PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Mika Zibanejadass (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Justina Vanovcan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vanovcan has chosen Moskau as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zibanejadass
vs
Vanovcan

170 cm
29
138 lbs
11 - 8 - 0

153 cm
37
130 lbs
27 - 15 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Great elbows
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Mika Zibanejadass!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Justina Vanovcan!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Gregory Folan and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zibanejadass doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Vanovcan slips under a jab from Zibanejadass.
Zibanejadass definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Vanovcan.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Vanovcan. Zibanejadass shrugs it off though.
Vanovcan slips under a jab from Zibanejadass.
A slapping leg kick lands for Vanovcan.
Vanovcan lands a nice looking kick to the body. Zibanejadass takes a step back to recover.
Zibanejadass throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Zibanejadass blocks the body kick.
Zibanejadass waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Vanovcan.
Justina Vanovcan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zibanejadass pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zibanejadass throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Zibanejadass lands a head kick. Vanovcan smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Vanovcan thumps Zibanejadass with a low kick.
Vanovcan lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Zibanejadass at a distance.
Vanovcan throws a body punch but Zibanejadass moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zibanejadass waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Vanovcan.
Zibanejadass walks forward, straight into a front kick from Vanovcan.
An inside leg kick from Zibanejadass misses.
Zibanejadass throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Zibanejadass, as that shot connected.
Vanovcan just misses with a punch to the body.
Vanovcan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vanovcan lands with a shot to the body.
Vanovcan lands a nice shot to the body.
Zibanejadass throws a low kick, looking for Vanovcan's leg but Vanovcan calmly moves out of range.
Zibanejadass tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Vanovcan throws a low kick but Zibanejadass moves out of range easily.
Vanovcan bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

Vanovcan forces Zibanejadass back against the cage and clinches.
Zibanejadass blocks a body shot from Vanovcan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Vanovcan.
Vanovcan tries to work over Zibanejadass's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Vanovcan is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Zibanejadass pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Vanovcan connects with a knee to the head.
Zibanejadass lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vanovcan lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Vanovcan avoids a wild elbow strike from Zibanejadass.
Vanovcan tries for a takedown but Zibanejadass manages to get underhooks.
Zibanejadass wants to stall.
Zibanejadass swings wildly with an uppercut but Vanovcan uses good head movement to avoid it.
Vanovcan lands a hook that snaps the head of Zibanejadass backwards.
Zibanejadass tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zibanejadass tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Vanovcan misses with a body punch.

Vanovcan drags the fight down to the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Vanovcan is trying to keep Zibanejadass in close.
Zibanejadass content to stall in guard here.

Vanovcan working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Zibanejadass doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Zibanejadass manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Vanovcan had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zibanejadass defends it easily.
Vanovcan working a defensive guard but Zibanejadass manages to pass into side control anyway.
Vanovcan wants to control but Zibanejadass postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zibanejadass trying to control the action but Vanovcan is working from the bottom.
Vanovcan on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Vanovcan sneaks back into half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Zibanejadass passes into side control, despite Vanovcan's attempt to control the position.
Vanovcan struggling a bit here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vanovcan tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Zibanejadass wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justina Vanovcan dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Vanovcan throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vanovcan uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zibanejadass.
Vanovcan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Vanovcan is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Vanovcan takes a swing at Zibanejadass's ribcage but misses.
Vanovcan misses with the combination.
Zibanejadass pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vanovcan is looking to land body kicks.
Vanovcan scores with a hook to the body. Zibanejadass takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Zibanejadass moves out of range of the leg kick from Vanovcan.
Vanovcan throws a push kick but Zibanejadass slaps the foot to one side.
Vanovcan looks to score with a jab to the body but Zibanejadass is just out of range.
Vanovcan scores with a nice body kick.
Vanovcan misses with a shot to the body

and Zibanejadass moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Zibanejadass just misses with a elbow thrown towards Vanovcan's brow.
Vanovcan can't find room to land a body shot as Zibanejadass controls the action.
Zibanejadass prevents a body shot from Vanovcan.
With the fighters up against the cage, Zibanejadass throws an elbow but misses.
The referee calls for Zibanejadass to work.
Vanovcan works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

Vanovcan manages to pull guard.

Vanovcan is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Zibanejadass defends well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Vanovcan has his foot on Zibanejadass's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Zibanejadass works his way back into a safe position though.
Zibanejadass trying to control the position from guard on top but Vanovcan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Zibanejadass has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Vanovcan working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Zibanejadass has passed into half guard!
Vanovcan has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Zibanejadass is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zibanejadass slows the pace down in half guard.
Zibanejadass seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Vanovcan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Vanovcan actively working from the bottom here.
Zibanejadass wants to lay and pray for a moment but Vanovcan keeps working.
Zibanejadass controlling the pace.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

We're going to have a standup here because Mika Zibanejadass wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
A lazy left from Zibanejadass finds it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Vanovcan.
Vanovcan is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Zibanejadass rather than just go for the knockout.
Zibanejadass lands with a kick to the temple. Vanovcan shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Vanovcan drives through with a takedown into Zibanejadass's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Vanovcan being controlled here momentarily.
Zibanejadass will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Zibanejadass keeping moving, preventing Vanovcan from controlling successfully.
Zibanejadass manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Vanovcan is trying to escape the mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Vanovcan is still trying to improve position.
Zibanejadass takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Zibanejadass can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Vanovcan is looking to escape.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vanovcan wants to hold on but Zibanejadass pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Justina Vanovcan will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Vanovcan misses with a wild body shot.
Zibanejadass throws a head kick but Vanovcan moves out of range.
Vanovcan tests Zibanejadass's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Vanovcan throws a nice inside leg kick.
Vanovcan fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Vanovcan misses the body punch
and Zibanejadass counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Vanovcan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zibanejadass.
Zibanejadass displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vanovcan.
Zibanejadass takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Vanovcan looks to land a left hand but Zibanejadass moved out of range nicely.
Zibanejadass scores with a decent looking hook.
Zibanejadass loads up on a big right hand but Vanovcan slips the punch.
Vanovcan chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zibanejadass can pounce on him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

Vanovcan closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Zibanejadass's guard.
Zibanejadass trying to control the position.
Zibanejadass looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Vanovcan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Zibanejadass swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Zibanejadass keeping moving, preventing Vanovcan from controlling successfully.
Zibanejadass manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Vanovcan felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Vanovcan tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Vanovcan is trying to maintain the position but Zibanejadass is very close to passing his half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vanovcan has a hand on Zibanejadass's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Zibanejadass takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Vanovcan tries to reverse the position but Zibanejadass maintains control.
Vanovcan wants to control but Zibanejadass is having none of it.
Justina Vanovcan has got the better of the ground game so far.
Zibanejadass tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Vanovcan is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Zibanejadass trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Zibanejadass looking to control and managing it successfully.
Vanovcan tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Vanovcan wants to hold on but Zibanejadass pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zibanejadass sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Vanovcan bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Vanovcan throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Vanovcan throws a big elbow that misses.
Vanovcan scoring with some ground and pound.
Vanovcan trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zibanejadass keeping full guard, as Vanovcan tries to pass.
Zibanejadass utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Vanovcan stopping the sweep attempt from Zibanejadass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justina Vanovcan really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Vanovcan throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

Vanovcan clinches.
Zibanejadass lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zibanejadass.
Vanovcan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Vanovcan fails to pull guard.
Vanovcan goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zibanejadass is trying to maintain a safe position but Vanovcan gets an underhook and turns Zibanejadass into the cage.
Zibanejadass pressing his opponent against the cage.
Zibanejadass misses with an elbow over the top.
Zibanejadass tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Vanovcan missing with knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zibanejadass tries to stall but Vanovcan uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Zibanejadass lands a nice elbow.
Zibanejadass pressing his opponent against the cage.
Vanovcan avoids a wild elbow strike from Zibanejadass.
Zibanejadass working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Zibanejadass leaning his opponent against the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Vanovcan as Zibanejadass tries to tie him up.
Vanovcan misses with a punch on the inside.
Zibanejadass on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Zibanejadass controlling the action here for a moment.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mika Zibanejadass.
Vanovcan throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zibanejadass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Vanovcan. Those never looked like landing.
Vanovcan looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Vanovcan moves into the clinch.
Vanovcan tries to throw a body punch but Zibanejadass avoids it by throwing Vanovcan back against the cage.
Zibanejadass makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Vanovcan blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Zibanejadass content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Zibanejadass blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Vanovcan being controlled against the cage.
Zibanejadass scores with an uppercut up the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Vanovcan being controlled against the cage.
Zibanejadass throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Vanovcan misses with an elbow over the top.
Zibanejadass prevents a body shot from Vanovcan.
Zibanejadass lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Vanovcan avoids the elbow strike from Zibanejadass, against the cage.
Vanovcan jumps guard but Zibanejadass stands there with Vanovcan around his waist. Vanovcan gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Mika Zibanejadass has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justina Vanovcan.
Vanovcan tries to throw a body punch but Zibanejadass avoids it by throwing Vanovcan back against the cage.
Zibanejadass creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Vanovcan.
Nice elbow from Zibanejadass.
Zibanejadass managing to block the knees to the body from Vanovcan.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan misses with a punch on the inside.
Zibanejadass working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Zibanejadass throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Vanovcan lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Zibanejadass throws a punch but it's blocked by Vanovcan.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Vanovcan.
Vanovcan has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Zibanejadass is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Vanovcan tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Zibanejadass just stands there and leans against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zibanejadass misses with an elbow strike.
Vanovcan fails to pull guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Zibanejadass lands an elbow inside.
Vanovcan throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Vanovcan working aggressively here.
Zibanejadass creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Mika Zibanejadass will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Vanovcan punishes Zibanejadass's body with a nice straight punch.
Vanovcan takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Vanovcan fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Zibanejadass uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vanovcan.
Zibanejadass scores with a head kick.
Zibanejadass avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Vanovcan lands a body shot.
A head kick misses from Zibanejadass.
Justina Vanovcan seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Zibanejadass moves into range and clinches up with Vanovcan.
Zibanejadass lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Vanovcan blocks the elbow strike.
Zibanejadass misses with an elbow over the top.
Zibanejadass lands a left hand.
Vanovcan tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zibanejadass's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan takes an elbow to the forehead.

Vanovcan is rocked!
Zibanejadass throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Vanovcan blocks an uppercut.
Zibanejadass avoiding damage as Vanovcan throws knees to the body.
Vanovcan has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Zibanejadass avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Zibanejadass is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Vanovcan is keeping busy.
Nice elbow from Vanovcan.
Zibanejadass taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Zibanejadass managing to block the knees to the body from Vanovcan.
Nice elbow from Zibanejadass.
Vanovcan blocks the elbow strike.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Vanovcan can't find room to land a body shot as Zibanejadass controls the action.
Mika Zibanejadass has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Vanovcan pulls guard effortlessly.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zibanejadass tries to free his leg and advance position but Vanovcan is retaining full guard.

Vanovcan is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Zibanejadass is aware though and is defending well.
Vanovcan trying to keep a closed guard but Zibanejadass is proving a slippery customer.
Zibanejadass is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
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!
Vanovcan working a defensive guard but Zibanejadass passes into half guard.
Zibanejadass tries to pass to full mount but Vanovcan defends it.
Zibanejadass is taking a breather. Vanovcan says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan is controlling Zibanejadass's position as best he can from this difficult position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vanovcan tries to roll over but Zibanejadass keeps him under control.

Vanovcan is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Zibanejadass pulls his head out easily.
Justina Vanovcan is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Zibanejadass keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Vanovcan trying to control from the bottom.
Vanovcan keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Vanovcan slips a straight right by Zibanejadass.
Zibanejadass throws a head kick that misses.
Vanovcan wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Vanovcan blocks a head kick by Zibanejadass.
Zibanejadass throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Vanovcan just misses with a punch to the body.
Zibanejadass throws a head kick but Vanovcan moves out of range.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Zibanejadass gets caught flat footed, as Vanovcan shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Vanovcan stopping the sweep attempt from Zibanejadass.
Mika Zibanejadass has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Mika Zibanejadass.
I think Vanovcan 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge William Peck scores the fight 46:49
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 48:47
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Justina Vanovcan!
Justina Vanovcan is the new bantamweight champion!
Our winner, Justina Vanovcan, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.