PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Vladimir Solovyev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gerard Esqueda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Esqueda has chosen Cant del Barça as his entrance music. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Solovyev
vs
Esqueda

171 cm
33
157 lbs
34 - 10 - 2

179 cm
28
169 lbs
19 - 8 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Granite chin

The Big Kabosh
Hellbent

Hell's Balls Recovery (160)
GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 34 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Vladimir Solovyev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Gerard Esqueda!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Chris Edwards and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Solovyev fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Esqueda has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Solovyev turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Esqueda throws a leg kick that misses.
Nice defenses there by Esqueda.
Solovyev lands with a kick to the temple. Esqueda shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Solovyev lands a glancing blow to the side of Esqueda's head.
Solovyev avoids the body shot from Esqueda.
A slapping leg kick lands for Solovyev.
A shot to the liver by Esqueda. Beautiful body shot.
Solovyev misses the shot to the body.
Solovyev throws a leg kick but Esqueda checks it.
Solovyev thows a body shot but no joy.
Esqueda scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
We've been informed that Esqueda has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Esqueda moves out of range of the body kick from Solovyev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big right from Solovyev misses.
Solovyev attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A leg kick checked by Esqueda.
Esqueda throws a hook but Solovyev avoids it easily.
Solovyev lands with a good body shot.
Vladimir Solovyev is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Solovyev tries a head kick but it misses.
Esqueda jabs Solovyev right on the nose. Solovyev blinks but takes it well.
A big right from Solovyev misses.
Solovyev throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Esqueda.
Esqueda takes a swing at Solovyev's ribcage but misses.
Esqueda thows a body shot but no joy.
Esqueda avoids the head kick by Solovyev.
Esqueda takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Solovyev misses with a looping left.
Esqueda 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.
We've been told by Solovyev's head coaches at UMMA Gym Now with StandUP that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Esqueda misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Solovyev.
That kick from Solovyev tenderised Esqueda's leg. Esqueda is trying to keep his angry face on.
Solovyev throws out a leg kick but Esqueda moves out of range and Solovyev only half commits.
Solovyev scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Solovyev tries a head kick but it misses.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Solovyev shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Solovyev lands with a thumping leg kick.
Solovyev avoids the body shot from Esqueda.
Esqueda checks a leg kick.
Esqueda throws out a loose jab but Solovyev uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Solovyev. Esqueda does a little dance to reset his feet.
Esqueda misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Solovyev.
Esqueda misses with a body shot.
Solovyev throws out a loose jab but Esqueda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Solovyev throws a head kick that misses.
Solovyev motions for Esqueda to come forward. Solovyev throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Solovyev throws a leg kick but Esqueda moved away.
Esqueda avoids a kick to the body.
Solovyev tries to land a body kick

and Esqueda counters with a nice double leg into guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Esqueda wants to control from the top but Solovyev keeps moving.
Esqueda throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Esqueda throws a big right hand that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda trying to control but Solovyev is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Esqueda looking to pass the guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Esqueda throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Solovyev pushes Esqueda off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Esqueda throws a push kick but Solovyev slaps the foot to one side.
Solovyev throws a nice head kick!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Solovyev throws a low kick but it's checked well by Esqueda.
A low kick from Esqueda misses
and Solovyev cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Vladimir Solovyev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Esqueda connects with a leg kick. Solovyev looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Solovyev dominated that 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.

Esqueda attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Esqueda connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Solovyev's hands.
Solovyev looks to land a left hand but Esqueda moved out of range nicely.
Vladimir Solovyev is winning the standup battle so far.
Esqueda throws a body punch but Solovyev moves out of range.
Solovyev throws a leg kick that misses.
Solovyev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Solovyev misses with a straight left.
Esqueda takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Solovyev does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Solovyev swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Esqueda avoids the head kick by Solovyev.
Esqueda lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Esqueda lands a slapping body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Solovyev uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Esqueda.
Esqueda connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Solovyev misses with a low kick.
Esqueda connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Esqueda scores with a hook to the body. Solovyev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Esqueda cracks Solovyev with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Esqueda moves out of range of the body kick from Solovyev.
Solovyev misses with a low kick.
Jab from Solovyev.
Esqueda staying out of range there.
Esqueda throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Esqueda lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Solovyev misses with an uppercut. Esqueda saw that one coming.
Solovyev connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Esqueda has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Solovyev slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Solovyev fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Esqueda has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Esqueda looks to land a body kick but Solovyev moved away.
Solovyev throws a low kick but it's checked well by Esqueda.
Esqueda takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Esqueda takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Solovyev misses with a combination

and Esqueda counters with a nice double leg into side control. Solovyev won't be happy with that.
Solovyev takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Solovyev is looking to regain half guard here but Esqueda keeps moving and retains side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Solovyev pushes Esqueda away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Esqueda gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Esqueda postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Esqueda looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Solovyev is avoiding damage well.
Sloppy strikes there by Esqueda.
Solovyev is trying to get back to half guard.
Esqueda tries to score with some ground and pound. Solovyev controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Esqueda misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda prevents Solovyev from escaping the position.
Solovyev is looking to regain half guard here but Esqueda keeps moving and retains side control.
Esqueda trying to control the action but Solovyev is working from the bottom.
Esqueda has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Solovyev is trying to improve his position.
Solovyev takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Solovyev tries to buck Esqueda off but Esqueda is having none of it.
Esqueda working away.
Solovyev pushes Esqueda away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Esqueda gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Esqueda showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Esqueda misses the shot to the body.
Esqueda lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Solovyev misses with a hook.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Solovyev.
Esqueda is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Solovyev rather than just go for the knockout.
Solovyev throws a lazy head kick

and Esqueda counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Solovyev's guard now.
Esqueda wants to control from the top but Solovyev keeps moving.
Solovyev is looking to stand up but Esqueda isn't so interested in that idea.

Solovyev pushes Esqueda off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Esqueda scores with a hook to the body. Solovyev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Solovyev avoids the body shot from Esqueda.
Solovyev avoids the body shot from Esqueda.
Esqueda takes one to the side of the head.
Solovyev throws a lazy uppercut

and Esqueda counters with a single leg into guard. Solovyev didn't expect that.
Esqueda pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Solovyev is keeping the position for now.
Esqueda won't allow Solovyev to sweep him here.
Esqueda wants to pass the guard but Solovyev is keeping the position.
Esqueda throws a big right hand that misses.
Solovyev keeping moving, preventing Esqueda from controlling successfully.
Esqueda missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda with a flurry of punches that miss.
Esqueda tries to free his leg and advance position but Solovyev is retaining full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Solovyev not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Solovyev keeping full guard, as Esqueda tries to pass.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Solovyev is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Vladimir Solovyev.
Solovyev stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Esqueda.
Esqueda looks to score with a jab to the body but Solovyev is just out of range.
Solovyev throws a low kick, looking for Esqueda's leg but Esqueda calmly moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Solovyev misses with a low kick.
Esqueda avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Esqueda has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Solovyev.
Esqueda is looking to score with low kicks.
Solovyev thumps Esqueda with a low kick.
Solovyev throws a leg kick but Esqueda checks it.
Esqueda steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Solovyev. That one must have hurt.
Solovyev tries to work over Esqueda's front leg with a kick but Esqueda checks it.
No joy there for Solovyev, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sloppy strikes from Solovyev. Those never looked like landing.
Solovyev looks for the body kick but Esqueda saw that one coming.
Solovyev fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Esqueda checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Solovyev fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Esqueda checks it well.
Solovyev takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Solovyev uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Solovyev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Esqueda looks for the body kick but Solovyev saw that one coming.
Solovyev misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Solovyev throws a head kick that misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Solovyev throws a head kick that misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Solovyev misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Esqueda.
Esqueda dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Solovyev throws a leg kick but Esqueda checks it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gerard Esqueda comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Esqueda 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 28:29
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Glass scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gerard Esqueda!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Gerard Esqueda waved his t-shirt featuring $300's logo in front of the cameras.