EPF 20: Machin VS. Mussolini PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Bertrand Russell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brett Johnson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Russell comes to the ring accompanied by Theater Of Salvation . These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Russell
vs
Johnson

196 cm
23
168 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

178 cm
18
169 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Bertrand Russell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Brett Johnson!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A lazy left from Johnson finds it's target.
Johnson drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Johnson throws a jab but it's blocked by Russell.
Russell throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Johnson throws a right and a left that both miss.
Russell throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Russell lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Johnson at a distance.
Russell uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Johnson.
Johnson misses with a jab to the body
and Russell counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Russell moves out of range as Johnson strikes.
Johnson misses with a double jab
and Russell counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Johnson slips under a jab.
Johnson misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Russell counters with a stiff right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russell scores with a shot to the body.
Brett Johnson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Johnson missing with a left hand there. Russell was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Johnson misses with a body punch
and Russell counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Johnson throws a right and a left that Russell avoids nicely.
Russell is looking to wear down Johnson with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Johnson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Russell manages to avoid it.
Russell lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Johnson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Johnson has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Johnson there as he acknowledges the shot.
Johnson swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Russell counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Johnson misses with a straight right.
Johnson ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Russell lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Johnson swings away with a body shot that misses
and Russell counters with a stiff right hand.
Johnson moves out of range as Russell strikes.
Russell is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Russell steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Johnson.
Donk. Russell catches Johnson right on the button with a cross.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Johnson throws a predictable looking body shot
and Johnson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Johnson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johnson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Russell was well out of range. Poor timing from Johnson.
Jab, jab by Russell - just one landing.
Russell is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Johnson throws a combination that misses
and Russell makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Russell is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Johnson misses the shot to the body.
Johnson misses the body punch
and Russell counters with a series of strikes. Johnson will be more careful next time no doubt.
Johnson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russell scores with a hook to the body. Johnson takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Johnson looks gassed!
Russell scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Johnson misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Russell counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Johnson throws a predictable looking body shot
and Russell counters with a three punch combo that has Johnson backing up. Johnson nods at Russell to acknowledge the strikes.
Johnson is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Johnson walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Russell swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Johnson.

Johnson is rocked!
Russell tests Johnson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Johnson is still on wobbly legs! Can Russell finish him?
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Johnson throws a predictable looking body shot
and Russell counters with a huge left! Johnson is in big trouble! He's backing up but Russell isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Johnson from any more damage. A dominating finish by Russell!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bertrand Russell!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
64%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Moreira (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert Bengtsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Robert Bengtsson enters the ring!

Moreira
vs
Bengtsson

160 cm
25
130 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

165 cm
20
145 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ricardo Moreira!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Robert Bengtsson!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Konstantin Menshow and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bengtsson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Moreira swings for the body but Bengtsson moves out of range.

Bengtsson gets caught flat footed, as Moreira shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Bengtsson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Moreira is one step ahead there.
Moreira trying to control but Bengtsson is working from the bottom.
Moreira looking to sit in guard and control but Bengtsson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Moreira doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Moreira working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Bengtsson.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bengtsson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Bengtsson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Moreira works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bengtsson throws a big right hand that misses.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bengtsson misses the shot to the body.
Bengtsson misses with a looping right.
Moreira just misses with a punch to the body.
Bengtsson moves in looking to clinch but Moreira pushes him off.
No joy there for Bengtsson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Moreira keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

It looks like Robert Bengtsson has been cut.
Bengtsson tries to clinch but Moreira is having none of it.
A left and a right from Moreira both land. Nice combination.

Bengtsson is rocked!
Bengtsson moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

It looks like Ricardo Moreira has been cut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Moreira misses with a double jab.
Bengtsson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Moreira counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Moreira looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Moreira shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Bengtsson manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Moreira showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Moreira wants to control from the top but Bengtsson keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moreira throws and elbow that misses. Bengtsson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Moreira's guard. Nice move by Bengtsson!
Bengtsson is in close to Moreira's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Bengtsson thows a big elbow that misses.
Moreira on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Moreira tries to get out of the position.
Bengtsson preventing the sweep.
Bengtsson thows a big elbow that misses.
Bengtsson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Moreira works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Bengtsson stopping the sweep attempt from Moreira.
Bengtsson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Moreira preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bengtsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Bengtsson takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bengtsson throws a right and a left that Moreira avoids nicely.
Bengtsson looks gassed!
Bengtsson throws a series of strikes that have Moreira backpedaling.
Moreira wants to clinch up but Bengtsson keeps it at a distance.

Moreira drops Bengtsson with a left right combo! Moreira follows him down to the ground into side control.
Bengtsson is still in real trouble! Can Moreira finish him?
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Moreira stands up and beckons Bengtsson to his feet.
Moreira jabs at Bengtsson's body.
Bengtsson seems to have recovered his senses.
Moreira wants to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Moreira fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Bengtsson avoids it really well and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Moreira dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A punch lands to the side of Bengtsson 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A jab from Moreira finds it's way through Bengtsson's defenses.
Bengtsson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Moreira.
Bengtsson misses with a jab to the body
and Moreira connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Moreira throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bengtsson.
Moreira closes the distance and clinches up with Bengtsson, looking for a takedown. Moreira pushes Bengtsson against the ropes but Bengtsson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Moreira fails to land the takedown.
Ricardo Moreira seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Moreira shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Bengtsson is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Moreira is trying to control the action in half guard but Bengtsson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Bengtsson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Moreira.
Moreira seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Bengtsson tries to roll over but Moreira keeps him under control.
Bengtsson wants to control but Moreira is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Moreira trying to control from half guard but Bengtsson is working away.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Bengtsson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Moreira counters with a stiff right hand.
No luck for Moreira with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricardo Moreira. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Moreira moves into range and clinches up with Bengtsson.
Moreira goes for a takedown attempt but Bengtsson pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
A combination from Moreira does no damage.

Bengtsson clinches up with Moreira and pushes him back against the ropes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.

Moreira ties up his opponent against the ropes and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Moreira no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Bengtsson stopping the sweep attempt from Moreira.
Bengtsson landing some decent shots from guard.
Bengtsson thows a big elbow that misses.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Bengtsson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Bengtsson throws and elbow that misses. Moreira uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Bengtsson's guard. Nice move by Moreira!
Bengtsson is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Bengtsson keeping moving, preventing Moreira from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Moreira wanted to stand there but Bengtsson had control of the position.
Bengtsson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Moreira manages to get himself to full guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Bengtsson's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ricardo Moreira dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Moreira misses with a wild body shot.
Bengtsson throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Moreira counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Bengtsson throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Bengtsson swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Moreira counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Moreira throws a combination. Bengtsson tries to block but a couple of punches get through.

That has opened up Robert Bengtsson's cut even more.
Moreira misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bengtsson.
Bengtsson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Moreira counters with a right hand to the body.
Moreira fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Moreira scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Ricardo Moreira is winning the standup battle so far.
Bengtsson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Moreira with a nice cross.
Moreira checks the leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Moreira scores with a nice strike.
Moreira misses with a series of wild punches.
Bengtsson wants to clinch up but Moreira keeps it at a distance.
Moreira looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Bengtsson is fending him off so far but Moreira persists. Nope, Bengtsson circles away and we're back to standing.
Moreira misses with a two punch combination.
Bengtsson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Moreira moves away.
Bengtsson misses with a combination
and Moreira connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Bengtsson throws a predictable looking body shot
and Moreira counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

The cut above Robert Bengtsson's eye is starting to cause him problems now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bengtsson walks into a jab.
Bengtsson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Moreira cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Moreira moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
No luck for Bengtsson with that takedown attempt.
Moreira cracks Bengtsson with a good jab.
Moreira shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Bengtsson defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricardo Moreira. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bengtsson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Bengtsson misses with a wild combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Moreira throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bengtsson.
Moreira looks to clinch

and Bengtsson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Robert Bengtsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bengtsson is looking to work some ground and pound but Moreira has wrist control.
Bengtsson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Moreira looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Moreira not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Bengtsson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Moreira wants to stand but Bengtsson is controlling the position.
Bengtsson with a nice head shot there.
Moreira keeping full guard, as Bengtsson tries to pass.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Moreira lands a jab to the nose.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Moreira stalks Bengtsson and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Bengtsson's face. Bengtsson staggers backwards, shaken.
Moreira fails with a takedown attempt.
Ricardo Moreira is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Moreira scores with a jab. Bengtsson acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Moreira throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Bengtsson's waist but Bengtsson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Moreira off to one side.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Moreira fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bengtsson manages to avoid it.
Moreira checks a low kick from Bengtsson.
Moreira is looking to clinch but Bengtsson is avoiding it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ricardo Moreira showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Moreira, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ricardo Moreira!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
85%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Taras Stanislav (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Povetkin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Stanislav
vs
Povetkin

193 cm
24
270 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

188 cm
23
270 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Very confident

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 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Taras Stanislav!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Povetkin!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Ivan Kurochkin and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Povetkin throws a hook but Stanislav avoids it easily.
Stanislav throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Stanislav misses with a two punch combination.
Povetkin is looking to clinch but Stanislav is avoiding it.
Povetkin swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Stanislav cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Stanislav circles away from the clinch attempt.
Povetkin throws a left and a right that both miss
enabling Stanislav to counter with a crisp jab.
Povetkin is looking to clinch.
Povetkin shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Stanislav defends it nicely.
Povetkin takes one to the chin there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A lazy left from Stanislav finds it's target.
Stanislav throws a series of punches but Povetkin moves out of range.
Stanislav drops Povetkin with a straight left! Oh this is bad for Povetkin! Stanislav dives in and starts dropping bombs - the referee has no choice but to step in and save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:23 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (strikes). Taras Stanislav!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nik Volkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Roy Gordy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Volkov
vs
Gordy

176 cm
21
142 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

170 cm
23
140 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nik Volkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Roy Gordy!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Viktor Lagutenko and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gordy defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Volkov.

Volkov drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Gordy is trying to get back to his feet.
Volkov happy to just control the position for now.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Volkov landing a few strikes.
Volkov staying calm.
Volkov working the ground and pound from side control.
Volkov prevents Gordy from escaping the position.
Volkov cracks Gordy with a big right hand but Gordy just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gordy is trying to get back to his feet.
Gordy dodges the ground and pound from Volkov.
Volkov is looking to take a break and control but Gordy is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Gordy wants to get back to his feet.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Volkov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gordy avoids it really well and circles away.

Volkov scores with a takedown into Gordy's guard.
Volkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Gordy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Volkov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Gordy works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Volkov connects with a couple of short punches.
Volkov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Gordy's head.
Volkov 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.

Gordy is trying to stand and escape. In the scramble, Volkov has locked hold of an arm and he's managed to lock on an armbar - Gordy taps out instantly and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Nik Volkov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ibi Dikki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yurian Harmsong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dikki's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, . Ibi Dikki is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Dikki
vs
Harmsong

185 cm
26
201 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

186 cm
23
190 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
KO power

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ibi Dikki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Yurian Harmsong!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Dmitry Maklakov and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Harmsong misses with a leg kick.
Harmsong is looking to clinch but Dikki is avoiding it.
Harmsong scores with a nice strike.
Harmsong looks for the body kick but Dikki saw that one coming.
A punch combination from Harmsong misses.
Harmsong throws a leg kick but Dikki moved away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Harmsong wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Harmsong misses with a series of wild punches.
Harmsong tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Harmsong dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Harmsong will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Dikki instigates a clinch.
Dikki is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Harmsong wants to break free but Dikki has control.

Harmsong works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Harmsong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Dikki swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Dikki throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Harmsong really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Dikki. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Harmsong showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Let's hope that Harmsong has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Dikki looking to hit a scissor sweep but Harmsong is one step ahead there.

Dikki is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Harmsong is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harmsong tries to free his leg and advance position but Dikki is retaining full guard.
Dikki controls Harmsong momentarily but Harmsong frees himself.
Dikki can't keep his opponent in guard - Harmsong advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Harmsong is looking to take a break and control but Dikki is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Yurian Harmsong.
Harmsong throws a low kick but it's checked well by Dikki.
Jab by Harmsong.

Harmsong darts in and clinches Dikki up against the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Harmsong manages to pull guard.
Dikki tries to free his leg and advance position but Harmsong is retaining full guard.
Dikki trying to control the position from guard on top but Harmsong is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Dikki forces his way into half guard.
Harmsong is trying to get back to full guard.
Harmsong wants to get back to his feet.
Harmsong avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Dikki.
Harmsong wants to get back to full guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Harmsong tries for a takedown but Dikki sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Yurian Harmsong dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Harmsong cracks Dikki with an open hand slap.

Harmsong shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Harmsong was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Dikki tries to reverse the position but Harmsong maintains control.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Dikki throwing hammer fists to the chest of Harmsong. What's that going to do exactly?
Dikki tries to hold on but Harmsong pushes him away.
Harmsong trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Dikki really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Harmsong controlling the position easily from mount.
Harmsong trying to control but Dikki is having none of it.
Harmsong controlling from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Harmsong trying to control but Dikki is having none of it.
Dikki swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Dikki tries to hold on but Harmsong postures up.
Harmsong controlling from mount.
Dikki is working to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Harmsong looking to control but Dikki is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Dikki tries to lock up and control but Harmsong gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Harmsong trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Dikki is working to get back to half guard.
Dikki is squirming around, avoiding Harmsong's attempts to control the action.

Despite being in the dominant position, Yurian Harmsong just isn't active enough and the referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Harmsong lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Harmsong.
Harmsong throws a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Harmsong misses with a few strikes there.
Harmsong closes the distance but Dikki moves to the side

and Dikki decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Harmsong's guard.
Dikki is looking to work some ground and pound but Harmsong has wrist control.
Dikki looking to pass the guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Harmsong wants to sweep here but Dikki controlling him for the moment.
Harmsong is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Harmsong working a defensive guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Dikki's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Harmsong looking to hit a scissor sweep but Dikki is one step ahead there.
Harmsong working a defensive guard here.
Harmsong tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Dikki trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Dikki has gone for a leg lock! Harmsong slips out almost immediately though and dives into Dikki's guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Dikki keeping moving, preventing Harmsong from controlling successfully.
Harmsong postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Yurian Harmsong will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Harmsong scores with a one two! Dikki had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Harmsong throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Dikki avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Harmsong swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Harmsong uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Dikki.
Yurian Harmsong seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Harmsong looks to clinch

and Dikki counters with a takedown into side control.
Harmsong is looking to regain half guard here but Dikki keeps moving and retains side control.
Ibi Dikki overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dikki works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Dikki looks up at the clock and then as Harmsong takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Dikki smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Harmsong is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Harmsong manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Harmsong keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Harmsong darts in trying to clinch
and Dikki counters with a body kick.
Harmsong wants to clinch but Dikki slips to the side
and Dikki counters with a nice low kick that buckles Harmsong's knee momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dikki misses with a takedown
and Harmsong counters with a nice uppercut.
Harmsong misses with a body shot.
Harmsong misses with a wild combination.
Yurian Harmsong is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Harmsong tries to clinch
and Dikki counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Harmsong attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Harmsong darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Harmsong wants to take a breather but Dikki is having none of it.

Dikki with the active half guard here but Harmsong passes nicely into side control.
You can see the frustration on Dikki's face as Harmsong controls the position.
Dikki wants to control but Harmsong postures up.
Harmsong tries to move to mount but Dikki blocks the move with his legs.
Dikki sneaks back into half guard.

Dikki looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Harmsong looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Dikki is not content to let Harmsong control the position.
Harmsong works his way into side control.
Dikki is not content to let Harmsong control the position.
Ibi Dikki has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dikki can't do much from the bottom here.

Harmsong decides to stand back up.
Yurian Harmsong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Harmsong fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Dikki checks it well.

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 Ibi Dikki.
I think Harmsong 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 28:29
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Yurian Harmsong!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Tijani Babangida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Piotr Pejkaiya (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Babangida kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is ini - the life i live. The key to victory for Tijani Babangida has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Babangida
vs
Pejkaiya

190 cm
24
176 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

190 cm
19
178 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tijani Babangida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Piotr Pejkaiya!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pejkaiya misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Babangida leaves Pejkaiya with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Pejkaiya.
Pejkaiya wants to clinch.
Babangida fails to land with a series of punches.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pejkaiya shoots for a double leg takedown but Babangida sprawls well. He's pushed Pejkaiya's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tijani Babangida has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Piotr Pejkaiya.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pejkaiya rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Babangida moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Tijani Babangida is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Babangida throws a left and a right that both miss

and Pejkaiya counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Babangida!
Pejkaiya unloading with bombs!

It looks like Tijani Babangida has been cut.
Babangida holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Pejkaiya tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
You get the feeling that Babangida really doesn't like being in this position too much.

Pejkaiya goes for an armbar but Babangida turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Babangida.
Babangida wants to stand but Pejkaiya is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Pejkaiya isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Babangida stacks Pejkaiya on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Babangida!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Pejkaiya struggling a bit here.
Babangida tries to stand but Pejkaiya is controlling his head.
Pejkaiya is not content to let Babangida control the position.
Pejkaiya is trying to work for a sweep but Babangida has mounted him!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Babangida trying to control but Pejkaiya is having none of it.
Pejkaiya is looking to improve his position but Babangida isn't that keen on the idea.
Babangida is trying to control here but Pejkaiya has managed to regain half guard.
Babangida prevents Pejkaiya from improving his position.
Babangida knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Pejkaiya on the ground.
Babangida is looking to take a break and control but Pejkaiya is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Babangida wants to pass the guard but Pejkaiya is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Pejkaiya is trying to get back to full guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Pejkaiya wants to clinch.
Babangida swats away the attempt to clinch by Pejkaiya.
Babangida throws a right and a left that Pejkaiya avoids nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Piotr Pejkaiya dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tijani Babangida's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Pejkaiya wants to clinch.
Babangida misses with a straight right.
Piotr Pejkaiya seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Babangida circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pejkaiya shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Babangida but Babangida pushes him off and we're back to square one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pejkaiya moves out of range of the body kick from Babangida.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babangida will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Babangida tries a head kick but it misses.
Pejkaiya tries to score a power double leg takedown but Babangida sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Pejkaiya somewhat.
Pejkaiya shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Babangida as he jumps to the side.
Tijani Babangida has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Piotr Pejkaiya.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Babangida throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Pejkaiya moves in looking to clinch but Babangida pushes him off.
Babangida throws a nice outside leg kick.
Pejkaiya missing with a left hand there. Babangida was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Pejkaiya tries to clinch there but Babangida circles away.
Pejkaiya wants to clinch up but Babangida keeps it at a distance.
Babangida lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Pejkaiya circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pejkaiya throws out a leg kick but Babangida moves out of range and Pejkaiya only half commits.
Pejkaiya throws a lazy body kick
and Babangida counters with a series of strikes. Pejkaiya will be more careful next time no doubt.
Babangida displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Pejkaiya throws out the jab.
Babangida tries to bum rush Pejkaiya with a series of wild strikes but Pejkaiya uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Babangida throws a right hand that Pejkaiya ducks under and follows up with a left that Pejkaiya also avoids with ease.
Babangida keeps the fight on the outside.
Babangida swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Pejkaiya counters with a two punch combo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Pejkaiya tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Babangida paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Babangida fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Pejkaiya fails with a takedown attempt.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Babangida.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Babangida stalks Pejkaiya and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Pejkaiya's face. Pejkaiya staggers backwards, shaken.
Pejkaiya showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Babangida.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tijani Babangida dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Tijani Babangida's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Pejkaiya does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
No joy there for Babangida, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Pejkaiya shoots in looking for a takedown. Babangida tries to sprawl out of it but Pejkaiya keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Babangida manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Babangida rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Pejkaiya moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Babangida misses with the combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Babangida falls off balance throwing a combination

and Pejkaiya counters with a nice double leg into side control. Babangida won't be happy with that.
Babangida managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Pejkaiya.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Pejkaiya controls the position from side control.
Babangida dodges the ground and pound from Pejkaiya.
Pejkaiya trying to control the action but Babangida is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Pejkaiya in side control, throwing shots but Babangida defends.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pejkaiya is looking to take a break and control but Babangida is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Pejkaiya is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Babangida is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Pejkaiya trying to control the action but Babangida is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Babangida blocks a low kick nicely.
Pejkaiya drops his hands momentarily and Babangida takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Pejkaiya closes the distance but Babangida moves to the side
and Babangida counters with a nice leg kick.
Babangida tries to bum rush Pejkaiya with a series of wild strikes but Pejkaiya uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Pejkaiya tries to clinch there but Babangida circles away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Babangida fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Pejkaiya bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Babangida's head.
Tijani Babangida is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Pejkaiya drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Pejkaiya slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Pejkaiya advances to mount.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Pejkaiya misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.

And that's the end of the fight!
Piotr Pejkaiya comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Pejkaiya 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Piotr Pejkaiya!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
18%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kanrosch Timoshenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexeyevich Romanov comes into the arena with Paint it black blaring out of the sound system. Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Alexeyevich Romanov
vs
Timoshenko

186 cm
26
203 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

187 cm
19
202 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kanrosch Timoshenko!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Illya Tyunina and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Alexeyevich Romanov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Timoshenko tries to avoid it but Alexeyevich Romanov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Timoshenko to the ground. Timoshenko escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Timoshenko waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Alexeyevich Romanov.
Timoshenko displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Alexeyevich Romanov.
Alexeyevich Romanov closes the distance and clinches up with Timoshenko, looking for a takedown. Alexeyevich Romanov pushes Timoshenko against the ropes but Timoshenko circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Timoshenko throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Alexeyevich Romanov on the side of the head.
Alexeyevich Romanov shoots for a double leg takedown but Timoshenko sprawls well. He's pushed Alexeyevich Romanov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Timoshenko stuns Alexeyevich Romanov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Alexeyevich Romanov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Timoshenko's half guard.
Alexeyevich Romanov prevents Timoshenko from improving his position.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

Timoshenko looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots but Timoshenko is blocking nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alexeyevich Romanov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Timoshenko wants to improve his position but Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling well.
Alexeyevich Romanov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Timoshenko defending well though.
Alexeyevich Romanov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Alexeyevich Romanov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Timoshenko is doing well to control the position and prevent Alexeyevich Romanov from advancing to side control.
Alexeyevich Romanov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Timoshenko's head.
Alexeyevich Romanov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Alexeyevich Romanov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Timoshenko blocking the ground and pound attempt from Alexeyevich Romanov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Timoshenko wants to get back to his feet.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Alexeyevich Romanov loads up on a big right hand but Timoshenko slips the punch.
Alexeyevich Romanov shoots in but no luck this time.
Alexeyevich Romanov is breathing heavily.
Alexeyevich Romanov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Timoshenko's waist but Timoshenko gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Alexeyevich Romanov off to one side.
Timoshenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Alexeyevich Romanov was well out of range. Poor timing from Timoshenko.

Alexeyevich Romanov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Timoshenko sprawls well initially but Alexeyevich Romanov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Timoshenko won't allow Alexeyevich Romanov to pass to mount.
Alexeyevich Romanov 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.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Timoshenko trying to hold on to Alexeyevich Romanov's head to control him but Alexeyevich Romanov postures up.
Timoshenko manages to get to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Timoshenko manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Alexeyevich Romanov manages to get himself to full guard.
Timoshenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Alexeyevich Romanov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Timoshenko wants to stand but Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Timoshenko must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Alexeyevich Romanov seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Timoshenko won't allow Alexeyevich Romanov to sweep him here.
Timoshenko is looking to stand up but Alexeyevich Romanov won't let him.
Timoshenko wants to control from the top but Alexeyevich Romanov keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kanrosch Timoshenko will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Alexeyevich Romanov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Timoshenko tries to avoid it but Alexeyevich Romanov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Timoshenko to the ground. Timoshenko escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Alexeyevich Romanov shoots in and drives through. Timoshenko sprawls well.
Alexeyevich Romanov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Alexeyevich Romanov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Timoshenko sprawls well. Timoshenko wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Alexeyevich Romanov gets slowly back to his feet.
Alexeyevich Romanov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Timoshenko.
Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Alexeyevich Romanov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Timoshenko sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Alexeyevich Romanov somewhat.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alexeyevich Romanov fails with a takedown attempt.
Alexeyevich Romanov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Timoshenko moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Alexeyevich Romanov ducks under a wild hook from Timoshenko.
Alexeyevich Romanov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Timoshenko's waist but Timoshenko gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Alexeyevich Romanov off to one side.
Timoshenko scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Timoshenko throws a body punch but Alexeyevich Romanov moves out of range.

Alexeyevich Romanov feints and as Timoshenko raises his hands in defense, Alexeyevich Romanov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Timoshenko working a defensive guard here.
Timoshenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Timoshenko preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Alexeyevich Romanov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Timoshenko is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Alexeyevich Romanov is looking to work some ground and pound but Timoshenko has wrist control.
Timoshenko controls Alexeyevich Romanov momentarily but Alexeyevich Romanov frees himself.
Alexeyevich Romanov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Alexeyevich Romanov wants to control from the top but Timoshenko keeps moving.
Timoshenko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Alexeyevich Romanov.
Alexeyevich Romanov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Timoshenko works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Alexeyevich Romanov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Timoshenko throws a jab when Alexeyevich Romanov was well out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alexeyevich Romanov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Timoshenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Timoshenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Alexeyevich Romanov is just out of range.
Alexeyevich Romanov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Timoshenko swivels and escapes.
Alexeyevich Romanov is pinned up against the ropes taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Alexeyevich Romanov tries to close the distance and clinch but Timoshenko swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Timoshenko misses the shot to the body.
Timoshenko throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Alexeyevich Romanov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Timoshenko avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Alexeyevich Romanov.
Timoshenko blocking the ground and pound attempt from Alexeyevich Romanov.
Timoshenko is trying to stand up here but Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling him well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alexeyevich Romanov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Timoshenko's head.
Timoshenko tries to kick Alexeyevich Romanov off but Alexeyevich Romanov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Alexeyevich Romanov prevents Timoshenko from improving his position.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots but Timoshenko is blocking nicely.
Alexeyevich Romanov winds up and cracks Timoshenko with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Alexeyevich Romanov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Timoshenko defending well though.
Alexeyevich Romanov is trying to control. Timoshenko wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Timoshenko is looking to escape.
Timoshenko keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Timoshenko regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Alexeyevich Romanov.
Alexeyevich Romanov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Timoshenko is keeping the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kanrosch Timoshenko showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Alexeyevich Romanov drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Alexeyevich Romanov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Alexeyevich Romanov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Timoshenko wants to stand up but Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling him.
Alexeyevich Romanov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Timoshenko wants to get back to his feet but Alexeyevich Romanov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Alexeyevich Romanov lands a couple of digs.
Alexeyevich Romanov throws and elbow that misses. Timoshenko uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Alexeyevich Romanov's guard. Nice move by Timoshenko!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Timoshenko stands and throws Alexeyevich Romanov's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Timoshenko wants to stand but Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling his arm.

Timoshenko has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Alexeyevich Romanov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

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.

Alexeyevich Romanov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Timoshenko's half guard.
Timoshenko trying to control but Alexeyevich Romanov postures up.
Nice strikes from Alexeyevich Romanov there.
Alexeyevich Romanov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Alexeyevich Romanov lands a nice short elbow.
Alexeyevich Romanov is nestled in close to Timoshenko, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Alexeyevich Romanov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Timoshenko defending well though.
Alexeyevich Romanov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Alexeyevich Romanov thows a huge punch but Timoshenko dodges it nicely.
Alexeyevich Romanov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Timoshenko is trying to stand back up but Alexeyevich Romanov is controlling him
Timoshenko avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Alexeyevich Romanov.
Timoshenko trying to control from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Timoshenko stuffs the takedown.
Timoshenko misses with a body shot.

Alexeyevich Romanov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Alexeyevich Romanov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alexeyevich Romanov misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Alexeyevich Romanov thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Alexeyevich Romanov looking to finish with strikes here!

Alexeyevich Romanov goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Timoshenko turns into him and now he's in Alexeyevich Romanov's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Timoshenko wanted to stand there but Alexeyevich Romanov had control of the position.
Alexeyevich Romanov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pyotr Alexeyevich Romanov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Timoshenko 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 28:29
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 28:29
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kanrosch Timoshenko!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
32%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Lee Machin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Benito Mussolini (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Benito Mussolini acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the ring.

Machin
vs
Mussolini

180 cm
20
175 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

183 cm
20
175 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lee Machin!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Benito Mussolini!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Viktor Lagutenko and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mussolini takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Machin tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mussolini sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Machin somewhat.
Mussolini with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Machin tries to clinch up but Mussolini circles away and keeps his distance.
Mussolini throws a leg kick but Machin moved away.
Machin misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Mussolini loads up on a big right hand but Machin slips the punch.

Machin looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Mussolini!
Mussolini really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Mussolini has given up his back, trying to stand up. Not clever.

Machin is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Mussolini is defending well though. Machin let's go of the attempt for now.

Machin working for a choke but Mussolini is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Machin has both hooks in and is working for a choke. Mussolini is in real trouble here. Machin gets an arm under the chin and tightens the submission attempt... is this the end? Yes, Mussolini is tapping out! Machin wins by rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Lee Machin!
Lee Machin retains his welterweight title!