PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gabriel Hart (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Artem Lapshinov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lapshinov has chosen Moonlight Sonata as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Artem Lapshinov was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Hart
vs
Lapshinov

186 cm
23
224 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
265 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Zipp Zapp

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gabriel Hart!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Artem Lapshinov!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Chris Downing and Robert Twigg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lapshinov scores with a nice body kick.
Lapshinov moves to clinch but Hart breaks away

and Hart counters by moving into the clinch.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Lapshinov obliges.
Lapshinov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Lapshinov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hart.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Hart on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the head but Hart blocks with his arms.

Hart lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lapshinov wants to improve his position but Hart is controlling well.
Lapshinov is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hart slows the pace down in half guard.
Lapshinov trying to control here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Hart moves into the clinch.
Lapshinov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Hart lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Lapshinov or not.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Lapshinov just misses with a elbow thrown towards Hart's brow.
Hart is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Lapshinov is defending well.
Hart can't find room to land a body shot as Lapshinov controls the action.
Lapshinov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Lapshinov missing with knees to the body.
Hart goes for a takedown in the clinch but Lapshinov prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Hart. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Hart can't get the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hart blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Hart on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Hart blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hart on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hart avoids it.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Hart tries for a takedown. No joy.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hart avoiding damage as Lapshinov throws knees to the body.
A right hand to the body from Hart.
Hart tries to score a body lock takedown but Lapshinov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Hart avoiding damage as Lapshinov throws knees to the body.
Lapshinov lands a good knee to the midsection. Hart won't want to take too many of those.
Hart is breathing heavily.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Hart dodges an elbow strike from Lapshinov.
Hart avoiding damage as Lapshinov throws knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hart avoids it.
Hart on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Hart tries for a takedown but Lapshinov manages to get underhooks.
Knees in the clinch landing for Lapshinov.
Lapshinov tries to land knees in the clinch but Hart avoids the damage to the body.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Lapshinov obliges.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Lapshinov tries to land knees in the clinch but Hart avoids the damage to the body.
Hart on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lapshinov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hart.
I was talking to Hart's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the head but Hart blocks with his arms.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hart misses with a punch on the inside.
Lapshinov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hart.

Hart has picked Lapshinov up - he's going for a ride! Hart dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Hart throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Lapshinov tries to roll over but Hart keeps him under control.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Hart is looking to advance position but Lapshinov won't allow it.

Hart is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Lapshinov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Hart.
Lapshinov trying to hold on to Hart's head to control him but Hart postures up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Lapshinov tries to clinch up.
Hart thows a body shot but no joy.
Lapshinov is looking to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Lapshinov. No joy for Hart on that attempt.
Lapshinov tries to clinch but Hart is having none of it.
Lapshinov tries to clinch but Hart is having none of it.
A slapping leg kick lands for Lapshinov.
Hart keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Hart tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lapshinov was well out of range. Poor timing from Hart.
Hart keeps the fight on the outside.
Hart dives in for a single leg takedown but Lapshinov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Lapshinov unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Lapshinov landing some nice looking knees to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lapshinov lands a knee to the body.
Lapshinov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Lapshinov working Hart over with knees to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
A knee to the head by Lapshinov.
Lapshinov unloads a knee to the mid-section. Hart lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Lapshinov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hart blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Lapshinov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Hart avoiding damage as Lapshinov throws knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lapshinov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Lapshinov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hart.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Hart takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lapshinov tries to land knees in the clinch but Hart avoids the damage to the body.
Lapshinov missing with knees to the body.

Hart gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Lapshinov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hart is one step ahead there.
Hart trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hart wants to control from the top but Lapshinov keeps moving.
Lapshinov 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hart not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Lapshinov looking to control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Hart fails to land with a series of punches.
Lapshinov tries to clinch but Hart is having none of it.
Lapshinov throws a nice head kick!

Lapshinov drives through and clinches with Hart against the cage.
Hart on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Lapshinov missing with knees to the body.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hart avoids it.
Lapshinov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Hart. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lapshinov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hart avoiding damage as Lapshinov throws knees to the body.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Hart is looking to take this one to the mat.
Lapshinov tries to land knees in the clinch but Hart avoids the damage to the body.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Lapshinov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Lapshinov tries a knee to the head but Hart blocks it.
Hart takes a knee to the side of the body.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Artem Lapshinov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Lapshinov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Knees to the body from Lapshinov.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Lapshinov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Lapshinov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the head but Hart blocks with his arms.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Lapshinov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Lapshinov gets a clinch.
Lapshinov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Hart avoiding damage as Lapshinov throws knees to the body.
Lapshinov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hart avoids it.
Lapshinov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Hart looking for a takedown.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Hart managing to block the knees to the body from Lapshinov.
Hart is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Lapshinov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gabriel Hart. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lapshinov trying to land knees to the body.
Lapshinov lands a nice knee to the body.
A knee to the head by Lapshinov.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hart blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapshinov misses with a knee to the head.
Lapshinov missing with knees to the body.
Lapshinov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hart is defending well for now.
Lapshinov unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Lapshinov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Hart has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Lapshinov is pressed up against the cage. Hart has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Lapshinov down to the mat. Lapshinov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Artem Lapshinov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Lapshinov moves in looking to clinch but Hart pushes him off.

Hart tries to keep at a distance but Lapshinov has taken the fight into the clinch.
Lapshinov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hart.
Lapshinov looking to throw knees to the head but Hart is blocking nicely.
Hart blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Hart is pushing Lapshinov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Artem Lapshinov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hart misses with a punch to the body.
Lapshinov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Hart wants a takedown but no success here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lapshinov prevents a body shot from Hart.
Hart misses with a punch on the inside.
Hart wants a takedown but no success here.
Hart tries to work over Lapshinov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Hart drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Lapshinov gets the underhooks and prevents it.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lapshinov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Lapshinov prevents a takedown attempt there.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hart goes for a takedown in the clinch but Lapshinov prevents it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Artem Lapshinov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Lapshinov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30
Judge Robert Twigg scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Artem Lapshinov!
After winning the bout, Artem Lapshinov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.