PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Benjamin Ruggiero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zoran Markovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ruggiero comes to the cage accompanied by Bonobo - The Sicilians. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Ruggiero
vs
Markovic

170 cm
25
142 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

168 cm
25
139 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

KAISER
FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Benjamin Ruggiero!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Zoran Markovic!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Colin Fotheringham and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A nice inside leg kick there by Markovic. That's going to slow Ruggiero down.
Ruggiero looks to throw the jab but Markovic is out of range.
Markovic lands with a thumping leg kick.
Markovic misses with a wild body shot.
Ruggiero ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Markovic moves away.
Ruggiero chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ruggiero scores with a hook to the body. Markovic takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Markovic tries to work over Ruggiero's front leg with a kick but Ruggiero checks it.
A decent looking cross lands there for Markovic.
Ruggiero throws a hook but Markovic blocks it.
Ruggiero checks a low kick from Markovic.
Markovic throws a hook but Ruggiero avoids it easily.
Markovic lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ruggiero at a distance.
Ruggiero throws a front kick aimed at Markovic's knee but Markovic avoids it well.
Ruggiero misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Markovic takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice cross by Markovic.
Ruggiero steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Markovic. That one must have hurt.
Ruggiero lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Markovic walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ruggiero checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Markovic looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Markovic lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Ruggiero has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Ruggiero and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Ruggiero feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Markovics jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
A bone on bone clash there as Markovic blocks the leg kick.
Markovic with a jab.
Ruggiero takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Ruggiero throws a wild body kick that Markovic sees coming a mile off.
Markovic avoids the body shot from Ruggiero.
Zoran Markovic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Markovic lands a nice shot to the body.
Markovic takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Markovic waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ruggiero.
A slapping body kick lands there for Ruggiero.
Ruggiero moves out of range as Markovic strikes.
Ruggiero wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Ruggiero looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Markovic ducks under a wild hook from Ruggiero.
Markovic uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ruggiero.
Ruggiero chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Markovic lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Markovic throws a body punch but Ruggiero moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruggiero connects with a nice looking jab.
Ruggiero misses with an uppercut.
Ruggiero goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
The fighters circle momentarily. Markovic darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Markovic avoids the head kick by Ruggiero.
Ruggiero takes one on the chin but seems OK.
A telegraphed right hand from Ruggiero misses the target.
Markovic lands a leg kick that knocks Ruggiero off balance momentarily.
Ruggiero ducks under a wild hook from Markovic.
Ruggiero lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Markovic looks to score with a jab to the body but Ruggiero is just out of range.
Markovic looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Ruggiero moves out of range of the strikes.
Markovic digs a good hook to Ruggiero's body.
A left lands for Markovic.
Ruggiero misses with a low kick.
Ruggiero throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ruggiero motions for Markovic to come forward. Ruggiero throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruggiero explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Nice defenses there by Markovic.
Markovic throws a front kick that sends Ruggiero stumbling back into the cage.
Markovic defending well as Ruggiero loads up on a big left hand.
Markovic throws a body punch but Ruggiero moves out of range.
Markovic turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A clash of legs there as Ruggiero blocks the low kick.
Markovic misses with a hook. Ruggiero ducked under it nicely.
Ruggiero pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ruggiero throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nice body punch from Ruggiero.
Markovic moves out of range as Ruggiero throws a body kick.
Markovic throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Ruggiero avoids a kick to the body.
Ruggiero tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Markovic lands with a good body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Markovic throws a head kick but Ruggiero moves out of range.
Ruggiero goes for a high kick. It partially lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruggiero scores with a head kick.
Markovic throws a leg kick but Ruggiero sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Ruggiero scores with a jab to the head.
Ruggiero goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Markovic throws an off balance right hand
and Ruggiero counters with a nice uppercut.
Ruggiero throws a sloppy head kick and Markovic moves out of range easily.
Ruggiero takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Markovic lands with a right hand.
Markovic works the jab nicely.
Markovic loads up on a big right hand but Ruggiero slips the punch.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Markovic - that will leave a mark!
Markovic chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Ruggiero can pounce on him.
Ruggiero misses with an uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Markovic throws out a leg kick but Ruggiero moves out of range and Markovic only half commits.
Ruggiero shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Markovic on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Markovic checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Zoran Markovic will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Ruggiero keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Markovic blocks a low kick nicely.
Ruggiero thows a left - swing and a miss!
Markovic connects with a body shot.
Ruggiero connects with an inside leg kick.
Zoran Markovic seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Markovic thows a leg kick but Ruggiero checks it
and Ruggiero counters with a thumping low kick.
Ruggiero throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Markovic throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ruggiero sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ruggiero walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Ruggiero scores with a body shot.
Markovic scores with a leg kick.
Ruggiero throws a head kick that misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Ruggiero misses the target.
Ruggiero misses with a looping left.
Ruggiero takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
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!
Markovic goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Ruggiero wants to slow Markovic down by chopping away at his legs.
Ruggiero takes one on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruggiero keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Markovic.
Ruggiero tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Markovic is able to avoid easily.
Ruggiero slips under a jab from Markovic.
Markovic walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ruggiero checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Markovic blocks the body kick.
Markovic tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Markovic lands a nice shot to the body.
Ruggiero uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Markovic.
Ruggiero takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Markovic lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Markovic throws a sloppy body shot
and Ruggiero counters with a good low kick that Markovic was not able to check.
Ruggiero uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Markovic.
The fighters circling - Ruggiero throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Markovic tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ruggiero was well out of range. Poor timing from Markovic.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ruggiero lands a really nice looking cross but Markovic seems unphased.
Jab, jab by Markovic - just one landing.
Ruggiero scores with the left hand. Markovic knows he should have avoided that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Markovic scores with a head kick.
Ruggiero takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Markovic throws a leg kick but Ruggiero checks it.
Markovic on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Markovic's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Ruggiero wants to slow Markovic down by chopping away at his legs.
Nice jab there from Ruggiero.
Markovic checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Markovic ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ruggiero walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Ruggiero throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Ruggiero blocks a leg kick.
Markovic stuns Ruggiero with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Markovic cracks a nice hook into Ruggiero's ribs.
Ruggiero tries a head kick but it misses.
Markovic stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Ruggiero checks a leg kick nicely.
Ruggiero lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Markovic at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruggiero is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ruggiero throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Markovic blocks a jab.
Ruggiero misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Markovic lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A slow jab from Markovic misses its intended target.
Ruggiero has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Markovic.
Markovic throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Markovic throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Ruggiero throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Ruggiero buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ruggiero with a nice cross.
A solid leg kick lands there for Ruggiero.
Ruggiero blocks a head kick by Markovic.
Ruggiero moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
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!
Markovic takes a swing at Ruggiero's ribcage but misses.
Both fighters circling a little - Ruggiero finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Markovic has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Ruggiero.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Markovic jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Ruggiero scores with a jab.
Ruggiero scores with a body shot.
Markovic keeps Ruggiero at a distance using the push kick.
Markovic takes one on the button.
Markovic takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Ruggiero tries to score with a low kick but Markovic moves his leg out of the way.
The fighters circling - Ruggiero throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ruggiero slips a jab and a cross from Markovic.
Markovic lands a body shot.
Markovic scores with a leg kick.
Ruggiero thows a left - swing and a miss!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Markovic bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Ruggiero's head.
Ruggiero tries to land a front kick but Markovic steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Markovic swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Markovic throws out a leg kick but Ruggiero moves out of range and Markovic only half commits.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Zoran Markovic will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. 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.

Ruggiero thows a leg kick but Markovic checks it
and Markovic counters with a right hand to the body.
Ruggiero throws a low kick but it's checked well by Markovic.
Markovic throws a predictable looking body shot

and Ruggiero counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Markovic pulls Ruggiero in close to prevent any damage.
Ruggiero looking to pass the guard.
Ruggiero looking to sit in guard and control but Markovic gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Markovic must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Markovic wanted to stand there but Ruggiero had control of the position.
Markovic wants to control from the top but Ruggiero keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Markovic tries to stand but Ruggiero is controlling from the bottom.
Ruggiero wants to sweep but no luck.

Markovic gets to his feet. Ruggiero looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Markovic misses with a body kick.
Markovic lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Markovic thuds a left hand into Ruggiero's body.
Markovic misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ruggiero.
Markovic bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Markovic throws a jab but it's blocked by Ruggiero.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ruggiero ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Markovic moves away.
Ruggiero is looking to chop away at Markovic's legs.
Markovic dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Markovic throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Markovic swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Ruggiero counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Markovic throws a push kick but Ruggiero slaps the foot to one side.
Ruggiero blocks the body kick.
Markovic pivots, looking for a leg kick but Ruggiero is out of range and Markovic settles back down.
Benjamin Ruggiero has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Markovic throws a head kick but Ruggiero moves out of range.
A lazy left from Ruggiero finds it's target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ruggiero scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Ruggiero misses with a leg kick.
Ruggiero uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Markovic.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Ruggiero.
Ruggiero lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Ruggiero 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.
A thudding body kick lands there by Markovic!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jab by Markovic.
Markovic thows a leg kick but Ruggiero checks it
and Ruggiero counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Markovic thinking.
Ruggiero misses with an uppercut.
Markovic lands with a nice body kick.
Ruggiero misses with an attempted mid kick.
Markovic swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Markovic changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Markovic slips a straight right by Ruggiero.
Ruggiero looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Markovic throws a head kick but Ruggiero moves out of range.
Markovic takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Markovic throws a lazy head kick

and Ruggiero counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Ruggiero is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Ruggiero is looking to pass Markovic's guard but actually Markovic recovers to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruggiero trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Markovic looking for a sweep. Not yet Markovic, not yet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Markovic working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Ruggiero.
Markovic keeping full guard, as Ruggiero tries to pass.
Zoran Markovic is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Ruggiero trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Markovic manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

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 Benjamin Ruggiero.
I think Markovic 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 27:30
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:30
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zoran Markovic!