PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Giorgios Finlitis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chuck the Project (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Finlitis
vs
the Project

177 cm
21
200 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

180 cm
21
196 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Vicious Nutrition (159 Recovery With Proof)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Giorgios Finlitis!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Chuck the Project!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Illya Tyunina and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Finlitis shoots in for a takedown but the Project shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
the Project cracks Finlitis with an open hand slap.
Finlitis shoots in looking for a takedown. the Project tries to sprawl out of it but Finlitis keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. the Project manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Finlitis shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Giorgios Finlitis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
the Project keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Finlitis shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Finlitis misses with a takedown attempt - the Project sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
the Project is looking to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Finlitis decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Finlitis trying to control the pace.
the Project regains full guard. Nicely done.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
the Project looking for a sweep. Not yet the Project, not yet.
the Project is trying to control the position but Finlitis postures up.
Finlitis tries to free his leg and advance position but the Project is retaining full guard.
Finlitis is working hard here to advance position.
the Project seems keen to control Finlitis's posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Finlitis is looking to advance position but the Project has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
the Project landing punches.
the Project tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Finlitis avoids a series of strikes thrown by the Project.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the Project controlling from mount.
the Project with the ground and pound from mount.
the Project sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!

Finlitis bucks up and throws the Project to the side - he's got back to his feet. Great escape!
the Project tries to bum rush Finlitis with a series of wild strikes but Finlitis uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
the Project lands a jab-cross combination.

It looks like Giorgios Finlitis has been cut.
the Project looks to land a right hand but Finlitis moved out of range.

the Project closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A short left from the Project.
Knees in the clinch landing for the Project.
Finlitis is working for takedown but the Project is calmly controlling the position for now.
Nice body punch from the Project.
Finlitis is breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
the Project lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Finlitis blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Come on the Project - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Finlitis takes a shot to the head.
the Project doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
the Project putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Finlitis in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
the Project comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chuck the Project dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Giorgios Finlitis's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

A jab from the Project misses.
Horrible takedown by Finlitis or perhaps it was just good defense by the Project which made him look bad.
the Project slaps away a takedown attempt from Finlitis, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Finlitis tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but the Project swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Giorgios Finlitis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
the Project doesn't manage to clinch there - Finlitis circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Finlitis misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
the Project closes the distance and lands a one-two.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the Project misses with a two punch combination.
A swing and a miss from the Project.
Finlitis drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Chuck the Project is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
the Project pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
the Project connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Finlitis circles away from the clinch attempt.
the Project works the jab nicely.
Finlitis avoids a punch combination nicely.
Finlitis on the wrong end of a nice hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Finlitis uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by the Project.
the Project slips a jab and a cross from Finlitis.
the Project tries to clinch but Finlitis is having none of it.
the Project tries to clinch but Finlitis is having none of it.

the Project darts in and clinches Finlitis up against the cage.
the Project misses with a short punch on the inside.
the Project lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
the Project misses with a punch on the inside.
the Project comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Finlitis blocks the elbow strike.
Finlitis goes for a takedown attempt but the Project pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the Project fails with an attempt to clinch.
the Project works the jab nicely.
Finlitis throws a combination that misses
and the Project counters with a straight right hand.
the Project fails with an attempt to clinch.
Finlitis with a lazy takedown attempt
and the Project counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Finlitis has his takedown stuffed
and the Project counters with a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
the Project misses with a double jab
enabling Finlitis to counter with a crisp jab.
the Project works Finlitis's body with a nice hook.
the Project tries to clinch up but Finlitis circles away and keeps his distance.
Finlitis misses with a takedown attempt
and the Project counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
the Project misses with a wild body shot.
the Project tries to bum rush Finlitis with a series of wild strikes but Finlitis uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Giorgios Finlitis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Finlitis misses with a takedown attempt
and the Project counters with a right hand to the body.
Chuck the Project seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Finlitis misses with a takedown attempt

and the Project holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chuck the Project showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Giorgios Finlitis's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

the Project fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Finlitis shoots and misses
and the Project counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Finlitis thinking.
the Project tries to clinch but Finlitis is having none of it.
Finlitis shoots and misses
and the Project counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Finlitis thinking.
Finlitis misses with a takedown
and the Project counters with a three punch combo that has Finlitis backing up. Finlitis nods at the Project to acknowledge the strikes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Giorgios Finlitis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
the Project wants to clinch

and Finlitis counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Finlitis wants to control from the top but the Project keeps moving.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
the Project looking to hit a scissor sweep but Finlitis is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Finlitis is looking to advance position but the Project has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
the Project with good strikes from the mount here!
the Project pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
the Project is in the full mount, landing strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Finlitis really wants to buck the Project off and get back to his feet.
the Project takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
the Project dominating with strikes here.
the Project throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
the Project controlling from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the Project looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
the Project tries to control but Finlitis wriggling away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Finlitis is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
the Project with good strikes from the mount here!
the Project looking to ground and pound but Finlitis is blocking nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chuck the Project really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Giorgios Finlitis's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

the Project darts in trying to clinch

and Finlitis counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in the Project's guard now.
Finlitis looking to pass the guard.
Finlitis pushing down on the Project's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
the Project has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Finlitis is working away from the top position though.

Finlitis decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Finlitis misses with a takedown
and the Project counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the Project dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Finlitis doesn't succeed with the takedown
and the Project counters with a nice low kick that buckles Finlitis's knee momentarily.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
The fight stays on the outside here - the Project looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
the Project throws a left and a right that both miss

and Finlitis counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for the Project!
Finlitis throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for the Project because Finlitis loaded up on that one.
Giorgios Finlitis overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
the Project wants to control but Finlitis is having none of it.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if the Project can do anything to dispel that myth.
the Project is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Finlitis is staying active.
the Project tries to reverse the position but Finlitis maintains control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
the Project tries to lock up and control but Finlitis gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
the Project manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Finlitis wants to take a breather but the Project is having none of it.
the Project tries to roll over but Finlitis keeps him under control.

Finlitis seems to be looking for submissions.
the Project is doing well to control the position and prevent Finlitis from advancing to side control.
the Project manages to get to full guard.
the Project tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the Project is controlling Finlitis's posture.
Finlitis trying to control but the Project is working from the bottom.
the Project working a defensive guard here.
Finlitis pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. the Project is keeping the position for now.
the Project looking for a sweep. Not yet the Project, not yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
the Project working a defensive guard here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Finlitis slips under a jab.
A jab from the Project finds it's way through Finlitis's defenses.
the Project lands a body shot.
Finlitis fails with the takedown
and the Project counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Giorgios Finlitis. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Finlitis scores with a takedown into the Project's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Giorgios Finlitis will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Giorgios Finlitis's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

the Project forces Finlitis back against the cage and clinches.
the Project can't find room to land a body shot as Finlitis controls the action.
the Project digs a right hand into Finlitis's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Finlitis's gas tank.
the Project gets through Finlitis's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
the Project lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Finlitis backwards.
the Project lands with a short shot to the head.
Finlitis takes a shot to the head.
the Project lands a nice elbow.
the Project swings wildly with an uppercut but Finlitis uses good head movement to avoid it.
Finlitis's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
the Project is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
the Project misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
the Project gets underhooks to prevent Finlitis's takedown attempt.
the Project lands a left hand that snaps the head of Finlitis backwards.
the Project scores with a shot to the side of Finlitis's head.
Still in the clinch, the Project scores with a nice short uppercut.
the Project lands a hook that snaps the head of Finlitis backwards.
the Project working aggressively here.
Nice body punch from the Project - that landed with a thud.
Finlitis's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
the Project doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
the Project digs a right hand into Finlitis's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Finlitis's gas tank.
A short left from the Project.
the Project lands with a short head shot on the inside.
the Project scores with a shot to the side of Finlitis's head.
the Project swings wildly with an uppercut but Finlitis uses good head movement to avoid it.
the Project has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
the Project scores with a shoulder strike.
the Project lands a left hand that snaps the head of Finlitis backwards.
the Project lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Chuck the Project is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
the Project is stalling here.
Finlitis takes an elbow to the temple.
Finlitis has the Project pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. the Project manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
the Project holding his opponent close, against the cage.
the Project lands an elbow that stopped Finlitis in his tracks for a moment.

Giorgios Finlitis's cut is getting worse.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
the Project working aggressively here.
the Project tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Finlitis avoids it.
Finlitis avoids the elbow strike from the Project, against the cage.
the Project pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Finlitis is trying to drag the Project to the mat but the Project just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Giorgios Finlitis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
the Project misses with an elbow strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Finlitis blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
the Project swings away with an uppercut that misses.
the Project is leaning against Finlitis and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Finlitis blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chuck the Project comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think the Project 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 45:49
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 45:49
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 45:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Chuck the Project!
Chuck the Project is the new middleweight champion!