PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rhys Nicol (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aleksandr Vernitskaya (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Nicol might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to the game ft lil wayne - red nation. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Nicol
vs
Vernitskaya

180 cm
18
220 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

182 cm
24
255 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rhys Nicol!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aleksandr Vernitskaya!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Ivan Kurochkin and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nicol slips under a jab from Vernitskaya.
Vernitskaya tries to clinch up.
Vernitskaya is looking to clinch but Nicol is avoiding it.
Vernitskaya looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nicol could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Nicol tries to clinch up.
Nicol closes the distance and clinches up with Vernitskaya, looking for a takedown. Nicol pushes Vernitskaya against the cage but Vernitskaya circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Vernitskaya closes the distance and clinches up with Nicol, looking for a takedown. Vernitskaya pushes Nicol against the cage but Nicol circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Nicol fails with the takedown.
The fight stays on the outside here - Vernitskaya looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Vernitskaya tries to clinch up.
Nicol will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rhys Nicol. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nicol fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Vernitskaya closes the distance and clinches.
Nicol lands a nice knee to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vernitskaya tries to pull guard but Nicol forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Nicol's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nicol shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Nicol tries to clinch but Vernitskaya is having none of it.
Vernitskaya circles away from the clinch attempt
and Vernitskaya counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nicol shoots in and drives through. Vernitskaya sprawls well.
Nicol missing with a left hand there. Vernitskaya was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Vernitskaya throws a sloppy head kick

and Nicol moves into the clinch.
Vernitskaya misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nicol tries to break free but Vernitskaya pushes him back against the cage.
Vernitskaya drops down looking for an ankle pick but Nicol pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Nicol gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Vernitskaya wants to break the clinch but can't.
Nicol tries to pull guard but Vernitskaya won't allow it.
Vernitskaya gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Nicol.
Nicol misses with a hook from the clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Vernitskaya.

Vernitskaya ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Vernitskaya no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Vernitskaya wants to get back to his feet but Nicol is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nicol stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Vernitskaya swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Nicol has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Nicol stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Vernitskaya tries to bum rush Nicol with a series of wild strikes but Nicol uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Nicol shoots in but Vernitskaya avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nicol is breathing heavily.
Nicol shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Vernitskaya defends it nicely.
Vernitskaya tries to bum rush Nicol with a series of wild strikes but Nicol uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Vernitskaya does no damage.
Vernitskaya throws a body kick that misses.
Vernitskaya scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Nicol misses with a two punch combination.
Nicol shoots in for a double leg but Vernitskaya sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Vernitskaya is looking to clinch.

Vernitskaya moves into the clinch.
Nicol tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Nicol misses with a hook to the ribs.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Vernitskaya breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Vernitskaya lands a big head kick that sends Nicol tumbling to the mat! Vernitskaya takes a step backwards and waves Nicol back to his feet - he wants the finish!

It looks like Rhys Nicol has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nicol tries to score a power double leg takedown but Vernitskaya sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Nicol somewhat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksandr Vernitskaya dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rhys Nicol's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Vernitskaya throws a nice looking combination but Nicol bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Vernitskaya fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Nicol throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
The fight stays on the outside here - Vernitskaya looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Vernitskaya looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Nicol looking for a sweep. Not yet Nicol, not yet.
Nicol keeping moving, preventing Vernitskaya from controlling successfully.

Nicol is working an open guard so Vernitskaya takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vernitskaya fails with an attempt to clinch.
Vernitskaya shoots in but no luck this time.
Vernitskaya is breathing heavily.
The fight stays on the outside here - Nicol looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Aleksandr Vernitskaya seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Nicol moves into range and clinches up with Vernitskaya.
Nicol prevents a body shot from Vernitskaya.

Vernitskaya pulls guard.
Vernitskaya wants to stand and escape but Nicol is having none of it.
Nicol throws a big elbow that misses.
Nicol throws a big right hand that misses.
Vernitskaya seems keen to control Nicol's posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vernitskaya keeping moving, preventing Nicol from controlling successfully.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Nicol tries to free his leg and advance position but Vernitskaya is retaining full guard.

We're going to have a standup here because Rhys Nicol wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Nicol takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Vernitskaya moves into the clinch.
Vernitskaya looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A short right from Nicol.
Nicol stalls.
Vernitskaya is trying to drag Nicol to the mat but Nicol just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Rhys Nicol has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aleksandr Vernitskaya.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vernitskaya is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Nicol pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Nicol blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nicol tries for a takedown but Vernitskaya manages to get underhooks.
Vernitskaya can't break the clinch.
Nicol tries to pull guard but Vernitskaya won't allow it.
Vernitskaya tries to stall but Nicol uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Nicol is trying to force a seperation but Vernitskaya has the dominant position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vernitskaya lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Vernitskaya breaks the clinch.
Nicol keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Nicol tries to close the distance and clinch but Vernitskaya swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Vernitskaya keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nicol shoots in for a double leg but Vernitskaya sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Nice sprawl there from Vernitskaya as Nicol shoots in.
Rhys Nicol is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Nicol tries to sprawl but Vernitskaya drives through with a takedown into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Vernitskaya is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Nicol sees it coming and defends easily.
Nicol is looking for a sweep. Vernitskaya is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksandr Vernitskaya showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Rhys Nicol's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Vernitskaya instigates a clinch.
Nicol gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Vernitskaya.
Vernitskaya throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Nicol trying to stall but Vernitskaya improves his position.
Nicol changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Vernitskaya fights it off and pushes away nicely.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Nicol. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Vernitskaya lands with a right hand.
Vernitskaya misses the shot to the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Nicol.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vernitskaya looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Nicol blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Vernitskaya successfully pulls guard.
Vernitskaya is looking to stand back up but Nicol counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Vernitskaya.
Vernitskaya takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nicol wants to lay and pray for a moment but Vernitskaya keeps working.
Vernitskaya is trying to get back to full guard.
Nicol takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nicol sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Vernitskaya defending well though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nicol prevents Vernitskaya from standing back up.
Nicol is keen to just control but Vernitskaya is a slippery customer.

Rhys Nicol has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
The fight stays on the outside here - Vernitskaya looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Nicol moves forwards but Vernitskaya connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Vernitskaya goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nicol jabs Vernitskaya to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Nicol shoots in for a double leg but Vernitskaya sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vernitskaya connects with a crisp jab.
Vernitskaya misses with a two punch combination.
Vernitskaya wants to clinch up but Nicol keeps it at a distance.
Nicol shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Vernitskaya as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rhys Nicol. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Vernitskaya rushes Nicol and presses him up against the cage.
Nicol misses with a hook from the clinch.
Vernitskaya jumps guard but Nicol stands there with Vernitskaya around his waist. Vernitskaya gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Nicol changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Vernitskaya fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Vernitskaya ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nicol tries to clinch up.
Vernitskaya fails to land with a series of punches.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Nicol.
Vernitskaya has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vernitskaya is looking to clinch but Nicol is avoiding it.

Vernitskaya clinches up against the cage.
Vernitskaya taking a breather.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vernitskaya lands an uppercut.
Rhys Nicol has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Aleksandr Vernitskaya is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nicol lands a knee to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aleksandr Vernitskaya comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Vernitskaya has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aleksandr Vernitskaya!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Aleksandr Vernitskaya made sure he mentioned SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI, along with how happy he was to win his fight.