PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Wasyl Plutov (ranked 764 p4p, 465 weight class) and John Starman (ranked 98 p4p, 58 weight class). Starman has chosen David Bowie - Starman as his entrance music. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Plutov
vs
Starman

178 cm
34
155
25 - 19 - 0

178 cm
32
165
22 - 16 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

The Dirty Needle Project

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 25 - 19 - 0, fighting out of New York, Wasyl Plutov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, John Starman!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Don Winkell and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A punch lands to the side of Starman 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Plutov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Starman makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
A slow jab from Starman misses its intended target.
Starman lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Starman misses with a body shot.
Plutov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A good leg kick by Plutov.
Starman throws out a loose jab but Plutov uses good head movement to avoid it.
No joy there for Starman, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Plutov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Starman thuds his right hand into Plutov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Starman connects with a body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Starman pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Starman.
Starman moves away from the strike by Plutov.
Nice shot by Plutov.
Plutov misses with a two punch combination.
Plutov misses with a double jab
letting Starman counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plutov misses with a double jab.
Plutov lands a jab to Starman's midsection.
Starman throws the left hand but Plutov avoids the punch easily.
Plutov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Plutov misses with a straight left.
Plutov lands with a shot to the body.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Starman has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Starman steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Plutov.

Starman is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Plutov's half guard.

Plutov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Wasyl Plutov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
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!
Starman thows a left - swing and a miss!
A shot to the liver by Starman. Beautiful body shot.
Plutov misses with a leg kick.
No joy there for Plutov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Plutov misses with a low kick.
Plutov thuds his right hand into Starman's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Plutov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Plutov moves away from the strike by Starman.
Plutov lands a jab.
Plutov misses with a looping right.
Starman doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Starman throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Good exchange - Plutov coming out on top.

Starman moves into the clinch successfully.
Starman is looking to control Plutov's arms but Plutov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Starman has his back to the cage.
Starman works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Starman drops down looking for an ankle pick but Plutov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Starman defending well as Plutov loads up on a big left hand.
A big left from Plutov misses.
Plutov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Wasyl Plutov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Starman.
Plutov misses with a left hand
and Plutov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Plutov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Starman stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Plutov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Plutov throws a combination that misses
and Starman counters with a straight right hand.
Starman looks to land a right hand but Plutov moved out of range.
Plutov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Starman now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Starman dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Plutov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Plutov throws the left hand but Starman avoids the punch easily.
Sloppy strikes from Starman. Those never looked like landing.
Plutov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Starman waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Plutov.
Plutov throws an overhand right that lands on Starman's shoulder, as Starman tries to avoid the shot.
Plutov misses with a hook. Starman ducked under it nicely.
Plutov misses with a right hand
and Starman counters with a series of strikes. Plutov will be more careful next time no doubt.
Plutov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Starman moves out of range of the body kick.
Starman looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Plutov lands a nice hook to Starman's body. Starman takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Plutov takes a swing at Starman's ribcage but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Plutov lands a jab.
Nice defenses there by Plutov.
Starman walks into a left hand.
Decent striking displayed by Plutov there.
Starman moves out of range as Plutov strikes.
Starman misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Starman looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Plutov is trying to stand up here but Starman is controlling him well.
Starman is looking to take a break and control but Plutov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Plutov is trying to stand back up but Starman is controlling him
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Starman is keen to just control but Plutov is a slippery customer.
Plutov is trying to stand up here but Starman is controlling him well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Plutov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Plutov scores with a nice head shot.
Plutov throws a sloppy head kick and Starman moves out of range easily.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Starman, as that shot connected.
Plutov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Nice shot by Starman.
Starman on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Starman uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Plutov.
Plutov misses with a right hand
and Starman counters with a nice uppercut.
Plutov misses with a looping left.
And Starman tries to counter it with a takedown but Plutov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Plutov throws a series of punches but Starman moves out of range.
Starman needs to keep his hands up - Plutov had a free shot at his head there.
Plutov looks to land a combination but Starman avoids it well.
A countering left hand to the body from Starman misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Starman on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Plutov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Starman can do to turn this around?
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Plutov, as that shot connected.
Starman avoids the body shot from Plutov.
Starman appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Starman throws a shot from downtown. Plutov moves away and avoids it.
Starman throws a nice looking combination but Plutov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plutov lands with a nice combination. Starman backs away looking to recover.
Plutov cracks Starman with a good jab.
A decent looking cross lands there for Plutov.
Starman moves out of range of the strikes.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Starman needs to keep his hands up - Plutov had a free shot at his head there.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Starman checks a leg kick.
Plutov misses with an uppercut. Starman saw that one coming.
A big left from Starman misses.
Plutov misses with a hook.
Plutov misses with a hook
and Plutov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Plutov cracks Starman with a right hand to the side of the head.
Plutov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Starman walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Starman blocks a head kick by Plutov.
Plutov misses with a straight right.
A countering left hand to the body from Starman misses.
Starman moves out of range as Plutov strikes.
Starman drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Plutov defends it well.
A decent looking cross lands there for Starman.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Starman scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Plutov misses with the combination.
Plutov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Starman takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A chopping leg kick lands by Plutov.
Starman darts in looking for a takedown but Plutov gets double underhooks and turns Starman into the cage.
Starman misses with a body shot.
Starman misses with a body shot.
Plutov looks to throw the jab but Starman is out of range.
Starman stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Wasyl Plutov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Starman ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Starman on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A telegraphed right hand from Plutov misses the target.
Plutov tries to work over Starman's front leg with a kick but Starman checks it.
Starman avoids the head kick by Plutov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Starman steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Plutov.
Plutov lands a lovely overhand right.
Plutov throws a body punch but Starman moves out of range.
Starman misses with a looping right.
Starman misses with a hook.
A telegraphed right hand from Plutov misses the target.
Starman looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Starman throws a body punch but Plutov moves out of range.
Plutov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Starman is able to avoid easily.
Starman throws a hook but Plutov blocks it.
Starman has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Plutov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Plutov misses with a looping right.
Plutov chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Good shot there by Starman.
Wasyl Plutov is winning the standup battle so far.
Plutov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Starman sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Starman ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Starman lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Plutov at a distance.
Plutov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Plutov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Starman defending well as Plutov loads up on a big left hand.
Starman lands a jab to Plutov's midsection.
Starman throws a series of punches but Plutov moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Starman.
Starman is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Plutov.
Starman cracks Plutov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Plutov blocks a jab.
Starman drops his hands momentarily and Plutov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Plutov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nice uppercut lands for Plutov. That snapped Starman's head back.
Plutov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Starman uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Plutov.
Plutov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wasyl Plutov dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're 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.

Plutov thows a left - swing and a miss!
The fighters circling - Starman throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Plutov lands a two punch combo.
Starman blocks a head kick by Plutov.
A lazy left from Plutov finds it's target.
Plutov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Starman tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Plutov was well out of range. Poor timing from Starman.
A clash of legs there as Starman blocks the low kick.
Starman with a nice cross.
Starman misses with a body shot.
Starman misses with a wild body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Starman on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Starman!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Plutov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Plutov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Starman. Starman circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Plutov throws a head kick that misses.
Starman throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Plutov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Plutov slips a jab from Starman.
Plutov misses with a two punch combination.
Starman swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Plutov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Starman has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Plutov.
Plutov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Starman under the eye.
Starman lands a jab to Plutov's midsection.
Starman has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Plutov.
Plutov swings widly with a right hand
and Plutov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Starman misses with a shot to the body
and Plutov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Starman avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Plutov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Starman misses with a hook. Plutov ducked under it nicely.
Starman on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Plutov. Plutov obviously looking to wear him down.
Starman fails to land with a series of punches.
Plutov's corner calls for a 1-2. Plutov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Starman connects with a single shot there.
Wasyl Plutov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Plutov throws a body shot but no joy.
Plutov throws an off balance right hand
and Starman counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Plutov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Plutov throws a big shot that misses.
Starman rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Plutov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Plutov throws a one two combo.
Starman misses with a straight right.
Plutov moves forwards but Starman connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Plutov throws a series of punches but Starman moves out of range.
Plutov throws a looping overhand right but Starman ducks down to avoid it.
Plutov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Starman manages to avoid it.
Plutov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Starman defending well as Plutov loads up on a big left hand.
Starman's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Plutov lands with a cross.
Plutov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Plutov does no damage.
Starman with a lazy takedown attempt
and Plutov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Plutov misses with a hook to the body
letting Starman counter with a right hand.
Plutov moves away from the strike by Starman.
Plutov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Starman throws an overhand right that lands on Plutov's shoulder, as Plutov tries to avoid the shot.
Plutov throws a looping overhand right but Starman ducks down to avoid it.
A nice leg kick from Plutov, right into the meat of the thigh.
Starman is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Plutov.
Plutov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Starman looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Plutov swings widly with a right hand
letting Starman counter with a right hand.
Plutov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Plutov throws out a powerful jab.
Starman looks to score with a jab to the body but Plutov is just out of range.
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!
Starman on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
John Starman has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Plutov misses with a low kick as Starman jumps back.
A decent looking cross lands there for Plutov.
Starman looks to land a left hand but Plutov moved out of range nicely.
Plutov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Starman moves away.
Plutov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Plutov slips a jab from Starman.
Starman keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Plutov.
Starman connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A jab from Starman misses.
Plutov scores with a nice right hand.
Plutov stuns Starman with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Plutov throws a hook but Starman blocks it.
Starman throws out a counter right but Plutov avoids it with no problem.
Plutov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Starman.
Plutov swings for the body but Starman moves out of range.
Starman throws a series of punches but Plutov moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Wasyl Plutov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Plutov, 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Wasyl Plutov!
Our winner, Wasyl Plutov, 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.
John Starman was interviewed post fight and said 'Come on not again!'.