PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Oleg Nemkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Lopez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Nemkov
vs
Lopez

173 cm
25
203 lbs
12 - 8 - 0

185 cm
31
187 lbs
13 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 12 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Oleg Nemkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 7 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Frank Lopez!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Konstantin Menshow and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nemkov misses with a two punch combination.
Nemkov dives in and grabs Lopez's left leg, looking for a takedown. Lopez pushes down on Nemkov's head and hops out.
Lopez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Nemkov.
Nemkov avoids the body shot from Lopez.
Lopez throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Nemkov's head.
Nemkov throws a combination that misses
and Lopez counters with a thumping low kick.
Nemkov throws a series of punches but Lopez avoids them all with ease.
Lopez let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Nemkov takes a swing at Lopez's ribcage but misses.
Lopez is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Nemkov shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Nice body punch from Lopez.
Nemkov throws a head kick that misses
and Lopez counters with a nice body shot.
Nemkov misses with a two punch combination.
No joy there for Nemkov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nemkov misses with a combination
and Lopez makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Nemkov really felt that one!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lopez cracks Nemkov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Nemkov misses with the combination.
Frank Lopez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nemkov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Nemkov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Lopez swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nemkov misses with a hook to the body
and Lopez counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Lopez lands a really nice looking cross but Nemkov seems unphased.
Nemkov throws a series of punches but Lopez moves out of range.

Nemkov closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lopez is looking for a sweep. Nemkov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nemkov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Lopez is trying to control but can't.
Nemkov is trying to control the action in half guard but Lopez is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Lopez is looking to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lopez is looking to improve his position.

Nemkov is working for a kimura but Lopez is defending it quite comfortably.
Lopez is trying to get back to full guard.
Lopez regains full guard. Nicely done.
Lopez wants to stand but Nemkov is controlling the position.
Nemkov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Lopez looking for a sweep. Not yet Lopez, not yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nemkov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lopez is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Nemkov wants to pass the guard but Lopez is keeping the position.
Nemkov postures up in Lopez's guard and throws a big left but Lopez blocks it.
Lopez tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Nemkov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Lopez keeping moving, preventing Nemkov from controlling successfully.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Nemkov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Lopez scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Nemkov doesn't seem bothered though.
A shot to the liver by Lopez. Beautiful body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nemkov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nemkov checks a leg kick nicely.
Nemkov misses with an uppercut. Lopez saw that one coming.
Nemkov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Lopez connects with an inside leg kick.
Nemkov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lopez's waist but Lopez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Nemkov off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Oleg Nemkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lopez moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Lopez dodges the punch combination from Nemkov.
A chopping leg kick lands by Lopez.
Nemkov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Lopez at a distance.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nemkov scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Lopez on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

It looks like Frank Lopez has been cut.
Nemkov lands with a shot to the body.
Nemkov scores with a nice strike.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Nemkov.
Lopez lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Nice cross by Lopez.
Lopez moves away from the strike by Nemkov.
Oleg Nemkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nemkov takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Lopez stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Lopez wants it to stay on the feet.
Nemkov misses with a wild body shot.
A nice side step and Lopez releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Lopez throws a series of punches but Nemkov moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Lopez throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nemkov throws a combination that misses
and Lopez counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Lopez has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Nemkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Lopez.
Lopez scores with a hook.
Oleg Nemkov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Lopez misses with a series of wild punches.
Nemkov shoots and misses
and Lopez connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Oleg Nemkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lopez throws a head kick that misses.
Lopez throws a series of punches but Nemkov avoids them all with ease.
Nemkov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Lopez works Nemkov's body with a nice hook.
Lopez tries a low kick but Nemkov avoids it.
Lopez comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Nemkov just misses with a punch to the body.
Nemkov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Nemkov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nemkov scores with a shot to the body.
Nemkov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
A combination from Nemkov does no damage.
Lopez shapes to counter with a head kick.
Nemkov walks into a stiff left hand from Lopez.
Lopez has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Nemkov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Lopez lands with a good body shot.
Lopez lands a slapping body shot.
Lopez looks to score with a jab to the body but Nemkov is just out of range.
Nemkov fails with the takedown.
Nemkov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Nemkov throws a series of punches but Lopez avoids them all with ease.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lopez smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
A cross from Lopez lands.
Lopez swinging wildly here.
Nemkov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Lopez.
Nemkov misses with a body shot.
Nemkov misses with a body kick.
Nemkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lopez manages to avoid it.
Nemkov tries for a takedown but Lopez circles away easily
and Lopez counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Lopez throws a series of strikes that have Nemkov backpedaling.
Nemkov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Lopez counters with a thumping low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nemkov tries to bum rush Lopez with a series of wild strikes but Lopez uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Lopez throws a series of strikes that have Nemkov backpedaling.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nemkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Lopez was well out of range. Poor timing from Nemkov.
Lopez tries to score with a low kick but Nemkov moves his leg out of the way.
A little feinted left hand from Nemkov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Nemkov looks to land a combination but Lopez avoids it well.
Lopez takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Lopez's corner calls for a 1-2. Lopez obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Frank Lopez seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Lopez keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Nemkov.
Lopez swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nemkov throws a lazy right hand but Lopez sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Lopez is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
No joy there for Nemkov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Lopez scores with a leg kick.
Nemkov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Lopez showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Frank Lopez's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Nemkov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Lopez will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
A jab from Nemkov misses.
Nemkov takes a kick to the side of the head.
Lopez looks to score with a jab to the body but Nemkov is just out of range.
Lopez ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Nemkov moves away.
Nemkov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Nemkov checks a leg kick.
A shot to the liver by Nemkov. Beautiful body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nemkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nemkov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nemkov misses the shot to the body.
Lopez slaps away a takedown attempt from Nemkov, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nemkov swings widly with a right hand
and Lopez counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Nemkov thinking.
Nemkov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Lopez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nemkov.
Nemkov misses with an uppercut.
Nemkov throws an overhand right that lands on Lopez's shoulder, as Lopez tries to avoid the shot.
Nemkov walks into a jab.
Nemkov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Nemkov scores with a body shot.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Lopez moves out of range of the leg kick from Nemkov.
A nice side step and Lopez releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Nemkov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Nemkov lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Nemkov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lopez throws a quick inside leg kick.
Nemkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Lopez moves away.
Oleg Nemkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nemkov just misses with a punch to the body.
Lopez keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

Nemkov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Lopez can do anything to dispel that myth.
Lopez wants to control but Nemkov postures up.

Nemkov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Nemkov working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Lopez regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nemkov is looking to take a break and control but Lopez is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Nemkov wants to work for an arm triangle but Lopez is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Nemkov is looking for a kimura here.
Lopez has a hand on Nemkov's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Nemkov takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Nemkov lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Lopez hang on?
Lopez regains half guard.
Lopez makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Lopez.
Lopez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Nemkov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Lopez controls Nemkov momentarily but Nemkov frees himself.
Nemkov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nemkov trying to control but Lopez is working from the bottom.
Lopez trying to control the position.
Nemkov prevents Lopez from getting back to his feet.
Lopez utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Lopez wants to sweep but no luck.
Nemkov pushing down on Lopez's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Lopez tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Lopez is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Nemkov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Nemkov's back!
Frank Lopez is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nemkov prevents Lopez from getting a body triangle.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Frank Lopez.
I've got Lopez 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:30
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 27:30
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frank Lopez!
A relieved looking Frank Lopez thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.