PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nickolai Zhukov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jan Van Dez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zhukov's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Hands of a Killer. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Zhukov
vs
Van Dez

188 cm
29
210 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

187 cm
27
215 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

PRIME DESIGNS
Conviction

Adrenaline

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nickolai Zhukov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jan Van Dez!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Van Dez throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Zhukov throws an off balance right hand
and Van Dez counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

It looks like Nickolai Zhukov has been cut.
Van Dez blocks a jab.
Van Dez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zhukov manages to avoid it.
Van Dez throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Zhukov looks to land a left hand but Van Dez moved out of range nicely.
Zhukov misses with a head kick.
Zhukov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Some bone on bone action there as Van Dez checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Zhukov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Van Dez with a jab.
Zhukov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van Dez sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Van Dez with a jab.
Nickolai Zhukov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Van Dez blocks a jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Zhukov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Dez looks to land a right hand but Zhukov moved out of range.
Zhukov throws a body kick that misses.
Van Dez throws a front kick aimed at Zhukov's knee but Zhukov avoids it well.
Zhukov ducks under a wild hook from Van Dez.
A lazy left from Van Dez finds it's target.
Zhukov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Van Dez.
Zhukov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Van Dez manages to avoid it.
Van Dez drops his hands momentarily and Zhukov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Van Dez checks a low kick from Zhukov.
A telegraphed right hand from Zhukov misses the target.
Zhukov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van Dez sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Zhukov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Dez lands a nice shot that snaps Zhukov's head back.
Van Dez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Van Dez smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Zhukov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Van Dez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zhukov.
Zhukov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A lazy body kick from Zhukov
and Van Dez counters with a straight right hand.
Zhukov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Van Dez swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Van Dez throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Van Dez takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Zhukov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Van Dez tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhukov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Van Dez takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Zhukov shoots in for a takedown but Van Dez shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Van Dez throws a hook to the side of Zhukov's head but Zhukov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Zhukov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Van Dez moves away.
Zhukov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Zhukov just misses with a punch to the body.
Zhukov throws a jab but it's blocked by Van Dez.
Zhukov throws a jab but it's blocked by Van Dez.
Zhukov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Van Dez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zhukov.
Van Dez blocks a head kick by Zhukov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhukov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Van Dez misses with a wild body shot.
Zhukov looks to score with a jab to the body but Van Dez is just out of range.
Zhukov defending well as Van Dez loads up on a big left hand.
Van Dez cracks Zhukov with a good jab.
Zhukov looks to land a right hand but Van Dez moved out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Zhukov. Van Dez does a little dance to reset his feet.
Zhukov throws a leg kick
and Van Dez counters with a left to the body.
Van Dez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zhukov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Zhukov misses with a body shot.
Van Dez walks into a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nickolai Zhukov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nickolai Zhukov's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Van Dez keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zhukov misses the shot to the body.
Zhukov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Van Dez is out of range and Zhukov settles back down.
Zhukov moves out of range of the strikes.
Zhukov lands a body shot.
A low kick from Zhukov is predictable there
and Van Dez counters with a straight right hand.
Zhukov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Van Dez was well out of range. Poor timing from Zhukov.
Zhukov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Van Dez was well out of range. Poor timing from Zhukov.
Zhukov connects with a body shot.
Zhukov lands a nice shot to the body.
Van Dez moves out of range as Zhukov throws a body kick.
Zhukov is looking to score with low kicks.
Zhukov throws a looping overhand right but Van Dez ducks down to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhukov looks to score with a jab to the body but Van Dez is just out of range.
Van Dez misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Zhukov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van Dez sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Zhukov looks to score with a jab to the body but Van Dez is just out of range.
Van Dez moves out of range as Zhukov strikes.
Zhukov scores with a jab to the jaw.
A big left from Van Dez misses.
A slow jab from Van Dez misses its intended target.
Zhukov works the jab nicely.
Van Dez scores with a jab to the body.
Zhukov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Van Dez.
Jan Van Dez is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Van Dez slips a straight right by Zhukov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Van Dez there.
Zhukov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Van Dez.
Van Dez throws a right hand that Zhukov ducks under and follows up with a left that Zhukov also avoids with ease.
Van Dez needs to keep his hands up - Zhukov had a free shot at his head there.
Van Dez has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Van Dez there as he acknowledges the shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zhukov dips to his left and cracks Van Dez with an uppercut!
Zhukov throws a low kick but Van Dez avoids it.
Zhukov throws a body punch but Van Dez moves out of range.
Zhukov moves out of range as Van Dez strikes.
Van Dez needs to keep his hands up - Zhukov had a free shot at his head there.
Zhukov lands with an uppercut that bounces Van Dez off the cage and back into range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhukov throws a hook but Van Dez avoids it easily.
Zhukov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Van Dez tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zhukov was well out of range. Poor timing from Van Dez.
Van Dez leaves Zhukov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Zhukov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Van Dez keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zhukov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van Dez sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Van Dez throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zhukov misses with a wild body shot.
Van Dez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zhukov.
A head kick misses from Zhukov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhukov looks to throw the jab but Van Dez is out of range.
Van Dez takes one to the chin there.
Van Dez bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A telegraphed right hand from Van Dez misses the target.
Zhukov dips to his left and cracks Van Dez with an uppercut!
Van Dez with a jab.
Zhukov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Van Dez if he has to take too many more of those.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van Dez misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Zhukov.
Van Dez tries to score with a low kick but Zhukov moves his leg out of the way.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Van Dez checks a low kick from Zhukov.
Van Dez lands a really nice looking cross but Zhukov seems unphased.
Zhukov slips a straight right by Van Dez.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nickolai Zhukov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Nickolai Zhukov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Good exchange - Zhukov coming out on top.
Van Dez moves out of range of the body kick from Zhukov.
Zhukov thows a body shot but no joy.
Van Dez throws out a leg kick but Zhukov moves out of range and Van Dez only half commits.
Van Dez uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zhukov.
Zhukov jabs Van Dez right on the nose. Van Dez blinks but takes it well.
Zhukov swings for the body but Van Dez moves out of range.
Van Dez walks into a left hand.
Zhukov cracks Van Dez with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Van Dez throws a hook but Zhukov blocks it.
Nickolai Zhukov is winning the standup battle so far.
Van Dez throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Van Dez misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhukov just misses with a punch to the body.
Zhukov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Zhukov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Van Dez has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Van Dez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Zhukov throws a leg kick but Van Dez sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Van Dez steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Zhukov.
Van Dez needs to keep his hands up - Zhukov had a free shot at his head there.
Van Dez lands a jab.
Zhukov works Van Dez's body with a nice hook.
Zhukov looks to land a left hand but Van Dez moved out of range nicely.
Zhukov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zhukov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Van Dez avoids the body shot from Zhukov.
Zhukov is looking to chop away at Van Dez's legs.
Zhukov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Zhukov misses the shot to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zhukov digs a good hook to Van Dez's body.
Jan Van Dez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zhukov looks to score with a jab to the body but Van Dez is just out of range.
Zhukov misses with a straight right.
Zhukov scores with a shot to the body.
Van Dez takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Zhukov swings for the body but Van Dez moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhukov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Zhukov swings for the body but Van Dez moves out of range.
Van Dez connects with a nice looking jab.
Zhukov fails with a takedown attempt.
Van Dez stuns Zhukov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Van Dez lands a right hook to the body.
Van Dez avoids the body shot from Zhukov.
Zhukov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Van Dez.
Zhukov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Zhukov misses with a kick to the body.
Nickolai Zhukov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Van Dez ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zhukov moves away.
Zhukov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Van Dez throws out the jab.
Van Dez bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Zhukov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Nice jab there from Zhukov.
Van Dez doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Van Dez connects with a nice looking jab.
Zhukov works Van Dez's body with a nice hook.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Van Dez fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zhukov manages to avoid it.
Van Dez moves out of range of the body kick from Zhukov.
Zhukov misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Van Dez counters with a lovely straight right hand!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Jan Van Dez.
Well Zhukov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nickolai Zhukov!
Nickolai Zhukov very nearly forgot to thank PRIME DESIGNS amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.