PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Leeroy Russo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicolai Demikovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Demikovic is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Russian National Anthem. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Russo
vs
Demikovic

225 cm
23
224 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

191 cm
25
250 lbs
12 - 9 - 2

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

GMMA Supplements 160
GMMA Supplements 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Leeroy Russo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 9 - 2, fighting out of London, Nicolai Demikovic!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Paul Tew and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russo cracks the inside of Demikovic's front leg.
Russo connects with a high kick.
Russo just misses with a punch to the body.
Demikovic slips under a jab.
Demikovic connects with a body shot.

Demikovic clinches up with Russo and pushes him back against the cage.
Russo tries a body shot but Demikovic blocks it.

Demikovic wants the takedown. Russo is fighting it off but Demikovic persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Russo's guard against the cage.
Russo trying to control the position.
Russo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Demikovic throwing strikes from guard but Russo blocks nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Russo keeping moving, preventing Demikovic from controlling successfully.
Demikovic wants to stand but Russo is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demikovic throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Russo pulls Demikovic in to control the position.
Demikovic missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Demikovic thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Russo keeping full guard, as Demikovic tries to pass.
Demikovic lands a couple of decent looking shots.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo seems keen to control Demikovic's posture.
Demikovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Russo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Demikovic is looking to stand up but Russo won't let him.
Demikovic pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Russo is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Demikovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Russo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Demikovic missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Nicolai Demikovic wasn't active enough on the ground.
Demikovic takes a kick to the side of the head.
Demikovic takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Russo but Russo pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Russo throws a low kick but it's checked well by Demikovic.
Demikovic fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Demikovic circles away from the clinch attempt.
Leeroy Russo is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Russo lands the left hand.

Russo tries to keep at a distance but Demikovic has taken the fight into the clinch.
Russo stops a takedown attempt from Demikovic.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Russo lands a nice elbow.

It looks like Nicolai Demikovic has been cut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic trying to control the position but instead, Russo has worked for underhooks and has pushed Demikovic into the cage.
Russo really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Russo keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Demikovic's efforts to push away.
Russo is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Russo is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Demikovic as Russo tries to tie him up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Russo obliges.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Russo has Demikovic pressed against the cage, preventing Demikovic from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Demikovic is trying to drag Russo to the mat but Russo just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Nicolai Demikovic will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Nicolai Demikovic's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Russo looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Leeroy Russo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Demikovic shoots for a double leg takedown but Russo sprawls well. He's pushed Demikovic's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Demikovic throws a lazy head kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.

Russo has Demikovic up against the cage in a clinch.
Demikovic taking a breather.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Russo just misses with a elbow thrown towards Demikovic's brow.
Russo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Demikovic blocks the elbow strike.
Russo lands an elbow inside.
A bit of stalling here from Russo.
Russo throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Demikovic blocks it with crossed arms.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russo throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Russo tries to stall but Demikovic uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Demikovic makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Russo pushes off an throws an elbow but Demikovic leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Demikovic trying to control the position but instead, Russo has worked for underhooks and has pushed Demikovic into the cage.
Demikovic tries for a takedown. No joy.
Russo gets underhooks to prevent Demikovic's takedown attempt.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Russo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Russo is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Demikovic blocks the elbow strike.
Demikovic blocks a body shot from Russo.
Russo trying to land knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo tries to land knees in the clinch but Demikovic avoids the damage to the body.
Russo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Russo is pressed up against the cage. Demikovic has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Russo down to the mat. Russo avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Demikovic tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Russo connects with a leg kick. Demikovic looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Russo takes a swing at Demikovic's ribcage but misses.
Demikovic tries for a takedown but Russo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Russo lands with a slapping head kick.
Russo works Demikovic's body with a nice hook.
Some wild striking there from Russo.
Demikovic shoots in but Russo avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Demikovic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Russo avoids it really well and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Demikovic swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Russo lunges at Demikovic with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Demikovic's hand.
Demikovic looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Russo is fending him off so far but Demikovic persists. Nope, Russo circles away and we're back to standing.

Russo clinches up with Demikovic and pushes him back against the cage.
Demikovic blocks the elbow strike.
Demikovic misses with a punch on the inside.
Demikovic takes a knee to the side of the body.
Russo scores with a shoulder strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic looking for a takedown.
Russo misses with a knee strike.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Russo is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Demikovic is breathing heavily.
Russo is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Russo.
Russo presses Demikovic against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Russo putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Demikovic in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Russo looking to throw knees to the head but Demikovic is blocking nicely.
Russo comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Leeroy Russo has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Russo with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Russo with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nice elbow from Russo.
Russo lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Russo 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.

Leeroy Russo dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Nicolai Demikovic's cut.
That's time! Russo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Russo is looking to clinch.
Russo lands with a nice body kick.
Russo motions for Demikovic to come forward. Russo throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A lazy left from Russo finds it's target.
Demikovic takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Russo connects with a nice looking jab.
A chopping leg kick lands by Russo.
Russo lands a really nice looking cross but Demikovic seems unphased.
Demikovic avoids the body shot from Russo.
Demikovic misses with a body kick.
Russo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Russo scores with a decent looking hook.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Russo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Russo. That snapped Demikovic's head back.
Russo is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Demikovic drops his hands momentarily and Russo takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Russo scores with a crisp jab that stopped Demikovic in his tracks.
Russo comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Russo avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Demikovic misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Demikovic moves into the clinch successfully.
A short left from Russo.
Demikovic drops down looking for an ankle pick but Russo pulls his leg out and moves away.
Demikovic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Russo scores with a nice head shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Russo misses with a kick to the body.
Russo misses the shot to the body.

Russo moves into range and clinches up with Demikovic.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Russo misses with a knee to the head.

Demikovic pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Russo lands a high kick!
Russo lunges at Demikovic with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Demikovic's hand.
Russo throws a right hand that Demikovic ducks under and follows up with a left that Demikovic also avoids with ease.

Russo gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Russo lands a damaging elbow.
Demikovic has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Russo is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo is trying to stall.
Demikovic misses with a punch on the inside.

Demikovic breaks the clinch.
Russo misses with an attempted mid kick.
Demikovic takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Crunch! Russo slams his shin into Demikovic's torso.
Russo misses with a body shot.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Russo as he avoids it easily.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
A cross from Russo lands.
Russo throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Demikovic.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Leeroy Russo is winning the standup battle so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russo does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Demikovic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Russo avoids it really well and circles away.
A good leg kick by Russo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Demikovic rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Russo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Russo as he jumps to the side.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Russo.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nice body punch from Russo.
Russo throws a nice outside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leeroy Russo clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Nicolai Demikovic's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Demikovic sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Russo lands with a nice body punch.
Demikovic shoots in looking for a takedown but Russo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Demikovic's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Demikovic fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Demikovic takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A chopping leg kick lands by Russo.
Demikovic tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Russo thumps Demikovic with a low kick.
Demikovic takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A punch combination from Russo misses.
Demikovic is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Demikovic moves forwards but Russo connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Russo throws a head kick that half lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demikovic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Russo avoids it really well and circles away.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Demikovic tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Russo was well out of range. Poor timing from Demikovic.
A good leg kick by Russo.
Demikovic takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Demikovic needs to keep his hands up - Russo had a free shot at his head there.
Demikovic tries to score a power double leg takedown but Russo sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Demikovic somewhat.
Nicolai Demikovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Russo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Russo misses with a jab, cross combination.
A nice inside leg kick there by Russo. That's going to slow Demikovic down.
Russo moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Russo lands a head kick. Demikovic smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Russo lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Russo gets tackled into the cage by Demikovic. Demikovic maintains the clinch.
Russo lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Demikovic or not.
Demikovic creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Demikovic drops down looking for an ankle pick but Russo pulls his leg out and moves away.
Russo with a nice cross.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic tries for a takedown but Russo circles away easily
and Russo counters with an outside leg kick.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Russo.
Demikovic blocks a head kick by Russo.
Demikovic will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Russo throws a head kick that misses.
No joy there for Demikovic, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Russo tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Russo looks to score with a jab to the body but Demikovic is just out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic ducks right into an uppercut from Russo.
Russo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Demikovic can do to turn this around?
Demikovic misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Demikovic shoots in but no luck this time.

Russo takes the fight into the clinch.
Demikovic drops down looking for an ankle pick but Russo pulls his leg out and moves away.
Russo lands a head kick!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Russo throws a quick inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Leeroy Russo had his way with Nicolai Demikovic in that round.
The cut man is working on Nicolai Demikovic's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Good leg kick by Russo there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Demikovic has managed to clinch.
Demikovic tries for a takedown. No joy.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Demikovic takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Russo scores with a nice hook to the head.
A bit of stalling here from Russo.
Russo tries to stall but Demikovic uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Russo comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Russo prevents a takedown attempt there.
Russo lands an elbow inside that Demikovic shrugs off.
Demikovic wants a takedown.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Demikovic is trying to drag Russo to the mat but Russo just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Demikovic is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demikovic has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Russo is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Russo avoiding damage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Russo.
Russo slowing the pace effectively.
Russo creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Demikovic's defenses.
Demikovic has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Russo.
Russo tries a knee to the head but Demikovic blocks it.
Russo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Demikovic drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Russo gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Russo scores with a knee to the head.

That has opened up Nicolai Demikovic's cut even more.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo prevents a takedown attempt there.
Russo unloads a knee to the mid-section.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Russo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Russo lands a body shot in the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Russo.
Russo trying to stall but Demikovic improves his position.
Russo gets underhooks to prevent Demikovic's takedown attempt.
Russo landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Russo avoiding damage.
Demikovic avoiding damage as Russo throws knees to the body.
Russo lands a right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo connects with a knee to the head.
Demikovic has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Russo avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Russo stalling in the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Russo.
Russo lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Russo makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Russo lands an elbow inside that Demikovic shrugs off.
Russo controlling the action here for a moment.
Russo lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Demikovic backwards.

Demikovic has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Russo clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Russo turns into Demikovic and is now in his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic wants to sweep here but Russo controlling him for the moment.
Demikovic pulls Russo in close to his closed guard and prevents Russo from doing any damage or advancing position.
Demikovic is trying to control the position but Russo postures up.
Nicolai Demikovic has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Leeroy Russo is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Demikovic being controlled here, momentarily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Leeroy Russo showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Russo has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 49:46
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 49:46
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leeroy Russo!
Leeroy Russo is the new heavyweight champion!
Leeroy Russo bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.