PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Vito Mazzini (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Viktor Soshnyanin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mazzini comes to the cage accompanied by Fade To Black. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Mazzini
vs
Soshnyanin

182 cm
23
200 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

184 cm
22
186 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vito Mazzini!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Viktor Soshnyanin!
The judges for this bout are John Kavanagh, Steve Montenegro and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mazzini swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Soshnyanin let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Soshnyanin shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Mazzini swings for the body but Soshnyanin moves out of range.
Mazzini looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Mazzini scores with the left hand. Soshnyanin knows he should have avoided that one.
Mazzini misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Mazzini steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Soshnyanin.
Vito Mazzini seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jab, jab by Mazzini - just one landing.
Mazzini throws out a loose jab but Soshnyanin uses good head movement to avoid it.

Mazzini has managed to clinch.
Mazzini letting Soshnyanin take a breather here.
Soshnyanin softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A short left from Soshnyanin.
Soshnyanin misses with a punch on the inside.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Mazzini.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Soshnyanin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mazzini can't get the takedown.
Mazzini wants to take the fight to the mat but Soshnyanin manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vito Mazzini. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Soshnyanin slowing the pace effectively.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Soshnyanin.
Mazzini working aggressively here.
A short uppercut from Mazzini.
Mazzini scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Mazzini throws a punch but it's blocked by Soshnyanin.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Mazzini blocks an uppercut.

Soshnyanin breaks from the clinch.
Mazzini looks to land a left hand but Soshnyanin moved out of range nicely.
Soshnyanin thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Mazzini if he has to take too many more of those.
Mazzini uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Soshnyanin.

Mazzini looking to score a takedown here. Soshnyanin is defending well but Mazzini drives through and ends up in Soshnyanin's guard.
Soshnyanin is pulling down on Mazzini's head. It's preventing any offense from Mazzini, at least for the moment.
Mazzini trying to control but Soshnyanin is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soshnyanin tries to land a sweep but no joy.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mazzini trying to control but Soshnyanin is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mazzini forces his way into half guard.
Mazzini is trying to control the action in half guard but Soshnyanin is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Soshnyanin is trying to control but can't.

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

Mazzini 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mazzini looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Soshnyanin tries to get to full guard but Mazzini has control of the leg.

Mazzini is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Mazzini wants to free his trapped foot but Soshnyanin is holding on for dear life with his legs.

Mazzini is working for a submission of some sort.
Soshnyanin tries to get to full guard but Mazzini has control of the leg.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Mazzini is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Mazzini prevents Soshnyanin from improving his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vito Mazzini dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Mazzini lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Soshnyanin circles away quickly and effectively.
It seemed like Soshnyanin was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Mazzini misses with a takedown attempt - Soshnyanin sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mazzini misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Mazzini looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Soshnyanin slips under a jab.
Soshnyanin throws a hook but Mazzini blocks it.
Mazzini takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Mazzini uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Soshnyanin.
Mazzini fails to land the takedown.
Soshnyanin is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Mazzini connects with a right hand. Soshnyanin shakes it off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soshnyanin looks for the body kick but Mazzini saw that one coming.
Soshnyanin dodges the punch combination from Mazzini.
Mazzini tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Soshnyanin was well out of range. Poor timing from Mazzini.
Soshnyanin let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mazzini blocks a leg kick.
Mazzini connects with a good right hand that stumbles Soshnyanin. Soshnyanin circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Soshnyanin slips under a jab.
The fighters circling - Soshnyanin throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Mazzini tries a head kick but it misses.
Mazzini shoots in for a takedown but Soshnyanin shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vito Mazzini. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Soshnyanin slips under a jab.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Mazzini.
Mazzini misses with a left hand
and Soshnyanin connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Viktor Soshnyanin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mazzini misses with a few strikes there.
Soshnyanin connects with a body shot that sends Mazzini's belly button to the back.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Soshnyanin. Mazzini shrugs it off though.
Soshnyanin throws a jab but it's blocked by Mazzini.
Mazzini was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Soshnyanin looks to throw the jab but Mazzini is out of range.
Mazzini slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Soshnyanin goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Mazzini slips a jab from Soshnyanin.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mazzini lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Soshnyanin looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mazzini gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Soshnyanin.
Mazzini cracks Soshnyanin with a right hand to the side of the head.
Soshnyanin scores with a kick to the body.
Soshnyanin looks to land a right hand but Mazzini moved out of range.
Mazzini throws a lazy uppercut
and Mazzini takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Mazzini throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Soshnyanin counters with a solid body kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Mazzini rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Soshnyanin moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A slow jab from Mazzini misses its intended target.
The crowd cheers as Soshnyanin lands an impressive looking overhand right. Mazzini doesn't seem phased though.
Soshnyanin stuns Mazzini with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Mazzini misses with the combination.
Mazzini takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Mazzini is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soshnyanin bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Soshnyanin looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Soshnyanin looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Soshnyanin with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Soshnyanin connects with an inside leg kick.
Mazzini with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Soshnyanin connects with a body shot that sends Mazzini's belly button to the back.
Mazzini slips a straight right by Soshnyanin.
Soshnyanin throws a head kick but Mazzini moves out of range.
Mazzini shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Soshnyanin but Soshnyanin pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Soshnyanin throws a lazy right hand but Mazzini sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Soshnyanin misses with a straight right.
Soshnyanin thows a body kick. Mazzini tries to catch it but that hurt him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Soshnyanin swings for the body but Mazzini moves out of range.
A low kick from Soshnyanin is predictable there
enabling Mazzini to counter with a crisp jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Soshnyanin turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Mazzini tries to clinch but Soshnyanin moves out of range.
Soshnyanin closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Soshnyanin keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Mazzini.
Soshnyanin swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Soshnyanin jabs Mazzini right on the nose. Mazzini blinks but takes it well.
Soshnyanin misses with a low kick.
Soshnyanin lets loose with a powerful body kick. Mazzini will feel that in the morning.
Mazzini paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Soshnyanin throws a nice looking combination but Mazzini bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Mazzini just misses with a punch to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mazzini lands a jab.
Mazzini blocks a jab.
Soshnyanin stuffs the takedown.
Mazzini cracks Soshnyanin with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Soshnyanin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Mazzini slips a jab from Soshnyanin.
Mazzini throws a lazy head kick
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Soshnyanin throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Soshnyanin keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Mazzini tries a head kick but it misses.
Soshnyanin works Mazzini's body with a nice hook.
Mazzini will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Mazzini misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Soshnyanin.
Mazzini is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Mazzini throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Good shot there by Soshnyanin.
Mazzini uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Soshnyanin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soshnyanin swings for the body but Mazzini moves out of range.
Soshnyanin feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Mazzini's calf.
Mazzini shoots in but no luck this time.
Soshnyanin lands a nice shot that snaps Mazzini's head back.

Mazzini is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Soshnyanin throws a right and a left that both miss.
Oh Mazzini is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mazzini gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Soshnyanin misses with the body kick
and Mazzini counters with a stiff right hand.
Soshnyanin staying out of range there.
A little jabbing left from Soshnyanin on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Mazzini throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mazzini defending well as Soshnyanin loads up on a big left hand.
Mazzini looks to land a left hand but Soshnyanin moved out of range nicely.

Mazzini throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Soshnyanin was covering up waiting for the punch and Mazzini finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Mazzini seems to have got his legs back now.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Mazzini tries to free his leg and advance position but Soshnyanin is retaining full guard.
Soshnyanin has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Soshnyanin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soshnyanin is trying to control the action in half guard but Mazzini is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Soshnyanin not doing much here.
Mazzini is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Soshnyanin's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Soshnyanin's back!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Mazzini working for a choke but Soshnyanin is defending well.
Soshnyanin really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Mazzini. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Mazzini not allowing Soshnyanin to control his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mazzini looking for the choke from the back.

Soshnyanin fending off the submission attempt from Mazzini.

Mazzini is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Soshnyanin defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Mazzini is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Soshnyanin has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.
Mazzini is hanging on to Soshnyanin's back as he tries to escape.

Mazzini is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Soshnyanin defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

Mazzini is looking for the choke from the back position but Soshnyanin is controlling his hands well.

Mazzini is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Vito Mazzini did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Good leg kick by Soshnyanin there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Mazzini moves away from the strike by Soshnyanin.
Soshnyanin looks to land a right hand but Mazzini moved out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Mazzini.
Mazzini fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Soshnyanin manages to avoid it.
Soshnyanin uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mazzini.
Mazzini connects with a jab.
Soshnyanin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mazzini manages to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Soshnyanin throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Mazzini misses with a looping right.
Soshnyanin misses with a looping left.
Mazzini listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Mazzini's corner calls for a 1-2. Mazzini obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soshnyanin takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Soshnyanin scores with a push kick.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Soshnyanin.
Mazzini throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Soshnyanin.
Soshnyanin appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Mazzini checks the leg kick.
Mazzini throws a predictable looking body shot
and Soshnyanin counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Mazzini misses with an uppercut.
Soshnyanin fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Mazzini has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Mazzini rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Soshnyanin counters with a stiff right hand.
Soshnyanin showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Mazzini.
Soshnyanin throws a fast counter high kick but Mazzini manages to duck under it in time.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Soshnyanin cracks Mazzini with an open hand slap.
Mazzini throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soshnyanin blocks a jab.
A big left from Mazzini misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A solid leg kick lands there for Soshnyanin.
Mazzini misses with a lunging right hand
and Soshnyanin counters with a stiff right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Soshnyanin misses the target.
Mazzini appears to be looking for a big counter.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Mazzini checks a leg kick.
A slow jab from Soshnyanin misses its intended target.
Soshnyanin looks to land a body kick but Mazzini moved away.
Mazzini takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Mazzini takes one to the chin there.
Mazzini takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Soshnyanin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Mazzini was well out of range. Poor timing from Soshnyanin.
The crowd cheers as Mazzini lands an impressive looking overhand right. Soshnyanin doesn't seem phased though.
Mazzini throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Soshnyanin counters with a nice leg kick.
Mazzini is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Mazzini misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Soshnyanin doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mazzini throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Mazzini shoots and misses
and Soshnyanin counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Soshnyanin uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Soshnyanin throws a solid leg kick but Mazzini takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Soshnyanin.
Nice uppercut lands for Mazzini. That snapped Soshnyanin's head back.
Soshnyanin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Soshnyanin throws a nice head kick!
Soshnyanin moves out of range of the strikes.
Soshnyanin throws a half hearted mid kick.
Mazzini misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Soshnyanin.
Mazzini throws out a loose jab but Soshnyanin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Soshnyanin appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Mazzini swinging wildly here.
Soshnyanin throws a lazy uppercut
and Mazzini counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mazzini throws a big shot that misses.
Mazzini ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Soshnyanin lands with a straight right. Mazzini didn't see that one coming.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters circling - Mazzini throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Mazzini moves into range and clinches up with Soshnyanin.

Soshnyanin's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Soshnyanin with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Soshnyanin slips a straight right by Mazzini.
Soshnyanin doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Mazzini misses with a straight right.
Soshnyanin replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Mazzini blocks it well.
Mazzini swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A solid leg kick lands there for Soshnyanin.
Soshnyanin throws a shot from downtown. Mazzini moves away and avoids it.
Mazzini avoids a kick to the body.
Mazzini lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Soshnyanin swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Soshnyanin dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Mazzini shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Soshnyanin pinned against the cage. Soshnyanin gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Mazzini lands the left hand.

Mazzini gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Mazzini lands a shoulder strike.
Soshnyanin lands a shoulder strike.
Mazzini struggles to land a body shot inside as Soshnyanin controls his hands.
Mazzini tries to throw a body punch but Soshnyanin avoids it by throwing Mazzini back against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Soshnyanin escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mazzini sizes up Soshnyanin with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Soshnyanin ducks right into an uppercut from Mazzini.
Soshnyanin misses with a wild body shot.
Mazzini tries to score a power double leg takedown but Soshnyanin sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mazzini somewhat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soshnyanin throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Mazzini tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Soshnyanin misses with a hook. Mazzini ducked under it nicely.
Mazzini throws a big counter combination but Soshnyanin scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Decent striking displayed by Mazzini there.
Soshnyanin thumps Mazzini with a low kick.
Soshnyanin has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

Mazzini decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Soshnyanin trying to control here.
Mazzini is pressing down on Soshnyanin's thigh, looking to free his foot. Soshnyanin is holding on for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mazzini is working for a submission of some sort.
Mazzini wants to take a breather but Soshnyanin is having none of it.
Mazzini is really struggling to control Soshnyanin but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Mazzini is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Soshnyanin is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Vito Mazzini overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soshnyanin keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Mazzini wants to pass to mount but Soshnyanin is defending the position.

Mazzini is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Soshnyanin is defending against the submission attempts here by Mazzini.
Soshnyanin is in trouble now - Mazzini has advanced to mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Mazzini trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Soshnyanin is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Mazzini locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Soshnyanin is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:37 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Vito Mazzini!
Vito Mazzini retains his middleweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Vito Mazzini thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.