PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sun Hui (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Russ Ramford (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sun Hui has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Hui
vs
Ramford

189 cm
20
185 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

191 cm
25
195 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

Zombie Nutrition - LOD

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sun Hui!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Russ Ramford!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Dmitry Maklakov and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ramford throws a body punch but Hui moves out of range.
Ramford throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
enabling Hui to counter with a crisp jab.

It looks like Russ Ramford has been cut.

Ramford gets in close and instigates a clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Ramford takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Ramford gets underhooks to prevent Hui's takedown attempt.
Hui is looking for a takedown.
Hui is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ramford gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sun Hui. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice body punch from Ramford - that landed with a thud.
Hui tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Ramford just stands there and leans against the cage.
Ramford is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Hui wants to take the fight to the mat but Ramford manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A right hook to the body lands for Ramford.

Ramford wants the takedown. Hui is fighting it off but Ramford persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Hui's guard against the cage.
Ramford's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Ramford must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramford throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Ramford loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hui is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Hardcore fight company that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Ramford content to stall in guard here.

Russ Ramford has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Ramford forces Hui back against the cage and clinches.
Hui goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ramford prevents it.
Ramford lands a shot to the body.
Ramford with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Ramford's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Ramford continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramford prevents the takedown attempt.
Hui has Ramford pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ramford manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Ramford fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Ramford takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
The crowd are getting on Ramford's back here. They're not happy about his lack of aggression in the clinch.
Hui changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ramford fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Ramford is looking to chop away at Hui's legs.
Ramford throws a leg kick but Hui checks it.

Ramford gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hui.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Hui's face as he tries to break the clinch.
The referee calls for Ramford to work.
Hui is trying to pull guard but Ramford turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Ramford prevents the takedown attempt.
A short right from Ramford.
Hui blocking some punches.
Hui fails to pull guard.
The referee calls for Ramford to work.
Ramford gets through Hui's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hui can't get the takedown.
Ramford is working Hui over against the cage.
Hui drops down looking for an ankle pick but Ramford pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ramford swings for the body but Hui moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hui showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ramford.

Ramford gets a double leg takedown into Hui's guard.
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!
Ramford's corner is telling him to maintain position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Russ Ramford has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Ramford misses with a body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Ramford dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Russ Ramford's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Hui walks into a straight right hand from Ramford.

Hui closes the distance and pushes Ramford back into the cage.
Ramford lands a body shot.
Ramford working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hui is trying to force a seperation but Ramford has the dominant position.
Ramford can't find room to land a body shot as Hui controls the action.
Ramford is pressed up against the cage. Hui has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ramford down to the mat. Ramford avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Ramford gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ramford slowing the pace effectively.
Hui wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ramford stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Hui tries to circle away but Ramford has him pinned against the cage.
Ramford tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hui looking for a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hui drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sun Hui. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ramford effectively controlling the action here.
Ramford tries to work over Hui's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hui tries to score a body lock takedown but Ramford shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Hui changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ramford fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Ramford misses with a series of wild punches.

Ramford rushes Hui and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Ramford misses with a punch to the body.
Ramford lands with a light punch inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hui pulls guard effortlessly.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Ramford working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
Hui controls Ramford momentarily but Ramford frees himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ramford controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Let's hope that Ramford has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Ramford being controlled here momentarily.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Ramford content to stall in guard here.

Russ Ramford has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Ramford swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hui tries to close the distance and clinch but Ramford swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ramford misses the shot to the body.
Sun Hui is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ramford misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hui is looking to clinch.

Ramford gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ramford lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Hui tries to score a body lock takedown but Ramford shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Hui jumps guard.
Ramford content to stall in guard here.
Ramford wants to control from the top but Hui keeps moving.
Hui trying to control the position.
Hui looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ramford controlling from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Russ Ramford.
Hui tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Ramford defends well and Hui ends up having to push Ramford into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Hui is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Ramford is defending well.
Hui goes for a takedown attempt but Ramford pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Hui gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Ramford counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ramford engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ramford throwing strikes from guard but Hui blocks nicely.
Hui is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Ramford showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Russ Ramford's cut.
That's time! Hui's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Hui drops his hands momentarily and Ramford takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ramford.
Hui stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Ramford.

Ramford fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Hui, pushing him back against the cage.
Ramford missing with knees to the body.
A nice left hand lands by Ramford.
Hui is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Ramford pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Ramford stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Hui is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ramford to keep the fight standing.
Ramford misses with a punch to the body.
Hui has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Ramford avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sun Hui. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hui has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ramford after a bit of a struggle.
Hui looking for a takedown.
Ramford lands a right hand.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramford has Hui pushed against the cage.
Ramford tries to land knees in the clinch but Hui avoids the damage to the body.
Ramford misses with a hook to the ribs.
Russ Ramford seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Hui wants to take the fight to the mat but Ramford manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Ramford tries to work over Hui's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hui is trying to break the clinch but Ramford has him pressed against the cage.
Ramford scores with a shoulder strike.
Ramford tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hui's elbow.
Ramford goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Hui prevents a body shot from Ramford.
Hui has Ramford pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ramford manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Ramford stalling in the clinch.
Hui is trying to push Ramford away but Ramford has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Hui blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Ramford slows down the pace here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hui has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Ramford avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Hui is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Hui can't get the takedown.
Ramford gets underhooks to prevent Hui's takedown attempt.
Hui tries for a takedown. No joy.
Ramford cracks Hui with a nice body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ramford stalling in the clinch.
Ramford lands with a left to the head.
Ramford effectively controlling the action here.
Ramford scores with a shoulder strike.
Hui is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Ramford to keep the fight standing.
Ramford lands a shot to the body.
Ramford keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Hui's efforts to push away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hui being controlled against the cage.
A short uppercut from Ramford.
Ramford lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hui is trying to pull guard but Ramford has him pressed against the cage.
Hui is trying to break the clinch but Ramford has him pressed against the cage.
Hui is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ramford gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Ramford has Hui pressed against the cage.
Hui wants a takedown but no success here.
Ramford goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ramford lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ramford digs a right hand underneath Hui's ribcage. Hui let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Ramford's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hui wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A left hand lands to the body for Ramford.
Ramford missing with knees to the body.

Ramford is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Hui can't fight it off and eventually Ramford manages to take the fight to the floor. Hui looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
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!
Ramford seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hui is trying to keep Ramford in close.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Ramford really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Russ Ramford's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Hui tries to keep at a distance but Ramford has taken the fight into the clinch.
Hui has Ramford pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Ramford manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Ramford misses with a hook to the ribs.
Hui is trying to drag Ramford to the mat but Ramford just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Ramford lands a shot to the body.
Hui goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ramford prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sun Hui. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ramford has Hui pressed against the cage, preventing Hui from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Hui breaks the clinch.

Ramford has managed to clinch.

Ramford turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Ramford manages to end up in side control.
Russ Ramford has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramford is staying tight to Hui's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Ramford is working Hui over with some ground and pound from side control.
Ramford is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Hui's shoulder. That is not cool.
Ramford throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Ramford in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Hui sneaks back into half guard.
Hui is looking for a sweep. Ramford is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Ramford is controlling the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Russ Ramford wasn't active enough on the ground.
Ramford throws a series of punches but Hui avoids them all with ease.
Hui shoots for a double leg takedown but Ramford sprawls well. He's pushed Hui's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Ramford has taken the fight to the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ramford prevents the takedown attempt.
Hui can't break the clinch.
Hui working hard to break the clinch.
Ramford throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Hui can't get the takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Ramford on the inside.
Hui is trying to pull guard but Ramford turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Ramford cracks Hui with a nice body shot.
Hui wants to take the fight to the mat but Ramford manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Ramford unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Ramford lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hui backwards.
Ramford lands a shot to the body.
Ramford lands a shoulder strike.
Ramford lands a body shot in the clinch.
Ramford works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Ramford has clasped his hands together around Hui's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ramford staying calm.
Ramford's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ramford works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Hui managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Ramford.
Ramford working the ground and pound but Hui is defending the strikes.
Ramford misses with the ground and pound.
Ramford is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Hui will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Ramford tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Ramford is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Ramford has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ramford is looking to take a break and control but Hui is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hui wants to control but Ramford postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Russ Ramford dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Russ Ramford's cut.
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.

Ramford fails to land with a series of punches.
Russ Ramford seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ramford throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Ramford misses with a shot to the body
and Hui counters with a stiff right hand.
Nice takedown defense from Ramford. No joy for Hui on that attempt.
Ramford lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Ramford misses the jab.
Ramford misses with a looping left.

Hui closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Ramford prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ramford content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Ramford lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Come on Ramford - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ramford digs a right hand underneath Hui's ribcage. Hui let out a lung full of air as it connected.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Ramford misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hui wants to break the clinch but can't.
Hui tries to pull guard but Ramford forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sun Hui. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ramford tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ramford is pressed up against the cage. Hui has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ramford down to the mat. Ramford avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Russ Ramford seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Ramford scores with a shot to the body.

Ramford closes the distance and pushes Hui back into the cage.

Hui jumps into guard, dragging Ramford to the mat.
Hui avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Hui can't keep his opponent in guard - Ramford advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Nice strikes from Ramford there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ramford keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Ramford throwing shots but Hui is blocking nicely.
Ramford with the ground and pound but Hui uses the opportunity to regain guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ramford seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Hui wants to sweep but no luck.
Hui not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ramford looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Hui looking for a sweep. Not yet Hui, not yet.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Ramford engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Russ Ramford was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Ramford closes the distance and clinches.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Hui lands with a light punch inside.
Ramford misses with a body punch.
Ramford doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Hui tries to score a body lock takedown but Ramford shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Hui has hold of one of Ramford's legs. Ramford is fighting the takedown attempt but Hui gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Ramford has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Hui has passed into side control.

Hui thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hui goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Ramford has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Hui but great work by Ramford.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ramford wants to control but Hui is keeping him busy.
Hui is trying to control Ramford's posture but Ramford avoids it.
Russ Ramford is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Hui avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Ramford.
Ramford controls the position from side control.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

And that's the end of the fight!
Russ Ramford comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ramford has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight for Russ Ramford!
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight for Russ Ramford!
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight for Russ Ramford!

Russ Ramford wins by unanimous decision!
Russ Ramford is the new middleweight champion!