PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ri Zaadha (ranked 327 p4p, 468 weight class) and Serhey Rishkinov (ranked 47 p4p, 68 weight class). Zaadha comes to the cage accompanied by On A Roll. Serhey Rishkinov told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Zaadha
vs
Rishkinov

189 cm
38
177
34 - 22 - 1

180 cm
32
169
29 - 10 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

KOMBAT KLOTHING

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 34 - 22 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Ri Zaadha!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Serhey Rishkinov!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Taro Takaoka and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zaadha looks to land a right hand but Rishkinov moved out of range.
Zaadha throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rishkinov.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Zaadha avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Zaadha definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Rishkinov with a jab.
Zaadha thuds a left hand into Rishkinov's body.
Rishkinov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Zaadha has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Zaadha swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Zaadha lands a right hook to the body.
Rishkinov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zaadha.
That kick from Zaadha tenderised Rishkinov's leg. Rishkinov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Zaadha takes a jab right on the kisser.
Rishkinov misses with a left hand
and Zaadha counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Rishkinov misses the shot to the body.
A low kick lands for Zaadha.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Zaadha looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A slow jab from Rishkinov misses its intended target.
Rishkinov dips to his left and cracks Zaadha with an uppercut!
Rishkinov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rishkinov checks the leg kick.
Rishkinov misses with a wild body shot.
Rishkinov swinging wildly here.
Zaadha misses with a low kick as Rishkinov jumps back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rishkinov. Zaadha does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zaadha misses with a low kick.
Zaadha tries a low kick but Rishkinov avoids it.
Rishkinov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zaadha sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rishkinov tries to land a front kick but Zaadha steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rishkinov throws a right hand that misses
and Zaadha counters with a stiff right hand.
Zaadha scores with a leg kick.
Zaadha checks the leg kick.
Rishkinov 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.
Rishkinov takes a swing at Zaadha's ribcage but misses.
Zaadha went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Ri Zaadha is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zaadha misses with a leg kick.
Rishkinov is looking to score with low kicks.
Rishkinov throws a head kick but Zaadha moves out of range.
Rishkinov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zaadha tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rishkinov was well out of range. Poor timing from Zaadha.
Rishkinov with the counter takedown but Zaadha avoids it easily.
Serhey Rishkinov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zaadha blocks a low kick nicely.
Rishkinov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Zaadha staying out of range there.
Rishkinov tries a head kick but it misses.
Rishkinov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zaadha defends it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Rishkinov moves away from the strike by Zaadha.
Rishkinov throws a body punch but Zaadha moves out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zaadha connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Zaadha motions for Rishkinov to come forward. Zaadha throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rishkinov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rishkinov throws a body shot but no joy.
A punch lands to the side of Rishkinov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A lazy body kick from Rishkinov
and Zaadha counters with a slapping leg kick.
Rishkinov throws a body shot but no joy.
Zaadha is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Rishkinov sizes up Zaadha with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Rishkinov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Rishkinov avoids the body shot from Zaadha.
Rishkinov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Zaadha shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Zaadha bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Zaadha connects with a looping right hand.
Zaadha lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Zaadha, as that shot connected.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov moves out of range of the body kick from Zaadha.
Zaadha misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov misses with an uppercut. Zaadha saw that one coming.

Rishkinov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Zaadha is trying to get back to full guard.
Rishkinov trying to control the action but Zaadha is working from the bottom.
Zaadha is trying to get back to full guard.
Rishkinov trying to control from half guard but Zaadha is working away.
Rishkinov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Zaadha is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zaadha tries to kick Rishkinov off but Rishkinov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Rishkinov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Rishkinov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Zaadha sees it coming and defends easily.
Zaadha blocking the ground and pound attempt from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov wants to control but Zaadha is keeping him busy.
Zaadha pushes Rishkinov off looking to stand but Rishkinov dives back in and keeps control.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Rishkinov looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Rishkinov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Zaadha.
Zaadha slips a jab from Rishkinov.
Zaadha pivots, looking for a leg kick but Rishkinov is out of range and Zaadha settles back down.
Rishkinov tries a head kick but it misses.
Zaadha throws a solid leg kick but Rishkinov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Zaadha.
Zaadha uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rishkinov.
It looked like Zaadha wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
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 Ri Zaadha will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zaadha swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Zaadha lands with a thumping leg kick.
Rishkinov jabs Zaadha right on the nose. Zaadha blinks but takes it well.
Rishkinov connects with a body shot.
Rishkinov misses with an uppercut. Zaadha saw that one coming.
Zaadha throws a hook to the side of Rishkinov's head but Rishkinov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A nice leg kick lands there from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov looks to land a right hand but Zaadha moved out of range.
Rishkinov walks into a straight right hand from Zaadha.
Rishkinov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Rishkinov. That's going to slow Zaadha down.
Zaadha misses with a kick to the body.
Rishkinov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Zaadha counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zaadha checks a low kick from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov throws a body shot but no joy.
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!
Rishkinov tries a head kick but it misses.
Ri Zaadha is winning the standup battle so far.
Rishkinov throws a looping overhand right but Zaadha ducks down to avoid it.
Rishkinov ducks under a wild hook from Zaadha.
Zaadha misses with a looping right.
And Rishkinov tries to counter it with a takedown but Zaadha pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Rishkinov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Zaadha uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rishkinov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaadha scores with a sloppy right hand. Rishkinov should have avoided that one.
A slapping body kick lands there for Zaadha.
Zaadha throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zaadha.
Zaadha lands with a right hand.
Zaadha throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A jab from Zaadha does it's job there.
Zaadha is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Rishkinov cracks Zaadha with an open hand slap.
Zaadha fakes the leg kick and cracks Rishkinov in the body.
A jab lands there for Zaadha.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zaadha avoids the body shot from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov ducks right into an uppercut from Zaadha.
A good leg kick by Zaadha.
Zaadha keeps Rishkinov at a distance using the push kick.
Zaadha throws a body punch but Rishkinov moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Rishkinov.
Zaadha uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rishkinov.
Nice uppercut lands for Rishkinov. That snapped Zaadha's head back.
Zaadha throws a hook but Rishkinov blocks it.
Rishkinov looks to land a left hand but Zaadha moved out of range nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zaadha tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Zaadha buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Zaadha throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Rishkinov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Zaadha just misses with a punch to the body.
Zaadha scoring well with a low kick there.
Rishkinov clobbers Zaadha with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Zaadha ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zaadha wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Zaadha just misses with a punch to the body.
Rishkinov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zaadha moves out of range of the body kick.
Rishkinov checks a low kick from Zaadha.
Zaadha throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rishkinov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Zaadha throws a body shot but no joy.
Rishkinov misses with a straight right.
Zaadha looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zaadha avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rishkinov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zaadha moves away.
Zaadha throws a body punch but Rishkinov moves out of range.
Good leg kick by Rishkinov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zaadha throws a body punch but Rishkinov moves out of range.
Rishkinov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Zaadha's sensitive parts.
Rishkinov looks to throw the jab but Zaadha is out of range.
Rishkinov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
A head kick misses from Rishkinov.
Zaadha blocks a head kick by Rishkinov.
Zaadha lands with an overhand left.
A slapping body kick lands there for Zaadha.
Nice takedown defense from Zaadha. No joy for Rishkinov on that attempt.
Rishkinov lets loose with a powerful body kick. Zaadha will feel that in the morning.
Rishkinov checks the leg kick.
Rishkinov throws the left hand but Zaadha avoids the punch easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zaadha.
Zaadha blocks a head kick by Rishkinov.
Rishkinov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Zaadha misses with a wild body shot.
Zaadha throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
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!

Rishkinov 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 fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rishkinov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Rishkinov trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Zaadha manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zaadha stays in close to Rishkinov's body and controls the position.
Rishkinov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zaadha is one step ahead there.
Zaadha slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Rishkinov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Rishkinov working for a triangle but Zaadha defends it easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Zaadha stands up and waves to Rishkinov to follow him.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Ri Zaadha dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - 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.

Zaadha cracks Rishkinov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Zaadha slips under a jab from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov looks to throw the jab but Zaadha is out of range.
Zaadha throws a body kick that misses.
Zaadha throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rishkinov connects with a crisp jab.
Rishkinov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Zaadha throwing a counter right hand but Rishkinov manages to avoid it.
Rishkinov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rishkinov misses with a body shot.
Zaadha ducks under a wild hook from Rishkinov.
Zaadha on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Rishkinov. Rishkinov obviously looking to wear him down.
Zaadha misses with a hook.
Rishkinov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zaadha moves out of range of the strikes.
Zaadha is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Zaadha avoids the body shot from Rishkinov.
Zaadha jabs Rishkinov right on the nose. Rishkinov blinks but takes it well.
Rishkinov blocks a leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Rishkinov.
Rishkinov misses with a body shot.
A jab from Rishkinov misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rishkinov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Zaadha drops his hands momentarily and Rishkinov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Zaadha doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Rishkinov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zaadha.
Rishkinov misses with a low kick.
Rishkinov throws a looping overhand right but Zaadha ducks down to avoid it.
Rishkinov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Zaadha defends it nicely.
Zaadha throws a looping overhand right but Rishkinov ducks down to avoid it.
Zaadha ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rishkinov moves away.
Nice body punch from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov throws a solid leg kick but Zaadha takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Rishkinov.
Zaadha feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Rishkinov throws a body punch but Zaadha moves out of range.
Zaadha is looking to chop away at Rishkinov's legs.
Rishkinov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Zaadha swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Serhey Rishkinov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ri Zaadha is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rishkinov throws a jab when Zaadha was well out of range.
Rishkinov connects with a leg kick.
Zaadha lands a jab to the nose.
Rishkinov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zaadha was well out of range. Poor timing from Rishkinov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zaadha throws a half hearted mid kick.
Rishkinov throws a low kick but Zaadha moves out of range easily.
Zaadha misses with a two punch combination.
Zaadha fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Rishkinov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Rishkinov blocks a low kick nicely.
Rishkinov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Zaadha throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rishkinov dives in for a single leg takedown but Zaadha sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Ri Zaadha has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Serhey Rishkinov.
Rishkinov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Zaadha moves out of range of the body kick.
Zaadha moves away from the strike by Rishkinov.
Rishkinov blocks a low kick nicely.
Rishkinov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
The fighters circle momentarily. Rishkinov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A chopping leg kick lands by Zaadha.
Rishkinov throws a looping overhand right but Zaadha ducks down to avoid it.
Zaadha takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Zaadha.
Zaadha connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Zaadha connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Zaadha with a hook.
Zaadha throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Zaadha pushes Rishkinov away with a front kick.
Rishkinov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Zaadha counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Rishkinov goes for a double leg but Zaadha avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Zaadha continues to drive forward.
Zaadha ducks under a wild hook from Rishkinov.
Rishkinov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zaadha slaps away a takedown attempt from Rishkinov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Rishkinov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Zaadha lands a front kick.
Rishkinov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Zaadha is out of range and Rishkinov settles back down.
And Zaadha counters with a quick kick to the body but Rishkinov blocks it.
Rishkinov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Zaadha.
Rishkinov needs to keep his hands up - Zaadha had a free shot at his head there.
Rishkinov swings away with a body shot that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick from Zaadha, right into the meat of the thigh.
Rishkinov on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Rishkinov has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Zaadha.
Zaadha connects with a body shot that sends Rishkinov's belly button to the back.
A nice inside leg kick there by Zaadha. That's going to slow Rishkinov down.
Rishkinov lands a nice hook to Zaadha's body. Zaadha takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Zaadha lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rishkinov's sensitive parts.
Rishkinov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Zaadha.
Rishkinov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A solid leg kick lands there for Zaadha.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Zaadha checks a leg kick.
Zaadha displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rishkinov.
Zaadha lands a leg kick that knocks Rishkinov off balance momentarily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Rishkinov lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Zaadha has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Zaadha and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Zaadha blocks a jab.
Rishkinov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Zaadha is looking to counter with a body kick.
Rishkinov throws a body punch but Zaadha moves out of range.
Rishkinov misses with a looping right.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ri Zaadha showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Zaadha, 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 30:27
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 30:27
Judge Yasuomi Hirokawa scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ri Zaadha!
A very excited looking Ri Zaadha made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Serhey Rishkinov was interviewed post fight and said 'I didn't stick to the game plan. I played his game and lost . I'll be back '.