PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Norbert Schwager Ii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Volya Nikolaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikolaev is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Fever . Norbert Schwager Ii has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Schwager Ii
vs
Nikolaev

175 cm
26
163 lbs
13 - 8 - 1

170 cm
25
165 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Norbert Schwager Ii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Volya Nikolaev!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Sergei Dronov and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Schwager Ii walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Schwager Ii definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Nikolaev throws a hook but Schwager Ii avoids it easily.
Nikolaev staying out of range there.
Nikolaev looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Schwager Ii is fending him off so far but Nikolaev persists. Nope, Schwager Ii circles away and we're back to standing.
Nikolaev scores with a nice right hand.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Schwager Ii enables Nikolaev to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Schwager Ii manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Schwager Ii trying to keep a closed guard but Nikolaev is proving a slippery customer.
Schwager Ii is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Schwager Ii trying to keep a closed guard but Nikolaev is proving a slippery customer.
Nikolaev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nikolaev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Schwager Ii's head.
Nikolaev in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Schwager Ii has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Nikolaev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Schwager Ii managing to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwager Ii looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nikolaev is one step ahead there.
Nikolaev working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Schwager Ii is trying to control the position but Nikolaev postures up.
Nikolaev content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Schwager Ii keeping full guard, as Nikolaev tries to pass.
Schwager Ii is trying to control the position but Nikolaev postures up.
Nikolaev postures up in Schwager Ii's guard and throws a big left but Schwager Ii blocks it.
Nikolaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Schwager Ii is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schwager Ii 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 two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Nikolaev scoring with punches to the head and body.
Schwager Ii trying to control the position here.
Nikolaev with a flurry of punches that miss.
Schwager Ii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nikolaev is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Schwager Ii working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev wants to pass the guard but Schwager Ii is keeping the position.
Nikolaev working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Schwager Ii's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nikolaev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Nikolaev wants to control from the top but Schwager Ii keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nikolaev is one step ahead there.
Nikolaev postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Schwager Ii bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Nikolaev's guard.

Nikolaev is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Schwager Ii trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Nikolaev throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

Nikolaev escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Schwager Ii gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Nikolaev wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii wanted to stand there but Nikolaev had control of the position.

Schwager Ii avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Schwager Ii wanted to stand there but Nikolaev had control of the position.
Schwager Ii trying to control the position from guard on top but Nikolaev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Nikolaev looking for a guillotine here but Schwager Ii defends easily.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Nikolaev bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Schwager Ii's guard.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Schwager Ii swats away the attempt to clinch by Nikolaev.

Nikolaev gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Nikolaev jumps guard and drags Schwager Ii to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Nikolaev throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Schwager Ii trying to control the position from guard on top but Nikolaev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schwager Ii has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Schwager Ii is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Schwager Ii wants to control from the top but Nikolaev keeps moving.

Nikolaev looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwager Ii wants to stand but Nikolaev has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Nikolaev escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Schwager Ii gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Nikolaev had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Schwager Ii defends it easily.

Nikolaev is looking for a triangle but Schwager Ii pushes his legs off easily.
Nikolaev is trying to control the position but Schwager Ii postures up.
Nikolaev throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Schwager Ii loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Nikolaev is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Schwager Ii trying to control but Nikolaev is working from the bottom.

Nikolaev has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Schwager Ii can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Our spies down at at St Petersburg MMA Gym inform us that Nikolaev has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?
Schwager Ii wants to control from the top but Nikolaev keeps moving.
Schwager Ii is really struggling to control Nikolaev but he's trying to hold on to the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Schwager Ii ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Nikolaev misses.
Schwager Ii went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Volya Nikolaev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Schwager Ii keeps it at a distance.
Schwager Ii lands an overhand right.
Nikolaev throws a series of punches but Schwager Ii moves out of range.
Nikolaev cracks Schwager Ii with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Schwager Ii tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nikolaev was well out of range. Poor timing from Schwager Ii.
Schwager Ii uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Nikolaev.
Nice sprawl there from Schwager Ii as Nikolaev shoots in.
Schwager Ii misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii moves out of range as Nikolaev strikes.
Schwager Ii throwing a counter right hand but Nikolaev manages to avoid it.
Norbert Schwager Ii is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Nikolaev has taken the fight to the clinch.
Schwager Ii is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Schwager Ii just leaning against Nikolaev, taking a breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Nikolaev breaks the clinch.
Schwager Ii throws a right hand that Nikolaev ducks under and follows up with a left that Nikolaev also avoids with ease.
Nikolaev thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nikolaev lands a lovely overhand right.
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!
Nikolaev uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Schwager Ii.
Schwager Ii will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Nikolaev shoots in and drives through. Schwager Ii sprawls well.
Schwager Ii appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Schwager Ii throws a body shot but no joy.
A punch combination from Nikolaev misses.
Schwager Ii was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Schwager Ii misses with a two punch combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Volya Nikolaev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Nikolaev is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Schwager Ii.
Nikolaev jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Schwager Ii lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nikolaev circles away quickly and effectively.
Nikolaev displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Schwager Ii throws out the jab.

Nikolaev rushes Schwager Ii and presses him up against the cage.
Nikolaev avoiding damage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Schwager Ii.
A right hook to the body lands for Nikolaev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nikolaev tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Schwager Ii smiles and moves away.
A jab from Nikolaev misses.
Nikolaev has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Schwager Ii misses with a jab, cross combination.
Nikolaev misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Nikolaev throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Schwager Ii seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Nikolaev walks into a stiff left hand from Schwager Ii.
Schwager Ii misses the jab.
Nikolaev lands a nice shot that snaps Schwager Ii's head back.
Schwager Ii will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Horrible takedown attempt by Nikolaev or perhaps it was just good defense by Schwager Ii, which made it look bad.
Nikolaev lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Nikolaev slips under a jab.
Nikolaev has a takedown stuffed.
Norbert Schwager Ii has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Volya Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii takes one to the chin there.
Schwager Ii uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice cross by Nikolaev.
Nikolaev feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Schwager Iis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nikolaev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Schwager Ii swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Nikolaev takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Nikolaev shoots in for a takedown but Schwager Ii shows good takedown defense.
Schwager Ii seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Nikolaev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Schwager Ii scores with a hook.
Nikolaev will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Schwager Ii seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Norbert Schwager Ii is winning the standup battle so far.
Schwager Ii jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Nikolaev moves into range and clinches up with Schwager Ii.

Nikolaev breaks from the clinch.
Schwager Ii dodges the punch combination from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev throws a looping overhand right but Schwager Ii ducks down to avoid it.
Schwager Ii swinging wildly here.
Nikolaev drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Schwager Ii defends it well.
Schwager Ii throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nikolaev.
Nikolaev is looking to clinch but Schwager Ii is avoiding it.
Schwager Ii takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Schwager Ii takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Nikolaev scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Nikolaev lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Nikolaev 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.
Schwager Ii misses with a hook. Nikolaev ducked under it nicely.
Schwager Ii throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii swinging wildly here.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up but Schwager Ii swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Schwager Ii throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Nikolaev.
Volya Nikolaev is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Schwager Ii wants it to stay on the feet.
Nikolaev getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Nikolaev shoots in but Schwager Ii avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nikolaev fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nikolaev throws an overhand right that lands on Schwager Ii's shoulder, as Schwager Ii tries to avoid the shot.
Schwager Ii changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Schwager Ii with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Schwager Ii swings for the body but Nikolaev moves out of range.

Nikolaev moves into the clinch.
Schwager Ii gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii misses with a short punch on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Volya Nikolaev.
I've got Nikolaev 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Volya Nikolaev!
Volya Nikolaev decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.