PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Giovanni Nicodemo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boris Zhivago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zhivago is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Cold as Ice. Boris Zhivago told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Nicodemo
vs
Zhivago

170 cm
25
155 lbs
6 - 4 - 1

172 cm
25
165 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250
MayheM sportswear

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 6 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Giovanni Nicodemo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Boris Zhivago!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Steve Smith and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhivago misses with a body shot.
Nicodemo went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Nicodemo slips a straight right by Zhivago.

Nicodemo has closed the distance and engaged Zhivago in a clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Nicodemo.
Zhivago lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Nicodemo backwards.
Nicodemo blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Zhivago blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zhivago misses with the head strike.
Nicodemo throws a head punch that misses.
Nicodemo softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Zhivago throws a head punch that misses.
Zhivago blocks a body shot from Nicodemo.
Zhivago lands a damaging elbow.
Zhivago misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zhivago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Zhivago tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Zhivago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nicodemo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Zhivago flicks out a counter leg kick but Nicodemo steps away.
Zhivago has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nicodemo tries to clinch but Zhivago moves out of range.
Zhivago swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A telegraphed right hand from Zhivago misses the target.
A counter left hand to the body from Nicodemo misses its target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nicodemo lands a nice looking body shot.
Nice defenses there by Zhivago.
Zhivago lands a right hook to the body.
Zhivago uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Zhivago takes a swing at Nicodemo's ribcage but misses.
Nicodemo is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Nicodemo takes a swing at Zhivago's ribcage but misses.
Nicodemo scores with a one two! Zhivago had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Nicodemo attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Zhivago pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Nicodemo went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Zhivago throws a lazy right hand but Nicodemo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Zhivago misses with a body punch
and Nicodemo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Zhivago!
Giovanni Nicodemo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nicodemo misses with a wild body shot.
Nicodemo jabs at Zhivago's body.
Zhivago tries to score with a low kick but Nicodemo moves his leg out of the way.
Nicodemo misses with an uppercut.
Zhivago works Nicodemo's body with a nice hook.
Nicodemo is looking to wear down Zhivago with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Nicodemo misses with a looping right.
Nicodemo throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Zhivago makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Zhivago scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Zhivago misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Nicodemo.
Nicodemo was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nicodemo lands a nice shot that snaps Zhivago's head back.
Zhivago throws a leg kick but Nicodemo moved away.
Zhivago pivots, looking for a leg kick but Nicodemo is out of range and Zhivago settles back down.
Nicodemo went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A low kick from Nicodemo misses
and Zhivago counters with a thumping low kick.
Nicodemo throws a series of punches but Zhivago moves out of range.
Nicodemo is looking to clinch but Zhivago is avoiding it.
Zhivago looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Zhivago lands a nice hook to Nicodemo's body. Nicodemo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Zhivago turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Nicodemo avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Nicodemo throws a body shot but no joy.
Zhivago avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nicodemo misses with a body shot.
Nicodemo wants to clinch but Zhivago slips to the side
letting Zhivago counter with a right hand.
Nicodemo throws a combination that misses

and Zhivago counters by moving into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zhivago escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Zhivago thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Nicodemo if he has to take too many more of those.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The fighters circling - Nicodemo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Zhivago throws out a counter right but Nicodemo avoids it with no problem.
Zhivago throws a hook to the side of Nicodemo's head but Nicodemo sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
As Zhivago tries to get set, Nicodemo tries to push him back and clinch up but Zhivago manages to avoid the attempt.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zhivago.
Nicodemo doesn't manage to clinch there - Zhivago circles away.
Zhivago changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Zhivago avoids the body shot from Nicodemo.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Nicodemo has a couple of punches blocked by Zhivago.
Zhivago tries to land knees in the clinch but Nicodemo avoids the damage to the body.
Zhivago is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nicodemo is defending well for now.
A short right from Zhivago.
Zhivago doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nicodemo pushes Zhivago back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zhivago tries to work over Nicodemo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boris Zhivago dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Zhivago misses with a body kick.

Nicodemo clinches.
Zhivago doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nicodemo blocks an uppercut.
Nicodemo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Zhivago lands with a right to the head.
Zhivago has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A shot in the inside from Nicodemo.
Zhivago lands a shoulder strike.
Zhivago lands a left hand.
Zhivago stalling against the cage.
Zhivago lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Nicodemo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Still in the clinch, Zhivago scores with a nice short uppercut.
Nicodemo misses with a body punch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Nicodemo.
Nicodemo lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zhivago tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nicodemo working aggressively here.
Nicodemo blocks a body shot from Zhivago.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhivago has a couple of punches blocked by Nicodemo.
Zhivago tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Nicodemo's elbow.
Boris Zhivago seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Nicodemo struggles to land a body shot inside as Zhivago controls his hands.
Nicodemo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Nicodemo.
Zhivago tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nicodemo throws a head punch that misses.
Nicodemo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nicodemo tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zhivago lands a right hand that snaps the head of Nicodemo backwards.
Zhivago tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Nicodemo's elbow.
Nicodemo takes a shot to the head.
Nicodemo works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Nicodemo tries to work over Zhivago's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nicodemo.
Zhivago is working Nicodemo over against the cage.
Zhivago tries to stall but Nicodemo uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Zhivago misses with a punch to the body.
Nicodemo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zhivago fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nicodemo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nicodemo misses with a punch to the body.
A short right from Nicodemo on the inside.
Zhivago tries to work over Nicodemo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zhivago misses with some punches.
Nicodemo lands an uppercut.
Zhivago gets through Nicodemo's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Nicodemo lands a left hand that snaps the head of Zhivago backwards.
Zhivago blocks a body shot from Nicodemo.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Nicodemo.
Nicodemo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Zhivago backwards.
Nicodemo tries to work over Zhivago's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nicodemo throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Nicodemo lands an uppercut.
Zhivago misses with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Zhivago.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Zhivago takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Nicodemo lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Zhivago backwards.
Zhivago lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zhivago tries to work over Nicodemo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhivago tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nicodemo lands a body shot in the clinch.
A body shot lands from Nicodemo.
Zhivago tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nicodemo working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Nicodemo.
Nicodemo lands a right hand.
Nicodemo misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zhivago misses with a hook to the ribs.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Zhivago lands a body shot in the clinch.
Zhivago misses with a punch to the body.
Nicodemo misses with some punches.
Nicodemo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nicodemo misses with a body punch.
Zhivago blocks a body shot from Nicodemo.
Nicodemo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Zhivago backwards.
Nicodemo doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Nicodemo throws a punch but it's blocked by Zhivago.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhivago struggles to land a body shot inside as Nicodemo controls his hands.
Nicodemo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zhivago tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Nicodemo avoids it.
Zhivago fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Zhivago tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Nicodemo's elbow.
Nicodemo dodges an elbow strike from Zhivago.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nicodemo.
Zhivago presses Nicodemo against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nicodemo lands a hook that snaps the head of Zhivago backwards.
Zhivago lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nicodemo lands a hook to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Zhivago - that landed with a thud.
Nicodemo goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zhivago.
Zhivago works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Zhivago's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Zhivago lands with an uppercut that bounces Nicodemo off the cage and back into range.
Nice straight punches there by Zhivago. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Zhivago.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Giovanni Nicodemo will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Nicodemo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Zhivago throws out a loose jab but Nicodemo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nicodemo throwing a counter right hand but Zhivago manages to avoid it.
Zhivago tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nicodemo was well out of range. Poor timing from Zhivago.
Nicodemo is looking to counter the offense by Zhivago and move into the clinch.
Nicodemo keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Good exchange - Nicodemo coming out on top.
Nicodemo throws an off balance right hand
and Zhivago counters with an outside leg kick.
Nicodemo throws a series of punches but Zhivago avoids them all with ease.
Zhivago takes a swing at Nicodemo's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nicodemo throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zhivago sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Nicodemo throws a low kick but Zhivago moves out of range easily.
Nicodemo throws a jab but it's blocked by Zhivago.
Nicodemo misses with a body shot.
Zhivago flicks out a counter leg kick but Nicodemo steps away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhivago throws a sloppy head kick and Nicodemo moves out of range easily.
Nicodemo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Boris Zhivago seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Zhivago throws a sloppy head kick and Nicodemo moves out of range easily.
Nicodemo misses with a body kick.
Nicodemo throws a jab when Zhivago was well out of range.
Nicodemo lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Nicodemo moves out of range as Zhivago throws a body kick.
Nicodemo lands a lovely overhand right.
Nicodemo wants to clinch up but Zhivago keeps it at a distance.
Nicodemo cracks Zhivago with an open hand slap.

Zhivago gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nicodemo misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zhivago misses with some punches.
A short uppercut from Zhivago.
A body shot lands from Zhivago.
Zhivago stalling in the clinch.
Zhivago scores with a nice hook to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nicodemo blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Zhivago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Zhivago - that landed with a thud.
Zhivago lands with a right to the head.
Zhivago tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zhivago tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zhivago taking a breather.
Zhivago blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nicodemo tries to work over Zhivago's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nicodemo struggles to land a body shot inside as Zhivago controls his hands.
Nicodemo tries to throw a body punch but Zhivago avoids it by throwing Nicodemo back against the cage.
Nice body punch from Zhivago - that landed with a thud.
Zhivago taking a breather.
Zhivago lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Nicodemo backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhivago blocks an uppercut.
Nicodemo struggles to land a body shot inside as Zhivago controls his hands.
Nicodemo swings wildly with an uppercut but Zhivago uses good head movement to avoid it.
Zhivago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Zhivago lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Zhivago pushes Nicodemo back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zhivago throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nicodemo tries to throw a body punch but Zhivago avoids it by throwing Nicodemo back against the cage.
Zhivago lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nicodemo backwards.
Zhivago lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Nicodemo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Zhivago backwards.
Zhivago working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Nicodemo struggles to land a body shot inside as Zhivago controls his hands.
Zhivago manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Zhivago.
Nicodemo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zhivago's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nicodemo misses with a body punch.

Zhivago breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nicodemo tries to clinch up but Zhivago circles away and keeps his distance.
Nicodemo misses with a lunging right hand
and Zhivago cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
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!
Nicodemo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zhivago moves away.

Zhivago closes the distance and pushes Nicodemo back into the cage.
Zhivago slowing the pace effectively.
Zhivago lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Zhivago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nicodemo working aggressively here.
Nicodemo tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zhivago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Zhivago prevents a body shot from Nicodemo.
Zhivago lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zhivago blocking some punches.
Zhivago blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Boris Zhivago comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Zhivago has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 28:29
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 28:29

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