PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikolay Baskov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cloud Strife (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Baskov might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Nikolay Baskov - You are far from me. Strife has chosen One Winged Angel by The Black Mages as his entrance music. This should be fireworks!

Baskov
vs
Strife

189 cm
27
249 lbs
15 - 13 - 0

201 cm
33
289 lbs
18 - 15 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Bloodsport Nutrition (100% Genuine)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 13 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikolay Baskov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Cloud Strife!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Daniel Bishop and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Baskov slaps away a takedown attempt from Strife, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Strife moves into the clinch.

Strife manages to pull guard.
Baskov wants to get up but he can't break Strife's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Baskov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Strife has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Baskov has managed to get both his arms back between Strife's legs - danger averted.

Strife is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Baskov is aware though and is defending well.

Strife has his foot on Baskov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Baskov works his way back into a safe position though.
Strife is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Baskov wants to control from the top but Strife keeps moving.
Baskov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Strife looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Baskov scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baskov trying to stand up but can't free himself from Strife's guard.
Baskov trying to control but Strife is working from the bottom.
Baskov wants to stand but Strife is controlling his posture from full guard.
Baskov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Strife swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Baskov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Baskov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Strife has his foot on Baskov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Baskov works his way back into a safe position though.
Baskov tries to free his leg and advance position but Strife is retaining full guard.

Strife is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Baskov is aware though and is defending well.

Strife is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Strife is looking for a triangle but Baskov pushes his legs off easily.

Baskov stands and steps away. Strife gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Strife leaves Baskov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Baskov is looking to clinch but Strife is avoiding it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Strife dodges the punch combination from Baskov.

Baskov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Baskov is trying to drag Strife to the mat but Strife just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

Strife pulls Baskov into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Strife has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Baskov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Strife is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Strife can't get the takedown.

Strife manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Baskov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Strife swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Strife manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Strife is landing with some decent strikes but Baskov is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Baskov tries to hold on but Strife pushes him away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Baskov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Strife with a couple of short strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cloud Strife dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Baskov throws the kick towards the body but Strife avoids it.

Strife closes the distance and pushes Baskov back into the cage.

Baskov lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Baskov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Strife keeps working.
Baskov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Baskov is trying for a kimura here. Strife looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Baskov wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:52 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Nikolay Baskov!
Nikolay Baskov managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Fossington & Blythe: Gentlemen's Fight Attire, into his post fight interview.