PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Bartolommeo Cavalcanti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexandr Nikitin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Cavalcanti
vs
Nikitin

168 cm
21
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

170 cm
21
140 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter fighter
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Pitt Nutrition + Laundry (160 Recovery, Stamina

Zipp Zapp

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Bartolommeo Cavalcanti!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Alexandr Nikitin!
The judges for this bout are Timothy Bukovac, Don Winkell and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Cavalcanti throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Nikitin was covering up waiting for the punch and Cavalcanti finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Nikitin has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Mano`s Elite BJJ Gym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Cavalcanti working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Nikitin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Nikitin wants to sweep here but Cavalcanti controlling him for the moment.
Nikitin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cavalcanti accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Nikitin pulls Cavalcanti in close to prevent any damage.
Cavalcanti distracts Nikitin with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Cavalcanti throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nikitin works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cavalcanti trying to control the position from guard on top but Nikitin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nikitin is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Cavalcanti missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cavalcanti trying to control the position from guard on top but Nikitin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nikitin has Cavalcanti pulled in close to control his posture.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Nikitin is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Cavalcanti's half guard.

Cavalcanti is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Nikitin pulls his head out easily.
Nikitin seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cavalcanti does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Cavalcanti is looking to improve his position.
Nikitin seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Cavalcanti does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Cavalcanti actively working from the bottom here.
Cavalcanti avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nikitin.

Cavalcanti is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Nikitin pulls his head out easily.
Cavalcanti is refusing to be controlled, as Nikitin sits in half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nikitin is thwarting Cavalcanti's attempts to control the position.
Nikitin trying to mount his opponent but Cavalcanti defends it.
Nikitin content to control rather than advance.
Nikitin trying to control the action but Cavalcanti is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cavalcanti looking for submissions off his back.

Cavalcanti is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Nikitin pulls his head out easily.

Cavalcanti looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Cavalcanti looking for subs from the bottom but Nikitin mounts him!
Cavalcanti is looking to get to half guard.
Cavalcanti is squirming around, avoiding Nikitin's attempts to control the action.
Cavalcanti takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Cavalcanti is looking to improve his position but Nikitin isn't that keen on the idea.
Cavalcanti is working hard here to advance position.
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.
Nikitin scoring with strikes but Cavalcanti is staying in there.
Nikitin is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Cavalcanti can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Cavalcanti manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Cavalcanti looking for submissions off his back.
Nikitin wants to take a breather but Cavalcanti is having none of it.
Cavalcanti moves into full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Cavalcanti looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Nikitin has picked Cavalcanti up and slammed him! Cavalcanti can't keep hold of the triangle and Nikitin manages to pass to side control!
Cavalcanti is trying to control Nikitin's posture but Nikitin avoids it.
Cavalcanti tries to get back to half guard but can't.
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 Bartolommeo Cavalcanti will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nikitin throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Bartolommeo Cavalcanti is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Nikitin shoots in and bounces Cavalcanti off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Nikitin preventing the sweep.

Nikitin got a little sloppy there for a moment and Cavalcanti has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Nikitin has managed to get both his arms back between Cavalcanti's legs - danger averted.

Cavalcanti looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Nikitin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Nikitin avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Nikitin is in close to Cavalcanti's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Cavalcanti trying to keep a closed guard but Nikitin is proving a slippery customer.
Alexandr Nikitin has got the better of the ground game so far.
Nikitin cracks Cavalcanti with a solid left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cavalcanti is actively looking for submissions from his back. He's worked himself a little space on the bottom and seems to be going for a triangle. No, he's switched into an armbar! That was slick! Nikitin rolls with it to try and escape but Cavalcanti cranks on the arm and Nikitin is forced to tap out! This one is aaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:22 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Bartolommeo Cavalcanti!
An out of breath Bartolommeo Cavalcanti thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.