PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shamil Astakhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Astakhov
vs
Veljanovski

182 cm
25
210 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

182 cm
26
227 lbs
19 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shamil Astakhov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Steven Brown and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Astakhov circles away easily

and Astakhov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Astakhov stopping the sweep attempt from Veljanovski.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Veljanovski can do anything to dispel that myth.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Shamil Astakhov.
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Astakhov circles away easily

and Astakhov counters by moving into the clinch.

Veljanovski manages to break the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Astakhov. No joy for Veljanovski on that attempt.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nikola Veljanovski.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Astakhov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Veljanovski moves into the clinch successfully.
Veljanovski is working Astakhov over against the cage.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Veljanovski has a takedown stuffed.
Nikola Veljanovski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Veljanovski gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Astakhov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Astakhov throwing strikes from guard but Veljanovski blocks nicely.
Astakhov is looking to work some ground and pound but Veljanovski has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Astakhov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Veljanovski has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Astakhov trying to control the position from guard on top but Veljanovski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Astakhov wants to pass the guard but Veljanovski is keeping the position.
Veljanovski looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Nikola Veljanovski.
Nice sprawl there from Astakhov as Veljanovski shoots in.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski looks to throw the jab but Astakhov is out of range.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a takedown. Astakhov tries to sprawl out of it but Veljanovski keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Astakhov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Veljanovski has his takedown stuffed

and Astakhov counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Veljanovski's guard now.
Astakhov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Astakhov is working Veljanovski over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Veljanovski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Astakhov.
Astakhov postures up.
Astakhov wants to pass the guard but Veljanovski is keeping the position.
Veljanovski controls Astakhov momentarily but Astakhov frees himself.
Veljanovski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Astakhov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Veljanovski keeping moving, preventing Astakhov from controlling successfully.
Astakhov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Veljanovski lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Astakhov at a distance.

Veljanovski gets a clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Astakhov looking for a takedown.
Veljanovski will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Astakhov up against the cage.
Astakhov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Veljanovski gets the underhooks and prevents it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Veljanovski throws a lazy right hand but Astakhov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Veljanovski shoots in for a takedown but Astakhov shows good takedown defense.
Nikola Veljanovski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Veljanovski fails in his attempt to clinch.
Astakhov slaps away a takedown attempt from Veljanovski, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Veljanovski shoots in and drives through. Astakhov sprawls well.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nikola Veljanovski.
Astakhov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Veljanovski fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Veljanovski.
Astakhov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Veljanovski trying to pass the guard but Astakhov defending well.
Veljanovski is thwarting Astakhov's attempts to control the position.
Astakhov gets full guard.
Veljanovski tries to stand but Astakhov is controlling from the bottom.
Astakhov doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Astakhov keeping moving, preventing Veljanovski from controlling successfully.
Veljanovski slips nicely into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski prevents Astakhov from improving his position.
Astakhov gets back to full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Veljanovski pushes down on Astakhov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Astakhov is trying to maintain the position but Veljanovski is very close to passing his half guard.
Veljanovski wants to control but Astakhov is keeping him busy.
Astakhov wants to improve his position but Veljanovski is controlling well.

Astakhov looking for submissions off his back.
Veljanovski thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Veljanovski's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Veljanovski's back!

Astakhov working for a choke but Veljanovski is defending well.

Veljanovski defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Astakhov's arms.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Veljanovski covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Astakhov trying to control momentarily.

Veljanovski is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Astakhov gets his way!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is trying to break free.
Veljanovski controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad spot.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Astakhov. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Astakhov punishes Veljanovski with strikes from the back mount.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Veljanovski grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Veljanovski covers up after that shot from Astakhov.
Veljanovski trying to control but not successfully.
Veljanovski manages to reverse the position and now he's in Astakhov's guard. Nice work there by Veljanovski.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shamil Astakhov dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Veljanovski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Astakhov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Veljanovski's guard.
Astakhov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Veljanovski trying to keep a closed guard but Astakhov is proving a slippery customer.
Astakhov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Veljanovski's head.
Astakhov stopping the sweep attempt from Veljanovski.
Astakhov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Astakhov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Veljanovski works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Astakhov throwing strikes from guard but Veljanovski blocks nicely.
Astakhov won't allow Veljanovski to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski has momentary wrist control but Astakhov slips an elbow through the middle.
Astakhov stays in close to Veljanovski's body and controls the position.
Astakhov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Veljanovski is keeping the position for now.
Astakhov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Veljanovski is on top in guard.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.
Veljanovski won't allow Astakhov to sweep him here.

Astakhov working for a triangle but Veljanovski defends it easily.
Astakhov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Astakhov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Veljanovski gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Astakhov trying to keep a closed guard but Veljanovski is proving a slippery customer.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Veljanovski working some strikes from top position.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.
Astakhov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Veljanovski stands up over Astakhov, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Astakhov is looking to sweep but instead, Veljanovski has passed into half guard.

Veljanovski seems to be working for a kimura but Astakhov defends the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura here.
Veljanovski stalling.

Veljanovski is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Veljanovski throwing shots but Astakhov is blocking nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov works his way to full guard. Good work.
Shamil Astakhov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Astakhov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Veljanovski can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Astakhov looking to control.
Astakhov 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.
Veljanovski keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Astakhov's head.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.
Veljanovski might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Astakhov haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Astakhov tries to strike from the bottom.
Veljanovski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Astakhov manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Veljanovski looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Astakhov defends it well.
Veljanovski wants to control but Astakhov is keeping him busy.
Astakhov moves into full guard.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.

Veljanovski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Astakhov has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Veljanovski is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Astakhov.
Veljanovski creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Astakhov wants to control but Veljanovski postures up.
Astakhov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Veljanovski off and has taken his back!
Astakhov is landing with strikes. Veljanovski can't take much more of this.
Astakhov throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Veljanovski trying to control but not successfully.
Astakhov trying to control momentarily.

Astakhov is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Veljanovski knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Veljanovski for a finish.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is really stuck here.
Veljanovski is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Astakhov lands a shot to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
You can see the frustration on Veljanovski's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Astakhov looking for the choke but no joy.
Veljanovski covering up well under a series of strikes from Astakhov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Astakhov has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Veljanovski has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

Astakhov is persistently looking for the submission but Veljanovski is defending it well.
Astakhov scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
I really don't envy Veljanovski right now.
Astakhov scores with strikes from the back.
Astakhov has the hooks in. Veljanovski is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski staying busy and making it hard for Astakhov to control.
Astakhov is landing with strikes from the back.
Astakhov wants to control but Veljanovski is keeping busy.
Astakhov lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Veljanovski is taking damage to the body and head.
Astakhov lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Veljanovski.

Veljanovski showing good submission defense here.
Veljanovski trying to control the position but Astakhov manages to sink in the hooks.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Astakhov lands an elbow to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shamil Astakhov had his way with Nikola Veljanovski in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Astakhov gets tackled into the cage by Veljanovski. Veljanovski maintains the clinch.

Veljanovski breaks from the clinch.
Veljanovski moves in looking to clinch but Astakhov pushes him off.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Astakhov defends it nicely.
Veljanovski with a lazy takedown attempt

and Astakhov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Astakhov.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.
Astakhov controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Astakhov pushes down on Veljanovski's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Astakhov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Veljanovski is not content to let Astakhov control the position.
Astakhov slips a nice elbow through Veljanovski's hands, connecting with Veljanovski's forehead.
Astakhov is stalling here. Veljanovski is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Astakhov seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Veljanovski has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Veljanovski trying to control the position but Astakhov is working away.
You can see the frustration on Astakhov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Veljanovski in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Astakhov manages to get back to half guard.
Veljanovski moves into side control, avoiding the strikes from Astakhov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski working away.
Veljanovski scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Astakhov to see if he's OK.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Veljanovski cracks Astakhov with a big right hand but Astakhov just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Astakhov is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
Veljanovski working away.
Astakhov takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

Veljanovski is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Astakhov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Veljanovski is looking to take a break and control but Astakhov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski working the head and body with strikes.
Astakhov is looking for a sweep.
Veljanovski working the head and body with strikes.
Astakhov can't do much from the bottom here.
Veljanovski trying to control the position but Astakhov is working away.
Veljanovski working away.
Veljanovski wants to control but Astakhov is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov gets back to half guard.
Astakhov wants to improve his position but Veljanovski is controlling well.
Astakhov is working hard here to advance position.

Veljanovski seems to be looking for submissions.
Nikola Veljanovski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Astakhov tries to roll over but Veljanovski keeps him under control.
Shamil Astakhov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

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 Shamil Astakhov.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Astakhov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Phil Schofield scores the fight 50:45
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 50:45
Judge William Gold scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shamil Astakhov!
Shamil Astakhov retains his heavyweight title!