PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anzor Dankovich (ranked 143 p4p, 362 weight class) and Daniel Spong (ranked 20 p4p, 42 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Dankovich
vs
Spong

192 cm
35
260
32 - 16 - 0

179 cm
36
232
23 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Fast

Conquer
Conviction

Pulling Guard

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 32 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Anzor Dankovich!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Daniel Spong!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Nard Betker and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Spong misses with an uppercut. Dankovich saw that one coming.
Dankovich appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.

Dankovich gets a clinch.
Spong is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Dankovich is keeping busy.
Spong throws a head punch that misses.
Spong scores with a hook to the body.
Spong tries for a takedown but Dankovich manages to get underhooks.
Dankovich tries to work over Spong's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Dankovich gets underhooks to prevent Spong's takedown attempt.
Dankovich lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Spong.
Spong misses with a punch to the body.
Dankovich can't find room to land a body shot as Spong controls the action.
Dankovich lands a nice shot to the body.
A short left from Dankovich.
Spong looks winded!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spong swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Spong tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Dankovich's elbow.
Dankovich tries a body shot but Spong blocks it.
Spong tries to throw a body punch but Dankovich avoids it by throwing Spong back against the cage.
Spong is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Dankovich to keep the fight standing.
Anzor Dankovich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Spong.
Dankovich lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Spong backwards.
Dankovich lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A body shot lands from Dankovich.
Spong is trying to break free.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Spong 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.
Spong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Spong.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dankovich.
Spong goes for a takedown attempt but Dankovich pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Spong tries to keep at a distance but Dankovich has taken the fight into the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Spong.
Spong doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Dankovich goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Dankovich blocks an uppercut.
Dankovich doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Dankovich can't find room to land a body shot as Spong controls the action.
Spong on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Spong tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Dankovich smiles and moves away.
Spong circles away from the clinch attempt.
Spong feints the counter takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Spong shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Dankovich tries to get to full guard but Spong has control of the leg.
Spong is trying to control. Dankovich wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Dankovich wants to get back to full guard.
Dankovich is working hard here to advance position.
Dankovich blocking the ground and pound attempt from Spong.
Dankovich is not content to let Spong control the position.
Spong throwing shots but Dankovich is blocking nicely.
Spong thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Dankovich's head.
Dankovich knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Spong on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spong is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Dankovich on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Spong is trying to control the action in half guard but Dankovich is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Spong throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Spong not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Spong sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Dankovich defending well though.
Spong thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Dankovich blocking the ground and pound attempt from Spong.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Spong not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Spong not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Spong slips a nice elbow through Dankovich's hands, connecting with Dankovich's forehead.
Spong has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Spong is trying to work for a kimura but Dankovich is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Spong is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Dankovich is just riding it out for now. Spong eventually gives up the hold.
Spong is looking to take a break and control but Dankovich is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ground and pound from Spong.
Spong tries to pass to full mount but Dankovich defends it.
Spong missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Spong dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Spong looks to land a left hand but Dankovich moved out of range nicely.
Dankovich swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Spong looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Spong tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Dankovich defends well and Spong ends up having to push Dankovich into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Dankovich throwing a counter right hand but Spong manages to avoid it.
A slow jab from Spong misses its intended target.
Spong throws a jab when Dankovich was well out of range.
We've been told by Dankovich's head coaches at Primal Concrete Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Dankovich fails in his attempt to clinch.
Spong cracks Dankovich with a good jab.
Dankovich throws a nice head kick!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dankovich walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Spong's corner calls for a 1-2. Spong obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Spong misses with a right hand
and Dankovich counters with an inside leg kick.
Dankovich lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spong lands the left hand.
Spong darts in looking for a takedown but Dankovich gets double underhooks and turns Spong into the cage.
An attempted straight right counter from Dankovich misses the target.
Anzor Dankovich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Spong.
Dankovich takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Dankovich uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Spong.
Dankovich uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Spong.
A jab from Spong misses.
Dankovich fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Spong lands with a nice body punch.

Spong closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Dankovich did well to prevent Spong getting side control.
Spong throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Dankovich trying to control from the bottom.
Spong missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dankovich avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Spong.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Dankovich tries to roll over but Spong keeps him under control.
Spong wants to control but Dankovich is keeping him busy.
Spong thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Spong seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

Spong is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Dankovich doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Spong.
Spong not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spong thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Spong looks to land a strike but Dankovich avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Spong with a flurry of punches that miss.
Spong is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Spong postures up in Dankovich's guard and throws a big left but Dankovich blocks it.
Spong trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Spong throws a big elbow that misses.
Spong works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Spong missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spong throwing shots but Dankovich is blocking nicely.
Spong wants to pass to mount but Dankovich is defending the position.

Spong is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Dankovich sees it coming and defends easily.
Spong wants to pass to mount but Dankovich is defending the position.
Spong is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Dankovich!
Spong misses with a head shot.
Spong looking to ground and pound but Dankovich is blocking nicely.
Spong with a couple of short strikes.
Spong has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Spong lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Daniel Spong showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Dankovich's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Spong looks for a takedown but Dankovich sprawls well.
Anzor Dankovich has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dankovich doesn't manage to clinch there - Spong circles away.
Dankovich staying out of range there.
Spong doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Dankovich counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Spong throws a shot to the body.
Spong misses with a shot to the body
and Dankovich counters with an outside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Spong throws a lazy uppercut
and Dankovich counters with an outside leg kick.
Dankovich leaves Spong with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Anzor Dankovich has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Daniel Spong.
Spong takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Spong misses with a lunging right hand
and Dankovich counters with a body kick that stops Spong in his tracks momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Dankovich gets a clinch.
Dankovich blocks an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Spong.
Anzor Dankovich has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Dankovich can't find room to land a body shot as Spong controls the action.
Spong tries to throw a body punch but Dankovich avoids it by throwing Spong back against the cage.
Dankovich tries to throw a body punch but Spong avoids it by throwing Dankovich back against the cage.
Dankovich blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nice body punch from Dankovich - that landed with a thud.
Spong blocks a body shot from Dankovich.
Dankovich scores with a hook to the body.
Dankovich lands a right hand that snaps the head of Spong backwards.
Dankovich misses with a punch to the body.
Spong blocks a body shot from Dankovich.
Dankovich pushes Spong back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Dankovich misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Dankovich lands a body punch in the clinch.
A right hand to the body from Dankovich.
A nice right hand lands inside from Dankovich.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Dankovich.
Dankovich can't find room to land a body shot as Spong controls the action.
Dankovich lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Dankovich misses with a body punch.
Dankovich tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spong's elbow.
Dankovich tries to throw a body punch but Spong avoids it by throwing Dankovich back against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Dankovich.
Dankovich goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Dankovich pushes Spong back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Dankovich misses with a body punch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Dankovich.
Dankovich lands an uppercut.
Dankovich is leaning against Spong and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Dankovich lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Dankovich tries a body shot but Spong blocks it.
Dankovich lands a left hand.
Dankovich misses with a punch to the body.
Dankovich tries to throw a body punch but Spong avoids it by throwing Dankovich back against the cage.
Spong is trying to drag Dankovich to the mat but Dankovich just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dankovich doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Spong tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Dankovich doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Spong can't get the takedown.
Dankovich softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Dankovich misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Dankovich tries to work over Spong's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Dankovich tries a body shot but Spong blocks it.
Spong blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Dankovich lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Spong backwards.
Dankovich lands an uppercut.
Spong tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Dankovich just stands there and leans against the cage.
Dankovich tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spong's elbow.
Spong tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Dankovich tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Spong's elbow.
A nice left hand lands by Dankovich.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Dankovich lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Dankovich lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Spong or not.
A right handed body shot lands from Dankovich.
Dankovich goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Dankovich tries a body shot but Spong blocks it.
Dankovich can't find room to land a body shot as Spong controls the action.
Dankovich misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Dankovich misses with some punches.
Dankovich can't find room to land a body shot as Spong controls the action.
Dankovich lands a left hand.
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!
Dankovich tries to work over Spong's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Dankovich tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short right from Spong.
Dankovich swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Spong has hold of one of Dankovich's legs. Dankovich is fighting the takedown attempt but Spong gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Daniel Spong has got the better of the ground game so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Spong accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Spong passes into half guard.
Daniel Spong is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Spong trying to control the action but Dankovich is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anzor Dankovich showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Spong 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 28:29
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 28:29
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Daniel Spong!
After winning the bout, Daniel Spong thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.