PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Chibi Tsushima (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nik Volkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nik Volkov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tsushima
vs
Volkov

160 cm
26
140 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

176 cm
29
140 lbs
17 - 8 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Chibi Tsushima!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Nik Volkov!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Yukihiro Yamamoto and Shigeki Sano.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Volkov gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Tsushima to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Volkov wants to stand but Tsushima is controlling the position.
Tsushima throws a big right hand that misses.
Tsushima distracts Volkov with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Tsushima tries to free his leg and advance position but Volkov is retaining full guard.
Volkov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Tsushima is controlling him.
Tsushima trying to control the position from guard on top but Volkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov wants to get back to his feet but Tsushima passes into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tsushima working over Volkov with some ground and pound. Volkov looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Tsushima slows the pace down in half guard.
Volkov is trying to stand up here but Tsushima is controlling him well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Volkov is trying to stand back up but Tsushima is controlling him
Tsushima sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Tsushima is working for a submission of some sort.
Tsushima with the ground and pound but Volkov uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Volkov wants to get back to his feet but Tsushima is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Volkov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tsushima trying to control but Volkov is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Tsushima throwing strikes from guard but Volkov blocks nicely.
Tsushima 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.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Volkov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Tsushima showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Volkov.

Tsushima shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Tsushima was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Volkov squirming around on the bottom, looking to escape.
Tsushima raining down hammerfists from mount.
Tsushima controlling his opponent.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima raining down shots from the mount!
Volkov trying desperately to get to his feet.
Tsushima landing strikes from the mount.
Tsushima lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Volkov hang on?
Tsushima putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Volkov wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Volkov taking shots to the head.

Tsushima jumps to side control looking for an arm triangle but Volkov manages to avoid the submission attempt.
Volkov is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Tsushima asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
Volkov is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Volkov takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Volkov managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Tsushima.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Volkov pushes Tsushima away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Tsushima gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Volkov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Tsushima looks up at the clock and then as Volkov takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Tsushima smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!

Tsushima tries for a kimura but Volkov is defending well.
Tsushima cracks Volkov with a big right hand but Volkov just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Volkov explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!

Tsushima closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Volkov quickly recovers to half guard.
Tsushima is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Tsushima wants to lay and pray for a moment but Volkov keeps working.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tsushima slows the pace down in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chibi Tsushima dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Volkov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tsushima was well out of range. Poor timing from Volkov.
Nice body punch from Volkov.
Volkov avoids a kick to the body.

Tsushima decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Tsushima is trying to control. Volkov wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Tsushima trying to advance position but Volkov counters by regaining guard.
Tsushima wants to control from the top but Volkov keeps moving.
Tsushima prevents Volkov from getting back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov keeping moving, preventing Tsushima from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Chibi Tsushima wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Volkov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Tsushima.
Volkov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Tsushima avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tsushima attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Volkov throws a hook to the side of Tsushima's head but Tsushima sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tsushima scores with a sloppy right hand. Volkov should have avoided that one.
Volkov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tsushima moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Volkov wants it to stay on the feet.
Volkov misses with the combination.
Tsushima pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tsushima avoids the head kick by Volkov.
Volkov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tsushima pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Tsushima loads up on a big right hand but Volkov slips the punch.
Volkov throws out a loose jab but Tsushima uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tsushima looks to score with a jab to the body but Volkov is just out of range.
Volkov throws a nice looking combination but Tsushima bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Nice defenses there by Tsushima.
Tsushima throws the kick towards the body but Volkov avoids it.
Tsushima displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Volkov throws out the jab.
Tsushima uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Volkov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov tests Tsushima's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Tsushima looking to score a takedown here. Volkov is defending well but Tsushima drives through and ends up in Volkov's guard.
Volkov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Tsushima slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Tsushima chips away with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Volkov wants to stand up but Tsushima is controlling him.
Tsushima working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Volkov's head.
Volkov wants to stand but Tsushima is controlling the position.
Tsushima scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima trying to control but Volkov is working from the bottom.
Tsushima wants to pass the guard but Volkov is keeping the position.
Volkov is looking to stand up but Tsushima isn't so interested in that idea.
Tsushima looking to pass the guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima prevents Volkov from getting back to his feet.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Tsushima throws a series of punches but Volkov moves out of range.
Volkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tsushima throws a body punch but Volkov moves out of range.
Volkov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Tsushima counters with a thumping low kick.
Left hook, right uppercut from Volkov.
Volkov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Tsushima.
Volkov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Volkov drops his hands momentarily and Tsushima takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Tsushima uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Volkov.
Tsushima has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chibi Tsushima. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tsushima shoots in looking for a takedown. Volkov tries to sprawl out of it but Tsushima keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Volkov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Volkov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Chibi Tsushima seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tsushima scoring well with a low kick there.
Jab, jab by Tsushima - just one landing.
Volkov swings for the body but Tsushima moves out of range.
Tsushima shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Volkov but Volkov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Volkov lands a jab.
Nik Volkov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Volkov lands a lovely overhand right.
Nik Volkov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tsushima walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Tsushima scoring well with a low kick there.
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!
Volkov throws a series of punches but Tsushima avoids them all with ease.
Volkov wants to slow Tsushima down by chopping away at his legs.
Tsushima looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Volkov is breathing heavily.
Tsushima explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Volkov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Tsushima connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Volkov scrambles back to his feet.
A slapping leg kick lands for Tsushima.
Nice body punch from Volkov.

Tsushima fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Volkov sprawls well initially but Tsushima persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Volkov blocking the ground and pound attempt from Tsushima.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Well, if Tsushima is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Tsushima thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tsushima is looking to advance position but Volkov won't allow it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chibi Tsushima dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Good leg kick by Tsushima there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Volkov connects with a single shot there.
Tsushima throws a series of punches but Volkov moves out of range.
Tsushima moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Tsushima dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Volkov. That did some damage!
Tsushima misses with a wild body shot.
Tsushima throws the left hand but Volkov avoids the punch easily.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Volkov checks a leg kick.
A combination from Volkov does no damage.
Tsushima lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Volkov misses with a two punch combination.
Tsushima shoots in and drives through. Volkov sprawls well.
Volkov lands a jab to the head.
Tsushima punishes Volkov's body with a nice straight punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Volkov moves out of range as Tsushima throws a body kick.
Volkov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Volkov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Volkov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tsushima lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Tsushima fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Volkov manages to avoid it.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tsushima.
Tsushima is looking to slow Volkov down with leg kicks.
Tsushima looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Volkov is fending him off so far but Tsushima persists. Nope, Volkov circles away and we're back to standing.
Volkov misses with a few strikes there.
Volkov moves out of range of the body kick.
Volkov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Volkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Volkov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Volkov thuds his right hand into Tsushima's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Tsushima throws a head kick that half lands.
Some bone on bone action there as Tsushima checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tsushima thows a body shot but no joy.
Tsushima connects with a single shot there.
Volkov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tsushima.
Volkov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Volkov throws a wild body kick that Tsushima sees coming a mile off.
Volkov lands a really nice looking cross but Tsushima seems unphased.
Tsushima ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Volkov moves away.
Volkov misses with a hook to the body
and Tsushima counters with a body kick that stops Volkov in his tracks momentarily.
Volkov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Tsushima throws a head kick but Volkov moves out of range.
Tsushima avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Volkov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tsushima.
Tsushima feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Volkov's calf.
Volkov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Tsushima attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Volkov throws a nice looking combination but Tsushima bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tsushima misses the shot to the body.
Volkov lands with a right hand.
Tsushima fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Volkov.
Volkov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Tsushima.
Tsushima throws a head kick that Volkov semi-blocks.
Tsushima moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima scores with a body shot.
Tsushima cracks Volkov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A left and a right from Volkov both land. Nice combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice defenses there by Tsushima.
Nice sprawl there from Volkov as Tsushima shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chibi Tsushima. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Tsushima shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Volkov's guard.
Tsushima won't allow Volkov to get back to his feet.
Tsushima throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Volkov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Volkov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Tsushima trying to control the position from guard on top but Volkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Volkov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tsushima.
Tsushima swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tsushima shoots in for a double leg but Volkov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Volkov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tsushima moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Volkov, as that shot connected.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Volkov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Volkov throws a low kick but it's checked well by Tsushima.
Volkov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Tsushima.
Volkov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Volkov lands with a shot to the body.

Tsushima closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Tsushima lands in his opponent's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tsushima is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Tsushima lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Tsushima with a flurry of punches that miss.
Volkov wants to stand up but Tsushima is controlling him.
Tsushima trying to control the position from guard on top but Volkov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Volkov pushes Tsushima off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Volkov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Tsushima.
Volkov avoids the body shot from Tsushima.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Tsushima.
Tsushima tries to work over Volkov's front leg with a kick but Volkov checks it.
Good leg kick by Tsushima there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Volkov throws a right and a left that Tsushima avoids nicely.
Tsushima comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Volkov thows a body shot but no joy.
Volkov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Volkov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Volkov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Tsushima lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Volkov misses with a looping right.
Tsushima looks to land a combination but Volkov avoids it well.
Tsushima is looking to wear down Volkov with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Tsushima throws a looping overhand right but Volkov ducks down to avoid it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Volkov throws a series of strikes that have Tsushima backpedaling.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tsushima.
Volkov throws a nice looking combination but Tsushima bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tsushima scores with a leg kick.
Tsushima slips a straight right by Volkov.
Volkov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Volkov tries to bum rush Tsushima with a series of wild strikes but Tsushima uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A left and a right from Tsushima both land. Nice combination.
Volkov swings for the body but Tsushima moves out of range.
Tsushima looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Tsushima takes a swing at Volkov's ribcage but misses.

Tsushima drives through with a takedown into guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Volkov wants to stand and escape but Tsushima is having none of it.
Nik Volkov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Chibi Tsushima is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tsushima is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

And that's the end of the fight!
Chibi Tsushima showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Tsushima 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 Yuuki Gou scores the fight for Chibi Tsushima!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Chibi Tsushima!
Judge Shigeki Sano scores the fight for Chibi Tsushima!

Chibi Tsushima wins by unanimous decision!
Chibi Tsushima decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.