PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Zen Filipovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Valera Zugin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Filipovic
vs
Zugin

180 cm
22
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

185 cm
19
149 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Zen Filipovic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Valera Zugin!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Daniel Bishop and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zugin fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Nice sprawl there from Filipovic as Zugin shoots in.
Zugin closes the distance and clinches up with Filipovic, looking for a takedown. Zugin pushes Filipovic against the cage but Filipovic circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zen Filipovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Valera Zugin.

Zugin takes the fight into the clinch.
Zugin tries to throw a body punch but Filipovic avoids it by throwing Zugin back against the cage.
Zugin is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Filipovic has had enough of the clinch but Zugin keeps him there for the moment.
Filipovic is trying to break the clinch but Zugin is controlling him.
Filipovic wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Zugin has him pressed against the cage.
Zugin is trying to drag Filipovic to the mat but Filipovic just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Zugin drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Filipovic gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Filipovic is trying to push Zugin away but Zugin has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Zugin gets control of Filipovic's arms and successfully pulls guard. Zugin will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Filipovic got a little sloppy there for a moment and Zugin has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Filipovic has managed to get both his arms back between Zugin's legs - danger averted.
Zugin looking to control.
Filipovic knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Zugin on the ground.
Filipovic would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Filipovic thows a big elbow that misses.
Filipovic trying to stand up but can't free himself from Zugin's guard.
Filipovic working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Zugin had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Filipovic defends it easily.
Filipovic has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Zugin is proving hard to escape from.

Zugin looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Zugin looks gassed!
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Filipovic accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Zugin has a closed guard, preventing Filipovic from standing up.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Zugin keeping full guard, as Filipovic tries to pass.
Filipovic engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Zugin looking for a sweep. Not yet Zugin, not yet.
Filipovic has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Zugin is proving hard to escape from.
Zugin wants to stand and escape but Filipovic is having none of it.
Filipovic trying to stand up but can't free himself from Zugin's guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Filipovic throws a right and a left that both miss.
Filipovic misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Zugin tries to score a power double leg takedown but Filipovic sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zugin somewhat.
Zugin looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Filipovic is fending him off so far but Zugin persists. Nope, Filipovic circles away and we're back to standing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice combination there by Filipovic.
Filipovic fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Filipovic connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Zugin's hands.
Zugin fails with a takedown attempt.
Zugin takes one to the chin there.
Filipovic scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Zugin avoids a punch combination nicely.
Filipovic lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Filipovic lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Zugin at a distance.
Filipovic throws a combination. Zugin tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Zugin dodges the punch combination from Filipovic.
Zugin tries to score a power double leg takedown but Filipovic sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zugin somewhat.
Filipovic throws a right and a left that Zugin avoids nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zugin fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Filipovic avoids it really well and circles away.
Filipovic scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Zugin dodges the punch combination from Filipovic.
Zugin shoots for a double leg takedown but Filipovic sprawls well. He's pushed Zugin's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Filipovic lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Zugin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Filipovic circles away.
Filipovic lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Zugin circles away quickly and effectively.
Zugin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Filipovic circles away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Filipovic throws a left and a right that both miss

and Zugin counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Filipovic!
Filipovic is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Filipovic wants to hold on but Zugin pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Valera Zugin will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Filipovic fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Zugin clinches.
Filipovic has had enough of the clinch but Zugin keeps him there for the moment.
Zugin is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Filipovic is trying to stall.
Filipovic wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Zugin tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Filipovic avoids it.

Zugin pulls Filipovic into guard.
Filipovic has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Filipovic wants to stand but Zugin is controlling his posture from full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Zugin is on top in guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Filipovic managing to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zugin trying to control the position from guard on top but Filipovic is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Filipovic is looking to sweep but instead, Zugin has passed into half guard.
Filipovic is concentrating on defense, preventing Zugin from advancing position.
Filipovic wants to control but Zugin is keeping busy.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

Zen Filipovic has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Zugin looks for a takedown but Filipovic sprawls well.
A right-left combo lands from Filipovic.
Zugin shoots in for a takedown but Filipovic shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Zen Filipovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Valera Zugin.
Filipovic misses with a double jab.
Zugin slips a jab and a cross from Filipovic.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Filipovic misses with a double jab.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Filipovic misses with a wild combination.
Zugin tries to score a power double leg takedown but Filipovic sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zugin somewhat.
Filipovic lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Filipovic misses with a double jab.
Zugin shoots in looking for a takedown but Filipovic manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Zugin's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Zugin is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Filipovic lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Filipovic misses with a wild combination.
Filipovic tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zugin was well out of range. Poor timing from Filipovic.
Nice sprawl there from Filipovic as Zugin shoots in.
Filipovic throws a nice looking combination but Zugin bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Zugin fails with a takedown attempt.
A combination from Filipovic does no damage.
Zugin walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Filipovic fails to land with a series of punches.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zugin.
Zugin throws a series of punches but Filipovic avoids them all with ease.
Zugin shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Filipovic pinned against the cage. Filipovic gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Filipovic scores with a one two! Zugin had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Zugin shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Filipovic pinned against the cage. Filipovic gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
A left and a right from Filipovic both land. Nice combination.
Zugin slips a jab and a cross from Filipovic.
Filipovic is working the combinations to good effect here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Zugin throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Filipovic's waist but Filipovic gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Zugin off to one side.
Filipovic connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Zen Filipovic is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Filipovic slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Zugin avoids a punch combination nicely.
Zugin changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Filipovic tries to avoid it but Zugin manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Filipovic to the ground. Filipovic escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Zugin shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Filipovic defends it nicely.
Zugin slips a jab and a cross from Filipovic.
Filipovic stuffs the takedown attempt from Zugin. Zugin gets slowly back to his feet.
Filipovic scores with a one two! Zugin had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Filipovic bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Zugin is looking to clinch but Filipovic is avoiding it.
Filipovic misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Zugin tries for a takedown but Filipovic sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Filipovic misses with a double jab

and Zugin counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Zugin.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zen Filipovic dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Filipovic works over Zugin's head and body with a nice combination.
Sloppy strikes from Filipovic. Those never looked like landing.
Filipovic misses with a jab, cross combination.
Filipovic stuffs the takedown attempt from Zugin. Zugin gets slowly back to his feet.
Zugin shoots in looking for a takedown but Filipovic manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Zugin's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zugin.
Zen Filipovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Valera Zugin.
Filipovic lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Some wild striking there from Filipovic.
Filipovic fails to land with a series of punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Filipovic keeps the fight on the outside.
A lazy left from Filipovic finds it's target.
Zugin shoots in but no luck this time.
Filipovic throws a series of punches but Zugin moves out of range.
Filipovic throws a combination that misses

and Zugin counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Filipovic's guard now.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet but Zugin is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zugin content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Zugin passes Filipovic's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Filipovic on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Filipovic tries to get out of the position.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Zugin prevents Filipovic from improving his position.
Zugin prevents Filipovic from standing back up.
Filipovic is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Zugin stands up out of the half guard.
Filipovic keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Filipovic misses with a few strikes there.
Zugin tries to clinch but Filipovic moves out of range.
Zugin tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Filipovic swivels and escapes.
Filipovic looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Filipovic swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Zugin counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Zugin missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Zugin wants to stand up but Filipovic is controlling the position.
Filipovic controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Zugin wants to control but Filipovic is keeping him busy.
Filipovic wants to get back to his feet.
Zugin seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Filipovic does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Filipovic tries to roll over but Zugin keeps him under control.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Valera Zugin hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
A punch combination from Filipovic misses.
Zugin on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zugin.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horrible takedown by Zugin or perhaps it was just good defense by Filipovic which made him look bad.
Filipovic misses with the combination.
Filipovic throws a one two combo.
Zugin shoots in for a takedown but Filipovic shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Filipovic lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Filipovic.
Zugin has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Zugin shoots in looking for a takedown. Filipovic tries to sprawl out of it but Zugin keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Filipovic manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Filipovic lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Zugin circles away quickly and effectively.
Zugin shoots in looking for a takedown but Filipovic manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Zugin's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Filipovic tries to bum rush Zugin with a series of wild strikes but Zugin uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Filipovic throws a right and a left that both miss.
No joy there for Filipovic, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Zugin shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Filipovic as he jumps to the side.
Zen Filipovic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zugin.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Filipovic throws a right hand that Zugin ducks under and follows up with a left that Zugin also avoids with ease.
Zugin shoots in for a takedown but Filipovic shows good takedown defense.
Zugin gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Filipovic.
Zugin closes this distance looking for a takedown but Filipovic circles away.
Filipovic defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Zugin.
Filipovic thuds a left hand into Zugin's body.
Zugin walks into a jab.
Filipovic swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Zugin counters with a takedown into side control.
Zugin wants to control but Filipovic is keeping him busy.
Filipovic is pushing Zugin's head away, looking to escape. Zugin manages to hold on to the position though.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Filipovic is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Zugin wants to lay and pray for a moment but Filipovic keeps working.

And that's the end of the fight!
Valera Zugin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Zugin 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 28:29
Judge William Gold scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Valera Zugin!