PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Joseph Dzhugashvili (ranked 5618 p4p, 25842 weight class) and Levi Hess (ranked 486 p4p, 516 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Dzhugashvili
vs
Hess

168 cm
18
160
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
18
155
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Joseph Dzhugashvili!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Levi Hess!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hess throws a solid leg kick but Dzhugashvili takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Hess.
A nice combination there by Dzhugashvili.

It looks like Levi Hess has been cut.

Hess clinches with his opponent.
Dzhugashvili tries to pull guard but Hess holds him up against the cage and eventually Dzhugashvili drops back down to his feet.
Dzhugashvili tries to pull guard but Hess holds him up against the cage and eventually Dzhugashvili drops back down to his feet.
Hess just leaning against Dzhugashvili, taking a breather.
A frustrated look appears on Dzhugashvili's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Dzhugashvili wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Hess has Dzhugashvili pushed against the cage.
Dzhugashvili is trying to force a seperation but Hess has the dominant position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dzhugashvili looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Dzhugashvili's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hess misses with a double jab.
Hess misses with a few strikes there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hess fails with an attempt to clinch.
Dzhugashvili went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Dzhugashvili tries to bum rush Hess with a series of wild strikes but Hess uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Hess lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.

Hess moves into the clinch.
Dzhugashvili has had enough of the clinch but Hess keeps him there for the moment.
A frustrated look appears on Dzhugashvili's face as he tries to break the clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Hess pulls guard effortlessly.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Dzhugashvili's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Dzhugashvili loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hess wants to stand and escape but Dzhugashvili is having none of it.

Hess pushes Dzhugashvili off and gets back to his feet.
Hess feints and then cracks Dzhugashvili's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Dzhugashvili down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hess closes the distance and clinches.

Hess escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hess moves out of range of the leg kick from Dzhugashvili.
Hess moves in looking to clinch but Dzhugashvili pushes him off.
Good exchange - Dzhugashvili coming out on top.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dzhugashvili misses with a two punch combination.
Hess throws a counter combo.
A lazy body kick from Dzhugashvili
and Hess counters with a one-two to the body.
Dzhugashvili lets loose with a powerful body kick. Hess will feel that in the morning.
Dzhugashvili shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hess pinned against the cage. Hess gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Joseph Dzhugashvili. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dzhugashvili looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Dzhugashvili circles away from the clinch attempt.
Joseph Dzhugashvili seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dzhugashvili thuds his shin into the meat of Hess's side.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dzhugashvili throws a series of punches but Hess avoids them all with ease.
As Dzhugashvili backs off Hess throws a huge counter combo but Dzhugashvili manages to avoid it all.
Dzhugashvili is breathing heavily.
Dzhugashvili throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A slow jab from Dzhugashvili misses its intended target.
Dzhugashvili throws a series of punches but Hess avoids them all with ease.
Dzhugashvili throws a right and a left that both miss.
As Dzhugashvili backs off Hess throws a huge counter combo but Dzhugashvili manages to avoid it all.
Hess avoids the body shot from Dzhugashvili.
Hess throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Hess misses with the combination.
Dzhugashvili looking to land some kicks to the body here.
No joy there for Hess, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Hess pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Hess misses with a series of wild punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Left hook, right uppercut from Hess.
Hess looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
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!
Hess dodges the punch combination from Dzhugashvili.

Hess instigates a clinch.
Hess misses with a knee strike.

Dzhugashvili breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Some wild striking there from Hess.
Hess shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Dzhugashvili eats them both and turns towards Hess to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Levi Hess dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Levi Hess's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Hess throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Some wild striking there from Dzhugashvili.
Dzhugashvili throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Dzhugashvili throws the kick towards the body but Hess avoids it.
Hess unleashes a big counter combination but Dzhugashvili bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.

Hess rushes Dzhugashvili and presses him up against the cage.
Dzhugashvili tries for a takedown. No joy.

Hess manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Hess wriggles free and stands up.

Hess clinches up against the cage.

Dzhugashvili breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Dzhugashvili misses with a wild combination.
A combination from Hess does no damage.
Hess has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hess is looking to land body kicks.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dzhugashvili throws a series of punches but Hess moves out of range.
As Dzhugashvili backs off Hess throws a huge counter combo but Dzhugashvili manages to avoid it all.
Levi Hess is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Hess clinches with his opponent.

Hess jumps into guard, dragging Dzhugashvili to the mat.

Hess is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Hess pulls guard effortlessly.

Hess has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Dzhugashvili has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Hess tries to score a body lock takedown but Dzhugashvili shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Hess goes for a takedown attempt but Dzhugashvili pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hess throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Dzhugashvili.
Dzhugashvili throws a body kick that misses.
Dzhugashvili stalks Hess and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Hess's face. Hess staggers backwards, shaken.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hess takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Dzhugashvili just misses with a punch to the body.
Hess throws a combination. Dzhugashvili tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Dzhugashvili shoots in for a takedown but Hess shows good takedown defense.
Joseph Dzhugashvili is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Hess instigates a clinch.

Hess has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Dzhugashvili uses from the top position.
Dzhugashvili working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Dzhugashvili throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hess works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Dzhugashvili has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Hess has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Dzhugashvili has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Hess lands a nice elbow.
Hess keeps control of Dzhugashvili as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Hess tries to score a body lock takedown but Dzhugashvili shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Joseph Dzhugashvili has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Levi Hess.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Dzhugashvili successfully pulls guard.
Hess trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hess throws an elbow that misses. Dzhugashvili uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hess's guard. Nice move by Dzhugashvili!

Hess has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Dzhugashvili has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.

Hess drags the fight down to the ground.
Dzhugashvili postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Dzhugashvili throwing strikes but missing.

Hess has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Dzhugashvili is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hess successfully pulls guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Dzhugashvili gets to his feet. Hess looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Dzhugashvili throws a head kick but Hess moves out of range.

Hess instigates a clinch.
Hess is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Dzhugashvili drops down looking for an ankle pick but Hess pulls his leg out and moves away.
Hess lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

Hess closes the distance and clinches.
Hess is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Dzhugashvili is defending well.

Dzhugashvili escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Hess is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A quick step to the side and Dzhugashvili tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Levi Hess showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Levi Hess's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Dzhugashvili blocks the body kick.
Dzhugashvili lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Hess circles away quickly and effectively.
Jab from Dzhugashvili.
Dzhugashvili shoots for a double leg takedown but Hess sprawls well. He's pushed Dzhugashvili's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Dzhugashvili throws a series of punches but Hess moves out of range.
Joseph Dzhugashvili is winning the standup battle so far.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Dzhugashvili crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Hess - the referee stops the clock and Dzhugashvili gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Hess. Dzhugashvili manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Hess tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Dzhugashvili darts in and clinches Hess up against the cage.
A bit of stalling here from Hess.
Dzhugashvili is trying to force a seperation but Hess has the dominant position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hess is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dzhugashvili is defending well for now.
Dzhugashvili tries to break the clinch but Hess is controlling the position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hess holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Levi Hess seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Dzhugashvili is trying to break free.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hess manages to pull guard.
Dzhugashvili might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Dzhugashvili lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Hess scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Hess throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Dzhugashvili.
Dzhugashvili throws a series of punches but Hess avoids them all with ease.
Hess tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hess is looking to clinch but Dzhugashvili is avoiding it.

Hess clinches up against the cage.
Dzhugashvili tries to break the clinch but Hess is controlling the position.
Dzhugashvili tries to circle away but Hess has him pinned against the cage.
Dzhugashvili has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Dzhugashvili can't break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hess is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Dzhugashvili is defending well.
Nice body punch from Hess.

Dzhugashvili breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
No joy there for Hess, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Dzhugashvili throws a combination. Hess tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Hess has managed to clinch.

Hess breaks from the clinch.
Hess tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Dzhugashvili manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hess throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Dzhugashvili throws the kick towards the body but Hess avoids it.
Dzhugashvili misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Dzhugashvili showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hess.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dzhugashvili misses with the combination.

Hess closes the distance and clinches.

Dzhugashvili manages to break the clinch.
Hess misses with a combination
and Dzhugashvili counters with a one-two to the body.
Dzhugashvili throws a series of punches but Hess avoids them all with ease.
A low kick lands for Hess.
Hess throws out a leg kick but Dzhugashvili moves out of range and Hess only half commits.
Dzhugashvili throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hess.
Hess dodges the punch combination from Dzhugashvili.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hess lands a high kick!
Hess on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Dzhugashvili keeps the fight on the outside.
Dzhugashvili showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Hess.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dzhugashvili goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Dzhugashvili throws a nice looking combination but Hess bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Hess swinging wildly here.
Joseph Dzhugashvili has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Levi Hess is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Dzhugashvili throws a body shot but no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Joseph Dzhugashvili.
I think Hess 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 28:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 28:29
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Levi Hess!