PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Orlov (ranked 2266 p4p, 3695 weight class) and Seelow Heights (ranked 295 p4p, 469 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Orlov
vs
Heights

196 cm
38
205
35 - 17 - 0

191 cm
29
209
9 - 8 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Urban Fighter

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 35 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mikhail Orlov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Seelow Heights!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Orlov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Orlov scores with a three punch combo!

It looks like Seelow Heights has been cut.
Orlov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Solis Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Orlov misses with the combination.
Orlov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Heights throws a counter combo.
A head kick misses from Orlov.
Orlov swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Heights changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Orlov dips to his left and cracks Heights with an uppercut!
Orlov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Heights has time to react.
Orlov thows a left - swing and a miss!

Heights moves into the clinch successfully.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Heights jumps guard but Orlov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Heights blocks an uppercut.
Orlov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Orlov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Orlov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Heights moves out of range of the body kick from Orlov.
Orlov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
A slow jab from Orlov misses its intended target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orlov lands with a nice combination. Heights backs away looking to recover.
Orlov blocks a head kick by Heights.
Orlov is looking to counter with a body kick.
Heights takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Heights shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Orlov as he jumps to the side.

Heights shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Orlov napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Orlov explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Mikhail Orlov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Heights checks a leg kick.

Orlov drives through and clinches with Heights against the cage.
Orlov putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Heights in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Orlov scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Orlov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Orlov misses with a wild body shot.
A nice side step and Heights releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Orlov lands a head kick!
Heights shoots in for a takedown but Orlov shows good takedown defense.
Mikhail Orlov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Seelow Heights.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Heights darts in looking for a takedown but Orlov gets double underhooks and turns Heights into the cage.
Orlov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Heights at a distance.
Orlov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Heights.
Heights tries for a takedown but Orlov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Orlov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Orlov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Heights has time to react.
Mikhail Orlov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Orlov checks a leg kick nicely.
Heights shoots in but Orlov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Heights showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Orlov.
Heights is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Orlov with a body shot.
Orlov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Heights moves away.
Orlov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Heights only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Orlov connects with a nice looking jab.
Heights uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Orlov.
Heights steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Orlov gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Heights counters with a takedown into side control.

Heights working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orlov manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Orlov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Orlov is trying to stand up here but Heights is controlling him well.
Heights is keen to just control but Orlov is a slippery customer.
Orlov is trying to get back to full guard.
Orlov is working hard here to advance position.

Orlov has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Heights escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Heights!

That's four 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.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Heights advances to full mount.
Heights can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Orlov is looking to escape.
Orlov is desperately trying to improve his position but Heights has a good base and remains in mount.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Heights wants to control the pace but Orlov is squirming around nicely.
Orlov is wriggling around trying to escape.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Orlov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Seelow Heights's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Heights fails with a takedown attempt.
Heights fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Orlov avoids it really well and circles away.
Mikhail Orlov is winning the standup battle so far.
Orlov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Heights has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Orlov works the jab nicely.
Orlov slaps away a takedown attempt from Heights, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Mikhail Orlov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Seelow Heights.
Orlov throws a head kick but Heights moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Heights looks for a takedown but Orlov sprawls well.
Orlov throws a sloppy head kick and Heights moves out of range easily.
Orlov throws a head kick but Heights moves out of range.
Heights checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orlov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Orlov stuffs the takedown attempt from Heights. Heights gets slowly back to his feet.
Left hook, right uppercut from Heights.
Heights is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Heights throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Orlov tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Heights is in Orlov's guard.
Orlov wants to sweep here but Heights controlling him for the moment.
Seelow Heights has got the better of the ground game so far.

Heights got a little sloppy there for a moment and Orlov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Heights has managed to get both his arms back between Orlov's legs - danger averted.

Orlov has his foot on Heights's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Heights works his way back into a safe position though.
Orlov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Heights is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Orlov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Heights gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Orlov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Heights gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Heights postures up in Orlov's guard and throws a big left but Orlov blocks it.
Orlov wants to stand and escape but Heights is having none of it.
Orlov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Heights is one step ahead there.

Orlov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Orlov is working an open guard so Heights takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Orlov looks to land a right hand but Heights moved out of range.
Orlov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Orlov takes a swing at Heights's ribcage but misses.
A slow jab from Orlov misses its intended target.
Heights dives in and grabs Orlov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Orlov pushes down on Heights's head and hops out.
Orlov lands with a cross.
Orlov throws a sloppy head kick and Heights moves out of range easily.
Heights fails to land the takedown.
Orlov looks to land a left hand but Heights moved out of range nicely.

Heights drives through with a takedown into Orlov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Orlov looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Heights passes into side control.
Heights works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orlov gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Orlov is not content to let Heights control the position.

Orlov actively working from the bottom here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice strikes from Heights there.
Orlov is looking to improve his position.
Heights slows the pace down in half guard.
Orlov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Orlov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Orlov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Seelow Heights's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

No luck for Heights with that takedown attempt.
Heights avoids the head kick by Orlov.
Heights darts in looking for a takedown but Orlov gets double underhooks and turns Heights into the cage.
Orlov thuds a left hand into Heights's body.
A thudding body kick lands there by Orlov!

Orlov moves into the clinch.
Orlov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Orlov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Orlov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Heights tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Orlov swivels and escapes.
Mikhail Orlov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Seelow Heights.
Heights shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Orlov defends it nicely.
Heights takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Orlov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Heights's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orlov throws a body punch but Heights moves out of range.
Orlov lands a really nice looking cross but Heights seems unphased.
Heights shoots in but Orlov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Orlov thuds a left hand into Heights's body.
Orlov looks to score with a jab to the body but Heights is just out of range.
Orlov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Heights manages to avoid it.
Orlov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Orlov throws an overhand right that lands on Heights's shoulder, as Heights tries to avoid the shot.
Orlov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Heights.
Seelow Heights is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Orlov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Heights is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orlov connects with a right hand. Heights shakes it off.
Heights throws the kick towards the body but Orlov avoids it.
It looked like Orlov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Heights.
Orlov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Heights was well out of range. Poor timing from Orlov.
Orlov throws a body shot but no joy.
Heights has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Orlov.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Heights shoots in looking for a takedown but Orlov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Heights's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Orlov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Orlov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Heights tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Orlov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Heights on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Heights doesn't manage to clinch there - Orlov circles away.
Heights blocks a leg kick.
Orlov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Orlov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Heights was well out of range. Poor timing from Orlov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heights closes the distance and clinches up with Orlov, looking for a takedown. Heights pushes Orlov against the cage but Orlov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Heights shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Orlov as he avoids it easily.

Heights closes the distance and pushes Orlov back into the cage.
Orlov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Heights's elbow.
Heights is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Orlov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Heights backwards.
Orlov lands a shoulder strike.
Seelow Heights has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Heights tries to pull guard but Orlov won't allow it.
A bit of stalling here from Orlov.
Heights wants to take the fight to the mat but Orlov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Heights.
Heights blocks an uppercut.

Orlov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Orlov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Heights in his tracks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Heights ducks under a wild hook from Orlov.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Heights.
Orlov throws a push kick but Heights slaps the foot to one side.
Heights doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Orlov throws a head kick that half lands.
Heights has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Orlov.
Orlov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Heights on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Heights is rocked!
Orlov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Heights is trying hard to land a takedown here. Orlov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Orlov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Heights.
Jab, jab by Orlov - just one landing.
Heights is still on wobbly legs! Can Orlov finish him?
Orlov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Orlov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Heights in his tracks.
Orlov fakes the leg kick and cracks Heights in the body.
Orlov scoring well with a low kick there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikhail Orlov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Orlov, 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:26
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:26
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Orlov!