PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between That Guy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Soz Sztrova (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Guy's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Walk by Pantera. Sztrova is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: In Flames - Delight and Anger. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Guy
vs
Sztrova

180 cm
30
205 lbs
19 - 25 - 0

190 cm
33
215 lbs
17 - 18 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Great elbows
Granite chin

Powerful takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 25 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, That Guy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Soz Sztrova!
The judges for this bout are Radbod Blank, Aafke Stam and Patrick Alders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Guy goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Sztrova wants to clinch.
Sztrova has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Guy is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Guy avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Sztrova tries to clinch but Guy moves out of range.
Sztrova wants to clinch up but Guy keeps it at a distance.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Good leg kick by Sztrova there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Guy goes for a double leg but Sztrova avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Sztrova continues to drive forward.
Guy blocks an uppercut.
Sztrova wants to stall.
Guy looking for a takedown.
Guy can't break the clinch.
Guy's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Guy tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sztrova swings wildly with an uppercut but Guy uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sztrova has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Guy doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We've been hearing reports that Guy has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Sztrova lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sztrova working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Sztrova stops a takedown attempt from Guy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for That Guy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sztrova working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Sztrova.
Sztrova fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Guy drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Sztrova gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Sztrova misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sztrova gets underhooks to prevent Guy's takedown attempt.
Guy wants to take the fight to the mat but Sztrova manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Guy blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Guy is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Sztrova gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Guy changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Sztrova fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Sztrova is looking to clinch.
Guy shoots in for a takedown but Sztrova shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Sztrova doesn't manage to clinch there - Guy circles away.
Guy tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Sztrova defends well and Guy ends up having to push Sztrova into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Guy drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Guy is breathing heavily.
Guy drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Sztrova lands a left hand that snaps the head of Guy backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sztrova lands with a short head shot on the inside.

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

Sztrova takes the fight into the clinch.
Guy fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Guy.
Sztrova lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Sztrova misses with a hook from the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Sztrova scores with a shoulder strike.
Guy tries for a takedown. No joy.
Sztrova throws a head punch that misses.

Guy breaks the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Guy.

Guy wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sztrova, who protects the arm well.
Sztrova is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Guy is controlling him well.
Sloppy strikes there by Guy.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Sztrova is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Guy working the head with strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sztrova wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sztrova is looking to get back to his feet here but Guy is keeping cool and he's managed to take Sztrova's back.
Guy 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.

Guy looking to break Sztrova's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Sztrova remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Guy will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sztrova is trying to stand back up.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Guy. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Sztrova looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sztrova is covering up but some of the strikes from Guy are getting through and doing damage.

Guy is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
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 That Guy will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Guy shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Sztrova is trying to defend but Guy finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Sztrova looks like he's trying to stand up.
Sztrova is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

Guy is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Sztrova is defending against the submission attempts here by Guy.
Sztrova is trying to stand up here but Guy is controlling him well.
Guy drops an elbow to the side of Sztrova's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Guy working the head and body with strikes.
Sztrova tries to kick Guy off but Guy keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Sztrova is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Guy scores with a couple of nice shots.
Sztrova pushes Guy off looking to stand but Guy dives back in and keeps control.

Guy looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Sztrova is trying to stand up here but Guy is controlling him well.

Guy is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Sztrova is trying to stand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Guy is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sztrova is just riding it out for now. Guy eventually gives up the hold.

Sztrova kicks off Guy and gets to his feet.
Sztrova is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Guy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sztrova swats him away and circles back towards the center.
That Guy is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Sztrova tries to close the distance and clinch up but Guy swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sztrova stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Sztrova wants it to stay on the feet.
Sztrova tries to close the distance and clinch up but Guy swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sztrova stuffs the takedown attempt from Guy. Guy gets slowly back to his feet.
Sztrova is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Sztrova is looking to clinch.
Sztrova blocks a head kick by Guy.
Sztrova tries to clinch there but Guy circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Sztrova looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Sztrova tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Guy paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Sztrova tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Guy paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Sztrova tries to clinch
and Guy makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Sztrova really felt that one!
Sztrova tries to clinch up.
Guy fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for That Guy. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Guy closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sztrova circles away.

Sztrova has managed to clinch.
Sztrova prevents a takedown attempt there.
Sztrova tries a knee to the head but Guy blocks it.
A short right from Sztrova.
Guy is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Sztrova breaks the clinch.
Sztrova darts in trying to clinch
and Guy counters with a nice low kick that buckles Sztrova's knee momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sztrova is looking to clinch but Guy is avoiding it.
Guy avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Sztrova tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Guy moves into the clinch.
Sztrova lands a right hand that snaps the head of Guy backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sztrova tries to work over Guy's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Sztrova gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Guy.
Guy jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Sztrova walks away with a smile on his face. Guy gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Guy avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Sztrova misses with a series of wild punches.

Sztrova has closed the distance and engaged Guy in a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Soz Sztrova will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Sztrova tries to clinch but Guy moves out of range.
Guy shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Sztrova defends it nicely.
Guy will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
A big right from Guy misses.
Sztrova wants to clinch.

Sztrova has managed to clinch.

Sztrova escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sztrova is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Sztrova. No joy for Guy on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for That Guy. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Guy gets caught napping as Sztrova dives in and scores a takedown. Guy manages to retain guard.
Guy wants to sweep here but Sztrova controlling him for the moment.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Sztrova is in close to Guy's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Sztrova must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Guy working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sztrova.
Sztrova lands a couple of elbows.
Guy is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Sztrova working some strikes from top position.

Guy throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Guy can't keep his opponent in guard - Sztrova advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Guy is looking to improve his position.
Sztrova is pressing down on Guy's thigh, looking to free his foot. Guy is holding on for now.

Sztrova seems to be working for a kimura but Guy defends the submission attempt.

Sztrova is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Guy is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sztrova's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sztrova's back!
Guy lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Sztrova hold on?!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Sztrova showing good submission defense here.

Sztrova fending off the submission attempt from Guy.
Sztrova holding both Guy 's hands and preventing any damage.

Guy patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Sztrova controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Guy has his opponent's back but Sztrova is looking to stand. He manages to get to his feet and shakes off Guy.
Guy tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sztrova swivels and escapes.
Sztrova stuffs the takedown attempt from Guy. Guy gets slowly back to his feet.

Sztrova shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Sztrova showed some decent athleticism there.

Guy is defending against the submission attempts here by Sztrova.

Sztrova is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Guy has managed to free his arm - good work.

Sztrova is looking for a kimura but Guy is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Sztrova to get the leverage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Guy slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Sztrova drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Sztrova jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Sztrova slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sztrova throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Guy works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.

Sztrova is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Sztrova prevents Guy from improving his position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
The fighters are battling for position here. Guy manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Sztrova throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Soz Sztrova comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sztrova has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Radbod Blank scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 28:29
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Soz Sztrova!
After the fight, Soz Sztrova 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.