PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Orlov (ranked 519 p4p, 1133 weight class) and Mohsin Zaidi (ranked 81 p4p, 169 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Orlov
vs
Zaidi

196 cm
35
205
31 - 13 - 0

187 cm
33
220
22 - 18 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Voodoo Nutrition
Urban Fighter

HELLBENT

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 31 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mikhail Orlov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mohsin Zaidi!
The judges for this bout are Percy O'Donnell, Timothy Bukovac and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zaidi walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Zaidi tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Orlov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Orlov. Zaidi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Orlov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Orlov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Orlov cracks Zaidi with a right hand to the side of the head.
Orlov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Zaidi steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Orlov.
Zaidi throws a body shot but no joy.
Orlov misses with a looping right.
Zaidi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Zaidi avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Orlov cracks Zaidi with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Orlov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Zaidi misses with a straight left.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Orlov throws a solid leg kick but Zaidi takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Orlov.
Zaidi tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
A low kick lands for Zaidi.
Mikhail Orlov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaidi jabs at Orlov's body.
Zaidi checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Zaidi tried to score with a low kick but Orlov checks it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Orlov. Zaidi does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zaidi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Orlov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Zaidi counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Orlov with a nice cross.
Orlov scores with a nice right hand.
Zaidi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Zaidi gets the takedown into side control.
Zaidi wants to control for a moment but Orlov uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Orlov's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Orlov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Zaidi.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Zaidi is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Orlov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Zaidi.
Zaidi with the ground and pound but Orlov uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Orlov looking for a sweep. Not yet Orlov, not yet.
Zaidi slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Orlov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orlov keeping moving, preventing Zaidi from controlling successfully.
Zaidi being controlled here momentarily.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Zaidi won't allow Orlov to sweep him here.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Orlov with a nice calf kick.
Zaidi tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Orlov is able to avoid easily.

Zaidi fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Orlov sprawls well initially but Zaidi persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Zaidi looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaidi keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Zaidi wants to control but Orlov is keeping him busy.
Orlov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Zaidi.
Zaidi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Orlov keeping hold of Zaidi's head, controlling as best he can.
Orlov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Zaidi is working away from the top position though.
Orlov is refusing to be controlled, as Zaidi sits in half guard.
We've been informed that Zaidi has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Orlov is looking for a sweep. Zaidi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Mikhail Orlov will probably get the nod.
That's time! Orlov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Orlov just misses with a punch to the body.
Zaidi tries to counter with a clinch but Orlov shakes him off and moves away.
Zaidi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Orlov feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Orlov throws a body kick that misses.
An inside leg kick lands from Zaidi.
Zaidi throws a hook to the side of Orlov's head but Orlov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Orlov stuffs the takedown.
Orlov moves in looking to clinch but Zaidi pushes him off.
A good leg kick by Orlov.
Zaidi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zaidi is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Orlov with a body shot.
Zaidi lands a right hook to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Orlov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Orlov is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Orlov just misses with a punch to the body.
Orlov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zaidi was well out of range. Poor timing from Orlov.
Orlov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Orlov looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaidi shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Orlov pinned against the cage. Orlov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Orlov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Zaidi lands with a shot to the body.
Zaidi misses with a hook.
A big left from Orlov misses.
Orlov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Mikhail Orlov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Orlov missing with a left hand there. Zaidi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Zaidi takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Crunch! Orlov slams his shin into Zaidi's torso.
Zaidi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Orlov missing with a left hand there. Zaidi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orlov scores with a jab.
A big left from Zaidi misses.
Orlov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Orlov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Zaidi can do to turn this around?
Orlov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Orlov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Zaidi lands a slapping body shot.
Some bone on bone action there as Zaidi checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Mikhail Orlov is winning the standup battle so far.
Orlov thows a leg kick but Zaidi checks it

and Zaidi counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zaidi is stalling in the full guard.
Zaidi trying to control but Orlov is working from the bottom.
Zaidi is in close to Orlov's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaidi chips away with some ground and pound.
Orlov is trying to control the position but Zaidi postures up.
Zaidi wants to control from the top but Orlov keeps moving.
Zaidi tries to free his leg and advance position but Orlov is retaining full guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Orlov ducks under a wild hook from Zaidi.
Zaidi takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Zaidi shoots in but no luck this time.
Mikhail Orlov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mohsin Zaidi.
Orlov pushes Zaidi away with a front kick.
Zaidi swings for the body but Orlov moves out of range.
Zaidi throws a low kick, looking for Orlov's leg but Orlov calmly moves out of range.
Orlov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Orlov lands a nice shot to the body.
Orlov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Both fighters circling a little - Orlov finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Orlov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zaidi is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Orlov rather than just go for the knockout.
Zaidi misses with a straight right.
Orlov cracks Zaidi with a good jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Orlov dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Orlov cracks Zaidi with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Orlov throws a jab when Zaidi was well out of range.
Zaidi is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Orlov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zaidi moves away.
Orlov misses with a looping right.
Orlov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Orlov.
Orlov misses with a wild body shot.
Orlov attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Zaidi doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Orlov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zaidi is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Orlov throws a lazy body kick

and Zaidi counters with a nice double leg into side control. Orlov won't be happy with that.
Orlov managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Zaidi.
Zaidi throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Zaidi throwing strikes but Orlov manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaidi is looking to regain half guard here but Orlov keeps moving and retains side control.
Orlov working away.
Zaidi sneaks back into half guard.
Zaidi trying to control but Orlov postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Orlov wants to free his trapped foot but Zaidi is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Zaidi is trying to control but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Zaidi is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Orlov is staying active.
Orlov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Orlov is taking a breather. Zaidi says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Mohsin Zaidi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Orlov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Zaidi keeps working.
Zaidi wants to improve his position but Orlov is controlling well.
Orlov content to control rather than advance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orlov has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Zaidi misses with a body shot.
Orlov is looking to counter punch.
Orlov looks for the body kick but Zaidi saw that one coming.
Zaidi tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Orlov was well out of range. Poor timing from Zaidi.
Orlov connects with an inside leg kick.
Nice jab there from Orlov.
Orlov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Orlov misses the shot to the body.
A big right from Orlov misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaidi dives in for a single leg takedown but Orlov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
A little feinted left hand from Orlov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Zaidi throws a sloppy body shot
and Orlov counters with a nice uppercut.
Nice cross by Orlov.
A left lands for Orlov.
Zaidi uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Orlov.
Orlov misses with a hook. Zaidi ducked under it nicely.
Orlov cracks Zaidi with a good jab.
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!
Orlov delivers a nice body kick.
Zaidi shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Zaidi walks forward, straight into a front kick from Orlov.

Zaidi drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Zaidi fails to land a wild elbow strike.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikhail Orlov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Orlov, 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Orlov!