PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sasa Sladkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zvonimir Soldo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these fighters are unbeaten, so somebody's 0 has got to go!Sasa Sladkov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Sladkov
vs
Soldo

192 cm
27
240 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

184 cm
22
242 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sasa Sladkov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Zvonimir Soldo!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, George Francis and Cecil Peabody.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Soldo fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Soldo shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sladkov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Sladkov misses with a combination

and Soldo counters with a single leg into guard. Sladkov didn't expect that.
Sladkov keeping full guard, as Soldo tries to pass.
Soldo trying to control the position from guard on top but Sladkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sladkov is pulling down on Soldo's head. It's preventing any offense from Soldo, at least for the moment.
Soldo is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Sladkov misses with a right hand

and Soldo decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Sladkov's guard.

Soldo drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Sladkov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Soldo has Sladkov in his guard.
Soldo looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Soldo has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Sladkov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Soldo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Soldo escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sladkov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Soldo has his foot on Sladkov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Sladkov works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sladkov advances position into side control!
Soldo is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Soldo trying to control here.
Soldo tries to roll over but Sladkov keeps him under control.
Sladkov wants to stand but Soldo has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Soldo wants to get back to full guard.

Soldo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Soldo is trying to get back to full guard.

Soldo actively working from the bottom here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The fighters are battling for position here. Soldo manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Sladkov controlling from the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zvonimir Soldo dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Soldo has his takedown stuffed
and Sladkov counters with a nice uppercut.
Soldo doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Soldo moves away from the strike by Sladkov.
Sladkov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Soldo.

Soldo shoots in and gets a takedown into Sladkov's guard.
Soldo trying to move into half guard but instead Sladkov has managed to sweep!
Sladkov controls from within his opponent's guard.
Soldo trying to control the position.
Soldo is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Soldo escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sladkov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Sladkov is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Sladkov tries to stand but Soldo is controlling from the bottom.

That's two 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.

Soldo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Sladkov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Sladkov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Sladkov is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

Soldo is working an open guard so Sladkov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Soldo.
Soldo throws an elbow but Sladkov slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soldo cracks Sladkov with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Soldo in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
The strikes coming from Soldo are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Sladkov is trying to control Soldo's posture but Soldo avoids it.
Sladkov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Sladkov tries to get out of the position.

Soldo is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Sladkov is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Sladkov is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Soldo tries for a kimura but Sladkov is defending well.
Zvonimir Soldo has got the better of the ground game so far.
Sladkov dodges the ground and pound from Soldo.

Soldo is trying to get an arm triangle but Sladkov is defending well.

Soldo wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sladkov, who protects the arm well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sladkov is trying to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sasa Sladkov dominated that second round.
That's time! Sladkov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Soldo looks to land a left hand but Sladkov moved out of range nicely.
Sladkov missing with a left hand there. Soldo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Soldo has his takedown stuffed
and Sladkov counters with a straight right hand.
Soldo looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Sladkov is fending him off so far but Soldo persists. Nope, Sladkov circles away and we're back to standing.

Soldo shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Soldo was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Poor strikes thrown by Soldo there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soldo wants to take his opponent's back but instead Sladkov manages to regain half guard.
Soldo throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Soldo wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sladkov keeps working.
Soldo missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Soldo is looking for a kimura but Sladkov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Soldo to get the leverage.
Soldo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Soldo throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Soldo tries to pass to full mount but Sladkov defends it.
Sladkov taking some punishment here, with Soldo in his half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Soldo trying to advance position but Sladkov counters by regaining guard.
Soldo chips away with some ground and pound.
Sladkov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

Soldo drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Sladkov dives on top into guard.
Soldo tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Soldo looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Sladkov passes into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sladkov trying to control the pace.
Soldo tries to roll over but Sladkov keeps him under control.

Soldo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Soldo is looking to control Sladkov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Soldo avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Soldo actively working from the bottom here.
Soldo wants to control but Sladkov is keeping busy.
Soldo wants to sweep but Sladkov has passed to side control!
Sladkov happy to just control the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sasa Sladkov clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Soldo closes the distance and clinches up with Sladkov, looking for a takedown. Soldo pushes Sladkov against the cage but Sladkov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Soldo shoots and misses
and Sladkov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Nice shot by Sladkov.
Sladkov punishes Soldo's body with a nice straight punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sladkov throws a jab when Soldo was well out of range.
Soldo is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Sladkov throws out a loose jab but Soldo uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sladkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Soldo steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sladkov.
Horrible takedown by Soldo or perhaps it was just good defense by Sladkov which made him look bad.
Sasa Sladkov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zvonimir Soldo.
Soldo uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sladkov.
Zvonimir Soldo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sladkov swings widly with a right hand

and Soldo counters with a nice double leg into side control. Sladkov won't be happy with that.
Soldo tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soldo working the body and head with strikes.
Sladkov struggling a bit here.
Soldo looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Sladkov is avoiding damage well.
Soldo laying and praying for a moment but Sladkov takes advantage and regains half guard.
Soldo looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Soldo is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sladkov is just riding it out for now. Soldo eventually gives up the hold.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soldo looks to land a strike but Sladkov avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Soldo passes Sladkov's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Soldo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Soldo missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Soldo stalling away here and it's allowed Sladkov to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Soldo throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Sladkov pulls Soldo in close to his closed guard and prevents Soldo from doing any damage or advancing position.

Soldo postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Sladkov is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Soldo, into his guard.

Soldo is looking for a triangle but Sladkov pushes his legs off easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sasa Sladkov had his way with Zvonimir Soldo in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Soldo takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Soldo doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sladkov counters with a stiff right hand.

Sladkov lands a big uppercut and Soldo crumbles to the floor! The ref thinks about stopping the fight but Soldo looks OK. Sladkov waves Soldo back to his feet!

It looks like Zvonimir Soldo has been cut.
Soldo is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Soldo gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sladkov counters with a nice low kick that buckles Soldo's knee momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soldo blocks a jab.
Sladkov throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Soldo counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Sladkov's guard now.
Sladkov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Soldo throws a strike but Sladkov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Sladkov trying to control but Soldo is working from the bottom.
Soldo is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sladkov preventing the sweep.
Soldo is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sladkov trying to control but Soldo is working from the bottom.
Sladkov is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Sasa Sladkov.
Soldo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sladkov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sladkov misses with a low kick.
Zvonimir Soldo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sladkov misses with a wild body shot.
Soldo shoots and misses
and Sladkov counters with a straight right hand.
Sasa Sladkov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zvonimir Soldo.
Sladkov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Soldo. Soldo circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Sladkov throws an overhand right that lands on Soldo's shoulder, as Soldo tries to avoid the shot.
Sladkov throws a hook but Soldo blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Soldo shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sladkov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
No luck for Soldo with that takedown attempt.
Soldo moves away from the strike by Sladkov.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Soldo throws an off balance right hand
and Sladkov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Sasa Sladkov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sladkov jabs at Soldo's body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sasa Sladkov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Sladkov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 49:46
Judge George Francis scores the fight 49:46
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sasa Sladkov!
Sasa Sladkov is the new heavyweight champion!