PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Connor Freeman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vitor Ruskov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Freeman
vs
Ruskov

169 cm
20
140 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

171 cm
25
140 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Connor Freeman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Vitor Ruskov!
The judges for this bout are Sam Margolis, Steven Brown and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Freeman lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Ruskov tries to clinch up.
Freeman lands a nice shot to the body.
Ruskov shoots for a double leg takedown but Freeman sprawls well. He's pushed Ruskov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Freeman's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Freeman duly obliges.
Ruskov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Freeman tries to work over Ruskov's front leg with a kick but Ruskov checks it.

Freeman gets a clinch.

Freeman breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ruskov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Freeman gets a clinch.
Ruskov misses with a knee strike.

Freeman escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
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!
Ruskov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Freeman finds it's way round the side to connect with Ruskov's head.
Ruskov is looking to clinch.
Ruskov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Ruskov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Freeman swivels and escapes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruskov goes for a double leg but Freeman avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Freeman continues to drive forward.
Connor Freeman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vitor Ruskov.
Ruskov wants to stall.

Freeman manages to break the clinch.
Freeman jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Freeman lands with a nice body punch.
Freeman lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Freeman lands a nice hook to Ruskov's body. Ruskov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Ruskov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Ruskov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Freeman counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Freeman.

Freeman breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Freeman scores with a nice strike.
Freeman uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ruskov has time to react.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Freeman wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A nice combination there by Freeman.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Freeman is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Ruskov's half guard.
Ruskov is trying to get back to full guard.
Freeman tries to stand but can't do so whilst Ruskov controls his leg.
Ruskov pushes Freeman off looking to stand but Freeman dives back in and keeps control.

Freeman gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Ruskov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Ruskov looks winded!
Freeman dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

Ruskov gets caught napping as Freeman dives in and scores a takedown. Ruskov manages to retain guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Freeman controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Ruskov has a closed guard, preventing Freeman from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Freeman gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Freeman lands a body shot.
Freeman misses with a low kick.
Ruskov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Freeman cracks Ruskov with an open hand slap.
Freeman moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Ruskov drops his hands momentarily and Freeman takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Freeman is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Ruskov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Ruskov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Freeman counters with a left and a right that stings Ruskov.
Freeman throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Freeman is looking to wear down Ruskov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Freeman connects with a body shot.
Freeman lands a glancing blow to the side of Ruskov's head.
Nice jab there from Freeman.
Freeman lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Freeman lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Ruskov is rocked!
Ruskov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Freeman pinned against the cage. Freeman gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Freeman lands a jab.
Ruskov is still on wobbly legs! Can Freeman finish him?
Ruskov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Freeman swivels and escapes.
Ruskov seems to have recovered his senses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ruskov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Freeman counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Freeman lands with a cross.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Freeman connects with a crisp jab.
Freeman lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Freeman moves out of range of the body kick.
Connor Freeman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Freeman keeps the fight on the outside.
Ruskov tries to clinch but Freeman moves away
and Freeman counters with a nice body shot.
Freeman lands a slapping body shot.
Ruskov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Connor Freeman is winning the standup battle so far.
Freeman digs a good hook to Ruskov's body.

Freeman drives through and clinches with Ruskov against the cage.
Ruskov tries to pull guard but Freeman holds him up against the cage and eventually Ruskov drops back down to his feet.

Freeman manages to break the clinch.
Nice cross by Freeman.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice uppercut lands for Freeman. That snapped Ruskov's head back.

Freeman gets a double leg takedown into Ruskov's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruskov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Ruskov is breathing heavily.

Freeman stands and steps away. Ruskov gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Ruskov tries for a takedown but Freeman circles away easily
and Freeman counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Ruskov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Ruskov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Freeman sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Ruskov somewhat.
Connor Freeman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vitor Ruskov.
Freeman lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Ruskov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Freeman tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Ruskov is able to avoid easily.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Ruskov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Freeman lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Connor Freeman is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Freeman paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Freeman motions for Ruskov to come forward. Freeman throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Freeman throws a shot to the body.
Freeman digs a good hook to Ruskov's body.
Freeman throws a one two combo.
Freeman tries a low kick but Ruskov avoids it.

Freeman scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Freeman escapes and gets back to his feet.
Freeman lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Freeman scores with a crisp jab that stopped Ruskov in his tracks.
Freeman lands a nice shot to the body.
Freeman scores with a hook to the body. Ruskov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Ruskov tries to clinch but Freeman moves away
and Freeman counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Freeman lands a high kick!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruskov is looking to clinch but Freeman is avoiding it.
Freeman slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Freeman keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Freeman scores with a body shot.
Freeman wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Freeman smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.

Freeman drives through with a takedown into guard.

Freeman decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Freeman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Freeman, as that shot connected.
Jab by Freeman.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Freeman lands a two punch combo.
Freeman misses with a low kick.
Jab by Freeman.
Ruskov fails with the takedown
and Freeman counters with a nice body shot.
Freeman throws a head kick that misses.
Freeman scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Ruskov doesn't seem bothered though.
Ruskov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A cross from Freeman lands.
Ruskov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Freeman with a hook.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Freeman tries to land a front kick but Ruskov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Freeman is working the combinations to good effect here.
Freeman ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Ruskov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Connor Freeman dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Ruskov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Ruskov throws a series of punches but Freeman avoids them all with ease.

Freeman forces Ruskov back against the cage and clinches.

Freeman's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Freeman fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Ruskov to the ground. Freeman is now in Ruskov's guard.
Ruskov is trying to keep Freeman in close.
Freeman passes Ruskov's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Freeman decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Freeman connects with a single shot there.
Ruskov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Ruskov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Left hook, right uppercut from Freeman.
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!
Freeman connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Freeman is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Freeman lands a jab-cross combination.
Ruskov misses with a leg kick.
Ruskov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ruskov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Freeman scores with a nice right hand.
Freeman keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Ruskov takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Freeman stuffs the takedown.
Freeman bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Ruskov's head backwards.
Freeman punishes Ruskov's body with a nice straight punch.
Nice uppercut there from Freeman.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ruskov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Freeman is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ruskov can do to turn this around?
Ruskov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Freeman. Freeman obviously looking to wear him down.
Freeman lands with a shot to the body.
Freeman lands a nice looking body shot.
Freeman scores with a jab to the body.
Ruskov fails in his attempt to clinch.

Freeman gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Freeman's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Freeman looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Freeman circles away from the clinch attempt.

Freeman gets a double leg takedown into Ruskov's guard.

Freeman stands up from Ruskov's guard - Freeman perhaps looking for a knockout.
Freeman bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruskov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Ruskov with a poor takedown
and Freeman connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Connor Freeman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vitor Ruskov.
Freeman lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Ruskov blocks a low kick nicely.
Freeman moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

Freeman gets a clinch.

Freeman breaks from the clinch.
Freeman lands a nice looking body shot.
Ruskov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A jab lands there for Freeman.
Freeman connects with a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Freeman scores with a jab. Ruskov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Ruskov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ruskov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Freeman misses with an attempted mid kick.
Freeman lands a slapping body shot.
Freeman feints a jab promting Ruskov to slip. Freeman then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Ruskov slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.
Ruskov is trying desperately to land a takedown but Freeman is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Ruskov.

Freeman 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.
Ruskov wants to stand and escape but Freeman is having none of it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Ruskov is working an open guard so Freeman takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Vitor Ruskov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Connor Freeman is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A lazy left from Freeman finds it's target.
Freeman lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Connor Freeman showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Freeman has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:25
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Connor Freeman!
A relieved looking Connor Freeman thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.