PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Wisternoff (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Antonio Tony Popularity (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wisternoff is coming into this fight with a significant injury, which will no doubt have an effect on his cardio. 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.

Wisternoff
vs
Tony Popularity

190 cm
21
265 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

189 cm
25
240 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Solid chin

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, James Wisternoff!
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, Antonio Tony Popularity!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Fedor Mirinova and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tony Popularity moves into the clinch.
Wisternoff looks exhausted already! Oh dear, he should have come in in better shape than this!
Tony Popularity connects with a nasty looking knee right to Wisternoff's face.

It looks like James Wisternoff has been cut.
Tony Popularity stalling the fight.

Tony Popularity pulls guard successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Wisternoff got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tony Popularity has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Wisternoff has managed to get both his arms back between Tony Popularity's legs - danger averted.
Tony Popularity lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Wisternoff!
Tony Popularity controlling his opponent.
Tony Popularity throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Wisternoff because Tony Popularity loaded up on that one.
Wisternoff on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Wisternoff tries to get out of the position.
Tony Popularity controlling from the full mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tony Popularity has control of Wisternoff's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Wisternoff regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Tony Popularity looking to control and managing it successfully.
Tony Popularity unloads with some shots from mount but Wisternoff bucks and avoids them well.
Tony Popularity controlling the pace for now.
Tony Popularity thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tony Popularity sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Tony Popularity sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Tony Popularity controlling from the full mount.
Tony Popularity unloads with some shots from mount but Wisternoff bucks and avoids them well.
Tony Popularity controlling the position easily from mount.
Tony Popularity thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tony Popularity takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Let's hope that Tony Popularity has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Tony Popularity landing strikes from the mount and Wisternoff is in trouble!

Tony Popularity is working for a guillotine from mount but Wisternoff frees his head quite easily.
Tony Popularity controlling the position easily from mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tony Popularity working for a guillotine from mount but Wisternoff is in no mood to give up.
Tony Popularity controlling from mount.
Tony Popularity throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tony Popularity content just to control the position here.
Wisternoff tries to hold on but Tony Popularity pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Antonio Tony Popularity dominated that round.
The cut man is working on James Wisternoff's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Tony Popularity lands with a thumping leg kick.
Wisternoff misses with a double jab
and Tony Popularity counters with an outside leg kick.
Tony Popularity tries to score a power double leg takedown but Wisternoff sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tony Popularity somewhat.
Nice body kick there by Tony Popularity.

Tony Popularity gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Tony Popularity jumps guard.
Tony Popularity has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Tony Popularity bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Wisternoff's guard.
Tony Popularity in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Wisternoff being controlled here, momentarily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tony Popularity throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Wisternoff keeping moving, preventing Tony Popularity from controlling successfully.
Tony Popularity working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

Antonio Tony Popularity has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Tony Popularity tries for a takedown but Wisternoff sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Tony Popularity closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Tony Popularity ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Tony Popularity no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Wisternoff is looking to stand up but Tony Popularity won't let him.

Tony Popularity is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Tony Popularity escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Tony Popularity.
James Wisternoff has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Antonio Tony Popularity.
Tony Popularity fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Wisternoff avoids it really well and circles away.
Tony Popularity misses with a takedown attempt - Wisternoff sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Tony Popularity lets loose with a powerful body kick. Wisternoff will feel that in the morning.

Tony Popularity has Wisternoff up against the cage in a clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tony Popularity landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Tony Popularity has Wisternoff pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Wisternoff manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Tony Popularity is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Wisternoff gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Wisternoff working hard to break the clinch.
Tony Popularity should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tony Popularity manages to break the clinch.
Tony Popularity shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Wisternoff swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tony Popularity counters with a nice body kick.
Tony Popularity lands with a slapping head kick.
Tony Popularity closes this distance looking for a takedown but Wisternoff circles away.
Wisternoff swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Wisternoff keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Tony Popularity slips a jab and a cross from Wisternoff.
A punch lands to the side of Wisternoff 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Wisternoff stuffs the takedown.
No joy there for Tony Popularity, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Tony Popularity has managed to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wisternoff tries to pull guard but Tony Popularity holds him up against the cage and eventually Wisternoff drops back down to his feet.

Tony Popularity pulls guard effortlessly.
Tony Popularity is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Tony Popularity manages to escape and get back to his feet.

Tony Popularity has Wisternoff up against the cage in a clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Tony Popularity breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tony Popularity fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Tony Popularity slips a jab and a cross from Wisternoff.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Antonio Tony Popularity showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on James Wisternoff'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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Wisternoff lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Tony Popularity circles away quickly and effectively.
Tony Popularity wants to clinch.
Tony Popularity misses with a takedown attempt - Wisternoff sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Tony Popularity shoots in looking for a takedown. Wisternoff tries to sprawl out of it but Tony Popularity keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Wisternoff manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Tony Popularity shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wisternoff as he avoids it easily.
James Wisternoff has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Antonio Tony Popularity.

Tony Popularity instigates a clinch.

Tony Popularity escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tony Popularity shoots in looking for a takedown but Wisternoff manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Tony Popularity's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Wisternoff scores with a jab to the head.

Wisternoff tries to keep at a distance but Tony Popularity has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tony Popularity has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Wisternoff uses from the top position.
Tony Popularity has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Tony Popularity trying to control the position.
Wisternoff trying to control the position from guard on top but Tony Popularity is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tony Popularity utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

Tony Popularity had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Wisternoff defends it easily.
Tony Popularity working a defensive guard here.

Tony Popularity kicks Wisternoff off and gets to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wisternoff pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Tony Popularity back to the cage. Wisternoff follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Tony Popularity shoots in and drives through. Wisternoff sprawls well.
Tony Popularity looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Antonio Tony Popularity seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Wisternoff misses with a combination
enabling Tony Popularity to counter with a crisp jab.
Tony Popularity tries to clinch there but Wisternoff circles away.
James Wisternoff seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tony Popularity shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Wisternoff sprawls well. Wisternoff wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Tony Popularity gets slowly back to his feet.
Wisternoff misses with a double jab

and Tony Popularity counters by clinching up.
Wisternoff wants to break free but Tony Popularity has control.
Wisternoff working hard to break the clinch.
Wisternoff gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Tony Popularity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wisternoff looking for a takedown.
Wisternoff is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Tony Popularity has Wisternoff pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Wisternoff manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Tony Popularity.
James Wisternoff has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Tony Popularity breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Tony Popularity ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tony Popularity shoots in and drives through. Wisternoff sprawls well.
Wisternoff closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Wisternoff swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tony Popularity counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Wisternoff misses with a wild combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wisternoff throws a right hand that Tony Popularity ducks under and follows up with a left that Tony Popularity also avoids with ease.
Nice sprawl there from Wisternoff as Tony Popularity shoots in.
Wisternoff looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Tony Popularity clinches up against the cage.

Tony Popularity breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nice takedown defense from Wisternoff. No joy for Tony Popularity on that attempt.
Tony Popularity shoots in for a takedown but Wisternoff shows good takedown defense.
Tony Popularity fails with the takedown
and Wisternoff counters with a stiff right hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tony Popularity is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Wisternoff throws a combination that misses
and Tony Popularity counters with a good low kick that Wisternoff was not able to check.
Antonio Tony Popularity is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wisternoff throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A slapping body kick lands there for Tony Popularity.

And that's the end of the fight!
Antonio Tony Popularity comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Tony Popularity 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 26:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 26:30
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Antonio Tony Popularity!