PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Yevgeni Raduchenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alistair Overeem (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Raduchenko
vs
Overeem

178 cm
24
187 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

180 cm
28
193 lbs
18 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Yevgeni Raduchenko!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alistair Overeem!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Vladimir Khabensky and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Raduchenko tries to clinch but Overeem moves out of range.
Overeem tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Raduchenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Overeem.
Overeem scores with a nice strike.
Raduchenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Overeem connects with a solid leg kick.
Raduchenko tries to clinch there but Overeem circles away.
Overeem moves out of range of the body kick.
Overeem tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Raduchenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Overeem.
Raduchenko fails with an attempt to clinch.
Overeem buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Overeem misses the target.
Nice body punch from Raduchenko.
Overeem buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Raduchenko throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Raduchenko tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Overeem swivels and escapes.
Raduchenko throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Raduchenko closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Overeem's guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Raduchenko postures up in Overeem's guard and throws a big left but Overeem blocks it.
Raduchenko throwing strikes from guard but Overeem blocks nicely.
Overeem looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Overeem utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Raduchenko wants to control from the top but Overeem keeps moving.
Raduchenko trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Raduchenko cracks Overeem with a solid left hand.
Overeem managing to control the position.
Overeem is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Raduchenko is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Overeem preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Raduchenko loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Raduchenko accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Raduchenko trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Overeem manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
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!

Overeem avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Raduchenko has his foot on Overeem's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Overeem works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Overeem won't allow Raduchenko to sweep him here.

Raduchenko throws his legs up looking for a submission but Overeem uses it to pass to side control.

Overeem has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Raduchenko scores with a shot to the body.
Overeem keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Overeem tries to land a leg kick but Raduchenko saw it coming and moves away.
Overeem looks to score with a jab to the body but Raduchenko is just out of range.
Raduchenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Raduchenko is looking to wear down Overeem with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Raduchenko shoots in looking for a takedown. Overeem tries to sprawl out of it but Raduchenko keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Overeem manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem scores with a one two! Raduchenko had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Some wild striking there from Overeem.
Overeem attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Overeem fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Raduchenko checks it well.
Overeem fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Raduchenko.
Overeem connects with a solid leg kick.
Overeem lands a nice leg kick that just misses Raduchenko's sensitive parts.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Raduchenko tries to clinch but Overeem is having none of it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Good work by Overeem as he checks the leg kick.
Overeem keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Alistair Overeem is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Overeem checks the leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Yevgeni Raduchenko will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

An inside leg kick from Overeem misses.
Overeem pushes Raduchenko away with a front kick.
Raduchenko throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Overeem keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Overeem moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Raduchenko shoots for a takedown but Overeem saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Overeem throws a low kick but it's checked well by Raduchenko.
Overeem rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Raduchenko moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Raduchenko blocks a jab.
Overeem lands a leg kick that knocks Raduchenko off balance momentarily.
Raduchenko shoots for a takedown but Overeem saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yevgeni Raduchenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Raduchenko moves out of range of the body kick.
Raduchenko takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Raduchenko throws a low kick but Overeem moves out of range easily.
Raduchenko shoots for a takedown but Overeem saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Raduchenko shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Overeem as he avoids it easily.
Overeem thows a body shot but no joy.
Overeem misses with a body shot.
Raduchenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Overeem manages to avoid it.
Overeem lands a lovely overhand right.
Overeem throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Raduchenko takes the fight into the clinch.
Raduchenko displaying some good clinch control by pressing Overeem up against the cage.

Raduchenko jumps guard and drags Overeem to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Overeem tries to stand but Raduchenko is controlling from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Overeem gets to his feet. Raduchenko looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Raduchenko swings for the body but Overeem moves out of range.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Raduchenko.

Overeem gets caught flat footed, as Raduchenko shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Raduchenko being controlled here momentarily.
Raduchenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Overeem is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raduchenko postures up.
Raduchenko loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Alistair Overeem was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Overeem swats away the attempt to clinch by Raduchenko.
Overeem lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Overeem misses with a wild body shot.
Raduchenko takes one to the side of the head.
Raduchenko shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Overeem defends it nicely.
Raduchenko looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Raduchenko misses with a low kick.
Overeem buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Overeem feints and then cracks Raduchenko's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Raduchenko down.
Raduchenko shoots in looking for a takedown but Overeem manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Raduchenko's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Overeem.

Raduchenko rushes Overeem and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Overeem misses with a body punch.
Raduchenko tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Overeem avoids it.
Overeem lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Overeem lands with a right to the head.
Raduchenko is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Overeem is working Raduchenko over against the cage.
Raduchenko is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Overeem is keeping busy.
Raduchenko goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Raduchenko prevents a body shot from Overeem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Overeem connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Raduchenko's hands.
Overeem just misses with a punch to the body.
Overeem fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Raduchenko has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A looping hook to the body misses from Overeem. Raduchenko does a little dance to reset his feet.
Overeem needs to keep his hands up - Raduchenko had a free shot at his head there.
Overeem thumps Raduchenko with a low kick.
Raduchenko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Overeem's waist but Overeem gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Raduchenko off to one side.
Raduchenko changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Overeem tries to avoid it but Raduchenko manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Overeem to the ground. Overeem escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Overeem cracks the inside of Raduchenko's front leg.
Raduchenko misses with a wild body shot.
An inside leg kick from Overeem misses.
Overeem tests Raduchenko's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Overeem throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Overeem lands with an overhand left.
Overeem is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Raduchenko.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yevgeni Raduchenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Overeem throws a sloppy head kick and Raduchenko moves out of range easily.
Overeem scores with a hook to the body. Raduchenko takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Overeem checks a leg kick nicely.
Overeem keeps the fight on the outside.
Overeem avoids the body shot from Raduchenko.
Raduchenko throws a sloppy head kick and Overeem moves out of range easily.
Raduchenko throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Raduchenko lands with a shot to the body.
Alistair Overeem seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Raduchenko drives through and clinches with Overeem against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Overeem tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Raduchenko's elbow.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Raduchenko tries for a takedown. No joy.
Raduchenko fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Overeem works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A short body shot lands from Overeem as the two fighters clinch.
Overeem works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Overeem lands with a light punch inside.
Overeem scores with a hook to the body.
Overeem misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Overeem.
Alistair Overeem seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Overeem struggles to land a body shot inside as Raduchenko controls his hands.
Overeem misses with a hook to the ribs.
Overeem scores with a hook to the body.
A hook to the body from Overeem.
Overeem lands a body shot.
Overeem lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Raduchenko.
Overeem misses with a punch to the body.
Raduchenko tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Overeem smiles and moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raduchenko on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Overeem lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Overeem throws a body kick that misses.
Raduchenko throws a head kick that misses
enabling Overeem to counter with a crisp jab.
Overeem lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Raduchenko takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Jab by Overeem.
Raduchenko takes one to the side of the head.
Overeem jabs Raduchenko to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Overeem throws a push kick but Raduchenko slaps the foot to one side.
Raduchenko misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raduchenko on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
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!
Raduchenko looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Raduchenko looks to land a combination but Overeem avoids it well.
Overeem checks a leg kick.
Overeem thows a left - swing and a miss!
Raduchenko tries to clinch there but Overeem circles away.
Overeem misses with a series of wild punches.
That kick from Overeem tenderised Raduchenko's leg. Raduchenko is trying to keep his angry face on.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Overeem lands a leg kick that knocks Raduchenko off balance momentarily.
Overeem misses with an attempted mid kick.
Overeem uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Raduchenko.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A chopping leg kick lands by Overeem.
Raduchenko chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Overeem can pounce on him.
Overeem scores with a one two! Raduchenko had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Raduchenko just misses with a punch to the body.
Raduchenko takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Raduchenko avoids a punch combination nicely.

Raduchenko gets a takedown into half guard.
Overeem looks like he's trying to stand up.
Raduchenko is looking to take a break and control but Overeem is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Overeem manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Overeem looking to control.
Overeem keeping moving, preventing Raduchenko from controlling successfully.
Overeem is controlling Raduchenko's posture.

Overeem pushes Raduchenko off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Raduchenko dives in and scores a takedown into Overeem's guard.
Raduchenko with a flurry of punches that miss.
Raduchenko lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Overeem has his feet on Raduchenko's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Overeem tries to score with a low kick but Raduchenko moves his leg out of the way.
Overeem connects with an inside leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Raduchenko lands a nice leg kick that just misses Overeem's sensitive parts.
Overeem with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Raduchenko keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Raduchenko avoids a kick to the body.
Overeem throws a lazy body kick

and Raduchenko moves into the clinch.
Raduchenko tries to pull guard but Overeem holds him up against the cage and eventually Raduchenko drops back down to his feet.
Raduchenko lands an elbow just above Overeem 's eye.
Overeem is leaning against Raduchenko and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Raduchenko tries to pull guard but Overeem won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raduchenko tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Overeem just stands there and leans against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yevgeni Raduchenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Raduchenko is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Overeem tries to throw a body punch but Raduchenko avoids it by throwing Overeem back against the cage.

Overeem manages to break the clinch.
Raduchenko tries to clinch but Overeem moves away
and Overeem finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Overeem uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Raduchenko.
Overeem throws a half hearted mid kick.
Raduchenko is looking to clinch but Overeem is avoiding it.
Overeem pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Overeem turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Overeem clobbers Raduchenko with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Overeem dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Raduchenko. That did some damage!
Raduchenko looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem cracks the inside of Raduchenko's front leg.
Overeem throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Raduchenko on the side of the head.
Raduchenko changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Overeem tries to avoid it but Raduchenko manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Overeem to the ground. Overeem escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Raduchenko checks a low kick from Overeem.
Raduchenko misses with a kick to the body.
Raduchenko closes the distance and clinches up with Overeem, looking for a takedown. Raduchenko pushes Overeem against the cage but Overeem circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Raduchenko wants to clinch up but Overeem keeps it at a distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Raduchenko tries to close the distance and clinch but Overeem swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Raduchenko misses with a wild body shot.
Overeem misses with a looping left.
Raduchenko uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Overeem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alistair Overeem dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Overeem connects with an inside leg kick.
Overeem tests Raduchenko's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Raduchenko lunges at Overeem with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Overeem's hand.
Overeem loads up on a big right hand but Raduchenko slips the punch.
Raduchenko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Overeem keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
An inside leg kick lands from Overeem.
Raduchenko shoots in but Overeem avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Raduchenko will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Overeem swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Overeem throws a wild body kick that Raduchenko sees coming a mile off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Raduchenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Overeem was well out of range. Poor timing from Raduchenko.
Overeem throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Raduchenko.
Raduchenko wants to clinch.
Overeem connects with a nice looking jab.
Overeem throws a body punch but Raduchenko moves out of range.
Overeem scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Overeem scoring well with a low kick there.
Overeem avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
That kick from Overeem tenderised Raduchenko's leg. Raduchenko is trying to keep his angry face on.
Raduchenko lands with a thumping leg kick.
Yevgeni Raduchenko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Raduchenko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Overeem's waist but Overeem gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Raduchenko off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yevgeni Raduchenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Overeem cracks Raduchenko with a good jab.
Overeem throws a right hand that Raduchenko ducks under and follows up with a left that Raduchenko also avoids with ease.
Danga de danga de dang - Overeem scores with a four punch combination!
Overeem lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Raduchenko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Overeem throws out the jab.
Raduchenko ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Overeem scores with a nice right hand.
Overeem lands a leg kick that knocks Raduchenko off balance momentarily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Overeem throws a lazy right hand but Raduchenko sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Raduchenko just misses with a punch to the body.
Raduchenko has a takedown stuffed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raduchenko tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Overeem swivels and escapes.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Overeem scores with a nice body kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Overeem. Raduchenko does a little dance to reset his feet.
Raduchenko looks for a takedown but Overeem sprawls well.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Overeem. Raduchenko shrugs it off though.
Raduchenko tries to clinch but fails miserably
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Raduchenko fails with a takedown attempt.
Raduchenko attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
No luck for Raduchenko with that takedown attempt.
Raduchenko takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Overeem connects with a leg kick. Raduchenko looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Overeem scores with a shot to the body.
Raduchenko takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Overeem has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A low kick from Raduchenko misses
and Overeem counters with an inside leg kick.
Raduchenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Overeem is just out of range.
Alistair Overeem is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Overeem misses with a jab, cross combination.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Overeem scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Raduchenko digs a good hook to Overeem's body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Raduchenko shoots in and drives through. Overeem sprawls well.
A head kick from Overeem lands but Raduchenko takes it in his stride.
Overeem's jab looks to have found its range, popping Raduchenko under the eye.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alistair Overeem comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Overeem has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 46:49
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 46:49
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alistair Overeem!
Alistair Overeem is the new middleweight champion!
Alistair Overeem took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Reaper Combatwear for their support in the buildup to the fight.