QFC Tournament 870 Round 3 PBP Commentary

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aleksey Viktorov (ranked 5268 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jeff Schulpp (ranked 5246 p4p, 0 weight class). Viktorov comes to the cage accompanied by Lyube - Davay Za. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Viktorov
vs
Schulpp

168 cm
24
140 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

165 cm
24
137 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Aleksey Viktorov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Jeff Schulpp!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Josh West and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Schulpp is defended easily by Viktorov.
Schulpp shoots in for a takedown but Viktorov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Viktorov rushes Schulpp and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Schulpp is trying to pull guard but Viktorov turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Aleksey Viktorov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jeff Schulpp.

Viktorov manages to pull guard.

Schulpp drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Viktorov dives on top into guard.

A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Schulpp holds on and takes a little breather.

Viktorov drops back looking for a leg! Schulpp is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Schulpp manages to kick Viktorov off! Viktorov jumps back into Schulpp's guard.
Schulpp wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Schulpp is trying to keep Viktorov in close.
Viktorov being controlled here momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Viktorov looking to pass the guard.
Schulpp is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Schulpp is continuing to stall.
Viktorov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Schulpp holds on and takes a little breather.
Schulpp trying to control the position.

Viktorov drops back looking for a leg! Schulpp is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Schulpp manages to kick Viktorov off! Viktorov jumps back into Schulpp's guard.
Viktorov trying to control the position from guard on top but Schulpp is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schulpp controls Viktorov momentarily but Viktorov frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Schulpp has Viktorov pulled in close to control his posture.

Schulpp looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Schulpp is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Viktorov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Schulpp is keeping the position for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Viktorov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Schulpp shoots in but Viktorov avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Viktorov closes the distance and pushes Schulpp back into the cage.

Viktorov drags the fight down to the ground.

Viktorov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Schulpp gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Viktorov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Schulpp can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schulpp advances to half guard.
Schulpp is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

Schulpp looking for a guillotine from mount but Viktorov is having none of it.

Schulpp is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Viktorov to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Viktorov shrugs it off.

Schulpp is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Viktorov has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Viktorov!
Viktorov postures up.
Viktorov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Schulpp's guard.
Schulpp is staying active underneath Viktorov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Schulpp holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Let's hope that Schulpp 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Viktorov slows the pace down in half guard.
Schulpp is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Viktorov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Viktorov's back!

Schulpp looking for the choke from the back.

Viktorov showing good submission defense here.
Schulpp controlling well, preventing Viktorov from escaping the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Viktorov is working hard here to advance position.

Viktorov is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Schulpp gets his way!
Viktorov is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksey Viktorov dominated that round.
That's time! Viktorov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Viktorov clinches.

Viktorov pulls guard successfully.
Viktorov has Schulpp pulled in close to control his posture.

Schulpp drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Schulpp jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Viktorov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Schulpp pushes down on Viktorov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Viktorov is doing well to control the position and prevent Schulpp from advancing to side control.

Viktorov is defending against the submission attempts here by Schulpp.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Viktorov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Schulpp pulls his head out easily.

Schulpp is looking for submissions but instead, Viktorov has regained full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Schulpp has gone for a leg lock! Viktorov slips out almost immediately though and dives into Schulpp's guard.

Viktorov trying to control the position from guard on top but Schulpp is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schulpp has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Aleksey Viktorov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Viktorov looking to pass the guard.
Schulpp looking to control.

Viktorov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Schulpp is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schulpp is trying to control the position but Viktorov postures up.
Viktorov works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Viktorov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Schulpp wants to control but Viktorov is keeping busy.
Viktorov wants to take a breather but Schulpp is having none of it.
Schulpp is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Schulpp controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Viktorov wants to control but Schulpp is keeping him busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schulpp trying to control here.
Viktorov prevents Schulpp from improving his position.

Viktorov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Schulpp sees it coming and defends easily.
Schulpp is trying to get back to full guard.
Schulpp preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.

Viktorov is working for a kimura but Schulpp is defending it quite comfortably.
Schulpp tries to roll over but Viktorov keeps him under control.

That's four 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.
Viktorov is thwarting Schulpp's attempts to control the position.
Schulpp makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Schulpp.
Schulpp seems keen to control Viktorov's posture.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Schulpp can't keep his opponent in guard - Viktorov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Schulpp has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Viktorov is working away from the top position though.

Viktorov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksey Viktorov dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Viktorov pushes Schulpp up against the cage in a clinch.

Schulpp drags the fight down to the ground.
Schulpp working a defensive guard here.
Schulpp controlling Viktorov's posture.
Viktorov tries to free his leg and advance position but Schulpp is retaining full guard.
Schulpp is trying to control the position but Viktorov postures up.
Viktorov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
You can see the frustration on Schulpp's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Schulpp is looking for a sweep.

Viktorov working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Schulpp can't do much from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schulpp is trying to improve his position.
Schulpp stops Viktorov from passing to mount.

Viktorov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Schulpp knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Viktorov is trying to get an arm triangle but Schulpp is defending well.
Viktorov tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
You can see the frustration on Schulpp's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Schulpp is looking to regain half guard here but Viktorov keeps moving and retains side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Viktorov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Schulpp wants to control but Viktorov postures up.
Schulpp is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Viktorov is staying active.

Viktorov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Schulpp, who protects the arm well.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Viktorov working away.
Schulpp sneaks back into half guard.
Schulpp is trying to maintain the position but Viktorov is very close to passing his half guard.
Aleksey Viktorov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Viktorov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Schulpp works his way to full guard. Good work.
Schulpp trying to keep a closed guard but Viktorov is proving a slippery customer.
Viktorov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Schulpp can do to turn this around?
Viktorov controlling from the top position.
Schulpp trying to control the position.
Viktorov wants to pass the guard but Schulpp is keeping the position.
Viktorov trying to control the position from guard on top but Schulpp is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schulpp trying to control the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Schulpp misses with a takedown attempt - Viktorov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Schulpp fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Nice takedown defense from Viktorov. No joy for Schulpp on that attempt.
Aleksey Viktorov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jeff Schulpp.

Viktorov forces Schulpp back against the cage and clinches.
Schulpp tries to pull guard but Viktorov won't allow it.
Schulpp jumps guard but Viktorov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Viktorov gets control of Schulpp's arms and successfully pulls guard. Viktorov will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Viktorov is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Schulpp drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Viktorov dives on top into guard.

Jeff Schulpp has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Viktorov sitting in guard, not really doing much.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aleksey Viktorov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Viktorov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Paul Gruel scores the fight for Aleksey Viktorov!
Judge Josh West scores the fight for Aleksey Viktorov!
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight for Aleksey Viktorov!

Aleksey Viktorov wins by unanimous decision!
A relieved looking Aleksey Viktorov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Marcus Cali (ranked 5388 p4p, 215 weight class) and Harold Lister (ranked 5278 p4p, 213 weight class). Marcus Cali had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Cali
vs
Lister

150 cm
24
135 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

160 cm
24
140 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Counter fighter
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Marcus Cali!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Harold Lister!
The judges for this bout are Roger Salmon, Josh West and Micheangelo Fripello.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cali has his takedown stuffed
letting Lister counter with a right hand.
Cali darts in looking for a takedown but Lister gets double underhooks and turns Cali into the cage.
Cali doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Lister counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cali thinking.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcus Cali. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cali with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Lister counter with a right hand.
Marcus Cali seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Cali misses with a takedown attempt
and Lister makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Cali tries for a takedown but Lister circles away easily
and Lister counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Lister's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Lister duly obliges.
Cali has his takedown stuffed
and Lister counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Cali is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cali with a lazy takedown attempt
and Lister counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Cali thinking.
Cali doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Cali takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lister scores with a three punch combo!

It looks like Marcus Cali has been cut.

Lister gets a double leg takedown into Cali's guard.
Lister engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lister postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Lister postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Lister wants to control from the top but Cali keeps moving.

Cali working for a triangle but Lister defends it easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Cali looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Lister distracts Cali with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lister lands a couple of elbows.
Lister sitting in guard here, content to control.
Lister stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Cali swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Lister trying to control the position from guard on top but Cali is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Cali had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Lister defends it easily.

Cali is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Lister is aware though and is defending well.

Cali looking for subs off his back but Lister has passed one foot through into half guard.
Cali taking some punishment here, with Lister in his half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lister seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cali does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Cali with the active half guard here but Lister passes nicely into side control.
Cali struggling a bit here.
Cali is looking for a sweep.
Lister controls the position.
Cali regains half guard.
Cali trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Lister manages to pass to mount!
Lister avoids the attempt from Cali to control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lister raining down shots from the mount!
Cali is in all sorts of trouble here.
Cali is squirming around, avoiding Lister's attempts to control the action.
Lister landing strikes, looking to finish!
Cali is trying desperately to improve position.
Cali tries to hold on but Lister postures up.
Cali is wriggling around trying to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harold Lister dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Marcus Cali's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Cali tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Lister swivels and escapes.
Despite the aggression on Lister's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Cali fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Lister avoids it really well and circles away.
Cali shoots in but Lister avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marcus Cali. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cali misses with a takedown
and Lister counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Cali misses with a takedown
and Lister counters with a good low kick that Cali was not able to check.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Lister looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Cali working for a triangle but Lister defends it easily.
Cali looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lister slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Cali is looking to reverse the position.
Cali is working to avoid the ground and pound but Lister connects with a decent elbow.
Lister is staying tight to Cali's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Cali wants to control but Lister postures up.
Lister lands a few punches from side control.
Lister lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Cali down.
Cali being controlled for a moment.
Cali is trying to work for a sweep but Lister has mounted him!
Harold Lister has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cali is trying to escape the mount.
Cali is in a horrible position here. Lister smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Lister looking to control but Cali is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Cali is looking to get to half guard.
Cali regains half guard.

Cali looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Lister is trying to control. Cali wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cali looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Lister keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Cali is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lister pulls his head out easily.
Cali wants to sweep but Lister has passed to side control!
Lister wants to control but Cali is keeping him busy.
Lister is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Cali is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Lister wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cali keeps working.
Lister has control of an arm but Cali manages to advance to Lister's back!
Lister really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Cali. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Lister turns into Cali and is now in his guard.

Lister avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Cali is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Cali not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Harold Lister showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Marcus Cali's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. 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.

Cali has his takedown stuffed
and Lister counters with a series of strikes. Cali will be more careful next time no doubt.

Lister gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Lister has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Cali drops back, looking for a kneebar! Lister looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Lister looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Lister!

Cali sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Lister is nestled in close to Cali, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Lister is nestled in close to Cali, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Cali is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lister pulls his head out easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Cali looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Lister slips a nice elbow through Cali's hands, connecting with Cali's forehead.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lister working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Lister is pressing down on Cali's thigh, looking to free his foot. Cali is holding on for now.
Lister works his foot free and advances to mount.
Lister lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Cali hang on?
Lister tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Lister fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Cali is wriggling around trying to escape.
The referee warns Cali that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Marcus Cali has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lister blocks Cali's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Cali throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Cali sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Cali throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Cali tries to roll over but Lister keeps him under control.
Lister trying to control from half guard but Cali is working away.

Cali looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Lister is looking to take a break and control but Cali is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Cali looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cali has a hand on Lister's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Lister takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Cali is in a horrible position here. Lister smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Cali taking shots to the head.
Cali is squirming around, avoiding Lister's attempts to control the action.
Cali sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Lister is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Lister working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Cali actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lister trying to pass the guard but Cali defending well.
Lister is looking to take a break and control but Cali is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Cali looking for submissions off his back.
Lister controlling the pace.

Cali is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Lister pulls his head out easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lister works his foot free and advances to mount.

And that's the end of the fight!
Harold Lister comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Lister has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Roger Salmon scores the fight for Harold Lister!
Judge Josh West scores the fight for Harold Lister!
Judge Micheangelo Fripello scores the fight for Harold Lister!

Harold Lister wins by unanimous decision!
Harold Lister seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.