PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ilja Vasuta (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adam Rabago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Vasuta
vs
Rabago

192 cm
23
185 lbs
3 - 4 - 0

188 cm
20
185 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ilja Vasuta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Adam Rabago!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Valeri Chadov and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vasuta shoots for a double leg takedown but Rabago sprawls well. He's pushed Vasuta's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Rabago gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Vasuta tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Rabago just stands there and leans against the cage.
Vasuta has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Rabago's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rabago throws a right and a left that Vasuta avoids nicely.

Rabago gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Vasuta tries to pull guard but Rabago holds him up against the cage and eventually Vasuta drops back down to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilja Vasuta. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasuta.

Rabago takes the fight into the clinch.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rabago digs a good body shot into Vasuta's ribs.
Vasuta is breathing heavily.

Rabago has Vasuta up against the cage in a clinch.
Vasuta has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Vasuta tries to break free but Rabago pushes him back against the cage.
Vasuta jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Rabago walks away with a smile on his face. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rabago lands with a nice combination. Vasuta backs away looking to recover.

It looks like Ilja Vasuta has been cut.
Rabago throws a series of punches but Vasuta avoids them all with ease.

Rabago clinches.

Rabago breaks the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Rabago clinches with his opponent.

Rabago breaks from the clinch.
Rabago misses with a jab, cross combination.
Rabago throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rabago has managed to clinch.

Rabago manages to break the clinch.

Rabago has Vasuta up against the cage in a clinch.
Rabago keeps control of Vasuta as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rabago lands with a shot to the body.
Rabago lands a jab-cross combination.
Rabago leaves Vasuta with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Some wild striking there from Rabago.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Rabago ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasuta.

Rabago moves into the clinch.

Rabago manages to break the clinch.

Rabago has closed the distance and engaged Vasuta in a clinch.

Rabago manages to break the clinch.
Vasuta drops his hands momentarily and Rabago takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ilja Vasuta seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rabago stuffs the takedown.
Rabago misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rabago looks to land a combination. Vasuta sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

Rabago drives through and clinches with Vasuta against the cage.

Rabago pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rabago keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rabago throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Vasuta fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rabago avoids it really well and circles away.

Rabago clinches.
Vasuta is trying to break free.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Rabago.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rabago throws a right and a left that both miss.
Rabago leaves Vasuta with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rabago bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Vasuta's head backwards.
Rabago lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Vasuta backs up against the cage.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rabago as he avoids it easily.
Adam Rabago is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rabago tries to bum rush Vasuta with a series of wild strikes but Vasuta uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rabago lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Rabago, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Vasuta drops his hands momentarily and Rabago takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Vasuta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rabago swivels and escapes.
Rabago lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Vasuta circles away quickly and effectively.
Vasuta slips a jab and a cross from Rabago.
Vasuta looks for a takedown but Rabago sprawls well.
Vasuta showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rabago.
Rabago throws a one two combo.
Vasuta takes one to the side of the head.

Rabago closes the distance and clinches.
Vasuta has had enough of the clinch but Rabago keeps him there for the moment.

Vasuta gets control of Rabago's arms and successfully pulls guard. Vasuta will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Rabago has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Vasuta is proving hard to escape from.

Vasuta is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rabago is aware though and is defending well.
Rabago would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vasuta has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rabago can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Rabago is looking to stand up but Vasuta won't let him.

Vasuta has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rabago can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rabago got a little sloppy there for a moment and Vasuta has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rabago has managed to get both his arms back between Vasuta's legs - danger averted.
Rabago would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adam Rabago dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ilja Vasuta's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Rabago misses with the combination.
A combination from Rabago does no damage.

Rabago clinches.
Vasuta tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Vasuta tries to pull guard but Rabago won't allow it.

Rabago manages to break the clinch.
Vasuta looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Rabago is fending him off so far but Vasuta persists. Nope, Rabago circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilja Vasuta. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Rabago clinches up against the cage.

Rabago pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A left and a right from Rabago both land. Nice combination.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vasuta is defended easily by Rabago.

Rabago fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vasuta, pushing him back against the cage.

Rabago breaks from the clinch.
Vasuta fails with a takedown attempt.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rabago throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Rabago misses with the combination.
Vasuta tries for a takedown but Rabago sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rabago misses with a wild combination.
Rabago swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Vasuta avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rabago paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Adam Rabago is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rabago misses with a jab, cross combination.

Rabago clinches up against the cage.

Rabago breaks the clinch.

Rabago closes the distance and clinches.
Rabago prevents Vasuta from breaking the clinch.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vasuta shoots in but no luck this time.
Rabago throws a right hand that Vasuta ducks under and follows up with a left that Vasuta also avoids with ease.
Vasuta tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rabago sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Vasuta somewhat.
Rabago looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Vasuta fails with a takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rabago misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Rabago gets a clinch.
Vasuta tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Rabago smiles and moves away.
Vasuta fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Rabago throws a combination. Vasuta tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Vasuta fails with the takedown.
Some wild striking there from Rabago.
Vasuta shoots in but no luck this time.
Rabago looks to land a combination but Vasuta avoids it well.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rabago sprawls well. Rabago wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Rabago misses with a series of wild punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vasuta changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rabago tries to avoid it but Vasuta manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rabago to the ground. Rabago escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rabago scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Rabago stuffs the takedown attempt from Vasuta. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Rabago as he jumps to the side.
Rabago connects with a nice looking jab.
No luck for Vasuta with that takedown attempt.
Danga de danga de dang - Rabago scores with a four punch combination!
Rabago fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Rabago gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Vasuta manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Rabago has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Vasuta is proving hard to escape from.

Vasuta working for a triangle but Rabago defends it easily.

Rabago avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rabago stands up and waves to Vasuta to follow him.
Rabago looks to land a combination but Vasuta avoids it well.
Vasuta shoots in but no luck this time.
Rabago misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Vasuta tries to score a power double leg takedown but Rabago sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Vasuta somewhat.
Vasuta showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rabago.
Rabago misses with a wild combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adam Rabago showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ilja Vasuta's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Rabago misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rabago misses with a wild combination.
Vasuta fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rabago avoids it really well and circles away.

Rabago fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vasuta, pushing him back against the cage.

Rabago manages to break the clinch.
Rabago moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Rabago lands a two punch combo.
A punch combination from Rabago misses.
Rabago throws a series of strikes that have Vasuta backpedaling.
Rabago lands with a nice combination. Vasuta backs away looking to recover.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vasuta fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Vasuta fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rabago avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ilja Vasuta. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Rabago takes the fight into the clinch.
Vasuta jumps guard but Rabago stands there with Vasuta around his waist. Vasuta gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rabago breaks the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rabago scores with a sloppy right hand. Vasuta should have avoided that one.
Vasuta fails to land the takedown.
Rabago lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Rabago stuffs the takedown attempt from Vasuta. Vasuta gets slowly back to his feet.
Adam Rabago seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Rabago closes the distance and clinches.
Vasuta tries to pull guard but Rabago holds him up against the cage and eventually Vasuta drops back down to his feet.

Rabago pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Rabago moves into the clinch.
Rabago lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rabago misses with a jab, cross combination.

Rabago clinches with his opponent.

Rabago breaks the clinch.
Vasuta will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

Rabago instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rabago breaks the clinch.
Rabago lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Vasuta circles away quickly and effectively.
Vasuta will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vasuta.
Rabago leaves Vasuta with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rabago connects with a right hand. Vasuta shakes it off.
Rabago is working the combinations to good effect here.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vasuta is defended easily by Rabago.

Rabago rushes Vasuta and presses him up against the cage.

Rabago breaks from the clinch.

Rabago gets a clinch.
Vasuta tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rabago throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Rabago keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rabago looks to land a combination. Vasuta sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Vasuta tries for a takedown but Rabago sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rabago looks to land a combination but Vasuta avoids it well.
Vasuta avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rabago throws a series of punches but Vasuta moves out of range.
Rabago ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vasuta moves away.
Vasuta shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vasuta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rabago swivels and escapes.

Rabago moves into the clinch.

Rabago escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vasuta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rabago swivels and escapes.
Rabago misses with a two punch combination.
Rabago stalks Vasuta and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Vasuta's face. Vasuta staggers backwards, shaken.
Vasuta shoots in for a double leg but Rabago sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Vasuta tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rabago swivels and escapes.
Vasuta misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Rabago throws a series of punches but Vasuta moves out of range.

Rabago rushes Vasuta and presses him up against the cage.
Rabago lands a right hand that snaps the head of Vasuta backwards.
Vasuta tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vasuta is trying to break the clinch but Rabago is controlling him.
Vasuta has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Vasuta looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.

Rabago breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rabago bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Vasuta's head backwards.
Horrible takedown by Vasuta or perhaps it was just good defense by Rabago which made him look bad.
Rabago throws a nice looking combination but Vasuta bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Vasuta tries for a takedown but Rabago sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Rabago swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
No joy there for Rabago, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Vasuta is defended easily by Rabago.

Vasuta tries to keep at a distance but Rabago has taken the fight into the clinch.

Rabago's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Rabago has Vasuta up against the cage in a clinch.
Vasuta tries to pull guard but Rabago holds him up against the cage and eventually Vasuta drops back down to his feet.

Rabago escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ilja Vasuta has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Adam Rabago is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Rabago has closed the distance and engaged Vasuta in a clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Adam Rabago comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rabago 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 26:30
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 26:30
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Adam Rabago!