PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Vyacheslav Datsik (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and TJ LaRussa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 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.

Datsik
vs
LaRussa

180 cm
24
174 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

180 cm
21
183 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vyacheslav Datsik!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, TJ LaRussa!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Chris Downing and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A jab from Datsik finds it's way through LaRussa's defenses.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Datsik.
Good leg kick by Datsik there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Datsik throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
LaRussa looks for a takedown but Datsik sprawls well.
Datsik fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but LaRussa is out of range.
LaRussa looks for a takedown but Datsik sprawls well.
LaRussa throws a chopping leg kick but Datsik manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
LaRussa misses with a head kick.
Datsik ducks under a wild hook from LaRussa.

Datsik has managed to clinch.

Datsik's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Datsik avoids the head kick by LaRussa.
An inside leg kick lands from Datsik.

That's one minute gone in the round.
LaRussa lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Datsik circles away quickly and effectively.
LaRussa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Datsik moves away.
Datsik throws a hook to the side of LaRussa's head but LaRussa sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Datsik throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Datsik moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Datsik is looking to clinch but LaRussa is avoiding it.
Datsik's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Datsik duly obliges.
Datsik doesn't manage to clinch there - LaRussa circles away.
Datsik wants to clinch up but LaRussa keeps it at a distance.

Datsik rushes LaRussa and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Datsik misses with a knee to the head.

Datsik breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Datsik, right into the meat.
LaRussa looks gassed!
LaRussa checks a low kick from Datsik.
LaRussa misses with the body kick
and Datsik cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Vyacheslav Datsik is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaRussa has a takedown stuffed.
Vyacheslav Datsik has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of TJ LaRussa.
The fighters circling - Datsik throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Datsik throws a sloppy head kick and LaRussa moves out of range easily.
TJ LaRussa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Datsik swinging wilding here.
Nice cross by Datsik.
Datsik swings away with a leg kick that misses.
A head kick by LaRussa misses

and Datsik counters by clinching up.

Datsik's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
LaRussa looks to throw a body kick
and Datsik counters with a head kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Datsik keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Datsik tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but LaRussa paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaRussa changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Datsik tries to avoid it but LaRussa manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Datsik to the ground. Datsik escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Datsik wants to clinch.
Datsik scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Datsik connects with a solid leg kick.
LaRussa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Datsik.
Datsik misses with a jab, cross combination.
LaRussa misses with a combination
and Datsik counters with a slapping leg kick.
LaRussa closes this distance looking for a takedown but Datsik circles away.
Datsik wants to clinch.
Datsik tests LaRussa's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Datsik.
LaRussa fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Datsik checks it well.
A slapping leg kick lands for Datsik.
Datsik feints and then cracks LaRussa's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow LaRussa down.
A clash of legs there as LaRussa blocks the low kick.
Datsik moves in looking to clinch but LaRussa pushes him off.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Datsik tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Datsik 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.
The fight stays on the outside here - Datsik looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

LaRussa checks a leg kick.
Vyacheslav Datsik is winning the standup battle so far.
LaRussa throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Datsik tries a low kick but LaRussa avoids it.
LaRussa throws the kick towards the body but Datsik avoids it.
LaRussa fails to land the takedown.
Datsik feints and then cracks LaRussa's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow LaRussa down.
LaRussa's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Datsik displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from LaRussa.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Datsik throws a nice inside leg kick.
LaRussa is breathing heavily.
Datsik throws a sloppy head kick and LaRussa moves out of range easily.
LaRussa throws an overhand right that lands on Datsik's shoulder, as Datsik tries to avoid the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Datsik tries to clinch up.
Datsik misses with a few strikes there.
Datsik throws a looping overhand right but LaRussa ducks down to avoid it.
LaRussa throws a leg kick but Datsik checks it.

LaRussa darts in and clinches Datsik up against the cage.
LaRussa has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Datsik breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
LaRussa fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Vyacheslav Datsik has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of TJ LaRussa.
Datsik tries to clinch up.
Datsik dodges the punch combination from LaRussa.
Datsik tries to clinch but LaRussa moves out of range.

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.
Datsik tries a head kick but it misses.
Datsik pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
LaRussa shoots in for a double leg but Datsik sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
LaRussa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Datsik defending well as LaRussa loads up on a big left hand.
Datsik tries to clinch up but LaRussa circles away and keeps his distance.
LaRussa takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
LaRussa is trying desperately to land a takedown but Datsik is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for LaRussa.
Datsik dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on LaRussa. That did some damage!

Datsik has closed the distance and engaged LaRussa in a clinch.

Datsik's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
LaRussa tries to clinch up.
LaRussa fails with a takedown attempt.
LaRussa throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Datsik counters with an inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Datsik misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Datsik closes the distance and pushes LaRussa back into the cage.

Datsik breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
LaRussa shoots in for a takedown but Datsik shows good takedown defense.
Datsik throws a nice inside leg kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Datsik looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Datsik tests LaRussa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Datsik lands a front kick.
Datsik throws a head kick that LaRussa semi-blocks.
LaRussa takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Datsik thumps LaRussa with a low kick.
Horrible takedown by LaRussa or perhaps it was just good defense by Datsik which made him look bad.
Datsik feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to LaRussa's calf.
A decent looking cross lands there for Datsik.
Datsik throws a quick inside leg kick.
Datsik tries to clinch but LaRussa moves out of range.
Datsik lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

LaRussa gets a clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Datsik obliges.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Datsik pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
LaRussa showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Datsik.

Datsik moves into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vyacheslav Datsik dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Datsik feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to LaRussa's calf.
LaRussa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Datsik manages to avoid it.
Datsik tries to clinch up.
LaRussa tries to clinch there but Datsik circles away.
LaRussa moves out of range of the leg kick from Datsik.

Datsik closes the distance and pushes LaRussa back into the cage.

Datsik escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
LaRussa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Datsik was well out of range. Poor timing from LaRussa.
Datsik throws a head kick but LaRussa moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Datsik avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
LaRussa fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Datsik connects with a single shot there.
LaRussa tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Datsik paws at him with a jab and circles away.
LaRussa takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Datsik scores with a head kick.
Datsik tries to bum rush LaRussa with a series of wild strikes but LaRussa uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Datsik fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches LaRussa on the side of the head.
Nice sprawl there from Datsik as LaRussa shoots in.

Datsik darts in and clinches LaRussa up against the cage.
LaRussa is trying to break the clinch but Datsik has him pressed against the cage.
Datsik is pressed up against the cage. LaRussa has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Datsik down to the mat. Datsik avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Vyacheslav Datsik has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of TJ LaRussa.
Datsik scoring well with a low kick there.
LaRussa is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Datsik moves in looking to clinch but LaRussa pushes him off.
LaRussa swings away with a leg kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
LaRussa throws a left and a right that both miss
and Datsik counters with a nice low kick that buckles LaRussa's knee momentarily.
Datsik misses with a head kick.
Crunch! Datsik slams his shin into LaRussa's torso.
Datsik lands with a nice body kick.

Datsik closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Datsik breaks the clinch.
LaRussa tries to land a leg kick but Datsik saw it coming and moves away.
Datsik throws a leg kick but LaRussa sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Datsik drives through and clinches with LaRussa against the cage.
LaRussa prevents Datsik from breaking the clinch.
LaRussa is trying to break the clinch but Datsik has him pressed against the cage.
Datsik is trying to break the clinch but LaRussa is controlling him.

Datsik's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Datsik lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaRussa shoots in for a takedown but Datsik shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Datsik clobbers LaRussa with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Datsik is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that LaRussa can do to turn this around?
Datsik scores with a head kick.
Datsik plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
LaRussa circles away from the clinch attempt.

Datsik has taken the fight to the clinch.

Datsik breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Datsik throws a hook but LaRussa avoids it easily.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Datsik, right into the meat.

Datsik moves into the clinch successfully.
Datsik working hard to break the clinch.

LaRussa manages to break the clinch.
Datsik wants to clinch
and LaRussa counters with an outside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaRussa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Datsik sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten LaRussa somewhat.
Datsik keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
TJ LaRussa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Datsik throws a head kick but LaRussa moves out of range.
LaRussa throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Datsik feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to LaRussa's calf.
Vyacheslav Datsik is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
LaRussa misses with a body shot
and Datsik counters with a nice low kick that buckles LaRussa's knee momentarily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vyacheslav Datsik showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Datsik has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 30:26
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 30:26
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vyacheslav Datsik!