PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Volya Nikolaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Norbert Schwager Ii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikolaev comes to the cage accompanied by Fever . Norbert Schwager Ii has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Nikolaev
vs
Schwager Ii

170 cm
21
165 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

175 cm
22
163 lbs
9 - 2 - 1

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160
Ice Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Volya Nikolaev!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Norbert Schwager Ii!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Ivan Kurochkin and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nikolaev moves out of range of the strikes.
Volya Nikolaev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Nikolaev shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Nikolaev was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Schwager Ii dodges the ground and pound from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev 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.
Nikolaev in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Schwager Ii struggling a bit here.
Schwager Ii avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii is looking for a sweep.
Nikolaev creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Schwager Ii sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

Nikolaev thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Schwager Ii wants to get back to his feet but Nikolaev drags him back down.
Schwager Ii struggling a bit here.
Schwager Ii might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Nikolaev haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Schwager Ii takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nikolaev is trying to get an arm triangle but Schwager Ii is defending well.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Schwager Ii managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii tries to escape but Nikolaev is in control.
Nikolaev lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Schwager Ii looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Schwager Ii is trying to buck Nikolaev off.
You can see the frustration on Schwager Ii's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Nikolaev looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Nikolaev is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Schwager Ii knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Nikolaev lands an elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev looks up at the clock and then as Schwager Ii takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Nikolaev smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Schwager Ii manages to work his way to half guard, despite Nikolaev's best efforts.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Schwager Ii trying to control here.
Schwager Ii is looking for a sweep. Nikolaev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Schwager Ii on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Nikolaev is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Nikolaev is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Nikolaev slips a nice elbow through Schwager Ii's hands, connecting with Schwager Ii's forehead.
The fighters are battling for position here. Schwager Ii manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Nikolaev is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Nikolaev postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Schwager Ii is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Nikolaev, into his guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Schwager Ii would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev looking to control.
Nikolaev seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Nikolaev looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Nikolaev working a defensive guard here.
Nikolaev tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Schwager Ii advances to half guard.
Nikolaev desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Schwager Ii controlling the action here.
Schwager Ii is looking to advance position but Nikolaev won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev trying to control here.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nikolaev misses with a wild combination.
Schwager Ii fails to land with a series of punches.
Nikolaev avoids a punch combination nicely.
Schwager Ii lands a right hook to the body.
Nikolaev has a takedown stuffed.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nikolaev takes one to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Schwager Ii misses the shot to the body.
Nikolaev misses with a takedown attempt - Schwager Ii sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Volya Nikolaev dominated that round.
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.

Nikolaev feints and as Schwager Ii raises his hands in defense, Nikolaev changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Nikolaev slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Nikolaev works over Schwager Ii with some ground and pound from guard.
Nikolaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Schwager Ii is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schwager Ii wants to sweep here but Nikolaev controlling him for the moment.
Nikolaev is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nikolaev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Schwager Ii's head.
Nikolaev content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Schwager Ii is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Nikolaev scoring with some ground and pound.
Nikolaev postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwager Ii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nikolaev is looking to work some ground and pound but Schwager Ii has wrist control.
Nikolaev works over Schwager Ii with some ground and pound from guard.
Nikolaev makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Nikolaev postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Schwager Ii is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

Schwager Ii is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Nikolaev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Nikolaev throws an elbow that misses. Schwager Ii uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nikolaev's guard. Nice move by Schwager Ii!
Volya Nikolaev overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Nikolaev looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Schwager Ii puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Nikolaev wants to improve his position but Schwager Ii is controlling well.
Schwager Ii is keen to just control but Nikolaev is a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev trying to control here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nikolaev tries to get to full guard but Schwager Ii has control of the leg.
Nikolaev is concentrating on defense, preventing Schwager Ii from advancing position.
Nikolaev won't allow Schwager Ii to pass to mount.
Schwager Ii seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Nikolaev does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Norbert Schwager Ii wasn't active enough on the ground.
Nikolaev lands with a cross.
Nikolaev throws the left hand but Schwager Ii avoids the punch easily.
Schwager Ii throws a poor cross that misses
and Schwager Ii takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Schwager Ii waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nikolaev.
A combination from Schwager Ii does no damage.
Nikolaev loads up on a big right hand but Schwager Ii slips the punch.
A slow jab from Nikolaev misses its intended target.
Schwager Ii fails to land with a series of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Schwager Ii ducks under a wild hook from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Schwager Ii thows a body shot but no joy.

Nikolaev scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Nikolaev is nestled in close to Schwager Ii, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Nikolaev misses with a head shot. Schwager Ii uses the momentum to regain guard.
Schwager Ii not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Schwager Ii is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Nikolaev is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Nikolaev is fighting to break Schwager Ii's control of his arms but Schwager Ii is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nikolaev throws a big elbow that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikolaev lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Nikolaev wants to control from the top but Schwager Ii keeps moving.
Schwager Ii working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii wants to stand up but Nikolaev is controlling him.
Nikolaev keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Schwager Ii's head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nikolaev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Nikolaev is working Schwager Ii over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Nikolaev is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Schwager Ii controls Nikolaev momentarily but Nikolaev frees himself.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Schwager Ii manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nikolaev manages to get himself to full guard.
Schwager Ii looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Schwager Ii scores with a three punch combo!
Schwager Ii slaps away a takedown attempt from Nikolaev, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nikolaev is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Schwager Ii throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Schwager Ii ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Schwager Ii bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Schwager Ii dodges the punch combination from Nikolaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwager Ii pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Nikolaev back to the cage. Schwager Ii follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

Nikolaev is rocked!
Schwager Ii misses the shot to the body.
Oh Nikolaev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Nikolaev connects with a nice looking jab.
Nikolaev seems to have got his legs back now.
Norbert Schwager Ii is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nikolaev throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Nikolaev ducks under a wild hook from Schwager Ii.
Schwager Ii takes a swing at Nikolaev's ribcage but misses.
Nikolaev changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Schwager Ii tries to avoid it but Nikolaev manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Schwager Ii to the ground. Schwager Ii escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Volya Nikolaev. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Nikolaev moves into the clinch.
Schwager Ii is stalling here.
Schwager Ii prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Schwager Ii misses with a punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii misses with some punches.

Nikolaev is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Schwager Ii can't fight it off and eventually Nikolaev manages to take the fight to the floor. Schwager Ii looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Schwager Ii keeping moving, preventing Nikolaev from controlling successfully.
Schwager Ii is trying to control the position but Nikolaev postures up.
Schwager Ii looking for a sweep. Not yet Schwager Ii, not yet.
Schwager Ii pulls Nikolaev in close to his closed guard and prevents Nikolaev from doing any damage or advancing position.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Schwager Ii working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev trying to control but Schwager Ii is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Nikolaev shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Nikolaev has passed into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Schwager Ii struggling a bit here.

Nikolaev tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Schwager Ii is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Schwager Ii keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Nikolaev is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Nikolaev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Schwager Ii keeps working.
Schwager Ii gets back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Norbert Schwager Ii just about did enough to take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Nikolaev looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Schwager Ii trying to hold on to Nikolaev's head to control him but Nikolaev postures up.
Schwager Ii is looking to improve his position.
Schwager Ii is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
The fighters are battling for position here. Schwager Ii manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Schwager Ii preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Schwager Ii avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Schwager Ii wants to sweep here but Nikolaev controlling him for the moment.
Nikolaev lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nikolaev chips away with some ground and pound.
Nikolaev trying to control but Schwager Ii is working from the bottom.
Schwager Ii looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nikolaev is one step ahead there.
Schwager Ii has control of Nikolaev's left arm, preventing Nikolaev from doing any damage.
Schwager Ii manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nikolaev manages to get himself to full guard.
Schwager Ii won't allow Nikolaev to sweep him here.
Schwager Ii wants to get up but he can't break Nikolaev's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Schwager Ii trying to control but Nikolaev is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Norbert Schwager Ii.
Nikolaev misses with a double jab.
Nikolaev throws a nice looking combination but Schwager Ii bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Norbert Schwager Ii seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Schwager Ii scores with a decent looking hook.
Schwager Ii misses with a double jab.
Schwager Ii stalks Nikolaev and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Nikolaev's face. Nikolaev staggers backwards, shaken.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Schwager Ii ducks under a wild hook from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev throws a series of punches but Schwager Ii avoids them all with ease.
Schwager Ii throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Nikolaev closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii seems a little lost for a moment, as Nikolaev dominates the positioning.
Schwager Ii tries to bench press Nikolaev off him but Nikolaev keeps the position.

Nikolaev is trying to get an arm triangle but Schwager Ii is defending well.
Schwager Ii gets back to half guard.
Nikolaev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Schwager Ii's head.
Schwager Ii on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Schwager Ii trying to hold on to Nikolaev's head to control him but Nikolaev postures up.
Nikolaev throwing shots but Schwager Ii is blocking nicely.

Nikolaev wants to work for an arm triangle but Schwager Ii is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Schwager Ii actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Nikolaev is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Schwager Ii is just riding it out for now. Nikolaev eventually gives up the hold.
Schwager Ii wants to get back to his feet.
Nikolaev working Schwager Ii over with strikes.
Ground and pound from Nikolaev.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Schwager Ii gets back to full guard.
Nikolaev landing with the ground and pound.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Schwager Ii trying to keep a closed guard but Nikolaev is proving a slippery customer.
Schwager Ii is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Nikolaev is controlling him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Volya Nikolaev will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Schwager Ii displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Nikolaev.
Nikolaev misses the jab.
Schwager Ii scores with a jab to the body.
Nikolaev lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Schwager Ii throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nikolaev tries to clinch up.
Nikolaev throws a right hand that Schwager Ii ducks under and follows up with a left that Schwager Ii also avoids with ease.
Schwager Ii is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Nikolaev rather than just go for the knockout.
Nikolaev uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Schwager Ii.
Nikolaev throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Schwager Ii lands a right hook to the body.
Volya Nikolaev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Schwager Ii tests Nikolaev's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Schwager Ii tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Nikolaev was well out of range. Poor timing from Schwager Ii.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwager Ii throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Schwager Ii's jab looks to have found its range, popping Nikolaev under the eye.
Schwager Ii lands with a shot to the body.
Nice jab there from Schwager Ii.
Schwager Ii connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Nikolaev's hands.
Nikolaev misses with a straight right.
Nikolaev works the jab nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Schwager Ii. Nikolaev does a little dance to reset his feet.
Schwager Ii loads up on a big right hand but Nikolaev slips the punch.
Nice jab there from Schwager Ii.
Nikolaev dodges the punch combination from Schwager Ii.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Nikolaev.
Schwager Ii is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Schwager Ii defending against the ground and pound.
Schwager Ii takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Schwager Ii struggling a bit here.
Schwager Ii is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Nikolaev's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Nikolaev is thwarting Schwager Ii's attempts to control the position.
Nikolaev lands with a punch from half guard.
Nikolaev prevents Schwager Ii from improving his position.
Nikolaev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Schwager Ii keeps working.

Nikolaev wants to work for an arm triangle but Schwager Ii is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii trying to control here.
Nikolaev drops an elbow to the side of Schwager Ii's head.
Schwager Ii tries to get to full guard but Nikolaev has control of the leg.

Nikolaev is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Schwager Ii is just riding it out for now. Nikolaev eventually gives up the hold.
Nikolaev working over Schwager Ii with some ground and pound. Schwager Ii looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Schwager Ii controlling the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwager Ii is looking to control Nikolaev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Schwager Ii avoid being mounted?
Nikolaev working over Schwager Ii with some ground and pound. Schwager Ii looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Schwager Ii wants to control but Nikolaev is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Nikolaev throwing shots but Schwager Ii is blocking nicely.
Schwager Ii trying to hold on to Nikolaev's head to control him but Nikolaev postures up.
Volya Nikolaev is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Norbert Schwager Ii has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Schwager Ii misses with an uppercut
and Nikolaev counters with a three punch combo that has Schwager Ii backing up. Schwager Ii nods at Nikolaev to acknowledge the strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nikolaev tries to close the distance and clinch but Schwager Ii swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nikolaev pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Schwager Ii back to the cage. Nikolaev follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

Schwager Ii is rocked!
Schwager Ii circles away from the clinch attempt.
Schwager Ii is still on wobbly legs! Can Nikolaev finish him?
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nikolaev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Schwager Ii lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Volya Nikolaev.
I think Nikolaev 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 Valeri Chadov scores the fight 49:46
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 50:46
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Volya Nikolaev!
Volya Nikolaev is the new lightweight champion!
After the fight, Volya Nikolaev was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.