QFC Tournament 731 Round 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Akira Tanaka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wasyl Plutov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wasyl Plutov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tanaka
vs
Plutov

168 cm
19
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

178 cm
19
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Good knees
Hates pizza

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Fanatic Inc. [ $25.00 ]

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Akira Tanaka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Wasyl Plutov!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Ivan Kurochkin and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Plutov takes a swing at Tanaka's ribcage but misses.
Plutov tests Tanaka's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Tanaka darts in and clinches Plutov up against the cage.
Plutov goes for a takedown attempt but Tanaka pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Tanaka closes the distance and pushes Plutov back into the cage.
Tanaka stops a takedown attempt from Plutov.
Plutov tries to pull guard but Tanaka won't allow it.
Akira Tanaka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wasyl Plutov.
Tanaka lands a knee to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Plutov managing to block the knees to the body from Tanaka.
Tanaka misses with an elbow strike.
Tanaka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Tanaka lands a nice knee to the body.
Plutov looks winded!
A nice right hand lands inside from Tanaka.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Tanaka working Plutov over with knees to the body.
Tanaka gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Tanaka landing knees to the body.
Tanaka is stalling here.
Tanaka gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Tanaka comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Tanaka avoiding damage.
Tanaka slowing the pace effectively.
Tanaka trying to land knees to the body.
Plutov managing to block the knees to the body from Tanaka.
Tanaka lands an elbow inside.
Knees to the body from Tanaka.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tanaka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Plutov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Tanaka comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

It looks like Wasyl Plutov has been cut.
Tanaka leaning his opponent against the cage.
Tanaka lands a knee to the body.
Tanaka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Plutov avoids it.
Tanaka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Plutov in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Tanaka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Tanaka lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Tanaka lands a knee to the body.
Plutov managing to block the knees to the body from Tanaka.
Tanaka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Tanaka dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka lands a nice knee to the body.
Tanaka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Tanaka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Plutov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Tanaka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Tanaka crunches a lovely knee into Plutov's ribcage.
Tanaka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Plutov managing to block the knees to the body from Tanaka.
Tanaka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Plutov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Tanaka landing knees to the body.
Tanaka trying to land knees to the body.
Tanaka has Plutov pushed against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka lands a nice knee to the body.
Plutov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Tanaka lands a good knee to the midsection. Plutov won't want to take too many of those.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tanaka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Plutov tries to pull guard but Tanaka forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.
Tanaka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Plutov blocks the elbow strike.
Tanaka misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Plutov.
Plutov tries to pull guard but Tanaka won't allow it.
Tanaka stops a takedown attempt from Plutov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Akira Tanaka dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Wasyl Plutov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Tanaka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
As Tanaka backs off Plutov throws a huge counter combo but Tanaka manages to avoid it all.
Tanaka tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Plutov gets tackled into the cage by Tanaka. Tanaka maintains the clinch.
Tanaka taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Plutov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Tanaka smiles and moves away.

Tanaka darts in and clinches Plutov up against the cage.
Tanaka lands with a left to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tanaka is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Tanaka lands a nice elbow.
Tanaka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Plutov wants to take the fight to the mat but Tanaka manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Tanaka lands a knee to the body.
Plutov is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knees to the body from Tanaka.
Tanaka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Tanaka lands a damaging elbow.
Tanaka lands a nice elbow.
Plutov avoiding damage as Tanaka throws knees to the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Tanaka obliges.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Tanaka takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Tanaka lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.
Plutov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Tanaka is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Tanaka putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Plutov in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.
Tanaka trying to land knees to the body.
Tanaka lands a good knee to the midsection. Plutov won't want to take too many of those.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tanaka is struggling to control the position.
Tanaka lands a nice knee to the body.
Tanaka unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Tanaka taking a breather.
Tanaka lands a damaging elbow.
Tanaka is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Plutov can do to turn this around?
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plutov is trying to break free.
Plutov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Plutov jumps into guard, dragging Tanaka to the mat.
Plutov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Tanaka's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Tanaka trying to stand up but can't free himself from Plutov's guard.
Tanaka postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Plutov pushes Tanaka off and gets back to his feet.
Plutov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Tanaka drives through and clinches with Plutov against the cage.
Tanaka landing knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Tanaka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Plutov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Tanaka scores a nice knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tanaka's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Tanaka trying to land knees to the body.
Tanaka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Tanaka tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Plutov avoids it.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Tanaka obliges.
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.
Akira Tanaka has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Akira Tanaka dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Wasyl Plutov's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Tanaka shoots for a double leg takedown but Plutov sprawls well. He's pushed Tanaka's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Tanaka darts in and clinches Plutov up against the cage.
Tanaka gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Plutov is trying to stall.
Tanaka lands a good knee to the midsection. Plutov won't want to take too many of those.
Tanaka unloads a knee to the mid-section. Plutov lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Tanaka landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Plutov managing to block the knees to the body from Tanaka.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Plutov avoiding damage as Tanaka throws knees to the body.
Tanaka controlling the action here for a moment.
Plutov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Tanaka just stands there and leans against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tanaka scores a nice knee to the body.
Tanaka using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Tanaka using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Plutov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Tanaka missing with knees to the body.
Still in the clinch, Tanaka scores with a nice short uppercut.
Plutov being controlled against the cage.
Tanaka is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Plutov is defending well for now.
Tanaka trying to land knees to the body.
Tanaka tries to land knees in the clinch but Plutov avoids the damage to the body.
With the fighters up against the cage, Tanaka throws an elbow but misses.
Plutov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tanaka trying to land knees to the body.
Plutov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Tanaka just stands there and leans against the cage.
Plutov can't get the takedown.
Akira Tanaka has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Wasyl Plutov.
Plutov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Tanaka gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Tanaka crunches a lovely knee into Plutov's ribcage.
Tanaka lands a nice knee to the body.
Plutov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.

Plutov is trying to trip Tanaka. He has hold of a leg but Tanaka is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Plutov persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Plutov sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Tanaka utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plutov 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.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Plutov won't allow Tanaka to get back to his feet.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

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.
Plutov chips away with some ground and pound.
Plutov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Tanaka wants to sweep but no luck.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

Tanaka takes the fight into the clinch.
Plutov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Tanaka avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Tanaka landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tanaka gets underhooks to prevent Plutov's takedown attempt.
Plutov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Wasyl Plutov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Akira Tanaka is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tanaka lands an elbow inside that Plutov shrugs off.

And that's the end of the fight!
Akira Tanaka showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Tanaka, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight for Akira Tanaka!
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight for Akira Tanaka!
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight for Akira Tanaka!

Akira Tanaka wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Cathal Gallagher (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kolip Polik (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.

Gallagher
vs
Polik

173 cm
24
162 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

170 cm
24
159 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Big right hand

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Cathal Gallagher!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kolip Polik!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Illya Tyunina and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gallagher throws a body punch but Polik moves out of range.
Polik paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Gallagher swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Polik throws the left hand but Gallagher avoids the punch easily.
Polik slips a jab from Gallagher.
It seemed like Polik was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Gallagher, as that shot connected.
Polik fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gallagher manages to avoid it.
Polik avoids the body shot from Gallagher.
Despite the aggression on Polik's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Gallagher uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Polik.
Polik misses with a wild body shot.
Polik swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Gallagher counters with a left to the body.
Polik throws a series of punches but Gallagher avoids them all with ease.
Polik throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Polik looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gallagher lands with a cross.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sloppy strikes from Gallagher. Those never looked like landing.
Gallagher lands a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gallagher thows a left - swing and a miss!
Gallagher looks to throw the jab but Polik is out of range.
Polik uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gallagher.
Gallagher misses with a series of wild punches.

Gallagher rushes Polik and presses him up against the cage.
Polik lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Polik misses with a short punch on the inside.
Gallagher goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Polik misses with a punch to the body.
Gallagher is trying to break the clinch but Polik is controlling him.
A left hand lands to the body for Polik.
Gallagher swings wildly with an uppercut but Polik uses good head movement to avoid it.
Polik digs a right hand underneath Gallagher's ribcage. Gallagher let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Polik lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Gallagher blocks an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gallagher misses with a punch to the body.
Gallagher lands a body shot in the clinch.
Gallagher lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Gallagher is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Nice body punch from Polik - that landed with a thud.
Gallagher scores with a nice hook to the head.
Polik prevents a body shot from Gallagher.
Polik lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Gallagher backwards.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Polik softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Gallagher blocks a body shot from Polik.
Gallagher trying to stall but Polik improves his position.
Polik throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gallaghers head.
Polik working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Polik lands a hook to the side of the head.
Gallagher misses with a punch to the body.
Polik throws a head punch that misses.
Polik pushes Gallagher back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Polik scores with a nice hook to the head.

Gallagher breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gallagher tries to bum rush Polik with a series of wild strikes but Polik uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Polik throws out a counter right but Gallagher avoids it with no problem.
A swing and a miss from Gallagher.
Gallagher misses with a body shot.
Polik drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Gallagher lands with a straight right. Polik didn't see that one coming.
Gallagher throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gallagher lands with an uppercut that bounces Polik off the cage and back into range.
Gallagher throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Polik scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Gallagher throws a leg kick
enabling Polik to counter with a crisp jab.

Gallagher rushes Polik and presses him up against the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Polik swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Polik blocks a body shot from Gallagher.
A short body shot lands from Polik as the two fighters clinch.
Polik stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Nice body punch from Gallagher.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Polik pushes Gallagher back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Gallagher blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Polik misses with a hook from the clinch.
Gallagher tries to throw a body punch but Polik avoids it by throwing Gallagher back against the cage.
Polik scores with an uppercut up the middle.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polik.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polik.
Polik lands a hook that snaps the head of Gallagher backwards.
Gallagher is trying to break the clinch but Polik has him pressed against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Gallagher's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Polik lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Gallagher blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Gallagher.
Polik throws a punch but it's blocked by Gallagher.
Gallagher is trying to break free.
Polik tries a body shot but Gallagher blocks it.
Polik presses Gallagher against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Gallagher can't find room to land a body shot as Polik controls the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kolip Polik dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A big right from Gallagher misses.
Gallagher misses with a hook to the body
and Polik connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Polik loads up on a big right hand but Gallagher slips the punch.
Gallagher is looking for a counter combo.
Polik throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Decent striking displayed by Gallagher there.
A head kick misses from Gallagher.
Polik misses with a straight right.
Polik slips under a jab.
Good standup being displayed there by Gallagher as he connects with a hook.
Gallagher connects with a single shot there.
Gallagher looks to land a right hand but Polik moved out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gallagher throws a leg kick which misses Polik's front leg but catches the back leg as Polik tries to avoid it.
Polik ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Polik uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Gallagher.
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!
Gallagher misses the body punch
and Polik counters with a straight right hand.
Gallagher throws the left hand but Polik avoids the punch easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polik uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gallagher.
Polik avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Polik pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Polik moves out of range as Gallagher strikes.
Nice uppercut there from Gallagher.
A combination from Polik does no damage.
Good shot there by Polik.
Polik staying out of range there.
Polik is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Gallagher.
A little feinted left hand from Gallagher on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Polik lands a jab to the head.
Gallagher avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Gallagher lands a jab.
Gallagher tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Polik misses with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gallagher tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Gallagher tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gallagher attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Gallagher lunges at Polik with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Polik's hand.
Polik takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Polik jabs at Gallagher's body.
Gallagher throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Polik sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Donk. Polik catches Gallagher right on the button with a cross.
Gallagher will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Nice jab there from Gallagher.
Nice uppercut lands for Polik. That snapped Gallagher's head back.
Gallagher throws a jab but it's blocked by Polik.
Polik looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Polik ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Polik throws a right hand that misses
enabling Gallagher to counter with a crisp jab.
Gallagher slips under a jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gallagher throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Polik avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Gallagher blocks a jab.
Gallagher throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Gallagher lands with an overhand left.

Polik has managed to clinch.
Gallagher doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Gallagher wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Gallagher blocking some punches.

Gallagher breaks from the clinch.
Nice defenses there by Polik.
Gallagher swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Polik slips a jab and a cross from Gallagher.
Gallagher throws a lazy right hand but Polik sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A jab from Gallagher misses.
Polik looks like he wants to counter punch here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Polik is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Gallagher.
Gallagher's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Gallagher duly obliges.
Polik staying out of range there.
Polik looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Polik throws a right hand that Gallagher ducks under and follows up with a left that Gallagher also avoids with ease.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gallagher steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Polik.
Gallagher throws a body punch but Polik moves out of range.
Gallagher throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Polik uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Gallagher.
Polik keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Gallagher.
Gallagher swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Polik lands a jab to the nose.

Polik instigates a clinch.
Polik blocks a body shot from Gallagher.
Gallagher tries to circle away but Polik has him pinned against the cage.
Polik swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Cathal Gallagher dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Gallagher lands with a nice body punch.
Gallagher misses with a straight left.
Gallagher jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cathal Gallagher is winning the standup battle so far.
Gallagher lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Gallagher throws a nice looking combination but Polik bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Nice uppercut there from Gallagher.
Gallagher punishes Polik's body with a nice straight punch.
Gallagher throws a shot to the body.
Gallagher swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Gallagher scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Polik gets a clinch.
Gallagher wants to get back to striking at distance but Polik won't allow it.
Polik swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Polik misses with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polik.
Gallagher looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Gallagher is trying to break the clinch but Polik is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Polik softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Polik.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polik.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Gallagher misses with a punch to the body.
Polik prevents a body shot from Gallagher.
Polik lands a right hand.
Polik lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Gallagher is trying to break free.
Gallagher is trying to maintain a safe position but Polik gets an underhook and turns Gallagher into the cage.
Polik managing to block the knees to the body from Gallagher.
Polik pushes Gallagher back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Polik.
Polik throws a punch but it's blocked by Gallagher.
Gallagher's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Gallagher is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Gallagher doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Gallagher tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Polik's elbow.
Gallagher blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gallagher misses with some punches.
Gallagher misses with a punch to the body.
Gallagher blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gallagher misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Polik fails to land.
Gallagher is trying to break the clinch but Polik has him pressed against the cage.
Polik lands an uppercut.
Gallagher is trying to push Polik away but Polik has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Gallagher tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Gallagher is trying to push Polik away but Polik has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Polik misses with a short punch on the inside.
Polik misses with some punches.
Polik misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kolip Polik seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Gallagher misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Polik lands a right hand.
Polik misses with a punch to the body.
Gallagher cracks Polik with a nice body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Polik.
Polik working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Gallagher lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Polik makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Gallagher working aggressively here.
Gallagher blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Gallagher's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Gallagher misses with a looping right.
Gallagher scores with a hook.
Gallagher throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Polik.
Gallagher slips a straight right by Polik.
Polik misses with an uppercut. Gallagher saw that one coming.
Gallagher was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Polik throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Polik misses with a looping left.
A telegraphed right hand from Polik misses the target.
Polik ducks under a wild hook from Gallagher.
Gallagher throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A jab from Gallagher finds it's way through Polik's defenses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Polik ducks under a wild hook from Gallagher.
Polik has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Gallagher gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Gallagher throws a hook but Polik avoids it easily.
Polik blocks a jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gallagher connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Polik momentarily.
Gallagher drops his hands momentarily and Polik takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A jab lands there for Gallagher.
A lazy left from Polik finds it's target.
Polik walks into a left hand.
Gallagher has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Gallagher there as he acknowledges the shot.
Polik moves out of range as Gallagher strikes.
Polik let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Gallagher just misses with a punch to the body.
Polik throws out a counter right but Gallagher avoids it with no problem.
Good standup being displayed there by Gallagher as he connects with a hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kolip Polik.
I think Polik 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 Valeri Chadov scores the fight for Cathal Gallagher!
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight for Kolip Polik!
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight for Kolip Polik!

Kolip Polik wins by split decision!
An out of breath Kolip Polik thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Adel Sadeq (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Colin Garcia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Sadeq
vs
Garcia

185 cm
24
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

178 cm
24
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Adel Sadeq!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Colin Garcia!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Viktor Lagutenko and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garcia throws a one two combo.
Nice shot lands for Garcia.
Garcia lands a right hook to the body.
Garcia lands a slapping body shot.
Sadeq dodges the punch combination from Garcia.
Sadeq fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sadeq doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Sadeq really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Sadeq changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Garcia looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
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!
Sadeq prevents Garcia from escaping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sadeq advances to full mount.

Sadeq is controlling this nicely and is looking to make no mistakes. Garcia is trying to wiggle out of this horrible position. Garcia flips to his side and attempts to get a leg in for half guard. Sadeq anticipates the leg and manages to get behind Garcia and secures both hooks! This could be bad! Sadeq slips an arm under Garcia chin and tries to position for a rear naked choke. Sadeq has worked the choke in now and it looks tight. Sadeq is squeezing on Garcia like an anaconda would it's prey. Garcia fails to tap and has fallen unconscious! We've got ourselves a winner by way of a rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Adel Sadeq!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
67%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ivan Ivanovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Demarcus Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Demarcus Johnson was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Ivanovic
vs
Johnson

180 cm
18
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

180 cm
24
155 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Ivanovic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Demarcus Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ivanovic is defended easily by Johnson.
Johnson lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

It looks like Ivan Ivanovic has been cut.
Ivanovic throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Johnson's waist but Johnson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Ivanovic off to one side.
Ivanovic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Johnson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Johnson! But no joy.
Johnson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Johnson defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ivanovic.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Ivanovic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Johnson throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ivanovic.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ivanovic blocks a jab.
Johnson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Johnson misses with a two punch combination.
Ivanovic went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Johnson misses with a jab, cross combination.

Johnson drops Ivanovic with a hook right on the temple. He thinks about going to the ground but Ivanovic looks back up at him and smiles so Johnson waves him back to his feet - he obviously thinks he can knock him out after that shot landed.

Ivanovic is rocked!
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!
Sloppy strikes from Johnson. Those never looked like landing.
Oh Ivanovic is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnson throws a left and a right that both miss

and Ivanovic holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Johnson wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Ivanovic seems to have got his legs back now.
Johnson is trying to force a seperation but Ivanovic has the dominant position.
Johnson is trying to force a seperation but Ivanovic has the dominant position.
Johnson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Ivanovic breaks the clinch.
Johnson misses with the combination.

Ivanovic moves into the clinch.
Ivanovic jumps guard but Johnson turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Johnson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Johnson wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson is trying to break the clinch but Ivanovic has him pressed against the cage.
Ivanovic jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Johnson walks away with a smile on his face. Ivanovic gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Johnson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ivanovic moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Johnson crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Ivanovic - the referee stops the clock and Johnson gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Ivanovic. Johnson manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Ivanovic stalks Johnson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Johnson's face. Johnson staggers backwards, shaken.
Ivanovic is looking to clinch.
A left and a right from Johnson both land. Nice combination.
Johnson looks winded!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice takedown defense from Johnson. No joy for Ivanovic on that attempt.
Johnson throws a nice looking combination but Ivanovic bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Ivanovic shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Johnson as he avoids it easily.
Johnson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Ivanovic fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Johnson avoids it really well and circles away.
Johnson slips under a jab from Ivanovic.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovic tries to close the distance and clinch but Johnson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Johnson lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Johnson misses with a few strikes there.
Johnson falls off balance throwing a combination
and Ivanovic counters with a nice body kick.
Johnson takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Demarcus Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Johnson throws a right hand that Ivanovic ducks under and follows up with a left that Ivanovic also avoids with ease.
Ivanovic lands with a slapping head kick.
Johnson throws a right and a left that Ivanovic avoids nicely.

Ivanovic clinches.
Ivanovic is trying to pull guard but Johnson has him pressed against the cage.
Johnson is trying to push Ivanovic away but Ivanovic has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Ivanovic goes for a takedown in the clinch but Johnson prevents it.
Johnson has had enough of the clinch but Ivanovic keeps him there for the moment.

Johnson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovic fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ivanovic showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Johnson.
Johnson throws a lazy uppercut
and Ivanovic makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Johnson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ivanovic.
A little jabbing left from Johnson on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Johnson throws a right and a left that Ivanovic avoids nicely.
Ivanovic seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Ivanovic connects with a solid leg kick.
Ivanovic moves out of range of the strikes.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Ivanovic is defended easily by Johnson.
Good standup being displayed there by Johnson as he connects with a hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Demarcus Johnson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ivan Ivanovic's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Johnson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ivanovic sees it coming and avoids it easily.
No joy there for Johnson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Ivanovic shoots in for a double leg but Johnson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Ivanovic avoids a punch combination nicely.
Ivan Ivanovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ivanovic gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Johnson.
Ivanovic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Johnson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
It seemed like Johnson was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Demarcus Johnson seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Ivanovic misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Johnson lands with a cross.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ivanovic changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Johnson tries to avoid it but Ivanovic manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Johnson to the ground. Johnson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ivan Ivanovic. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No joy there for Johnson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Johnson tries to bum rush Ivanovic with a series of wild strikes but Ivanovic uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ivanovic walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ivanovic needs to keep his hands up - Johnson had a free shot at his head there.
Johnson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Ivanovic fails with the takedown.
Johnson misses with a series of wild punches.
Ivanovic went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Johnson misses with a straight right.
Ivanovic lands with a kick to the ribs.
Ivanovic tries for a takedown but Johnson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Ivanovic closes the distance and clinches up with Johnson, looking for a takedown. Ivanovic pushes Johnson against the cage but Johnson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Johnson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Ivanovic on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Ivanovic closes the distance and pushes Johnson back into the cage.
Johnson tries to circle away but Ivanovic has him pinned against the cage.

Ivanovic breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ivanovic throws a head kick that misses.
Johnson fails to land with a series of punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Johnson misses with a double jab.
Ivanovic is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Johnson.
A punch combination from Johnson misses.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Ivanovic shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Johnson but Johnson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Ivanovic lands a high kick!
Ivanovic walks into a straight right hand from Johnson.
Demarcus Johnson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ivanovic avoids a punch combination nicely.
Johnson misses with the combination.
Ivanovic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Johnson manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Johnson avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ivanovic tries to bum rush Johnson with a series of wild strikes but Johnson uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Johnson might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Ivanovic fails to land the takedown.
Johnson is looking for the big counter here.
Johnson is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Johnson misses the jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ivanovic looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Nice shot by Johnson.
Johnson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Ivanovic moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Ivanovic misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ivanovic gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Johnson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Johnson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ivanovic uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Johnson.

Ivanovic moves into the clinch.
Johnson wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ivanovic has him pressed against the cage.
Ivanovic is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Johnson gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Ivanovic breaks from the clinch.
Johnson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ivanovic tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Johnson defends well and Ivanovic ends up having to push Johnson into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Johnson misses with a right hand

and Ivanovic counters by moving into the clinch.
Ivanovic has Johnson pressed against the cage, preventing Johnson from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Johnson blocks a body shot from Ivanovic.
Johnson can't break the clinch.

Ivanovic jumps guard and drags Johnson to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Demarcus Johnson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ivan Ivanovic's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Ivanovic tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Johnson swivels and escapes.
Johnson throws a right hand that Ivanovic ducks under and follows up with a left that Ivanovic also avoids with ease.

Johnson drops Ivanovic with a beautiful combination! Ivanovic stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Johnson is looking for the KO!
Ivanovic walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Johnson lands an uppercut, right on the button! Ivanovic tumbles backwards into the cage, staring vacantly into space! He's got no idea where he is, who he is or what day it is... Poor guy.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:21 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Demarcus Johnson!