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 has chosen Russian National Anthem as his entrance music. Leeroy Russo has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Russo
vs
Demikovic

225 cm
24
230 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

191 cm
26
250 lbs
12 - 10 - 2

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 11 - 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 - 10 - 2, fighting out of London, Nicolai Demikovic!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Colin Fotheringham and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russo cracks Demikovic with a right hand to the side of the head.
Russo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Russo wants it to stay on the feet.

Demikovic closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Demikovic lands in his opponent's guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Russo holds on and takes a little breather.
Demikovic passes Russo's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Demikovic looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Russo is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Demikovic scores with a couple of nice shots.
Demikovic missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demikovic throwing shots but Russo is blocking nicely.
Russo is trying to get back to full guard.
Demikovic is looking to advance position but Russo won't allow it.
Demikovic working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Russo is trying to maintain the position but Demikovic is very close to passing his half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Demikovic connects with a nice short shot to Russo's temple.
Demikovic throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Demikovic missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
It looks like Demikovic is going to stand back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Demikovic not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Russo is holding on to half guard well.
Demikovic takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Demikovic is just content to waste time from the top position. Russo takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Demikovic throws a big right hand that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Demikovic.
Demikovic throwing strikes but missing.
Demikovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Russo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Demikovic throwing strikes but missing.
Russo has momentary wrist control but Demikovic slips an elbow through the middle.
Demikovic trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Demikovic missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Demikovic.
Demikovic stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Russo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Demikovic throws a big right hand that misses.
Demikovic wants to pass the guard but Russo is keeping the position.
Demikovic stands and throws Russo's legs to the side, diving into side control.
The referee asks Demikovic politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Demikovic prefers to stall for the moment though.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Demikovic working the strikes but Russo uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolai Demikovic dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Demikovic closes the distance and clinches up with Russo, looking for a takedown. Demikovic pushes Russo against the cage but Russo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Demikovic missing with a left hand there. Russo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Demikovic has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Russo.
Russo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Demikovic fails in his attempt to clinch.
Russo clobbers Demikovic with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Nice body kick from Russo.
Russo throws a push kick but Demikovic slaps the foot to one side.
Russo dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Demikovic. That did some damage!
Russo takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Demikovic.
Russo cracks Demikovic with a good jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demikovic fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Demikovic's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Russo connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Demikovic scrambles back to his feet.
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.
Demikovic is trying hard to land a takedown here. Russo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Russo looks to land a combination but Demikovic avoids it well.
Russo scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Demikovic doesn't seem bothered though.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown but Russo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Demikovic is breathing heavily.
Demikovic fails with a takedown attempt.
Russo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A solid leg kick lands there for Russo.
Russo scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Demikovic's head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Russo scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Nicolai Demikovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Russo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Demikovic.
Russo stuffs the takedown.
Russo stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Demikovic closes the distance and clinches up with Russo, looking for a takedown. Demikovic pushes Russo against the cage but Russo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Russo connects with a good right hand that stumbles Demikovic. Demikovic circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Jab by Russo.
Demikovic shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Russo sprawls well. Russo wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Demikovic gets slowly back to his feet.
Demikovic takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

It looks like Nicolai Demikovic has been cut.
Demikovic chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Russo can pounce on him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo scores with a body shot.

Russo forces Demikovic back against the cage and clinches.
Russo tries a knee to the head but Demikovic blocks it.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Russo.
Russo manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Demikovic takes an elbow to the temple.
Russo taking a breather.
Demikovic is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Russo gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic taking a breather.
Russo lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Russo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Russo scores with a shoulder strike.
Russo has Demikovic pressed against the cage, preventing Demikovic from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Russo creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Demikovic's defenses.
Russo is struggling to control the position.
Demikovic wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Demikovic avoiding damage as Russo throws knees to the body.
Russo missing with knees to the body.
Demikovic misses with a shot to the kidneys.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Russo creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Demikovic's defenses.
Demikovic drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Russo gets the underhooks and prevents it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Russo avoiding damage.
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.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Russo looks to land a combination. Demikovic sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Russo circles away from the clinch attempt.

Demikovic closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Russo's guard.
Russo has a closed guard, preventing Demikovic from standing up.
Russo seems keen to control Demikovic's posture.
Russo looking to hit a scissor sweep but Demikovic is one step ahead there.
Demikovic trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demikovic postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Demikovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Russo is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Russo pulls Demikovic in close to prevent any damage.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Demikovic wants to clinch.
Russo lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Horrible takedown by Demikovic or perhaps it was just good defense by Russo which made him look bad.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo circles away from the clinch attempt.
Russo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Demikovic misses with a body shot.
Russo throws a front kick that sends Demikovic stumbling back into the cage.
Leeroy Russo is winning the standup battle so far.
Russo throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Demikovic changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Russo tries to avoid it but Demikovic manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Russo to the ground. Russo escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Demikovic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Russo fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Demikovic stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Russo.
Demikovic shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Russo defends it nicely.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Russo throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Russo, as that shot connected.
Demikovic on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Russo's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Russo duly obliges.
Demikovic moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Jab from Russo.
Nice body kick from Russo.
Russo jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Demikovic walks into a left hand.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A combination from Demikovic does no damage.
Russo digs a good hook to Demikovic's body.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Russo.
Russo connects with a crisp jab.
A lazy left from Russo finds it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russo looks to land a combination. Demikovic sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Demikovic.
Russo scores with a punch to the head.
Russo lands a leg kick that knocks Demikovic off balance momentarily.
Russo thumps Demikovic with a low kick.
Russo lands with a nice body punch.
Russo lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Russo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Demikovic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Demikovic has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A solid leg kick lands there for Russo.
Russo throws a quick inside leg kick.
Demikovic's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Russo lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
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!

Russo clinches up with Demikovic and pushes him back against the cage.
Demikovic can't get the takedown.
Russo controlling the action here for a moment.
Russo tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Demikovic avoids it.
Russo lands with a light punch inside.
Russo crunches a lovely knee into Demikovic's ribcage.
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.
Russo will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Demikovic up against the cage.
Demikovic is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Demikovic is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Russo gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Russo.
Russo misses with a knee strike.
A short left from Russo.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Demikovic breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Demikovic tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Russo paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Demikovic keeps the fight on the outside.
Good leg kick by Russo there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Demikovic misses with a jab, cross combination.
Demikovic closes the distance and clinches up with Russo, looking for a takedown. Demikovic pushes Russo against the cage but Russo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Demikovic on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Russo. Russo obviously looking to wear him down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russo misses with a wild combination.
Nice body kick there by Russo.
Russo throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Demikovic stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Russo lands with an uppercut that bounces Demikovic off the cage and back into range.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Russo throws a head kick that half lands.
Russo getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Demikovic takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Nice shot lands for Russo.
Demikovic fails to land the takedown.
Russo scores with a punch to the head.
Demikovic stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Russo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russo throws a series of strikes that have Demikovic backpedaling.
Donk. Russo catches Demikovic right on the button with a cross.
Russo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Russo moves into the clinch successfully.
Demikovic goes for a takedown attempt but Russo pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Demikovic looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Demikovic sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Russo defending well though.
Demikovic is keen to just control but Russo is a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic is controlling the pace.
Demikovic thows a huge punch but Russo dodges it nicely.
The fighters are battling for position here. Russo manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Demikovic controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Demikovic looking to pass the guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Nicolai Demikovic was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Demikovic shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Russo pinned against the cage. Russo gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
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.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

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.
Russo lands with an uppercut that bounces Demikovic off the cage and back into range.
Nice defenses there by Russo.
Russo cracks Demikovic with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Russo lands a high kick!
Russo is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Russo lands a head shot.

Demikovic shoots in and bounces Russo off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Russo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Russo keeping moving, preventing Demikovic from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russo avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Demikovic controlling from the top position.
Russo looking to hit a scissor sweep but Demikovic is one step ahead there.
Demikovic working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Demikovic trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Demikovic postures up.
Russo lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Demikovic!
Nicolai Demikovic has got the better of the ground game so far.
Demikovic is looking to get to half guard.
Demikovic wants to control but Russo is having none of it.

Russo gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Demikovic tries to keep at a distance but Russo has taken the fight into the clinch.
Russo is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Demikovic is defending well for now.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Russo looking to throw knees to the head but Demikovic is blocking nicely.
Russo is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Demikovic can do to turn this around?
Demikovic tries for a takedown but Russo manages to get underhooks.
Demikovic has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Russo after a bit of a struggle.
Leeroy Russo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nicolai Demikovic.
Demikovic is looking to break free of the clinch but Russo has double underhooks.
Russo throws an elbow but it misses.
Russo crunches a lovely knee into Demikovic's ribcage.
Demikovic blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Russo.
Russo is trying to maintain a safe position but Demikovic gets an underhook and turns Russo into the cage.
Demikovic has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Russo after a bit of a struggle.
Demikovic drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Demikovic is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Demikovic changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Russo fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Demikovic misses with a takedown attempt - Russo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
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 applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Russo chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Russo scores to the head and body with a nice combination!

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 Paul Tew scores the fight 49:46
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 49:46
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leeroy Russo!
Leeroy Russo retains his heavyweight title!
Leeroy Russo tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.