PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Volodymyr Zulughanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lucas Stafiano (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zulughanov comes to the ring accompanied by The Chain Gang of 1974 - Hold On. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zulughanov
vs
Stafiano

167 cm
23
153 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

175 cm
25
152 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Prefers standup

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Determined

BioLuvoil

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Volodymyr Zulughanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lucas Stafiano!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Ivan Kurochkin and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zulughanov circles away from the clinch attempt
and Zulughanov counters with a left and a right that stings Stafiano.
Stafiano tries to clinch up.
Lucas Stafiano seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Stafiano fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Zulughanov, pushing him back against the ropes.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zulughanov.
Zulughanov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zulughanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stafiano's elbow.
Zulughanov misses with a body punch.
Zulughanov working hard to break the clinch.
Zulughanov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Stafiano is keeping busy.
Stafiano fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Come on Zulughanov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Stafiano misses with a hook from the clinch.
Stafiano tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short right from Stafiano on the inside.
Stafiano content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Stafiano tries to work over Zulughanov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stafiano tries a body shot but Zulughanov blocks it.
Stafiano lands a hook that snaps the head of Zulughanov backwards.
Stafiano lands a left hand that snaps the head of Zulughanov backwards.
Zulughanov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Stafiano tries a body shot but Zulughanov blocks it.
Stafiano stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Zulughanov tries to stall but Stafiano uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Zulughanov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zulughanov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Stafiano lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Zulughanov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Zulughanov has a couple of punches blocked by Stafiano.
Stafiano misses with the head strike.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano throws a right hand that Zulughanov ducks under and follows up with a left that Zulughanov also avoids with ease.
Stafiano tries to clinch there but Zulughanov circles away.

Stafiano closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Stafiano lands a nice shot to the body.
Zulughanov is trying to break free.
Stafiano digs a right hand underneath Zulughanov's ribcage. Zulughanov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Zulughanov can't break the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zulughanov misses with a punch to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stafiano.
Stafiano is trying to stall.
Zulughanov takes a shot to the head.
Stafiano lands a nice uppercut.
Zulughanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stafiano's elbow.
Stafiano throws a head punch that misses.
Stafiano lands a body shot in the clinch.
Stafiano lands with a short shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short uppercut from Stafiano.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zulughanov.
Stafiano makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Stafiano doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Stafiano presses Zulughanov against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A right hook to the body lands for Stafiano.
Stafiano struggles to land a body shot inside as Zulughanov controls his hands.
Stafiano lands with a right to the head.
Stafiano tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zulughanov tries a body shot but Stafiano blocks it.
Stafiano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zulughanov looking to stall.
Zulughanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stafiano's elbow.
Stafiano lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Stafiano lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Zulughanov or not.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano lands a left hand that snaps the head of Zulughanov backwards.
Stafiano stalling.
A hook to the body from Stafiano.
Stafiano makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Zulughanov tries to throw a body punch but Stafiano avoids it by throwing Zulughanov back against the ropes.
Stafiano has a couple of punches blocked by Zulughanov.
Stafiano tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
This has been an exciting period of action!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Zulughanov.
Stafiano is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Zulughanov is keeping busy.
Zulughanov tries to circle away but Stafiano has him pinned against the ropes.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Stafiano.
A nice right hand lands inside from Stafiano.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stafiano.

Zulughanov breaks the clinch.
Stafiano doesn't manage to clinch there - Zulughanov circles away.

Stafiano clinches up against the ropes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lucas Stafiano dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Zulughanov fails to land with a series of punches.
Stafiano throws a series of punches but Zulughanov avoids them all with ease.
Zulughanov misses with an uppercut.
The fight stays on the outside here - Stafiano looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Stafiano tries to close the distance and clinch but Zulughanov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Stafiano tries to clinch up but Zulughanov circles away and keeps his distance.
Stafiano tries to clinch there but Zulughanov circles away.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Stafiano in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.

Stafiano darts in and clinches Zulughanov up against the ropes.
Stafiano blocks a body shot from Zulughanov.
Stafiano lands a body shot in the clinch.
Zulughanov is trying to break free.
Stafiano leaning against his opponent.
Stafiano lands a nice shot to the body.
Zulughanov tries to circle away but Stafiano has him pinned against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stafiano tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Stafiano scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Zulughanov tries to work over Stafiano's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A nice left hand lands by Stafiano.
Zulughanov is trying to force a seperation but Stafiano has the dominant position.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Stafiano tries to throw a body punch but Zulughanov avoids it by throwing Stafiano back against the ropes.
Stafiano struggles to land a body shot inside as Zulughanov controls his hands.
Zulughanov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Zulughanov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Stafiano lands an uppercut.
Stafiano pushes Zulughanov back against the ropes and unloads with a body punch.
Zulughanov tries to stall but Stafiano uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Zulughanov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Zulughanov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zulughanov wants to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zulughanov struggles to land a body shot inside as Stafiano controls his hands.
Stafiano lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Zulughanov backwards.
Stafiano lands with a right to the head.
Stafiano tries a body shot but Zulughanov blocks it.
Stafiano is leaning against Zulughanov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Stafiano tries a body shot but Zulughanov blocks it.
Zulughanov blocks an uppercut.
Stafiano misses with a body punch.
Zulughanov is trying to break the clinch but Stafiano has him pressed against the ropes.
Stafiano misses with a punch on the inside.
Stafiano misses with a punch to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Stafiano lands a body shot in the clinch.
Zulughanov struggles to land a body shot inside as Stafiano controls his hands.
Stafiano can't find room to land a body shot as Zulughanov controls the action.
Stafiano prevents a body shot from Zulughanov.
Stafiano misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano gets through Zulughanov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Zulughanov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zulughanov misses with a punch to the body.
Stafiano scores with a shot to the side of Zulughanov's head.
Stafiano keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Zulughanov's efforts to push away.
Stafiano throws a punch but it's blocked by Zulughanov.
Stafiano lands a nice uppercut.
Good body shot from Stafiano.
Zulughanov is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the ropes.
Stafiano misses with a short punch on the inside.
Lucas Stafiano seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Zulughanov misses with a body punch.
Zulughanov tries to work over Stafiano's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Zulughanov takes a shot to the head.
A short right from Stafiano.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Stafiano.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano tries to throw a body punch but Zulughanov avoids it by throwing Stafiano back against the ropes.
Stafiano swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Stafiano throws a punch but it's blocked by Zulughanov.
Zulughanov misses with a hook to the ribs.
The referee is keeping an eye on Zulughanov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Stafiano has Zulughanov pressed against the ropes, preventing Zulughanov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Zulughanov tries to stall but Stafiano uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Stafiano has a couple of punches blocked by Zulughanov.
Zulughanov blocks an uppercut.
Zulughanov is trying to break the clinch but Stafiano is controlling him.
Stafiano tries to work over Zulughanov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A right hand to the body from Stafiano.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zulughanov tries to stall but Stafiano uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Zulughanov misses with some punches.
A short right from Stafiano on the inside.
Stafiano gets through Zulughanov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lucas Stafiano showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Stafiano instigates a clinch.
Stafiano keeps control of Zulughanov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Stafiano lands a right hand that snaps the head of Zulughanov backwards.
Stafiano blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Stafiano lands with a short shot to the head.
Zulughanov tries to throw a body punch but Stafiano avoids it by throwing Zulughanov back against the ropes.
Stafiano scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Zulughanov misses with a body punch.
Zulughanov prevents a body shot from Stafiano.
Stafiano misses with some punches.
Stafiano misses with a hook to the ribs.
Stafiano tries to work over Zulughanov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Zulughanov trying to stall but Stafiano improves his position.
Stafiano tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zulughanov's elbow.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stafiano.
Stafiano's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
A nice right hand lands inside from Stafiano.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zulughanov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Stafiano has him pressed against the ropes.
Zulughanov wants to get back to striking at distance but Stafiano won't allow it.
Stafiano misses with the head strike.
Stafiano lands a left hand.
Stafiano has a couple of punches blocked by Zulughanov.
Stafiano fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Zulughanov is looking to control Stafiano's arms but Stafiano gets an underhook and turns him. Now Zulughanov has his back to the ropes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Stafiano.
A short right from Stafiano on the inside.
Stafiano blocks a body shot from Zulughanov.
Stafiano tries to throw a body punch but Zulughanov avoids it by throwing Stafiano back against the ropes.
Zulughanov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Stafiano goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zulughanov tries to break the clinch but Stafiano is controlling the position.
Stafiano swings wildly with an uppercut but Zulughanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Zulughanov blocks an uppercut.
Volodymyr Zulughanov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano has a couple of punches blocked by Zulughanov.
Stafiano tries to throw a body punch but Zulughanov avoids it by throwing Stafiano back against the ropes.
Zulughanov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Stafiano lands an uppercut.
Zulughanov misses with a punch to the body.
Stafiano lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Stafiano lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Stafiano misses with a hook to the ribs.
Stafiano misses with a punch on the inside.
A short right from Stafiano.
Stafiano struggles to land a body shot inside as Zulughanov controls his hands.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Zulughanov tries a body shot but Stafiano blocks it.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Good body shot from Stafiano.
Stafiano can't find room to land a body shot as Zulughanov controls the action.

Zulughanov manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Zulughanov connects with a body shot that sends Stafiano's belly button to the back.
Stafiano tries to clinch up.
Zulughanov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Stafiano counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Stafiano throws a head punch that misses.
Zulughanov is trying to force a seperation but Stafiano has the dominant position.
Zulughanov is trying to break the clinch but Stafiano is controlling him.
Zulughanov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Stafiano lands an uppercut.
Stafiano tries to throw a body punch but Zulughanov avoids it by throwing Stafiano back against the ropes.
Stafiano pushes Zulughanov back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zulughanov tries to break the clinch but Stafiano is controlling the position.
Stafiano lands a hook to the side of the head.
Stafiano swings wildly with an uppercut but Zulughanov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Stafiano lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stafiano is trying to maintain a safe position but Zulughanov gets an underhook and turns Stafiano into the ropes.
Stafiano keeps control of Zulughanov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Zulughanov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Stafiano keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Zulughanov's efforts to push away.
Zulughanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Stafiano's elbow.
Zulughanov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Stafiano doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Still in the clinch, Stafiano scores with a nice short uppercut.
Zulughanov misses with a hook to the ribs.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stafiano tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zulughanov wants to get back to striking at distance but Stafiano won't allow it.
Stafiano displaying some good clinch control by pressing Zulughanov up against the ropes.
Still in the clinch, Stafiano scores with a nice short uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lucas Stafiano comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Stafiano has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 for Lucas Stafiano!
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight for Lucas Stafiano!
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight for Lucas Stafiano!

Lucas Stafiano wins by unanimous decision!
During a confident post fight interview, Lucas Stafiano thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.