PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Volkov (ranked 299 p4p, 38 weight class) and Lincoln Storm (ranked 287 p4p, 36 weight class). Lincoln Storm is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Volkov
vs
Storm

175 cm
24
154 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

171 cm
23
147 lbs
13 - 1 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

KOMBAT KLOTHING

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Volkov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Lincoln Storm!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Wesley Smith and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice defenses there by Volkov.
A looping hook to the body misses from Volkov. Storm does a little dance to reset his feet.
Storm misses with a double jab.
Storm tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Volkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Storm.
Storm uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Volkov.
Storm wants to counter the offense by Volkov and move into the clinch position.
Storm misses with a body shot.

Storm clinches up against the ropes.
Volkov can't find room to land a body shot as Storm controls the action.
Volkov stalls.
Volkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Storm blocks a body shot from Volkov.
Storm scores with a nice hook to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Storm struggles to land a body shot inside as Volkov controls his hands.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Storm.
Storm works on Volkov's body with a couple of short punches.

Volkov pulls Storm into guard.

Volkov has an active guard here but Storm has managed to pass into half guard.
Storm is thwarting Volkov's attempts to control the position.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm trying to control the action but Volkov is working from the bottom.
Storm not doing much here.
Volkov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Volkov.

Volkov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Volkov wants to sweep here but Storm controlling him for the moment.
Storm must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Storm wants to control from the top but Volkov keeps moving.
Volkov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Volkov keeping moving, preventing Storm from controlling successfully.
Volkov working a defensive guard here.

Storm got a little sloppy there for a moment and Volkov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Storm has managed to get both his arms back between Volkov's legs - danger averted.
Volkov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Volkov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Storm's head.
Volkov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Volkov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Storm keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Volkov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Storm knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Volkov seems to be working for a kimura but Storm defends the submission attempt.
Storm is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Storm felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Volkov is working for a submission of some sort.
Storm wants to improve his position but Volkov is controlling well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Volkov looking for a submission but Storm manages to get full guard, putting an end to that submission attempt.
Volkov throws a strike but Storm rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Lincoln Storm will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Volkov misses with an uppercut
and Storm counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Storm is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Volkov.

Volkov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Storm, pushing him back against the ropes.
Storm working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Storm misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short right from Storm on the inside.
Volkov misses with a punch to the body.
I was talking to Volkov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Storm lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Volkov manages to break the clinch.
Volkov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Storm is fending him off so far but Volkov persists. Nope, Storm circles away and we're back to standing.
Volkov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Storm.
Storm connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Storm throws the left hand but Volkov avoids the punch easily.
Volkov moves in looking to clinch but Storm pushes him off.
Storm lands with an uppercut that bounces Volkov off the ropes and back into range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Volkov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Storm is fending him off so far but Volkov persists. Nope, Storm circles away and we're back to standing.
Volkov doesn't manage to clinch there - Storm circles away.
Nice uppercut there from Storm.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Volkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Storm misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Volkov.
That kick from Storm tenderised Volkov's leg. Volkov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Good exchange - Storm coming out on top.
Storm jabs Volkov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Storm has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Volkov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Storm.
Storm wants to clinch up but Volkov keeps it at a distance.
Volkov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Volkov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Storm lands with a right hand.
Storm misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Storm scores with a hook to the body. Volkov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
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!
Volkov throws a body shot but no joy.
Storm scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Storm lands a nice looking body shot.
Storm swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Volkov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov misses the body punch

and Storm counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Storm.
Volkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Volkov blocks an uppercut.
A right hook to the body lands for Storm.
A short uppercut from Storm.
Storm scores with a shot to the side of Volkov's head.
Volkov wants a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Volkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Volkov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Storm or not.
Storm blocks a body shot from Volkov.
Storm lands a right hand that snaps the head of Volkov backwards.
Storm swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Lincoln Storm seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Storm gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Volkov.
Storm misses with some punches.
Storm lands a left hand.
A short right from Storm.

Volkov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Volkov throws out the jab.
Storm uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Volkov.
Storm throws a chopping leg kick but Volkov manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
As Storm looks to move away, Volkov throws a big counter combo but Storm just gets out of the way.
Lincoln Storm is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Volkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Storm.
Storm scores with a sloppy right hand. Volkov should have avoided that one.
Storm is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Volkov rather than just go for the knockout.
Storm lands with an overhand left.
Storm misses with a looping left.
Storm misses with a looping left.
Lincoln Storm seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Storm throws a lazy right hand but Volkov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A big right from Storm misses.
Volkov moves forwards but Storm connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Storm jabs at Volkov's body.
Storm connects with a looping right hand.
Storm misses with an uppercut
letting Volkov counter with a right hand.
Storm throws a hook but Volkov avoids it easily.
Volkov attempts a counter takedown but Storm avoids it well and moves away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Volkov lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Storm backs up against the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Volkov is defended easily by Storm.
Volkov misses with a double jab.
Storm uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Volkov.
Storm throws out a counter right but Volkov avoids it with no problem.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Volkov is defended easily by Storm.
Volkov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Storm.

Volkov feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Storm has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the ropes to get back to his feet. Volkov has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the ropes.
A nice left hand lands by Storm.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Storm tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Storm has a couple of punches blocked by Volkov.
A head punch on the inside from Storm fails to land.
Storm working aggressively here.
Storm tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lincoln Storm showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

A shot to the body from Storm misses

and Volkov counters by clinching up.

Volkov turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Volkov creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Storm sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Storm is trying to control Volkov's posture but Volkov avoids it.
Storm regains half guard, as Volkov was trying to land strikes.
Volkov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Storm is trying to get back to full guard.
Volkov not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov is pressing down on Storm's thigh, looking to free his foot. Storm is holding on for now.

Storm is defending against the submission attempts here by Volkov.
Volkov wants to take a breather but Storm is having none of it.
Volkov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Volkov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Volkov trying to pass the guard but Storm defending well.

That's two 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.
Storm is looking to control Volkov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Storm avoid being mounted?
Volkov is trying to control. Storm wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Volkov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Storm misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Volkov.
Storm doesn't manage to clinch there - Volkov circles away.
Storm tries to work over Volkov's front leg with a kick but Volkov checks it.
Good standup being displayed there by Volkov as he connects with a hook.
Volkov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Volkov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Storm connects with a single shot there.
Volkov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Storm.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm throws a hook to the side of Volkov's head but Volkov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Storm dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Storm swings for the body but Volkov moves out of range.
Storm jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Storm tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Volkov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Volkov checks a leg kick.
Storm pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Volkov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Storm closes the distance and pushes Volkov back into the ropes.
Storm swings wildly with an uppercut but Volkov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Volkov tries to work over Storm's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Storm throws a punch but it's blocked by Volkov.
Volkov tries for a takedown but Storm manages to get underhooks.
Storm tries a body shot but Volkov blocks it.
Volkov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Storm misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Storm misses with a punch on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Storm.
Volkov is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Storm gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Volkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Volkov is trying to pull guard but Storm turns him against the ropes and we stay in the clinch.
Volkov wants a takedown.
Storm blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Volkov blocks a body shot from Storm.
Volkov taking a breather.
Storm lands a right hand that snaps the head of Volkov backwards.
Storm lands a nice uppercut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Storm.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Volkov.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Volkov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Storm looks to score with a jab to the body but Volkov is just out of range.

Volkov darts in and clinches Storm up against the ropes.

Volkov wants the takedown. Storm is fighting it off but Volkov persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Storm's guard against the ropes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lincoln Storm really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Storm has closed the distance and engaged Volkov in a clinch.
Volkov wants to take the fight to the mat but Storm manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Volkov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Storm just stands there and leans against the ropes.
Storm scores with a shoulder strike.
Storm lands a right hand.
Volkov is trying to drag Storm to the mat but Storm just about manages to keep his footing. He used the ropes to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Volkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A body shot lands from Storm.
Storm misses with a punch on the inside.
Volkov swings wildly with an uppercut but Storm uses good head movement to avoid it.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Storm creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Volkov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Volkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Storm prevents it.
Storm has a couple of punches blocked by Volkov.
Storm misses with a punch on the inside.
Storm gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Volkov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Nice body punch from Storm.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Volkov.
Storm tries to throw a body punch but Volkov avoids it by throwing Storm back against the ropes.
Volkov blocks an uppercut.
A short left from Storm.
Storm lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Still in the clinch, Storm scores with a nice short uppercut.
Storm stops a takedown attempt from Volkov.
Storm digs a right hand underneath Volkov's ribcage. Volkov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Storm lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Storm lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Volkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Storm prevents it.
Storm throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Volkovs head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Storm lands a shoulder strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Storm digs a right hand into Volkov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Volkov's gas tank.
Volkov dodges an elbow strike from Storm.
Volkov prevents a body shot from Storm.
Storm works on Volkov's body with a couple of short punches.
Volkov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Storm lands a body punch.
Storm lands a body punch in the clinch.
Storm lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the ropes.
Storm tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Volkov's elbow.
Good body shot from Storm.
Storm working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Storm pushes Volkov back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Storm digs a right hand underneath Volkov's ribcage. Volkov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Storm.
Volkov avoiding damage as Storm throws knees to the body.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Storm creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Volkov prevents a body shot from Storm.
Storm lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Storm lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Storm lands on the inside with an uppercut.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Storm.
Storm is leaning against Volkov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Storm tries to work over Volkov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Storm creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Storm misses with a short punch on the inside.
Volkov blocks an uppercut.
Storm lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Storm tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Volkov blocks a body shot from Storm.
Storm misses with a hook to the ribs.
Storm lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Volkov pulls Storm into guard.
Volkov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Storm stands and throws Volkov's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Volkov manages to work his way to half guard, despite Storm's best efforts.
Storm controlling the action here.
Volkov is looking for a sweep. Storm is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Storm is looking to take a break and control but Volkov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Storm is thwarting Volkov's attempts to control the position.
Volkov tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Storm has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lincoln Storm dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Storm throws a series of punches but Volkov avoids them all with ease.
Storm throws a leg kick that misses.
Storm slips a jab from Volkov.
Storm misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Volkov.
Volkov moves away from the strike by Storm.
Storm thuds his right hand into Volkov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Volkov throws out a powerful jab.
Volkov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Volkov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Volkov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Volkov won't allow Storm to sweep him here.

Volkov postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Storm is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Volkov, into his guard.

Volkov is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Storm trying to stand up but can't free himself from Volkov's guard.
Storm trying to control but Volkov is working from the bottom.
Storm looking to pass the guard.

Volkov looking for a guillotine here but Storm defends easily.
Ivan Volkov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Storm controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

Volkov has his foot on Storm's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Storm works his way back into a safe position though.
Volkov trying to control the position.
Volkov trying to control the position here.
Storm stands and throws Volkov's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov is looking for a sweep.
Volkov manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

Volkov looking for submissions off his back.
The fighters are battling for position here. Volkov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Ivan Volkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Volkov working for a triangle but Storm defends it easily.
Storm stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Volkov swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Volkov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

Volkov is looking for a triangle here but Storm uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Volkov tries to bench press Storm off him but Storm keeps the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Storm is looking to take a break and control but Volkov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Volkov is throwing a few token shots, despite Storm being in side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Lincoln Storm.
I've got Storm 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Alan Glass scores the fight for Lincoln Storm!
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight for Lincoln Storm!
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight for Lincoln Storm!

Lincoln Storm wins by unanimous decision!
Lincoln Storm is the new featherweight champion!
Our winner, Lincoln Storm, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.