PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Volkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ran Plan III (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ran Plan III has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Volkov
vs
Plan III

176 cm
26
204 lbs
18 - 15 - 0

180 cm
26
197 lbs
12 - 8 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Revolution Fatigues

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 18 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Nikolai Volkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Ran Plan III!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Alec Ball and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Volkov throws a hook to the side of Plan III's head but Plan III sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Plan III displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Volkov throws out the jab.
Plan III cracks Volkov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Plan III uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Volkov.
Plan III feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Volkov's calf.
Plan III tries to clinch there but Volkov circles away.
Plan III throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Volkov throws a push kick but Plan III slaps the foot to one side.
A telegraphed right hand from Volkov misses the target.
Plan III connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
The fight stays on the outside here - Plan III looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Volkov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Plan III bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Volkov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A slapping leg kick lands for Plan III.
Plan III tries to close the distance and clinch up but Volkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Plan III fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Volkov, pushing him back against the cage.
Volkov trying to stall but Plan III improves his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plan III lands a right hand that snaps the head of Volkov backwards.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Plan III lands a right hand.
Plan III gets through Volkov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Plan III.
Plan III swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Plan III breaks the clinch.
Plan III thows a left - swing and a miss!
Plan III throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
The crowd cheers as Plan III lands an impressive looking overhand right. Volkov doesn't seem phased though.
Volkov throws a lazy uppercut
and Plan III counters with a slapping leg kick.
Plan III throws a head kick that half lands.
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!
Plan III's jab looks to have found its range, popping Volkov under the eye.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Volkov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Plan III throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Volkov is breathing heavily.
Nice defenses there by Plan III.
Plan III misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Volkov lands with a kick to the temple. Plan III shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Volkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Plan III.
Plan III tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Volkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A big right from Volkov misses.
Both fighters circling a little - Plan III finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Nice cross by Plan III.
Plan III looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Plan III.

Plan III clinches.
Plan III tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Volkov's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Plan III manages to break the clinch.
Plan III works over Volkov's head and body with a nice combination.
Volkov throws a wild body kick that Plan III sees coming a mile off.
Volkov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Plan III swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Plan III throws a quick inside leg kick.
Volkov throws a sloppy head kick
and Plan III counters with a body kick.
Plan III scoring well with a low kick there.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Volkov crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Plan III - the referee stops the clock and Volkov gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Plan III. Volkov manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

Plan III gets a clinch.

Plan III breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Plan III throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Volkov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Plan III goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Plan III lets loose with a powerful body kick. Volkov will feel that in the morning.
Plan III lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Volkov will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Plan III throws a head kick that Volkov semi-blocks.
Plan III wants to clinch up but Volkov keeps it at a distance.
Plan III moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Plan III, right into the meat.

Volkov gets tackled into the cage by Plan III. Plan III maintains the clinch.
Plan III lands a right hand.

Plan III escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Plan III swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Volkov.
Plan III throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Plan III fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Plan III is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Volkov had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Plan III, right into the meat.
Plan III listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Plan III throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Volkov.
Volkov walks into a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ran Plan III dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Plan III with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Volkov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Volkov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
The fighters circle momentarily. Plan III darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Plan III looks for the body kick but Volkov saw that one coming.
Plan III tries to land a front kick but Volkov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Plan III tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Volkov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Plan III throws a wild body kick that Volkov sees coming a mile off.
Volkov tries a head kick but it misses.
Volkov throws a body punch but Plan III moves out of range.
That kick from Plan III tenderised Volkov's leg. Volkov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Volkov misses with a looping left.
Plan III jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Volkov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Decent striking displayed by Plan III there.
Plan III throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Plan III misses with a head kick.
Ran Plan III is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Volkov misses with a straight left.
Plan III throws a nice looking combination but Volkov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
A nice leg kick lands there from Plan III.
Volkov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Plan III lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Jab, jab by Plan III - just one landing.
Volkov misses with a wild body shot.
Plan III throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
A thudding body kick lands there by Plan III!
Plan III misses with the combination.
Plan III scores with a nice head shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Plan III moves into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Plan III working aggressively here.
Volkov looking to slow down the pace here.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Plan III creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Plan III lands a body punch in the clinch.
Volkov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Plan III tries a body shot but Volkov blocks it.
Volkov trying to stall but Plan III improves his position.
Plan III lands a body shot in the clinch.
Plan III tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Plan III.
Plan III tries to work over Volkov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plan III tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Volkov's elbow.
Plan III misses with a body punch.
Plan III lands a left hand.
Plan III lands with a left to the head.
Volkov blocks a body shot from Plan III.
Plan III has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Plan III misses with a hook from the clinch.

Plan III manages to break the clinch.
Plan III throws a right and a left that Volkov avoids nicely.
Plan III throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Plan III stalks Volkov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Volkov's face. Volkov staggers backwards, shaken.
Plan III tries to clinch there but Volkov circles away.
A slapping body kick lands there for Plan III.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Plan III. Volkov shrugs it off though.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice shot lands for Plan III.

Plan III has managed to clinch.

Plan III breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Plan III scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Plan III ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Plan III throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Plan III lands with a shot to the body.
Plan III lands a nice leg kick that just misses Volkov's sensitive parts.
Plan III feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Volkovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Plan III throws a combination. Volkov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Plan III, as that shot connected.
Volkov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Plan III misses with a wild combination.
Volkov throws a lazy right hand but Plan III sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ran Plan III showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Volkov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Plan III misses with a series of wild punches.
Plan III swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Plan III with a nice cross.
Plan III connects with a nice looking jab.
Volkov takes a shot to the body in his stride.

Plan III takes the fight into the clinch.
Volkov trying to stall but Plan III improves his position.
Plan III working aggressively here.
Volkov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Plan III misses with a punch to the body.
Plan III keeps control of Volkov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plan III lands a hook that snaps the head of Volkov backwards.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Plan III.
Plan III throws a punch but it's blocked by Volkov.
Plan III lands with a right to the head.
Plan III lands with a light punch inside.
Plan III lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Plan III goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Plan III tries to throw a body punch but Volkov avoids it by throwing Plan III back against the cage.
Plan III struggles to land a body shot inside as Volkov controls his hands.
Plan III goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Plan III letting Volkov take a breather here.
Nikolai Volkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Plan III can't find room to land a body shot as Volkov controls the action.
Plan III swings wildly with an uppercut but Volkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Plan III throws a knee to the head but misses.

Plan III breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Volkov scores with a one two! Plan III had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
A left lands for Plan III.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Volkov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Plan III is keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plan III scores with a shot to the side of Volkov's head.
Plan III throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Volkov prevents a body shot from Plan III.
Plan III lands with a left to the head.
Plan III scores with a nice hook to the head.
Plan III swings wildly with an uppercut but Volkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Good body shot from Plan III.
Plan III misses with a punch to the body.
Plan III cracks Volkov with a nice body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Plan III.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Plan III.
Still in the clinch, Plan III scores with a nice short uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Plan III tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Volkov's elbow.
Plan III scores with a hook to the body.
Plan III tries to throw a body punch but Volkov avoids it by throwing Plan III back against the cage.

Plan III pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nice shot lands for Plan III.
Plan III lands with an overhand left.
Plan III steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Volkov.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Plan III with a hook.

Volkov is rocked!
Plan III moves in looking to clinch but Volkov pushes him off.
Oh Volkov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Plan III throws a shot to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ran Plan III comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Plan III 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 William Peck scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 27:30
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ran Plan III!
During a confident post fight interview, Ran Plan III thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.