PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Steve Zaretski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Handsoncock (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). John Handsoncock has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Zaretski
vs
Handsoncock

178 cm
22
157 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

175 cm
26
158 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Steve Zaretski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, John Handsoncock!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Matheus Silva and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch combination from Handsoncock misses.
Zaretski just misses with a punch to the body.
Zaretski blocks a head kick by Handsoncock.

Zaretski shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Handsoncock's guard.
Handsoncock has momentary wrist control but Zaretski slips an elbow through the middle.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zaretski throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Handsoncock works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zaretski keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Handsoncock's head.
Zaretski preventing the sweep.
Handsoncock utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Zaretski postures up in Handsoncock's guard and throws a big left but Handsoncock blocks it.
Zaretski has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Zaretski distracts Handsoncock with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Zaretski won't allow Handsoncock to sweep him here.
Handsoncock is trying to control the position but Zaretski postures up.
Handsoncock is pulling down on Zaretski's head. It's preventing any offense from Zaretski, at least for the moment.

Handsoncock working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Zaretski doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Zaretski manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Zaretski scores with a takedown into Handsoncock's guard.
Zaretski loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Zaretski working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Handsoncock pulls Zaretski in to control the position.
Zaretski is in close to Handsoncock's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Zaretski postures up in Handsoncock's guard and throws a big left but Handsoncock blocks it.
Zaretski won't allow Handsoncock to sweep him here.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zaretski's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Zaretski landing some decent shots from guard.
Zaretski postures up.
Zaretski throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Handsoncock works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaretski is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Zaretski is in close to Handsoncock's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Handsoncock is looking to stand up but Zaretski isn't so interested in that idea.
Handsoncock looks gassed!
Zaretski postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

Handsoncock looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zaretski's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Zaretski thows a big elbow that misses.
Zaretski lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Zaretski keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Handsoncock's head.
Handsoncock has momentary wrist control but Zaretski slips an elbow through the middle.
Zaretski throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Handsoncock works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Handsoncock looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Handsoncock preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Zaretski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Handsoncock throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Zaretski loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Zaretski lands a couple of elbows.
Handsoncock utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Zaretski throws a sloppy head kick and Handsoncock moves out of range easily.

Zaretski closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Handsoncock to the mat! Handsoncock manages to get full guard.
Zaretski lands a couple of elbows.
Zaretski loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Zaretski postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Zaretski loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaretski trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Zaretski postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Handsoncock is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Zaretski stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Handsoncock swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Handsoncock throws a head kick that misses.
Handsoncock shoots in but no luck this time.
Handsoncock avoids a kick to the body.
No luck for Zaretski with that takedown attempt.
Zaretski lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Zaretski dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Handsoncock misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Handsoncock misses with a looping left.

Zaretski scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Handsoncock taking some punishment here, with Zaretski in his half guard.
Handsoncock is looking to escape.
Handsoncock is trying to control but can't.
Zaretski is nestled in close to Handsoncock, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Handsoncock keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Zaretski is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Handsoncock trying to control from the bottom.
Handsoncock gets full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Zaretski's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Handsoncock is breathing heavily.
Zaretski missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Handsoncock working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zaretski.
Zaretski throwing strikes from guard but Handsoncock blocks nicely.
Zaretski missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Handsoncock controlling Zaretski's posture.
Zaretski throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Handsoncock works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Zaretski is looking to work some ground and pound but Handsoncock has wrist control.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Zaretski misses with a hook. Handsoncock ducked under it nicely.
Handsoncock throws out a loose jab but Zaretski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Handsoncock thows a left - swing and a miss!
Handsoncock throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Zaretski is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Handsoncock's half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaretski not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Zaretski scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

Zaretski is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Handsoncock is just riding it out for now. Zaretski eventually gives up the hold.
Handsoncock moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Zaretski throwing strikes but missing.
Handsoncock wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zaretski drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Zaretski jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Zaretski is looking to work some ground and pound but Handsoncock has wrist control.
Zaretski stopping the sweep attempt from Handsoncock.
Handsoncock keeping full guard, as Zaretski tries to pass.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Zaretski throws a hook but Handsoncock avoids it easily.
Handsoncock throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A jab from Handsoncock misses.
Handsoncock throws a jab when Zaretski was well out of range.
Handsoncock looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

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.
Handsoncock looks to land a right hand but Zaretski moved out of range.
John Handsoncock seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Handsoncock throws a head kick but Zaretski moves out of range.
Handsoncock bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Handsoncock looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Handsoncock misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Zaretski drives through with a takedown into guard.
Zaretski throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Handsoncock works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Handsoncock is trying to control the position but Zaretski postures up.
Zaretski lands a couple of digs.
Zaretski is looking to work some ground and pound but Handsoncock has wrist control.

Zaretski is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Zaretski is working Handsoncock over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Zaretski dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Zaretski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Handsoncock counters with a low kick, right behind Zaretski 's knee.
Handsoncock misses with a jab, cross combination.
Handsoncock throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Zaretski.
Handsoncock is looking to regain half guard here but Zaretski keeps moving and retains side control.

Handsoncock bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Zaretski pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Handsoncock throws a nice looking combination but Zaretski bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Zaretski throws a body punch but Handsoncock moves out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zaretski misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaretski scores with a hook to the body. Handsoncock takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Handsoncock throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zaretski tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Handsoncock was well out of range. Poor timing from Zaretski.
Handsoncock takes one on the button.
Handsoncock swinging wildly here.
Zaretski connects with a nice looking jab.
Zaretski connects with a single shot there.
Handsoncock misses with a head kick.

Zaretski closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Handsoncock did well to prevent Zaretski getting side control.
Handsoncock trying to control but Zaretski postures up.
Zaretski not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Handsoncock is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Handsoncock is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Zaretski scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Handsoncock wants to improve his position but Zaretski is controlling well.
Zaretski looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Zaretski working over Handsoncock with some ground and pound. Handsoncock looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Zaretski takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Handsoncock keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Zaretski not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Zaretski lands with a punch from half guard.
Zaretski missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Steve Zaretski overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Handsoncock manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Zaretski is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Handsoncock is looking to stand up but Zaretski isn't so interested in that idea.
Handsoncock is trying to keep Zaretski in close.
Zaretski throwing strikes but missing.
Steve Zaretski is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Handsoncock keeping moving, preventing Zaretski from controlling successfully.
Zaretski's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Zaretski wants to control from the top but Handsoncock keeps moving.
Zaretski is looking to work some ground and pound but Handsoncock has wrist control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Handsoncock throws a head kick that half lands.
Zaretski avoids the head kick by Handsoncock.

Handsoncock gets caught flat footed, as Zaretski shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Zaretski connects with a couple of short punches.
Zaretski looking to pass the guard.
Zaretski wants to control from the top but Handsoncock keeps moving.
Zaretski thows a big elbow that misses.
Zaretski with a flurry of punches that miss.
John Handsoncock has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zaretski showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Zaretski with a nice head shot there.

And that's the end of the fight!
Steve Zaretski showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Zaretski 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 30:27
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Steve Zaretski!