PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Yury Vesnev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wrestling Spar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Vesnev
vs
Spar

170 cm
23
159 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

163 cm
26
155 lbs
13 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Fighters First Nutrition
Brute

Brute

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Yury Vesnev!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Wrestling Spar!
The judges for this bout are Saam Ante, Daniel Blasius and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vesnev misses with a hook to the body
and Spar counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Vesnev with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vesnev. Spar does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vesnev fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Spar manages to avoid it.
Spar takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Spar looks to land a right hand but Vesnev moved out of range.

Spar scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Vesnev tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Spar wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Spar in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
An elbow from Spar crashes against the mat.
Spar laying and praying for a moment but Vesnev takes advantage and regains half guard.
Vesnev tries to get to full guard but Spar has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spar is thwarting Vesnev's attempts to control the position.
Spar is stalling here. Vesnev is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Spar seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Vesnev has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Vesnev throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Spar is looking for a sweep.
Vesnev cracks Spar with a big elbow.
Spar is trying to get back to half guard.
Vesnev fails to land a wild elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev in side control, throwing shots but Spar defends.
Spar keeping his opponent close.
Spar is looking to reverse the position.
Vesnev trying to control the action but Spar is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vesnev working the ground and pound from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Vesnev seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Vesnev throwing strikes but Spar manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Spar tries to score with some ground and pound. Vesnev controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Spar working the ground and pound but Vesnev is defending the strikes.
Spar wants to control but Vesnev is keeping him busy.
Spar in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Vesnev manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Spar pushes Vesnev off and gets back to his feet.
Spar takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Spar looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Spar fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Vesnev has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Spar misses with a two punch combination.
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!
A lazy left from Vesnev finds it's target.
Vesnev with a poor takedown
enabling Spar to counter with a crisp jab.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Spar lands a nice leg kick that just misses Vesnev's sensitive parts.
Vesnev misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Spar.
Vesnev throws out a loose jab but Spar uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Yury Vesnev will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Vesnev slips a jab and a cross from Spar.
Spar slips under a jab from Vesnev.
Spar slips under a jab.
Vesnev throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Vesnev throws a nice looking combination but Spar bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Vesnev misses with a combination
and Spar counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Vesnev misses with a jab, cross combination.
Spar lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Vesnev circles away quickly and effectively.
Vesnev misses with a low kick.
Vesnev misses with a straight left.
Vesnev looks to score with a jab to the body but Spar is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Spar gets a double leg takedown into Vesnev's guard.
Vesnev looking for a sweep. Not yet Vesnev, not yet.
Spar trying to control the position from guard on top but Vesnev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Spar throws a big elbow that misses.
Spar connects with a couple of short punches.
Vesnev keeping moving, preventing Spar from controlling successfully.
Spar with a flurry of punches that miss.
Spar trying to control but Vesnev is working from the bottom.
Vesnev trying to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Spar is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Vesnev keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Spar throws the left hand but Vesnev avoids the punch easily.

Vesnev throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Spar tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Vesnev is in Spar's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Spar keeping moving, preventing Vesnev from controlling successfully.
Vesnev throws a big right hand that misses.
Vesnev passes Spar's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Vesnev is looking to advance position but Spar won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spar gets back to full guard.
Vesnev with a flurry of punches that miss.
Vesnev preventing the sweep.
Vesnev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Spar wants to sweep but no luck.
Vesnev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev throws an elbow that misses. Spar uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Vesnev's guard. Nice move by Spar!
Spar is working Vesnev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Vesnev looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Spar tries to free his leg and advance position but Vesnev is retaining full guard.
Spar must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Spar missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

Vesnev is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Vesnev looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Spar engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Vesnev has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vesnev looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Wrestling Spar will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!

Vesnev blocks a jab.
Jab by Vesnev.
Spar jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Spar will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Vesnev misses with a looping right.
Spar misses with a straight right.
Vesnev connects with a body shot that sends Spar's belly button to the back.

Vesnev looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Spar is trying to maintain the position but Vesnev is very close to passing his half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vesnev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Vesnev looks to land a strike but Spar avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Vesnev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Spar escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Vesnev gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Vesnev postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spar trying to keep a closed guard but Vesnev is proving a slippery customer.
Spar is pulling down on Vesnev's head to control his posture.
Vesnev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Vesnev works over Spar with some ground and pound from guard.
Spar trying to keep a closed guard but Vesnev is proving a slippery customer.
Vesnev is looking to work some ground and pound but Spar has wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spar trying to control the position here.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Wrestling Spar hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
A big left from Vesnev misses.
Vesnev with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Spar slips a jab and a cross from Vesnev.
Spar leaves Vesnev with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Vesnev lands a glancing blow to the side of Spar's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Spar punishes Vesnev's body with a nice straight punch.
Vesnev lands a body shot.
Spar throws a solid leg kick but Vesnev takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Spar.
Nice shot by Vesnev.
Spar misses with a right hand
and Vesnev counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Vesnev attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Vesnev shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Spar sprawls well. Spar wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vesnev gets slowly back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Spar looks to score with a jab to the body but Vesnev is just out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yury Vesnev clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Spar takes a swing at Vesnev's ribcage but misses.
Vesnev lands with a good body shot.

Spar is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Vesnev's half guard.
Spar passes to full mount!
Spar trying to control but Vesnev is having none of it.
Spar takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Spar throwing strikes here but Vesnev is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Spar wants to control the pace but Vesnev is squirming around nicely.
Spar punching from mount but Vesnev doing a good job of avoiding damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vesnev is trying to escape the mount.
Wrestling Spar has got the better of the ground game so far.
Vesnev gets back to half guard.
Vesnev trying to control but Spar postures up.
Spar with the ground and pound but Vesnev uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Vesnev avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Spar throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Vesnev works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Spar trying to control the position from guard on top but Vesnev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Vesnev being controlled here, momentarily.
Spar looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Spar is pushing down on Vesnev's leg trying to pass to half guard. Vesnev is fighting to maintain full guard but Spar has managed to sneak the leg through.
Vesnev wants to control but Spar is keeping busy.
Spar is trying to control. Vesnev wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Vesnev moves into full guard.
Vesnev looking to control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Spar looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev controlling the position.
Vesnev working a defensive guard here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Yury Vesnev.
Vesnev swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Spar cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Vesnev throws a jab but it's blocked by Spar.
Yury Vesnev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A cross from Vesnev lands.
Vesnev misses with a looping left.
Spar throws a one two combo.
Vesnev throws a lazy right hand but Spar sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Spar throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Vesnev sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Vesnev lands a slapping body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vesnev is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Spar's half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vesnev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Spar tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Vesnev has advanced to mount. Uh oh.
Spar just holding on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Wrestling Spar will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Spar connects with a body shot that sends Vesnev's belly button to the back.
Vesnev swings away with a body shot that misses
and Spar cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Spar tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vesnev was well out of range. Poor timing from Spar.
Spar ducks under a wild hook from Vesnev.
Spar lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Vesnev at a distance.
Vesnev wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Spar shoots in and drives through. Vesnev sprawls well.
Vesnev scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Spar doesn't seem bothered though.
Vesnev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Vesnev scores with a jab. Spar acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Spar connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vesnev. Spar does a little dance to reset his feet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Spar. Vesnev does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vesnev lands a nice hook to Spar's body. Spar takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Spar takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Spar keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Vesnev.
Vesnev looks to score with a jab to the body but Spar is just out of range.
Spar throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vesnev scores with a punch to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Yury Vesnev is winning the standup battle so far.
Spar is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Spar throws a shot to the body.
Vesnev looks to land a right hand but Spar moved out of range.
Vesnev is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Donk. Vesnev catches Spar right on the button with a cross.
Vesnev misses with a lunging right hand
and Spar counters with a two punch combo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vesnev cracks Spar with an open hand slap.

Vesnev shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Spar is looking to control Vesnev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Spar avoid being mounted?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Spar is trying to get back to full guard.
Vesnev looks to land a strike but Spar avoids it nicely and regains full guard.

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.
Vesnev passes Spar's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Vesnev trying to control from Spar's half guard. Spar has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Vesnev trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Spar looking for a guillotine here but Vesnev defends easily.
Spar trying to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yury Vesnev showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Vesnev 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 Saam Ante scores the fight 48:47
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight 49:47
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yury Vesnev!
Yury Vesnev retains his featherweight title!
Our winner, Yury Vesnev, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.