PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Anderlei Noguieranenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Igor Zhitnik (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Zhitnik has chosen Metallica - Leper Messiah as his entrance music. Igor Zhitnik has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Noguieranenko
vs
Zhitnik

197 cm
21
273 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

191 cm
22
280 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Anderlei Noguieranenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Igor Zhitnik!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Viktor Lagutenko and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhitnik throws a big shot that misses.

Zhitnik closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Zhitnik lands in his opponent's guard.
Noguieranenko wants to stand but Zhitnik is controlling the position.
Noguieranenko keeping moving, preventing Zhitnik from controlling successfully.
Noguieranenko is looking to stand up but Zhitnik isn't so interested in that idea.
Zhitnik is stalling in the full guard.
Noguieranenko keeping moving, preventing Zhitnik from controlling successfully.
Noguieranenko is looking to stand up but Zhitnik isn't so interested in that idea.

Noguieranenko pushes Zhitnik off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Noguieranenko ducks under a wild hook from Zhitnik.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhitnik shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Noguieranenko but Noguieranenko pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Zhitnik fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Zhitnik shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Anderlei Noguieranenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Igor Zhitnik.

Zhitnik closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Noguieranenko to the mat! Noguieranenko manages to get full guard.
Zhitnik throwing strikes from guard but Noguieranenko blocks nicely.
Noguieranenko being controlled here, momentarily.
Noguieranenko is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Zhitnik is controlling him.
Zhitnik scoring with some ground and pound.
Zhitnik controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Noguieranenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Noguieranenko has his feet on Zhitnik's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Zhitnik gets the takedown into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zhitnik looks gassed!
Noguieranenko defending against the ground and pound.
Zhitnik content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Noguieranenko wants to get back to his feet.
Zhitnik looks up at the clock and then as Noguieranenko takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Zhitnik smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Zhitnik wants to control but Noguieranenko is keeping him busy.
Noguieranenko wants to get back to his feet but Zhitnik is dominant here and he's now got Noguieranenko's back!
Noguieranenko wants to get back to his feet.
Zhitnik is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Noguieranenko. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik looking to soften up his opponent with punches.
Noguieranenko has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Zhitnik is working the ground and pound. Can Noguieranenko escape?
Noguieranenko covers up after that shot from Zhitnik.
Noguieranenko trying to get back to his feet but Zhitnik is in full control for now.
Zhitnik is looking to control Noguieranenko but Noguieranenko is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Noguieranenko trying to get back to his feet but Zhitnik is in full control for now.
Zhitnik throwing strikes from the back - he gets a warning from the referee for striking the back of the head but all these shots are hurting Noguieranenko!
Noguieranenko is trying to get back to his feet but Zhitnik has full control of the position and if anything, Noguieranenko has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Noguieranenko covers up after that shot from Zhitnik.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik cracks Noguieranenko with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Noguieranenko from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.
Zhitnik scores with punches to the body.
Noguieranenko is covering up but some of the strikes from Zhitnik are getting through and doing damage.
The referee is taking a good look at Noguieranenko as he is on the wrong end of some big shots from Zhitnik!
Noguieranenko controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad position.
Zhitnik scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
Noguieranenko has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Zhitnik is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Noguieranenko is trying to get back to his feet but Zhitnik has full control of the position and if anything, Noguieranenko has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Noguieranenko is covering up but some of the strikes from Zhitnik are getting through and doing damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Noguieranenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Noguieranenko misses with a wild combination.
Noguieranenko throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Zhitnik.
Zhitnik throws a looping overhand right but Noguieranenko ducks down to avoid it.
Zhitnik fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Noguieranenko pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Noguieranenko misses with a double jab.
Noguieranenko misses with a head kick.
Zhitnik closes the distance and clinches up with Noguieranenko, looking for a takedown. Zhitnik pushes Noguieranenko against the cage but Noguieranenko circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Noguieranenko throws a leg kick which misses Zhitnik's front leg but catches the back leg as Zhitnik tries to avoid it.
Noguieranenko misses with a jab, cross combination.
A combination from Noguieranenko does no damage.

Zhitnik shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Zhitnik was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Zhitnik is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Noguieranenko can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhitnik scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Zhitnik postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Noguieranenko looks a forlorn figure.
Noguieranenko trying desperately to get to his feet.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Zhitnik cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Zhitnik has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Noguieranenko's face.
Zhitnik lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Noguieranenko is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Zhitnik punishing his opponent with strikes.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Zhitnik sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Zhitnik looking to control but Noguieranenko is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Zhitnik putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik won't let Noguieranenko get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Zhitnik pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Zhitnik lands a big elbow.
Zhitnik scoring with strikes but Noguieranenko is staying in there.
BOOM! Zhitnik connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Zhitnik with the ground and pound from mount.
Noguieranenko wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Zhitnik dominating with strikes here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Noguieranenko wants to try and get back to his feet.
Zhitnik looking to finish Noguieranenko with some ground and pound. This is bad for Noguieranenko!
Zhitnik with the ground and pound from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Noguieranenko is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Zhitnik working Noguieranenko over with strikes here.
Zhitnik lands a heavy elbow.
Zhitnik lands a heavy elbow.
Zhitnik scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Noguieranenko?
Zhitnik with shots to the head and body - Noguieranenko looks very uncomfortable down there.
Zhitnik sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Zhitnik pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Zhitnik won't let Noguieranenko get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Igor Zhitnik has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik lands with some strikes.
Zhitnik can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Noguieranenko is looking to escape.
Zhitnik landing shots from mount.
Noguieranenko is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
Zhitnik postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Noguieranenko looks a forlorn figure.
Noguieranenko is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Noguieranenko is in a horrible position here. Zhitnik smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zhitnik is landing with some decent strikes but Noguieranenko is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Zhitnik landing strikes from the mount.
Noguieranenko taking shots to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Igor Zhitnik showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Zhitnik looks to score with a jab to the body but Noguieranenko is just out of range.

Zhitnik changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Noguieranenko looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Zhitnik misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Noguieranenko is pushing Zhitnik's head away, looking to escape. Zhitnik manages to hold on to the position though.
Zhitnik scores with a couple of short elbows.
Zhitnik lands a decent elbow from side control.
Zhitnik wants to control but Noguieranenko is keeping him busy.
Noguieranenko is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Zhitnik asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

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

Zhitnik drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Noguieranenko is trying to buck Zhitnik off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhitnik grinds an elbow into Noguieranenko's temple.
Zhitnik is chipping away with strikes.
Noguieranenko is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Zhitnik asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Zhitnik happy to just control the position for now.
Noguieranenko prevents Zhitnik from improving position.
Zhitnik working the ground and pound.
Noguieranenko is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Zhitnik tries to advance to mount but Noguieranenko denies him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Noguieranenko managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Zhitnik.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Noguieranenko lands with a thumping leg kick.
Noguieranenko lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Noguieranenko moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Noguieranenko lands a head kick!
Zhitnik blocks a head kick by Noguieranenko.
Zhitnik showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Noguieranenko.
Horrible takedown by Zhitnik or perhaps it was just good defense by Noguieranenko which made him look bad.
Noguieranenko connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Zhitnik throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Noguieranenko sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Noguieranenko feints and then cracks Zhitnik's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Zhitnik down.
Noguieranenko misses with a double jab.
Noguieranenko moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Zhitnik throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Noguieranenko's waist but Noguieranenko gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Zhitnik off to one side.
Anderlei Noguieranenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Igor Zhitnik.
Noguieranenko fails to land with a series of punches.
Zhitnik just misses with a punch to the body.
Zhitnik shoots in looking for a takedown. Noguieranenko tries to sprawl out of it but Zhitnik keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Noguieranenko manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Noguieranenko lands a front kick.
Anderlei Noguieranenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zhitnik on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Nice takedown defense from Noguieranenko. No joy for Zhitnik on that attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhitnik looks for a takedown but Noguieranenko sprawls well.
Noguieranenko connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Anderlei Noguieranenko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Zhitnik throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Noguieranenko's waist but Noguieranenko gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Zhitnik off to one side.
Noguieranenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Noguieranenko thuds his shin into the meat of Zhitnik's side.
Noguieranenko throws a nice inside leg kick.
Anderlei Noguieranenko is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zhitnik.
Nice sprawl there from Noguieranenko as Zhitnik shoots in.
Igor Zhitnik is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Noguieranenko misses with a body shot.

Zhitnik feints and as Noguieranenko raises his hands in defense, Zhitnik changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Zhitnik throwing strikes from guard but Noguieranenko blocks nicely.
Noguieranenko wants to stand up but Zhitnik is controlling him.

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 Anderlei Noguieranenko.
I think Zhitnik 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:30
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Igor Zhitnik!