PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anton Shibaev (ranked 340 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vincenzo Lambrucci (ranked 3101 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Shibaev
vs
Lambrucci

190 cm
26
220 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

185 cm
18
211 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Anton Shibaev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Vincenzo Lambrucci!
The judges for this bout are Sandra Marshall, Michael Johnstone and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lambrucci looks to land a combination but Shibaev avoids it well.
Lambrucci misses with a straight right.
Shibaev tries to counter with a takedown but Lambrucci is quick to defend against it.
Lambrucci lands a right hook to the body.
Lambrucci misses with a lunging right hand

and Shibaev counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Lambrucci working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Shibaev.
Shibaev is stalling in the full guard.
Lambrucci is trying to keep Shibaev in close.
Shibaev 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.
Lambrucci avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shibaev throws a big right hand that misses.

Shibaev thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Lambrucci utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lambrucci working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Shibaev.
Shibaev with a nice head shot there.
Shibaev throws a big right hand that misses.
Lambrucci is trying to keep Shibaev in close.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shibaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Lambrucci is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shibaev throws a big right hand that misses.
Shibaev is looking to work some ground and pound but Lambrucci has wrist control.
Shibaev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's two 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.
Lambrucci wants to get back to his feet but Shibaev passes into half guard.
Well, if Shibaev is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Lambrucci wants to control but Shibaev is keeping busy.
Lambrucci really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Shibaev. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Lambrucci avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Shibaev.
Shibaev content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Lambrucci pushes Shibaev off looking to stand but Shibaev dives back in and keeps control.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Lambrucci throws a right hand that misses

and Shibaev counters with a takedown into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lambrucci parries the strikes from Shibaev easily there. Shibaev is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Lambrucci to escape.
Shibaev content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Shibaev creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Lambrucci sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Shibaev throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

Shibaev is in a dominant position here, looking for a kimura. Lambrucci looks calm but he's in trouble here. Shibaev gets his leg over his opponent's head and yanks on the arm. Lambrucci is tapping like a morse code operator on the titanic! SOS! SOS! Shibaev lets go of the hold and Lambrucci can pop his arm back in it's socket.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Anton Shibaev!
Anton Shibaev seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.