaytsev looking for a sweep. Not yet Zaytsev, not yet.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Zaytsev keeping moving, preventing Naoki from controlling successfully.
Zaytsev looking to hit a scissor sweep but Naoki is one step ahead there.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Takeshi Naoki hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Naoki lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev throws a jab but it's blocked by Naoki.
Zaytsev swings for the body but Naoki moves out of range.
An inside leg kick from Zaytsev misses.
Zaytsev goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Nice shot lands for Naoki.
Naoki scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

Naoki feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Zaytsev keeping moving, preventing Naoki from controlling successfully.
Zaytsev on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Zaytsev tries to get out of the position.
Zaytsev has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev keeping moving, preventing Naoki from controlling successfully.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Takeshi Naoki hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Zaytsev darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Naoki moves into range and connects with a jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Naoki tries to land a leg kick but Zaytsev saw it coming and moves away.
Naoki just misses with a punch to the body.
Naoki misses with a low kick.
Zaytsev uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Naoki.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A clash of legs there as Zaytsev blocks the low kick.
Zaytsev throws a solid leg kick but Naoki takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Zaytsev.
Zaytsev pulls out of a head kick attempt.
That kick from Zaytsev tenderised Naoki's leg. Naoki is trying to keep his angry face on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Takeshi Naoki really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Naoki looks to land a left hand but Zaytsev moved out of range nicely.
Naoki looks to throw the jab but Zaytsev is out of range.
Zaytsev tries to land a front kick but Naoki steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Zaytsev scores with a shot to the body.
Zaytsev fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Zaytsev takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Naoki ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zaytsev moves away.
Naoki tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Zaytsev defending well as Naoki loads up on a big left hand.
Zaytsev ducks under a wild hook from Naoki.
Naoki shoots and misses
and Zaytsev connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Naoki shoots for a double leg takedown but Zaytsev sprawls well. He's pushed Naoki's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Naoki tries to work over Zaytsev's front leg with a kick but Zaytsev checks it.
Naoki throws a lazy right hand but Zaytsev sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Naoki stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Zaytsev.
Zaytsev jabs Naoki to the body, keeping him at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Zaytsev.
Naoki is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
The crowd cheers as Naoki lands an impressive looking overhand right. Zaytsev doesn't seem phased though.
Vasily Zaytsev is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zaytsev throws a nice inside leg kick.
Zaytsev fails to land with a series of punches.
Naoki shoots in but no luck this time.
Vasily Zaytsev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Takeshi Naoki.
Naoki shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Zaytsev as he jumps to the side.
Zaytsev looks to score with a jab to the body but Naoki is just out of range.
Zaytsev tests Naoki's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A head kick misses from Zaytsev.
Naoki looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zaytsev is fending him off so far but Naoki persists. Nope, Zaytsev circles away and we're back to standing.
Zaytsev connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Naoki's hands.
Zaytsev takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Naoki looks to land a left hand but Zaytsev moved out of range nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Naoki swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Zaytsev.
Naoki swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Zaytsev!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A looping hook to the body misses from Zaytsev. Naoki does a little dance to reset his feet.
Naoki lands a nice shot that snaps Zaytsev's head back.
Zaytsev throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Naoki ducks under a wild hook from Zaytsev.
Naoki will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Zaytsev moves out of range as Naoki strikes.
Zaytsev thows a body shot but no joy.
An inside leg kick lands from Naoki.
Zaytsev 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.
Zaytsev lands a nice looking body kick.
Naoki throws a chopping leg kick but Zaytsev manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Zaytsev getting the better of the striking in that exchange.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev throws a sloppy head kick and Naoki moves out of range easily.
Naoki lands a head shot.
Zaytsev lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Zaytsev.
Zaytsev lands a nice looking body shot.
Naoki thows a left - swing and a miss!

Naoki throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Zaytsev was covering up waiting for the punch and Naoki finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Zaytsev looking for a sweep. Not yet Zaytsev, not yet.
Naoki trying to move into half guard but instead Zaytsev has managed to sweep!
Naoki controlling the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaytsev is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Zaytsev won't allow Naoki to sweep him here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zaytsev wants to get up but he can't break Naoki's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Naoki throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Naoki throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zaytsev sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Naoki has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Zaytsev.
Zaytsev defending well as Naoki loads up on a big left hand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Naoki takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Naoki throws a predictable looking body shot
letting Zaytsev counter with a right hand.
Naoki misses with a body kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zaytsev.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vasily Zaytsev had his way with Takeshi Naoki in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Naoki tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Zaytsev misses with a double jab.
Naoki misses with a takedown
and Zaytsev counters with a two punch combo.
Left hook, right uppercut from Zaytsev.
Zaytsev throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Naoki takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Zaytsev moves out of range of the strikes.
Naoki misses the shot to the body.
Zaytsev keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Naoki.
Zaytsev slips a straight right by Naoki.
Zaytsev blocks a jab.
Naoki blocks a head kick by Zaytsev.
Naoki throws out a leg kick but Zaytsev moves out of range and Naoki only half commits.
Naoki motions for Zaytsev to come forward. Naoki throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A low kick from Naoki misses
and Zaytsev counters with a nice body shot.
Naoki avoids the head kick by Zaytsev.
Naoki shoots in looking for a takedown but Zaytsev manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Naoki's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Naoki is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Zaytsev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zaytsev walks into a straight right hand from Naoki.
Naoki avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Zaytsev looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Zaytsev lands with a nice combination. Naoki backs away looking to recover.
Naoki throws a lazy right hand but Zaytsev sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Naoki on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Zaytsev thumps Naoki with a low kick.
Naoki dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Zaytsev. That did some damage!
Naoki misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zaytsev is looking to slow Naoki down with leg kicks.
Zaytsev lands a really nice looking cross but Naoki seems unphased.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zaytsev walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Naoki has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Zaytsev finds it's way round the side to connect with Naoki's head.
Naoki scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Naoki uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zaytsev.
Zaytsev swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zaytsev misses with a low kick.
Naoki misses with a looping right.
Naoki swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Zaytsev misses with a head kick.
Naoki misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zaytsev.
Naoki throws a body kick that misses
and Zaytsev counters with a nice uppercut.
Naoki shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Zaytsev bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A lazy left from Zaytsev finds it's target.
Naoki throws a leg kick but Zaytsev sees it coming and checks it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Naoki thows a body shot but no joy.
A big right from Naoki misses.
Naoki throws a nice inside leg kick.
Naoki on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Naoki misses with a wild body shot.
Zaytsev takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Naoki fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Zaytsev throws a nice inside leg kick.
Naoki has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Zaytsev moves out of range as Naoki strikes.
Naoki fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Vasily Zaytsev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Takeshi Naoki.
Naoki misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Naoki misses with a hook. Zaytsev ducked under it nicely.
Good leg kick by Zaytsev there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Naoki throws a jab when Zaytsev was well out of range.
Naoki thows a left - swing and a miss!
Naoki looks to throw the jab but Zaytsev is out of range.
A slapping leg kick lands for Naoki.
Zaytsev throws a sloppy head kick and Naoki moves out of range easily.
Zaytsev lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Naoki connects with a high kick.
Naoki misses with a wild body shot.
Zaytsev lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

It looks like Takeshi Naoki has been cut.
Zaytsev takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Zaytsev lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Zaytsev scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Naoki on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Vasily Zaytsev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Takeshi Naoki is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Naoki chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zaytsev can pounce on him.
Naoki doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vasily Zaytsev showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Naoki has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Gold scores the fight 47:48
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 47:48
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Takeshi Naoki!
Post fight, Takeshi Naoki stared into the camera and said 'I wanna thank my opponent Vasili Zaytsev, this is a great win and I'm off to bigger challenges.'.