PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Flavius Trifu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vladimir Nikolaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Trifu comes into the arena with Radioactive - Imagine Dragons blaring out of the sound system. Vladimir Nikolaev told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Trifu
vs
Nikolaev

187 cm
25
185 lbs
7 - 8 - 0

179 cm
25
190 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Counter fighter
Determined

KAISER Nutrition (160!/220$)

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 7 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Flavius Trifu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vladimir Nikolaev!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Alyssa Summers and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Trifu throws out a powerful jab.
Nikolaev shoots and misses
and Trifu counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Trifu with a nice cross.

Trifu rushes Nikolaev and presses him up against the cage.
Trifu throws a head punch that misses.

Trifu manages to break the clinch.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Nikolaev has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Trifu looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Nikolaev has his takedown stuffed
and Trifu counters with an inside leg kick.
Nikolaev gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Nikolaev takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Flavius Trifu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vladimir Nikolaev.
Nikolaev gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Trifu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Trifu lands a high kick!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Trifu lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trifu plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Trifu works over Nikolaev's head and body with a nice combination.
Nikolaev blocks a head kick by Trifu.
A head kick misses from Trifu.
Trifu lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Trifu scores with a decent looking hook.
Trifu throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Trifu moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Trifu lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Trifu lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Trifu works the jab nicely.
Trifu will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Trifu throws out a powerful jab.
Nikolaev fails with the takedown
and Trifu connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Flavius Trifu is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nikolaev misses with a takedown
and Trifu counters with a three punch combo that has Nikolaev backing up. Nikolaev nods at Trifu to acknowledge the strikes.
Trifu with a hook.
Trifu lands with a kick to the temple. Nikolaev shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Nikolaev is rocked!
Nikolaev misses with a takedown
and Trifu counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Nikolaev slips a jab and a cross from Trifu.
Trifu cracks Nikolaev with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Trifu is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Trifu swinging wildly here.
Trifu throws a front kick that sends Nikolaev stumbling back into the cage.
Nikolaev moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Nikolaev is trying desperately to land a takedown but Trifu is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Nikolaev.
Nikolaev fails with the takedown
and Trifu counters with an outside leg kick.
The crowd cheers as Trifu lands an impressive looking overhand right. Nikolaev doesn't seem phased though.
Trifu throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Nikolaev's head.
A punch lands to the side of Nikolaev 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Nikolaev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Trifu finds it's way round the side to connect with Nikolaev's head.
Nikolaev is still on wobbly legs! Can Trifu finish him?
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Nikolaev 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.
Nikolaev seems to have recovered his senses.
Nikolaev stops Trifu from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Trifu is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Nikolaev is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Trifu is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Trifu has escaped and now he's on top!
Trifu trying to stand up but can't free himself from Nikolaev's guard.
Trifu trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Trifu gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nikolaev takes one on the button.
Trifu fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Nikolaev on the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Flavius Trifu dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Trifu fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Nikolaev, pushing him back against the cage.
Trifu tries to break free but Nikolaev pushes him back against the cage.
Our sources have told us that Trifu has been working on his knees in the buildup to the fight.
Trifu throws a punch but it's blocked by Nikolaev.
Trifu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short uppercut from Trifu.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Trifu creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Trifu throws a head punch that misses.
Trifu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Trifu taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Trifu throws a punch but it's blocked by Nikolaev.
Trifu misses with a punch on the inside.
Trifu misses with some punches.

Trifu breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Trifu dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Nikolaev. That did some damage!
Trifu bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trifu scores with a nice right hand.
Trifu is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nikolaev can do to turn this around?
Trifu scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Nikolaev doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Nikolaev takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Trifu forces Nikolaev back against the cage and clinches.

Trifu breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Trifu, right into the meat.
Trifu cracks Nikolaev with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Nikolaev has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Trifu.
A nice inside leg kick there by Trifu. That's going to slow Nikolaev down.

Nikolaev shoots in and bounces Trifu off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Trifu is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Nikolaev fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Nikolaev jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Trifu walks away with a smile on his face. Nikolaev gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Flavius Trifu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vladimir Nikolaev.
A combination from Trifu does no damage.
Trifu throws a series of punches but Nikolaev moves out of range.
Trifu lands with an overhand left.
Nikolaev misses with a takedown
and Trifu counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Flavius Trifu is winning the standup battle so far.
Nikolaev shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Trifu throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Trifu tries to bum rush Nikolaev with a series of wild strikes but Nikolaev uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Trifu uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Nikolaev has time to react.
Trifu looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Nikolaev slips a jab and a cross from Trifu.
Nikolaev's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.

Trifu moves into the clinch.
Trifu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Nikolaev blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right from Trifu on the inside.
Trifu misses with some punches.
Trifu has a couple of punches blocked by Nikolaev.
Nikolaev fails to pull guard.
Trifu scores with a shot to the side of Nikolaev's head.
Nikolaev can't get the takedown.
Trifu throws a head punch that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Trifu breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Trifu throws a series of strikes that have Nikolaev backpedaling.
Trifu moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nikolaev with a lazy takedown attempt
and Trifu counters with a stiff right hand.
Trifu throws a push kick but Nikolaev slaps the foot to one side.
Trifu leaves Nikolaev with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Nikolaev closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Trifu to the mat! Trifu manages to get full guard.
Nikolaev is breathing heavily.
Trifu is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Trifu has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Nikolaev off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Nikolaev takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Flavius Trifu dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Trifu moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Nikolaev is trying hard to land a takedown here. Trifu sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Trifu cracks Nikolaev with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Trifu connects with a right hand. Nikolaev shakes it off.
Trifu misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Trifu moves into range and clinches up with Nikolaev.
Nikolaev blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Trifu.

Nikolaev gets control of Trifu's arms and successfully pulls guard. Nikolaev will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Nikolaev tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Trifu gets to his feet. Nikolaev looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Nikolaev takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trifu lands with a straight right. Nikolaev didn't see that one coming.
Trifu looks to land a combination but Nikolaev avoids it well.
Good leg kick by Trifu there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Trifu rushes Nikolaev and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Trifu working aggressively here.
Trifu lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Trifu gets through Nikolaev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Nikolaev blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Trifu gets underhooks to prevent Nikolaev's takedown attempt.
Trifu gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Nikolaev.
Flavius Trifu has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vladimir Nikolaev.

Trifu breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Trifu scores with a head kick.
Nikolaev showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Trifu.
Trifu throws a sloppy head kick and Nikolaev moves out of range easily.
Nikolaev has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Nikolaev gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.

Nikolaev manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Trifu on his heels. He'll look to pass Trifu's guard now, I'm sure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nikolaev trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Nikolaev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nikolaev won't allow Trifu to get back to his feet.

Nikolaev gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Trifu looks to land a combination but Nikolaev avoids it well.
Flavius Trifu is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Trifu throws a one two combo.
Nikolaev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Trifu counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Nikolaev is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Trifu throws a head kick but Nikolaev moves out of range.
Trifu throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Trifu lands with a nice body kick.
Nikolaev takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
A jab from Trifu does it's job there.
Trifu throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nikolaev.
Vladimir Nikolaev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Good leg kick by Trifu there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Trifu throws a head kick that Nikolaev semi-blocks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Trifu throws a series of strikes that have Nikolaev backpedaling.
Trifu throws a series of punches but Nikolaev moves out of range.
Nikolaev doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Trifu counters with a nice leg kick.
Trifu will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Trifu throws a head kick but Nikolaev moves out of range.
Nikolaev with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Trifu to score with a decent uppercut.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Trifu misses with a head kick.
Nikolaev shoots in for a takedown but Trifu shows good takedown defense.

And that's the end of the fight!
Flavius Trifu showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Trifu, 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 30:27
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Flavius Trifu!
An out of breath and clearly excited Flavius Trifu thanked KAISER for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).