PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Alaric Visigoth (ranked 3995 p4p, 482 weight class) and Vitaly Minakov (ranked 5275 p4p, 595 weight class). The key to victory for Alaric Visigoth has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Visigoth
vs
Minakov

203 cm
25
205 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

195 cm
25
210 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Big right hand

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Phantom Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Alaric Visigoth!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vitaly Minakov!
The judges for this bout are Ben Watson, Ron Honeybunn and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Minakov clinches up against the ropes.

Minakov has picked Visigoth up - he's going for a ride! Minakov dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Visigoth is trying to stand up here but Minakov is controlling him well.
Still in half guard, Minakov seems content to control.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Minakov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Visigoth is trying to stand.
Minakov works his way into side control.

Visigoth throws his opponent off and manages to get back to his feet! Nicely done!
Visigoth misses with a two punch combination.
Visigoth looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Visigoth lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Visigoth.

It looks like Vitaly Minakov has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Visigoth throws a right and a left that both miss.
Minakov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

Minakov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Minakov remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Visigoth tries to escape but Minakov is in control.
The referee asks Minakov politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Minakov prefers to stall for the moment though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Let's hope that Minakov has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Visigoth takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Visigoth seems a little lost for a moment, as Minakov dominates the positioning.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Minakov.
Minakov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Visigoth some visible discomfort.
Visigoth is trying to get back to his feet.
Minakov working the head and body with strikes.
Visigoth is pushing Minakov's head away, looking to escape. Minakov manages to hold on to the position though.
Minakov staying calm.
Minakov lands an elbow.
Visigoth wants to get back to his feet but Minakov drags him back down.
Minakov content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Minakov prevents Visigoth from escaping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Visigoth trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Minakov is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Visigoth's shoulder. That is not cool.
Visigoth is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Minakov is controlling him well.
Visigoth on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Visigoth is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Minakov is controlling him well.
A lull in the action here as Minakov stalls from top position.
Minakov tries to stand but Visigoth is controlling his head.
A lull in the action here.
Minakov tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minakov trying to control the position but Visigoth is working away.
Minakov lands a decent elbow from side control.
Visigoth is trying to buck Minakov off.
Visigoth taking a bit of punishment here - Minakov scoring with strikes.
Visigoth is pushing Minakov's head away, looking to escape. Minakov manages to hold on to the position though.
Check out the look on Minakov's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Minakov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Visigoth keeps working.

Minakov is trying to get an arm triangle but Visigoth is defending well.

Visigoth sneaks out the side door and pushes Minakov away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Visigoth will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Minakov steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Visigoth.
An inside leg kick from Visigoth misses.
Visigoth misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Minakov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Visigoth tries to escape but Minakov is in control.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

Visigoth bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!
Visigoth throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Minakov closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Visigoth quickly recovers to half guard.
Minakov tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Visigoth.
Minakov trying to control the pace.
Minakov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Minakov is taking a breather. Visigoth says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Visigoth tries to kick Minakov off but Minakov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Minakov trying to control from half guard but Visigoth is working away.
Visigoth is trying to stand up here but Minakov is controlling him well.
Minakov controlling the pace.
Visigoth is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Vitaly Minakov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Vitaly Minakov's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Minakov misses with a takedown
and Visigoth counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Minakov tries for a takedown but Visigoth circles away easily
and Visigoth counters with a series of strikes. Minakov will be more careful next time no doubt.
Visigoth really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Visigoth with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Visigoth misses with the combination.

Visigoth drops Minakov with a left right combo! Visigoth follows him down to the ground into side control.

Minakov is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Minakov gets back to half guard.
Minakov trying to control but Visigoth postures up.

Visigoth is working for a kimura but Minakov is defending it quite comfortably.
Minakov trying to control but Visigoth postures up.
Minakov might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Visigoth haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Visigoth is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Minakov can do to turn this around?

That's one minute gone in the round.

Visigoth is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Minakov is defending against the submission attempts here by Visigoth.
Visigoth is thwarting Minakov's attempts to control the position.

Visigoth looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Minakov controlling the position for now.
Minakov wants to control but Visigoth is keeping busy and won't allow it.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Minakov can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Minakov keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Minakov is continuing to stall.

Visigoth is working for a submission of some sort.
Minakov pushes Visigoth off looking to stand but Visigoth dives back in and keeps control.
Minakov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Visigoth is working away from the top position though.

Visigoth wants to work for an arm triangle but Minakov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Vitaly Minakov has got the better of the ground game so far.

Visigoth is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Minakov is just riding it out for now. Visigoth eventually gives up the hold.

Visigoth is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Minakov has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minakov is doing well to control the position and prevent Visigoth from advancing to side control.

Visigoth seems to be working for a kimura but Minakov defends the submission attempt.

Visigoth is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Minakov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Visigoth.
Minakov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Minakov is concentrating on defense, preventing Visigoth from advancing position.
Minakov throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Minakov is looking to escape.

Visigoth is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Minakov is just riding it out for now. Visigoth eventually gives up the hold.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Visigoth is thwarting Minakov's attempts to control the position.

Visigoth is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Minakov is just riding it out for now. Visigoth eventually gives up the hold.

Visigoth is looking for a kimura but Minakov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Visigoth to get the leverage.

Visigoth is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Minakov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Visigoth.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Visigoth is looking for a kimura but Minakov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Visigoth to get the leverage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alaric Visigoth dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Vitaly Minakov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Visigoth throws a leg kick but Minakov checks it.
Minakov wants to counter the offense by Visigoth and move into the clinch position.

Minakov throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Visigoth tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Minakov is in Visigoth's guard.
Minakov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Visigoth wants to stand but Minakov is controlling the position.
Minakov stays in close to Visigoth's body and controls the position.
Visigoth wants to get back to his feet but Minakov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Minakov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Minakov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Visigoth wants to stand and escape but Minakov is having none of it.
Minakov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Visigoth wants to stand and escape but Minakov is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minakov is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Visigoth misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Visigoth throws a leg kick but Minakov sees it coming and moves out of range.

Minakov closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Visigoth quickly recovers to half guard.
Visigoth tries to kick Minakov off but Minakov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Minakov controlling the action here.
Minakov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Minakov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Minakov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Minakov is keen to just control but Visigoth is a slippery customer.
Visigoth wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Visigoth has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Minakov is on him like a limpet, forcing Visigoth back against the ropes.

Minakov lands a takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Visigoth is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

Visigoth pushes Minakov off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Visigoth tries to bum rush Minakov with a series of wild strikes but Minakov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Minakov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Minakov controlling the position from side mount.
Visigoth is not content to let Minakov control the position.
Minakov taking a breather here.
Visigoth is not content to let Minakov control the position.
Visigoth tries to escape but Minakov is in control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minakov controlling from side mount.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Minakov's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Visigoth taking punishment in the form of punches.
Minakov working the body and head with strikes.
Minakov trying to control the position but Visigoth is working away.
Visigoth wants to get back to his feet but Minakov drags him back down.

That's four 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.
Minakov wants to control but Visigoth is keeping him busy.
Visigoth prevents Minakov from moving into mount.
Visigoth wants to get back to his feet.
Minakov wants to stand but Visigoth is controlling his arm.
Visigoth trying to remain calm as Minakov controls from the top position.
Visigoth pushes Minakov away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Minakov gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.

Minakov is trying to get an arm triangle but Visigoth is defending well.
Minakov landing strikes.
Minakov is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Visigoth's shoulder. That is not cool.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vitaly Minakov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Minakov 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 Ben Watson scores the fight 29:27
Judge Ron Honeybunn scores the fight 29:27
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alaric Visigoth!
After the big win, Alaric Visigoth made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors Phantom Fightwear and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.