PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bonjour Arrivederci (ranked 3689 p4p, 3591 weight class) and Ibrahim Volkov (ranked 431 p4p, 422 weight class). Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Arrivederci
vs
Volkov

190 cm
25
190
6 - 0 - 0

170 cm
20
185
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bonjour Arrivederci!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ibrahim Volkov!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Topper Green and Bruno Hogan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Volkov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Arrivederci swivels and escapes.
Volkov shoots in looking for a takedown. Arrivederci tries to sprawl out of it but Volkov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Arrivederci manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Arrivederci slaps away a takedown attempt from Volkov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bonjour Arrivederci has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ibrahim Volkov.

Volkov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The strikes coming from Volkov are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Arrivederci struggling a bit here.

Volkov is trying to get an arm triangle but Arrivederci is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arrivederci lands a little strike from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Volkov trying to control the action but Arrivederci is working from the bottom.
Arrivederci is looking to regain half guard here but Volkov keeps moving and retains side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov working the head with strikes.
Arrivederci is looking to regain half guard here but Volkov keeps moving and retains side control.
Arrivederci is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Volkov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Volkov throwing shots but Arrivederci is blocking nicely.
Arrivederci keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Arrivederci controlling the position well.
Volkov is trying to control the action in half guard but Arrivederci is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Arrivederci avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Volkov.
Volkov slows the pace down in half guard.
Arrivederci is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Arrivederci defending well though.

Arrivederci looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Arrivederci trying to control from the bottom.
Arrivederci on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Arrivederci tries to get out of the position.
Arrivederci tries to roll over but Volkov keeps him under control.
Volkov throws a strike but Arrivederci avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Arrivederci striking off his back but it's not causing Volkov any problems.
Arrivederci is trying to control the position but Volkov postures up.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Arrivederci pulls Volkov in close to prevent any damage.
Volkov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Arrivederci will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Volkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Arrivederci is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Ibrahim Volkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice takedown defense from Arrivederci. No joy for Volkov on that attempt.
As Volkov looks to move away, Arrivederci throws a big counter combo but Volkov just gets out of the way.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov fails with a takedown attempt.
Arrivederci tries to counter by clinching up but Volkov breaks away and moves out of range.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Volkov stops a takedown attempt from Arrivederci.
Arrivederci throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Volkov blocks it with crossed arms.
Arrivederci doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Volkov is looking for a takedown.
Volkov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Arrivederci is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arrivederci struggles to land a body shot inside as Volkov controls his hands.
Volkov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Arrivederci tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Volkov smiles and moves away.
Arrivederci tries for a takedown but Volkov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Arrivederci throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Volkov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Arrivederci defends well and Volkov ends up having to push Arrivederci into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Volkov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Arrivederci 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.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Volkov keeping full guard, as Arrivederci tries to pass.

Arrivederci decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Volkov, up you get!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bonjour Arrivederci dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Arrivederci throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Arrivederci has his takedown stuffed

and Volkov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Volkov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Volkov trying to control but Arrivederci is working from the bottom.
Volkov passes into half guard.
Volkov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Arrivederci is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Arrivederci blocking the ground and pound attempt from Volkov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Arrivederci trying to hold on to Volkov's head to control him but Volkov postures up.
Volkov thows a huge punch but Arrivederci dodges it nicely.
Volkov wants to free his trapped foot but Arrivederci is holding on for dear life with his legs.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arrivederci works his way to full guard. Good work.
Volkov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Volkov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Volkov throwing strikes but missing.
Volkov landing with the ground and pound.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Volkov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Volkov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Volkov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Volkov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Arrivederci scores with a nice shot.
Volkov prevents Arrivederci from getting back to his feet.
Volkov works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Arrivederci wants to control but Volkov is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Arrivederci keeps working.
Arrivederci is trying to control but can't.
Volkov lands with a punch from half guard.
Volkov is trying to control the action in half guard but Arrivederci is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Arrivederci trying to hold on to Volkov's head to control him but Volkov postures up.
Volkov is trying to control the action in half guard but Arrivederci is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Arrivederci is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Volkov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Volkov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Volkov wants to control but Arrivederci is keeping him busy.
Arrivederci missing with punches from the bottom.
Arrivederci tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Volkov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Volkov connects with a nice short shot to Arrivederci's temple.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arrivederci keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Volkov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Arrivederci is refusing to be controlled, as Volkov sits in half guard.
Volkov working Arrivederci over with strikes.
Arrivederci is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Volkov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Volkov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Arrivederci is trying is best to control the position here.
Volkov is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Volkov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Arrivederci trying to control but Volkov postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arrivederci is trying to stand up here but Volkov is controlling him well.
Volkov works his way into side control.
Volkov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Volkov in side control lands a decent elbow.
Volkov moves into full mount!
Arrivederci is wriggling around trying to escape.
Arrivederci slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Volkov drops an elbow to the side of Arrivederci's head.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Volkov lands a nice short elbow.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Volkov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Volkov is nestled in close to Arrivederci, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Arrivederci keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Arrivederci manages to get to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ibrahim Volkov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Arrivederci tries to clinch up but Volkov circles away and keeps his distance.
Volkov keeps the fight on the outside.
Volkov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Arrivederci with a body shot.
Volkov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Arrivederci defends it nicely.
A low kick from Arrivederci is predictable there

and Volkov counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Arrivederci!
Volkov scores with a couple of short elbows.
Volkov throws an elbow but Arrivederci slips to the side and avoids it well.
Volkov lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Arrivederci down.
Arrivederci tries to bench press Volkov off him but Volkov keeps the position.
Volkov tries to advance to mount but can't.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Volkov keeps trying to improve his position.
Arrivederci is looking for a sweep.
Arrivederci gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arrivederci is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Volkov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Arrivederci trying to control but Volkov postures up.
Volkov slips a nice elbow through Arrivederci's hands, connecting with Arrivederci's forehead.
Arrivederci tries to get to full guard but Volkov has control of the leg.
Volkov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Ground and pound from Volkov.
Volkov stops Arrivederci from getting back to his feet.
Volkov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Arrivederci wants to get back to full guard.

Arrivederci actively working from the bottom here.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The fighters are battling for position here. Arrivederci manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov throws an elbow that misses. Arrivederci uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Volkov's guard. Nice move by Arrivederci!

Volkov wriggles free and stands up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Volkov or perhaps it was just good defense by Arrivederci, which made it look bad.
As Volkov tries to get set, Arrivederci tries to push him back and clinch up but Volkov manages to avoid the attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Arrivederci. No joy for Volkov on that attempt.
Arrivederci changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Bonjour Arrivederci has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ibrahim Volkov.
Volkov fails to land the takedown.
Arrivederci wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Volkov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Volkov working the ground and pound from side control.
Volkov trying to control the position but Arrivederci is working away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arrivederci isn't going anywhere.
Volkov is looking to take a break and control but Arrivederci is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Arrivederci tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Volkov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Volkov working away.
Volkov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Volkov throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Sloppy strikes there by Volkov.
You can see the frustration on Arrivederci's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Volkov is chipping away with strikes.
Arrivederci tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arrivederci prevents Volkov from moving into mount.
Arrivederci can't do much from the bottom here.
Arrivederci is being controlled here.
Volkov working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Arrivederci can't do much from the bottom here.
Volkov in the domination position with Arrivederci hanging on.
Arrivederci struggling a bit here.
Volkov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Arrivederci some visible discomfort.
Arrivederci is trying to control Volkov's posture but Volkov avoids it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ibrahim Volkov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Volkov 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 Winston Howard scores the fight 28:29
Judge Topper Green scores the fight 28:29
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ibrahim Volkov!
Our winner, Ibrahim Volkov, 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.