PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Rocksteady (ranked 1931 p4p, 1862 weight class) and Maxim Volkov (ranked 271 p4p, 252 weight class). Rocksteady comes to the cage accompanied by Red Right Hand. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Rocksteady
vs
Volkov

170 cm
20
205
5 - 1 - 0

180 cm
19
220
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Good gas tank

Carnage
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

MKFC

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, James Rocksteady!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maxim Volkov!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Igor Prikhodko and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rocksteady swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Volkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Rocksteady.
Volkov lands the left hand.
Rocksteady misses the shot to the body.

Rocksteady bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rocksteady thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Volkov felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Rocksteady works to advance to full mount. Volkov defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Volkov wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Volkov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rocksteady. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Volkov avoids a series of strikes thrown by Rocksteady.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rocksteady looking to control and managing it successfully.
Rocksteady pushing the pace here, looking to move to his opponents back and work for a finish.

Rocksteady jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Volkov manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Rocksteady fails to land a wild elbow strike.

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.
Rocksteady wants to lay and pray for a moment but Volkov keeps working.
Volkov pushes Rocksteady away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Rocksteady gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Rocksteady controls the position from side control.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Volkov can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rocksteady misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Rocksteady trying to control the action but Volkov is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Donk. Volkov catches Rocksteady right on the button with a cross.
Rocksteady defending well as Volkov loads up on a big left hand.
Rocksteady takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
The fighters circling - Volkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Rocksteady shoots in for a double leg but Volkov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Volkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Volkov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Rocksteady defends it well.
Volkov catches Rocksteady with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Volkov lands a jab to the nose.
Volkov misses with a looping right.
Volkov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Volkov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Volkov lands an overhand right.
Rocksteady avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Volkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rocksteady was well out of range. Poor timing from Volkov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice sprawl there from Volkov as Rocksteady shoots in.
Some wild striking there from Volkov.
Rocksteady walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Volkov connects with a body shot that sends Rocksteady's belly button to the back.
Rocksteady is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
Rocksteady tries for a takedown but Volkov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Rocksteady. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Rocksteady drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Volkov explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Maxim Volkov dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Volkov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Volkov dips to his left and cracks Rocksteady with an uppercut!
Rocksteady thows a left - swing and a miss!
Volkov scores with a sloppy right hand. Rocksteady should have avoided that one.
Volkov misses with a hook. Rocksteady ducked under it nicely.
Rocksteady looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Volkov is fending him off so far but Rocksteady persists. Nope, Volkov circles away and we're back to standing.
Rocksteady tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Volkov swivels and escapes.
Volkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rocksteady manages to avoid it.

Rocksteady closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Volkov quickly recovers to half guard.
Rocksteady stops Volkov from getting back to his feet.
Rocksteady sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Volkov defending well though.
Rocksteady looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rocksteady wants to lay and pray for a moment but Volkov keeps working.
Rocksteady lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Rocksteady is trying to control. Volkov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Volkov is trying to stand up here but Rocksteady is controlling him well.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Rocksteady slips a jab from Volkov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Rocksteady decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Volkov won't allow Rocksteady to pass to mount.
Volkov is refusing to be controlled, as Rocksteady sits in half guard.
Rocksteady sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Volkov defending well though.
Volkov pushes Rocksteady off looking to stand but Rocksteady dives back in and keeps control.
Rocksteady thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov is trying to stand back up but Rocksteady is controlling him

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Rocksteady changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Rocksteady darts in looking for a takedown but Volkov gets double underhooks and turns Rocksteady into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Rocksteady. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rocksteady wants a takedown.
Rocksteady tries a body shot but Volkov blocks it.
Rocksteady gets through Volkov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Rocksteady tries to throw a body punch but Volkov avoids it by throwing Rocksteady back against the cage.
Rocksteady is looking for a takedown.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Rocksteady.
Volkov prevents a body shot from Rocksteady.
Volkov is pressed up against the cage. Rocksteady has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Volkov down to the mat. Volkov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Volkov closes the distance and lands a one-two.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Volkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rocksteady was well out of range. Poor timing from Volkov.
Volkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rocksteady shoots in for a takedown but Volkov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rocksteady closes this distance looking for a takedown but Volkov circles away.
Volkov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Volkov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Rocksteady's hands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Volkov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rocksteady.
And Volkov tries to counter it with a takedown but Rocksteady pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Rocksteady shoots for a double leg takedown but Volkov sprawls well. He's pushed Rocksteady's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Volkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A punch combination from Volkov misses.
Volkov tests Rocksteady's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Rocksteady fails with a takedown attempt.
Rocksteady slips a straight right by Volkov.
James Rocksteady seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rocksteady misses the shot to the body.
Volkov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Rocksteady defends it well.
Rocksteady wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Rocksteady throws a body shot but no joy.
Volkov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Rocksteady.
Volkov thuds his right hand into Rocksteady's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Rocksteady throws a jab when Volkov was well out of range.
Volkov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Maxim Volkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Volkov throws a body punch but Rocksteady moves out of range.
Rocksteady misses the jab.
Good exchange - Volkov coming out on top.
Rocksteady tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Volkov defends well and Rocksteady ends up having to push Volkov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Rocksteady swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Rocksteady lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Volkov.

Rocksteady has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Volkov regains guard immediately.
Volkov wants to stand up but Rocksteady is controlling him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Volkov keeping moving, preventing Rocksteady from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rocksteady won't allow Volkov to get back to his feet.
Rocksteady throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rocksteady stops Volkov from standing up.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
James Rocksteady has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Rocksteady shoots in looking for a takedown but Volkov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rocksteady's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Volkov throws the left hand but Rocksteady avoids the punch easily.
Nice shot by Rocksteady.
Rocksteady takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rocksteady darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Volkov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Volkov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rocksteady circles away quickly and effectively.
Volkov slips a straight right by Rocksteady.
Volkov scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

Rocksteady scores with a takedown into Volkov's guard.
Rocksteady tries to free his leg and advance position but Volkov is retaining full guard.
Rocksteady trying to control the position from guard on top but Volkov 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rocksteady is really struggling to control Volkov but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Volkov manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Volkov lands a jab to Rocksteady's midsection.
Rocksteady throws a body punch but Volkov moves out of range.
Volkov feints the counter takedown.
Rocksteady tries to score a power double leg takedown but Volkov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Rocksteady somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for James Rocksteady. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A lazy left from Volkov finds it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rocksteady needs to keep his hands up - Volkov had a free shot at his head there.
The fighters circling - Rocksteady throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Maxim Volkov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rocksteady shoots in looking for a takedown but Volkov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rocksteady's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Volkov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Rocksteady under the eye.
Good standup being displayed there by Volkov as he connects with a hook.
Maxim Volkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Volkov scores with a decent looking hook.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Volkov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Rocksteady back to the cage. Volkov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

Rocksteady closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Volkov's guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Volkov is looking to stand up but Rocksteady isn't so interested in that idea.
Maxim Volkov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Rocksteady loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

And that's the end of the fight!
Maxim Volkov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Volkov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight for Maxim Volkov!
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight for Maxim Volkov!
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight for Maxim Volkov!

Maxim Volkov wins by unanimous decision!