PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Vadim Nazarov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sacco Vanzetti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nazarov comes to the cage accompanied by "Fade to Black" by Metallica. Vanzetti comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Against All Authority - Sacco & Vanzetti kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Vadim Nazarov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Nazarov
vs
Vanzetti

187 cm
29
195 lbs
18 - 8 - 2

190 cm
25
204 lbs
12 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Spartan Nutrition
GREEN!160

GREEN!160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vadim Nazarov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sacco Vanzetti!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, William Gold and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nazarov throws a right hand that misses
and Vanzetti counters with a one-two to the body.
Vanzetti throws a combination. Nazarov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

It looks like Vadim Nazarov has been cut.
Vanzetti connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Nazarov's hands.
Nazarov misses with a right hand
and Vanzetti makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Nazarov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Vanzetti on the side of the head.
Vanzetti misses with a body kick.
Vanzetti loads up on a big right hand but Nazarov slips the punch.
Vanzetti misses with a hook
and Nazarov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vanzetti scores with a three punch combo!
Vanzetti throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Nazarov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vanzetti uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Nazarov.
A slow jab from Vanzetti misses its intended target.
Nazarov misses with a takedown attempt
and Vanzetti makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Vanzetti shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
A telegraphed right hand from Vanzetti misses the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nazarov scores with a nice right hand.
Nazarov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Vanzetti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nazarov throws a jab but it's blocked by Vanzetti.
Vanzetti uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Nazarov.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vanzetti. Nazarov does a little dance to reset his feet.
It looked like Nazarov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Vanzetti throws a series of punches but Nazarov avoids them all with ease.
A little feinted left hand from Nazarov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Vanzetti throws a head kick that Nazarov semi-blocks.
Vanzetti lands with an uppercut that bounces Nazarov off the cage and back into range.
Vanzetti keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Nazarov.
A big right from Vanzetti misses.
Vanzetti pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Nazarov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

Nazarov feints and as Vanzetti raises his hands in defense, Nazarov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nazarov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov trying to control the position from guard on top but Vanzetti is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nazarov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Nazarov postures up in Vanzetti's guard and throws a big left but Vanzetti blocks it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nazarov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Nazarov trying to control the position from guard on top but Vanzetti is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nazarov throws a big elbow that misses.
Vanzetti is controlling Nazarov's posture.
Nazarov throws a big right hand that misses.
Vanzetti has his hands on Nazarov's head, controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Vanzetti is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Good body shot from Vanzetti.
Vanzetti blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nazarov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nazarov managing to block the knees to the body from Vanzetti.
Vanzetti struggles to land a body shot inside as Nazarov controls his hands.
Nazarov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Nazarov is leaning against Vanzetti and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Nazarov working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov digs a right hand into Vanzetti's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Vanzetti's gas tank.
Nazarov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nazarov goes for a takedown attempt but Vanzetti pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vadim Nazarov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vanzetti tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nazarov goes for a double leg but Vanzetti avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Vanzetti continues to drive forward.
Left hook, right uppercut from Vanzetti.
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!
Vanzetti pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nazarov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Vanzetti at a distance.
Nazarov throws an overhand right that lands on Vanzetti's shoulder, as Vanzetti tries to avoid the shot.
Vanzetti stuffs the takedown attempt from Nazarov. Nazarov gets slowly back to his feet.
Vanzetti connects with a crisp jab.
Vanzetti throws a leg kick

and Nazarov counters with a single leg into guard. Vanzetti didn't expect that.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nazarov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Sacco Vanzetti will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Vadim Nazarov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nazarov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Vanzetti's half guard.
Vanzetti wants to control but Nazarov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Vanzetti avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nazarov.
Nazarov with the ground and pound but Vanzetti uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Nazarov being controlled here momentarily.
Nazarov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nazarov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Vanzetti works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Nazarov throws a big right hand that misses.
Nazarov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Nazarov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vanzetti uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Vanzetti moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Vanzetti slips under a jab from Nazarov.
Nazarov misses the jab.
Nazarov looks to land a left hand but Vanzetti moved out of range nicely.
A slow jab from Nazarov misses its intended target.
Nazarov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sacco Vanzetti is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vanzetti with a nice cross.
Vanzetti 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.
Vanzetti throws an off balance right hand
and Nazarov counters with a nice uppercut.
The fighters circling - Nazarov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A punch combination from Vanzetti misses.
Nazarov has been working on his balance at Den of Tears (22 coaches, $625 fee), so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Vanzetti.
Vanzetti throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
It looked like Nazarov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vanzetti shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Nazarov eats them both and turns towards Vanzetti to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Vanzetti moves into range and clinches up with Nazarov.
Nazarov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Vanzetti gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Vanzetti blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nazarov throws a head punch that misses.
Vanzetti lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nazarov backwards.
Nazarov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Vanzetti lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Nazarov.
Vanzetti misses with a knee strike.
Nazarov misses with a body punch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nazarov.
Nazarov tries to score a body lock takedown but Vanzetti shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Vanzetti blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Nazarov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nazarov throws a hook to the side of Vanzetti's head but Vanzetti sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sacco Vanzetti is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanzetti throws a body shot but no joy.
Nazarov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Nazarov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Vanzetti misses with a few strikes there.
Vanzetti throws a nice head kick!
Vanzetti connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Sloppy strikes from Vanzetti. Those never looked like landing.
Vanzetti throws a body punch but Nazarov moves out of range.
Vanzetti stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Vanzetti wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vadim Nazarov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vanzetti takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Some wild striking there from Nazarov.
Nazarov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vanzetti steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nazarov.
Nazarov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Nazarov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Vanzetti swivels and escapes.
Nazarov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Nazarov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Vanzetti counters with a stiff right hand.
Vanzetti throws a leg kick that misses.
Nazarov has a takedown stuffed.
Jab, jab by Nazarov - just one landing.
Nazarov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nazarov throws a body shot but no joy.
Sacco Vanzetti seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nazarov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Vanzetti's waist but Vanzetti gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Nazarov off to one side.
Vanzetti pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Vanzetti swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Nazarov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sacco Vanzetti will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Vadim Nazarov's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Vanzetti displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Nazarov throws out the jab.
Nazarov shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Vanzetti eats them both and turns towards Nazarov to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Vanzetti fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Nice takedown defense from Vanzetti. No joy for Nazarov on that attempt.
Nazarov throws a hook but Vanzetti blocks it.
Nazarov lands an overhand right.
Nazarov has his takedown stuffed
and Vanzetti counters with a stiff right hand.
Vanzetti looks for the body kick but Nazarov saw that one coming.
Vanzetti moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
A punch combination from Vanzetti misses.
Vanzetti scores with a shot to the body.
Nazarov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Vanzetti connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
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!
Vanzetti misses with a wild body shot.
A little feinted left hand from Nazarov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nazarov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Vanzetti misses with a double jab
letting Nazarov counter with a right hand.
Vanzetti misses with a few strikes there.
Nice defenses there by Nazarov.
Vanzetti misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Jab from Nazarov.
Vanzetti misses with a double jab.
Sloppy strikes from Nazarov. Those never looked like landing.

Vanzetti gets caught napping as Nazarov dives in and scores a takedown. Vanzetti manages to retain guard.
Nazarov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Nazarov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Vanzetti looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Vanzetti works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nazarov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Nazarov connects with a couple of short punches.
Vanzetti is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Nazarov is controlling him.
Vanzetti controls Nazarov momentarily but Nazarov frees himself.
Nazarov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Nazarov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Nazarov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Vanzetti's head.
Vanzetti wants to stand and escape but Nazarov is having none of it.
Nazarov throws an elbow that misses. Vanzetti uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nazarov's guard. Nice move by Vanzetti!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nazarov 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.
Nazarov looking to control.
Nazarov looking for a sweep. Not yet Nazarov, not yet.
Nazarov pulls Vanzetti in to control the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Vanzetti is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Nazarov.
Vanzetti misses with a few strikes there.
Nazarov throws the left hand but Vanzetti avoids the punch easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Nazarov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Vanzetti manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Nazarov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Nazarov landing with the ground and pound.
Vanzetti keeping moving, preventing Nazarov from controlling successfully.
Vanzetti is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Vadim Nazarov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

And that's the end of the fight!
Vadim Nazarov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Vanzetti 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 28:29
Judge William Gold scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sacco Vanzetti!
Sacco Vanzetti managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, Modern Wear Apparel, into his post fight interview.