PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kalesh Nikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Jones (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikov comes to the cage accompanied by Till I Collapse. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Nikov
vs
Jones

170 cm
31
216 lbs
22 - 13 - 0

190 cm
32
221 lbs
23 - 12 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

//buriedALIVE// Fight Gear
Affordable Quality + Reliable Laundry

Affordable Quality + Reliable Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 13 - 0, fighting out of New York, Kalesh Nikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Paul Jones!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Daniel Bishop and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jones takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Jones lands a jab.
Jones lands a glancing blow to the side of Nikov's head.
Nikov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Jones.
Jones avoids the head kick by Nikov.
Jones is trying hard to land a takedown here. Nikov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nikov misses with a wild body shot.
Nikov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Nikov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Nikov.
Jones bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Nikov's head.
Jones avoids the body shot from Nikov.
Nikov thows a body shot but no joy.
Nikov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Jones is out of range and Nikov settles back down.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jones scores with a crisp jab that stopped Nikov in his tracks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones scores with a hook.
Nikov misses with an uppercut.
Jones uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nikov.
Jones cracks Nikov with an open hand slap.
Nikov throws a right hand that Jones ducks under and follows up with a left that Jones also avoids with ease.
Nikov thows a body kick. Jones tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Kalesh Nikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jones keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Jones lands a lovely overhand right.
Nikov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Nikov moves forwards but Jones connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Jones takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Nikov thows a body shot but no joy.
Nikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Jones.
Nikov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Nikov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nikov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nikov throws a wild body kick that Jones sees coming a mile off.
Jones rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Nikov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Nikov explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Jones might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Nikov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Nikov misses with a hook. Jones ducked under it nicely.
Nikov walks into a left hand.
Jones connects with a crisp jab.
Nikov is looking to wear down Jones with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
A solid leg kick lands there for Nikov.
Nikov cracks Jones with a right hand to the side of the head.
Jones misses with a straight left.
Nikov clobbers Jones with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

It looks like Paul Jones has been cut.
Nikov jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikov misses with a left hand

and Jones counters with a shoot takedown. Nikov fights it but they end up in guard.
Nikov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
My spies in Ballas Only inform me that Jones has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Jones pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nikov is keeping the position for now.
Nikov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nikov keeping moving, preventing Jones from controlling successfully.
Nikov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Jones has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Nikov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Jones tries to free his leg and advance position but Nikov is retaining full guard.
Nikov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Jones pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nikov is keeping the position for now.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Jones with a flurry of punches that miss.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nikov keeping full guard, as Jones tries to pass.
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 Kalesh Nikov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Paul Jones's cut.
That's time! Nikov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Jones scores with a jab. Nikov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Nikov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Jones throws a big shot that misses.
Jones misses with an uppercut

and Nikov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Jones's guard.
Nikov throws a big right hand that misses.
Nikov preventing the sweep.
Nikov controlling from the top position.
Jones looking for a sweep. Not yet Jones, not yet.
Nikov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Jones wants to sweep but no luck.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jones is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Jones misses with a jab, cross combination.
Jones lands with a straight right. Nikov didn't see that one coming.
Jones looks to land a left hand but Nikov moved out of range nicely.
Nikov lands with a nice body kick.
Nikov swings for the body but Jones moves out of range.
Nikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Nikov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Jones counters with a shoot takedown. Nikov fights it but they end up in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nikov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Nikov is trying to keep Jones in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones advances position into side control!
Nikov tries to buck Jones off but Jones is having none of it.
Nikov manages to work his way to half guard, despite Jones's best efforts.
Jones thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Nikov wants to control but Jones is keeping busy.
Jones trying to control from half guard but Nikov is working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jones thows a huge punch but Nikov dodges it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones is looking to take a break and control but Nikov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Paul Jones has got the better of the ground game so far.
Jones is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Paul Jones hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Nikov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Jones throws a looping overhand right but Nikov ducks down to avoid it.
Nikov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Nikov wants to land a leg kick but Jones is out of range.
Nikov scoring well with a low kick there.
Nikov throws a shot from downtown. Jones moves away and avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Jones misses with a straight right.
Nikov connects with an inside leg kick.
Nikov throws an overhand right that lands on Jones's shoulder, as Jones tries to avoid the shot.
Nikov throws a half hearted mid kick.
Jones 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.
Nikov misses with an uppercut.
Some wild striking there from Jones.
A punch lands to the side of Jones 's head but he takes it in his stride.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nikov delivers a nice body kick.
Nikov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Jones shoots in and drives through. Nikov sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Kalesh Nikov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Paul Jones's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Jones stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Nikov.
Jones slips under a jab.
Nikov throws a chopping leg kick but Jones manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Jones fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The fighters circling - Nikov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Jones has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Jones uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nikov.
Nikov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Jones looks for a takedown but Nikov sprawls well.
Nikov looks to throw the jab but Jones is out of range.
Jones throws a lazy right hand but Nikov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nikov looks to throw the jab but Jones is out of range.
Nikov takes one to the chin there.
Jones scores with a punch to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nikov misses with a low kick.
Nikov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Jones has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Jones shoots in looking for a takedown. Nikov tries to sprawl out of it but Jones keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Nikov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Nikov misses the shot to the body.
Jones cracks a nice hook into Nikov's ribs.
Good exchange - Nikov coming out on top.
Jones slips under a jab.
Jones takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Nikov moves out of range as Jones strikes.
Nikov loads up on a big right hand but Jones slips the punch.
Nikov throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jones misses with a jab, cross combination.
A chopping leg kick lands by Nikov.
Jones lands a nice shot to the body.
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!
A slow jab from Jones misses its intended target.
Kalesh Nikov is winning the standup battle so far.
Nikov looks to land a right hand but Jones moved out of range.
Jones uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nikov.
Left hook, right uppercut from Jones.
Paul Jones has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jones's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Nikov misses with an uppercut. Jones saw that one coming.
Nikov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nice uppercut there from Jones.
Nikov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Jones cracks a nice hook into Nikov's ribs.
A bone on bone clash there as Jones blocks the leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Nikov gets a clinch.
Jones on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Nikov lands a body punch in the clinch.
Jones changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Nikov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kalesh Nikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Jones.
Jones swings widly with a right hand
and Nikov counters with an inside leg kick.
Jones takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nikov moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Nikov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Jones lands with an overhand left.
Jones takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
A slapping body kick lands there for Nikov.
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!
Nikov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Nikov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Nikov lets loose with a powerful body kick. Jones will feel that in the morning.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikov connects with an inside leg kick.
Jones ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A nice inside leg kick there by Nikov. That's going to slow Jones down.

Nikov clinches with his opponent.
Jones takes a shot to the head.

Nikov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nikov moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Jones showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Nikov.
Jones circles away from the clinch attempt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A slapping leg kick lands for Nikov.
Jones has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Nikov.
Jones stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Nikov.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Nikov, as that shot connected.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kalesh Nikov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Nikov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 30:27
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kalesh Nikov!
Kalesh Nikov really struggled to get his t-shirt on before his hand was raised. Making sure that //buriedALIVE// Fight Gear logo gets some air time is pretty tricky when you're all sweaty.