PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jeremy Crusher (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vadim Nazarov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Nazarov's choice of entrance music: "Fade to Black" by Metallica. This should be fireworks!

Crusher
vs
Nazarov

185 cm
21
197 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

187 cm
20
195 lbs
6 - 0 - 2

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
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 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jeremy Crusher!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Vadim Nazarov!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Leandro Rodrigues and Matheus Silva.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nazarov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Crusher moves out of range as Nazarov strikes.
Nazarov leaves Crusher with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Nazarov misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nazarov. Crusher does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nazarov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nazarov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Crusher manages to avoid it.
Nazarov lands a lovely overhand right.
Nazarov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Crusher was well out of range. Poor timing from Nazarov.
Nazarov is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Crusher rather than just go for the knockout.
Nazarov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nazarov works over Crusher's head and body with a nice combination.
A jab from Nazarov does it's job there.

Crusher darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Crusher wants to take a breather but Nazarov is having none of it.
Crusher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crusher thows a huge punch but Nazarov dodges it nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nazarov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Crusher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Crusher seems to be working for a kimura but Nazarov defends the submission attempt.
Nazarov regains full guard. Nicely done.
Nazarov keeping moving, preventing Crusher from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Crusher is one step ahead there.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Crusher accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Crusher trying to control the position from guard on top but Nazarov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Jeremy Crusher wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Nazarov throws a nice looking combination but Crusher bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Crusher throws a sloppy head kick and Nazarov moves out of range easily.
Crusher fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Crusher throws a leg kick that misses.
Crusher pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Crusher slips under a jab.
Nazarov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Crusher's head backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Crusher misses with a low kick.
Nazarov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Crusher moves away.
Crusher ducks under a wild hook from Nazarov.
Nazarov throws a body punch but Crusher moves out of range.

Crusher drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Crusher scores with a couple of short elbows.
Crusher postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Crusher trying to control the action but Nazarov is working from the bottom.
Crusher misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Nazarov parries the strikes from Crusher easily there. Crusher is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Nazarov to escape.
Crusher tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crusher trying to control the action but Nazarov is working from the bottom.

Crusher tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Nazarov tries to improve position but can't.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Crusher misses with the ground and pound.
Nazarov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Crusher wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Crusher with the ground and pound but Nazarov regains half guard under the barage of strikes.

Crusher is working for a kimura but Nazarov is defending it quite comfortably.
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 Jeremy Crusher will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Crusher shoots in for a takedown but Nazarov shows good takedown defense.
Nazarov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Crusher.
Crusher misses with a low kick.
Crusher tries to clinch but Nazarov is having none of it.
Crusher uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nazarov.
Nazarov throws a hook but Crusher avoids it easily.
Nazarov just misses with a punch to the body.
Crusher misses with a kick to the body.
Nazarov swings for the body but Crusher moves out of range.

Crusher feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Crusher throws a big right hand that misses.
Crusher works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Nazarov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Crusher is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crusher sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Nazarov defending well though.
Nazarov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Crusher.
Crusher throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Crusher is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Nazarov defends it well.
Nazarov tries to roll over but Crusher keeps him under control.

Crusher is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Nazarov is just riding it out for now. Crusher eventually gives up the hold.
Crusher thows a huge punch but Nazarov dodges it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Crusher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Crusher frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Crusher looking to control but Nazarov is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Nazarov blocking the ground and pound.
Nazarov is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Crusher throws some wild stikes that Nazarov manages to avoid easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov blocking the ground and pound.
Nazarov is trying to escape the mount.
Crusher has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Nazarov's face.
Jeremy Crusher overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Crusher is landing with some decent strikes but Nazarov is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Crusher has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Crusher misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Crusher prevents Nazarov from getting the reversal.
Crusher postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Nazarov looks a forlorn figure.
Crusher pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Crusher wants to control but instead Nazarov manages to regain half guard.

Crusher is looking for a kimura here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crusher wants to free his trapped foot but Nazarov is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Nazarov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Crusher trying to control from half guard but Nazarov is working away.
Crusher not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Crusher passes the guard and advances to mount!
Nazarov bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeremy Crusher dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Crusher pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nazarov misses with a body shot.
Nazarov moves out of range as Crusher throws a body kick.
Crusher tries to land a leg kick but Nazarov saw it coming and moves away.
Nazarov avoids the head kick by Crusher.
Crusher misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Nazarov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Crusher.
Crusher fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Nazarov jabs Crusher right on the nose. Crusher blinks but takes it well.
Crusher throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A bone on bone clash there as Nazarov blocks the leg kick.
Nazarov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Nazarov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nazarov blocks a head kick by Crusher.
Jeremy Crusher seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nazarov jabs at Crusher's body.
Nazarov swings widly with a right hand
and Crusher counters with a nice body shot.

Crusher gets the takedown into side control.
Crusher scoring with punches from side control.
Crusher wants to lay and pray for a moment but Nazarov keeps working.
An elbow from Crusher crashes against the mat.
Nazarov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Crusher wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Crusher works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Nazarov gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Crusher wants to lay and pray for a moment but Nazarov keeps working.

Crusher is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Nazarov defends it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Crusher looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Crusher throwing shots but Nazarov is blocking nicely.
Crusher lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Nazarov is defending against the submission attempts here by Crusher.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Nazarov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Crusher wants to take a breather but Nazarov is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Crusher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Crusher is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Nazarov defends it well.
Crusher throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crusher missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Crusher wants to take a breather but Nazarov is having none of it.

Crusher is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Nazarov has managed to free his arm - good work.
Crusher thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Crusher is looking to advance position but Nazarov won't allow it.
Nazarov tries to roll over but Crusher keeps him under control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Crusher is looking to take a break and control but Nazarov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jeremy Crusher clearly takes that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Crusher misses with a low kick.
Crusher looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Nazarov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Crusher tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nazarov slaps away a takedown attempt from Crusher, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nazarov throws a shot from downtown. Crusher moves away and avoids it.

Crusher fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Nazarov, pushing him back against the cage.
Nazarov misses with a body punch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Nazarov.
Crusher misses with a punch to the body.
Nazarov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Nazarov digs a right hand into Crusher's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Crusher's gas tank.
Nazarov is working Crusher over against the cage.
Crusher is trying to pull guard but Nazarov turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Crusher tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jeremy Crusher. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short body shot lands from Nazarov as the two fighters clinch.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Nazarov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A right hand to the body from Nazarov.
Nazarov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Nazarov.
A short right from Nazarov.
Nazarov tries to work over Crusher's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Crusher tries to work over Nazarov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nazarov is working Crusher over against the cage.
Nazarov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Crusher backwards.
Nazarov can't find room to land a body shot as Crusher controls the action.
Nazarov lands a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nazarov lands an uppercut.
Nazarov lands a body punch in the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Nazarov.
Nazarov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Crushers head.
Nazarov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Crusher backwards.

Nazarov breaks from the clinch.
A cross from Nazarov lands.
Crusher slips under a jab.
Nazarov looks to score with a jab to the body but Crusher is just out of range.
Crusher shoots in but no luck this time.
Nazarov staying out of range there.
Nazarov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Crusher has time to react.
Nazarov cracks Crusher with an open hand slap.
Nazarov misses with a wild body shot.
Some bone on bone action there as Nazarov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Crusher changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Nazarov tries to avoid it but Crusher manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Nazarov to the ground. Nazarov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Nazarov looks to land a left hand but Crusher moved out of range nicely.
Crusher blocks a jab.

Crusher shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Crusher showed some decent athleticism there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Crusher is working for a submission of some sort.
Nazarov is trying to maintain the position but Crusher is very close to passing his half guard.
Crusher thows a huge punch but Nazarov dodges it nicely.
Nazarov trying to hold on to Crusher's head to control him but Crusher postures up.
Well, if Crusher is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crusher is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Nazarov reverses the position - he's now on top in Crusher's guard.

Crusher has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Nazarov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Nazarov trying to control but Crusher is working from the bottom.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vadim Nazarov dominated that fourth round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Nice sprawl there from Nazarov as Crusher shoots in.
Nazarov misses with a wild body shot.
A bone on bone clash there as Nazarov blocks the leg kick.
Nazarov thows a body shot but no joy.
Crusher lands a nice looking body shot.
Crusher is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Crusher moves away from the strike by Nazarov.
Nazarov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Crusher moves away.
Crusher throws out a leg kick but Nazarov moves out of range and Crusher only half commits.
Good work by Nazarov as he checks the leg kick.
Nazarov blocks a low kick nicely.
Crusher fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Nazarov checks it well.
Nice body punch from Nazarov.
Vadim Nazarov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Crusher.
Crusher throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Nazarov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Crusher moves away.
Crusher tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Nazarov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Nazarov looks to throw the jab but Crusher is out of range.
Nazarov misses with a wild body shot.
Crusher shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Nazarov as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jeremy Crusher. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nazarov loads up on a big right hand but Crusher slips the punch.
Nazarov misses the shot to the body.
Nazarov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Nazarov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nazarov lands with a nice body punch.
Nice straight punches there by Nazarov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Nazarov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Nazarov.
Nazarov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Nazarov misses with an uppercut. Crusher saw that one coming.
Crusher throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Vadim Nazarov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Crusher gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Nazarov misses the shot to the body.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Crusher is defended easily by Nazarov.
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!
Nazarov misses the shot to the body.
Crusher tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Crusher is looking to score with low kicks.
Crusher shoots in looking for a takedown but Nazarov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Crusher's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Crusher tries to clinch up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov misses the shot to the body.
Nazarov moves out of range as Crusher throws a body kick.
Crusher on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Nazarov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
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.
A head kick misses from Crusher.
Nazarov digs a good body shot into Crusher's ribs.
Nazarov swings for the body but Crusher moves out of range.
Crusher tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Nazarov swivels and escapes.
Nazarov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Crusher tries to close the distance and clinch but Nazarov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nazarov misses with a hook.
Nazarov thows a body shot but no joy.
Crusher with a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Crusher shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Nazarov but Nazarov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Crusher throws a wild body kick that Nazarov sees coming a mile off.
Crusher misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nazarov connects with a crisp jab.
Crusher uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nazarov.
Crusher tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Nazarov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Crusher steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nazarov.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Crusher tries to clinch but Nazarov moves out of range.
Crusher punishes Nazarov's body with a nice straight punch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Crusher throws a body punch but Nazarov moves out of range.
Nazarov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Vadim Nazarov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jeremy Crusher is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Nazarov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vadim Nazarov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Crusher 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 Paulo Santos scores the fight 48:47
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 48:47
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jeremy Crusher!
Jeremy Crusher retains his middleweight title!
After winning the bout, Jeremy Crusher thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.