Ilja Paramonov (Илья Парамонов) commented from the studio in Moscow for the Russian "Boec” (Боец) television. Here are his impressions published on Russian armpower.net.

Last weekend he called me from a television channel “Boec” with a proposal of commenting Vendetta fights in Las Vegas. I was happy to agree. First of all it was a great chance to do something to make our beloved sport more popular. Secondly nice, open people, real hotheads of their job and sports lovers work in "Boec”. A broadcast started at 11.00 p.m. of the Moscow time. When I was getting to Ostankino, I felt that it would be a great fest for Armwrestling fans. Participation of such players as Pushkar, Zoloev, Tokarev and their start against the leading North-American players, who were trained by the legendary John Brzenk. In spite of that all of the prognosis of our specialists were limited to an opinion that Pushkar would win all his fights. In case of Zoloev, prognosis, they were quite similar although less enthusiastic. Only Tokarev’s result was backed more reservedly, probably due to his so successful performances in some last international professional fights.

Preparations for the broadcast went quickly and after a short time I was sitting together with a professional commentator Roman Mazurowy (Романом Мазуровым) in front of the screen. On the screen we could see the last preparations for the event.

Focused Pushkar, smiled Larratt, professor Brzenk and Igor Mazurenko appeared in “breakthroughs”. It’s time to start. So let’s start!

Devon and Andrey approach the table. According to many people Devon is the world number one on the right arm. But this fight would be on the left arm, so it’s not going to be a walk for him. Experts bet on either a win of the Ukrainian or the tie in the best case for Devon, and the last round would be decisive. The first grim, start and Pushkar’s huge side hit. Devon started to oppose a mass of 130 kilograms. So you see, it was just as it had been predicted, was it?

Not at all! The smile on Devon’s face showed that he still keeps another ace up his sleeve. The second round and disruption. I feel like these both players want to fight in straps. It was visible that Larratt’s stretching is stronger and he was tearing Andrey’s fingers from the bottom. "Ready. Go!” Andrey attacks in a flash again, but Devon intercepts his attacks literally in the middle of the table. Andrey tries a few more Times to force Devon’s defense but his Finders are open. Andrey opens his wrist himself. Larratt is already in the winning position. The smile and pride that one of the strongest players in the world can’t do him anything. Next rounds and a similar script.

Andrey tried to fight in a hook only once – the effect was the same. Devon, who got the Champion’s belt won irrevocably and proved to be the “Number One”.

The second fight Tokarev vs Michael Todd. They’ve known each other since the World Championships in Italy, when Sergei won on the left arm and Michael on the right one. But since the tournament Michael gained mass and strength. What can the Ukrainian player oppose him? I know Sergei and as a technical player focusing of the fight.

Therein are hope and a chance to read the opponent’s way of fighting. Michael “Number Two” of the North-American rating. Sergei “Number Eight” in Enzin Terezi’s rating. A referee starts up the fight and the disruption.

It was for sure Michael’s intention to tear and Tokarev didn’t want to let it happen. The referee ties them up.

Sergei break his wrist. According to amateur rules he almost wins. But here they fight in accordance with the PAL rules. He is almost all under the table, both his shoulders are below the table top. But due to the rules of the PAL it is not a dangerous position. Sergei tries to fight but Michael replies with a strong attack in triceps at once. The American wins. While all the next fights I had a feeling that Tokarev would somehow finds out a way to beat his opponent. But Todd turned to be better, six to zero.

The fight number three. Hutchings against Zoloev. Zoloev, who has already showed up in the Armwrestling world. One won fight with Jerry during the NEMIROFF WORLD CUP speaks for itself. Hutchings trains with

John Brzenk, he is 45 years old, the best American hook vs the best European hook. Start! Zoloev attacks in a hook. Hutchings comes against him, but Todd’s hook is not as deep, seconds past as the wrist is tightened, the fights is prolonging. Is that he best what we saw?

Todd unrelentingly captures centimeter by centimeter of the opponent’s area. I’ve never seen such a fight yet, even with the participation of Rustam Babayev.

Zoloev felt better in a hook, he believed in it. However finally Hutchings wins. For the next three rounds Zoloev was defending himself, what a pity that he got injured in the fourth fight. The result 6 to 0 does not reflect the course of the fight at all. I think that Zoloev could have win one or two fights if not the injury.

The fourth fight was waged by the “European old man” for the reputation. Andrey, not yet regenerated after the previous fight walks out to meet Bresnan, who looks as he came here on his loyal Harley, after many fights in the wayside Texas bars.

He wins the first round. Will we see a crashing defeat?

Andrey turned on his Fast start and repaired the European reputation with the result of 5:1.

A marvelous, successful evening, there was everything sensation, fight and passion. The hosts turned to be extremely strong. And our team – not ready for such a script.

I have an impression that there are more questions than answers.

One reason for our defeat was an unfortunate date of the players departure. They seemed to be not ready to fight yet, that they did not became domesticate. Maybe it would be better to fight on the day of the departure, or come much earlier. The organizers need to consider that. The second thing is the Americans’ experience in the ARMFIGHT system fights. Ours were not endure enough to fight for 6 rounds. There were also serious deficiencies in their tactic.

The Moscow A1 tournament is coming. I think, we can find there all the answers to our questions.

Will our players manage to prove the famed American team that Russia and Ukraine still have the lead in our sport?

Ilja Paramonov

Translation from Russian: PeSzy