PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Anton Nikolaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Spike Law (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Nikolaev
vs
Law

170 cm
23
135 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

175 cm
26
152 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Powerful

Vandal Fight Boutique (prices $8 - $30)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Anton Nikolaev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Spike Law!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Valeri Chadov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Law circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nikolaev tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Law counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves away
and Law counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law is having none of it.
Law rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Nikolaev moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Law misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up
and Law counters with a nice uppercut.
Law looks to score with a jab to the body but Nikolaev is just out of range.

Nikolaev moves into the clinch.
Law avoids the elbow strike from Nikolaev, against the ropes.
Law avoiding damage as Nikolaev throws knees to the body.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Law missing with a left hand there. Nikolaev was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nikolaev wants to clinch.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt

and Law counters by clinching up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Law breaks the clinch.
Nikolaev avoids a punch combination nicely.
Nikolaev bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up but Law circles away and keeps his distance.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nikolaev fails with an attempt to clinch.

Nikolaev moves into range and clinches up with Law.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Law avoids it.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Law avoids it.
Law is trying to break the clinch but Nikolaev is controlling him.
Nikolaev throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Nikolaev pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Law tries to circle away but Nikolaev has him pinned against the ropes.
Nikolaev throws an elbow but it misses.
Nikolaev lands a good knee to the midsection. Law won't want to take too many of those.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nikolaev has Law pressed against the ropes, preventing Law from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Law wants to get back to striking at distance but Nikolaev won't allow it.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Nikolaev throws an elbow but misses.
Law lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nikolaev using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Law has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Law prevents a body shot from Nikolaev.
A short uppercut from Law.
Law is trying to break the clinch but Nikolaev is controlling him.

Law breaks the clinch.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt
and Law counters with a straight right hand.
Anton Nikolaev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Law lands with a good body shot.
Law throws an overhand right that lands on Nikolaev's shoulder, as Nikolaev tries to avoid the shot.
Law throws a lazy right hand but Nikolaev sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law connects with a single shot there.
Nikolaev on the wrong end of a nice jab.

Nikolaev fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Law, pushing him back against the ropes.
Nikolaev pushes off an throws an elbow but Law leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the ropes.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Nikolaev throws an elbow but misses.
A short left from Law.
Law lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nikolaev backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Law is defending well for now.
Nikolaev tries to work over Law's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nikolaev misses with an elbow over the top.
Law wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Nikolaev has him pressed against the ropes.
Nikolaev pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Nikolaev tries to land knees in the clinch but Law avoids the damage to the body.
Law is looking to break free of the clinch but Nikolaev has double underhooks.
Nikolaev throws an elbow but it misses.
Nikolaev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nikolaev missing with knees to the body.
Nikolaev lands an elbow just above Law 's eye.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nikolaev misses with a knee strike.
Law lands a shoulder strike.
Law working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Nikolaev creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Law wants to break the clinch but can't.
Law is trying to force a seperation but Nikolaev has the dominant position.
Law can't break the clinch.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev moves in looking to clinch but Law pushes him off.
Sloppy strikes from Law. Those never looked like landing.
Law bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Nikolaev's head backwards.
Law connects with a single shot there.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A jab from Law misses.

Nikolaev gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Law on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Law wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Nikolaev has him pressed against the ropes.
Nikolaev landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Law is trying to break free.
Nikolaev missing with knees to the body.
Law takes an elbow to the temple.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nikolaev missing with knees to the body.
Nikolaev throws an elbow but it misses.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Law ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Nikolaev moves away.
Nikolaev takes a jab right on the kisser.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Nikolaev dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Law lands a slapping body shot.
Nikolaev doesn't manage to clinch there - Law circles away.

Nikolaev pushes Law up against the ropes in a clinch.
Law lands an elbow that stopped Nikolaev in his tracks for a moment.

It looks like Anton Nikolaev has been cut.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Law avoids it.
Law misses with a short punch on the inside.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Nikolaev can't find room to land a body shot as Law controls the action.
Nikolaev missing with knees to the body.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Nikolaev has taken the fight to the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Nikolaev.
Nikolaev misses with an elbow strike.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Nikolaev just misses with a elbow thrown towards Law's brow.
Nikolaev struggles to land a body shot inside as Law controls his hands.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Law avoids it.
Anton Nikolaev has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Law is trying to break the clinch but Nikolaev has him pressed against the ropes.
Nikolaev tries a body shot but Law blocks it.
Law throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nikolaev prevents Law from breaking the clinch.
Law managing to block the knees to the body from Nikolaev.
Law looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Law blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Nikolaev here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Nikolaev misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Law.
Nikolaev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Law is defending well for now.
Law lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nikolaev tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Nikolaev tries to land knees in the clinch but Law avoids the damage to the body.
Nikolaev misses with an elbow strike.
Law on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Nikolaev connects with a nasty looking knee right to Law's face.

Law breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Anton Nikolaev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nikolaev tries to clinch there but Law circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves away
and Law counters with a one-two to the body.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
Nikolaev uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Law.
Nikolaev tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Law counters with a stiff right hand.
Nikolaev is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev doesn't manage to clinch there - Law circles away.

Law moves into the clinch.
Law scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Nikolaev working Law over with knees to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nikolaev gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Nikolaev keeps control of Law as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Nikolaev working Law over with knees to the body.
Law is breathing heavily.
Law tries to work over Nikolaev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Law has had enough of the clinch but Nikolaev keeps him there for the moment.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the head but Law blocks with his arms.
The referee calls for Law to work.
Nikolaev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Law is defending well for now.
Law avoiding damage as Nikolaev throws knees to the body.

Law breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Law moves into the clinch.
Law blocks an elbow strike from Nikolaev.

Law breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Law misses.
Nikolaev is looking to clinch.
Nikolaev wants to clinch.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up but Law circles away and keeps his distance.

Nikolaev has managed to clinch.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Law swats away the attempt to clinch by Nikolaev.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Law thows a left - swing and a miss!
Law scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Law misses with the combination.
Nikolaev takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt.
Law throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Nikolaev on the side of the head.
Nikolaev blocks a jab.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
Law lands with a nice body punch.
Law jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Law scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up
and Nikolaev takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
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!
Law misses with a hook.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up but Law swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nikolaev needs to keep his hands up - Law had a free shot at his head there.
A swing and a miss from Law.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nikolaev is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Anton Nikolaev dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Anton Nikolaev's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Law circles away from the clinch attempt
and Law counters with a stiff right hand.
Law throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nikolaev looks to clinch
and Law counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up.
Nikolaev fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Law wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Nikolaev darts in trying to clinch
and Law counters with a series of strikes. Nikolaev will be more careful next time no doubt.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Law misses with a straight left.
Law keeps the fight on the outside.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
Nikolaev fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice defenses there by Nikolaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Law jabs Nikolaev to the body, keeping him at a distance.

Law rushes Nikolaev and presses him up against the ropes.
Nikolaev throws an elbow but it misses.
Law avoids a wild elbow strike from Nikolaev.

Law breaks from the clinch.
Law connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Nikolaev is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves away
and Law connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Law lands with an uppercut that bounces Nikolaev off the ropes and back into rage.
Spike Law seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Law clinches up with Nikolaev and pushes him back against the ropes.
A short right from Law.
Nikolaev with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Law pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Law with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Law on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Nikolaev throws a knee to the head but misses.
Nikolaev with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Law wants to break free but Nikolaev has control.

Law pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves out of range.
A nice combination there by Law.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nikolaev doesn't manage to clinch there - Law circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nikolaev tries to clinch there but Law circles away.
Nikolaev wants to clinch but Law slips to the side
and Law counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Nikolaev thinking.
Good standup being displayed there by Law as he connects with a hook.
Nikolaev is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Law manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Nikolaev moves to clinch but Law breaks away

and Law holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Law lands a shot to the body.
Nikolaev using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Law has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Law is looking to break free of the clinch but Nikolaev has double underhooks.
Nikolaev looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Law can't break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev misses with a knee to the head.
Nikolaev misses with a knee to the head.
Nikolaev misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Law.

Law pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves away
and Law counters with a straight right hand.
Nikolaev ducks under a wild hook from Law.
Law shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Nikolaev eats them both and turns towards Law to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Nikolaev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Law misses with an elbow over the top.
Law avoids a wild elbow strike from Nikolaev.
Law is trying to break free.
Nikolaev looking to throw knees to the head but Law is blocking nicely.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Law lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Nikolaev backs up against the ropes.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up
and Law counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev wants to clinch
enabling Law to counter with a crisp jab.

Nikolaev closes the distance and clinches.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nikolaev throws a knee to the head but misses.
Nikolaev misses with a knee strike.
Law looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Law can't break the clinch.
Law looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Nikolaev throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Nikolaev is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Law on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A frustrated look appears on Law's face as he tries to break the clinch.
With the fighters up against the ropes, Nikolaev throws an elbow but misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nikolaev tries a knee to the head but Law blocks it.
With the two fighters working up against the ropes, Nikolaev just misses with a elbow thrown towards Law's brow.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nikolaev closes the distance looking to clinch
and Law counters with a left to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Spike Law just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Anton Nikolaev's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up but Law swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Law keeps the fight on the outside.
Law throws out a loose jab but Nikolaev uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head kick misses from Nikolaev.
Law fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Law fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nikolaev manages to avoid it.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Law swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Law connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Nikolaev momentarily.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law is having none of it.
Nice straight punches there by Law. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Law.
Law throws a shot to the body.
Nikolaev closes the distance but Law moves to the side
and Law counters with a straight right hand.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Law swats away the attempt to clinch by Nikolaev.
Law swats away the attempt to clinch by Nikolaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nikolaev tries to clinch
and Law counters with a nice body shot.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nikolaev tries to clinch there but Law circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up but Law circles away and keeps his distance.
Law lands with a right hand.
Nikolaev takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Nikolaev displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Law throws out the jab.

Nikolaev has Law up against the ropes in a clinch.
Nikolaev looking to throw knees to the head but Law is blocking nicely.
Nikolaev has Law pressed against the ropes, preventing Law from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

Law breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nikolaev is looking to clinch but Law is avoiding it.
Nikolaev walks into a straight right hand from Law.
Nikolaev moves in looking to clinch but Law pushes him off.
Nikolaev tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Law counters with a nice body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nikolaev is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Nikolaev tries to clinch there but Law circles away.
Law digs a good hook to Nikolaev's body.
Nikolaev staying out of range there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law is having none of it.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up but Law circles away and keeps his distance.

Law clinches.

Law's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Law keeps the fight on the outside.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up but Law circles away and keeps his distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Nikolaev looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up
and Law counters with a nice body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Law manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Law avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law lands a nice shot to the body.
Nikolaev is looking to clinch but Law is avoiding it.
Law lands a lovely overhand right.
Nikolaev takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Nikolaev looks to clinch
and Law counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Law cracks Nikolaev with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Law lands a nice hook to Nikolaev's body. Nikolaev takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Some wild striking there from Law.
Nikolaev darts in trying to clinch
letting Law counter with a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Law closes the distance and clinches.
Law avoiding damage as Nikolaev throws knees to the body.
Nikolaev with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Nikolaev keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Law's efforts to push away.
Law lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Nikolaev using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Law has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Law breaks from the clinch.
Nikolaev closes the distance but Law moves to the side
and Law counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nikolaev fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice jab there from Law.
Nikolaev wants to clinch but Law slips to the side
and Law counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nikolaev moves in looking to clinch but Law pushes him off.
Law misses with a looping left.
Nikolaev tries to clinch there but Law circles away.
Law misses with a wild body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Spike Law dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Anton Nikolaev's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're 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.

Nikolaev fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nikolaev staying out of range there.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
Nikolaev wants to clinch up but Law keeps it at a distance.
Nikolaev wants to clinch but Law slips to the side
and Law counters with a nice uppercut.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Law counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nikolaev moves to clinch but Law breaks away
and Law counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Nikolaev doesn't manage to clinch there - Law circles away.
Nikolaev takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt
and Law cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nikolaev fails with an attempt to clinch.
Law throws an off balance right hand

and Nikolaev holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nikolaev landing knees to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nikolaev tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Law lands a left hand.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Law swats away the attempt to clinch by Nikolaev.

Law gets a clinch.
Nikolaev keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Law's efforts to push away.
Law avoids a wild elbow strike from Nikolaev.
Law lands a hook that snaps the head of Nikolaev backwards.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up.
Nikolaev fails with an attempt to clinch.

Nikolaev rushes Law and presses him up against the ropes.

Law escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A combination from Law does no damage.
Law scores with a body shot.
A jab from Law finds it's way through Nikolaev's defenses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Law avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Law pushes Nikolaev up against the ropes in a clinch.
Law on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A short uppercut from Law.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Nikolaev obliges.
Law is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Law is looking to break free of the clinch but Nikolaev has double underhooks.
Nikolaev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Law is defending well for now.
Nikolaev missing with knees to the body.
Nikolaev looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Nikolaev tries to land knees in the clinch but Law avoids the damage to the body.

Law breaks the clinch.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law jabs at Nikolaev's body.
Nikolaev fails in his attempt to clinch.
Law avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Law circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev wants to clinch but Law slips to the side
and Law counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Nikolaev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Law lands a glancing blow to the side of Nikolaev's head.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up.
Law tries to bum rush Nikolaev with a series of wild strikes but Nikolaev uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Nikolaev clinches.
Nikolaev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Law avoids it.
Nikolaev doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Law blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
A short right from Law on the inside.
Nikolaev throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

Law breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves out of range.
Nikolaev is looking to clinch.
Law throws a lazy right hand but Nikolaev sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Nikolaev moves to clinch but Law breaks away
and Law connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Law paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Law connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Nikolaev slips a jab from Law.
Nikolaev tries to clinch there but Law circles away.
Nikolaev tries to clinch but Law moves out of range.

Law has managed to clinch.
Nikolaev throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Law blocks it with crossed arms.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nikolaev trying to land knees to the body.
Nikolaev with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Nikolaev throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Law blocks it with crossed arms.
A short right from Law.
Nikolaev looks to throw an elbow but misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Law managing to block the knees to the body from Nikolaev.
Law is trying to force a seperation but Nikolaev has the dominant position.
Law dodges an elbow strike from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev lands a right hand that snaps the head of Law backwards.
Law lands a shoulder strike.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anton Nikolaev showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nikolaev 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 Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 48:47
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 48:47
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anton Nikolaev!