PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Elmir Zhemaletdinov (ranked 4216 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chunzhi Zheng (ranked 3202 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Zhemaletdinov
vs
Zheng

168 cm
26
157 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

177 cm
27
159 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Elmir Zhemaletdinov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Chunzhi Zheng!
The judges for this bout are Anthony Taglia, Steve Montenegro and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhemaletdinov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Zheng swivels and escapes.

Zheng tries to sprawl but Zhemaletdinov drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Zhemaletdinov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Zheng sees it coming and defends easily.

Zhemaletdinov seems to be looking for submissions.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Zheng wants to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Zheng defends it well.

Zhemaletdinov wants to work for an arm triangle but Zheng is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Zheng doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Zhemaletdinov.

Zhemaletdinov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Zheng sees it coming and defends easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Zhemaletdinov wants to work for an arm triangle but Zheng is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Zhemaletdinov is working for a kimura but Zheng is defending it quite comfortably.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura but Zheng is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Zhemaletdinov to get the leverage.
Zheng wants to control but Zhemaletdinov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Zheng really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Zhemaletdinov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Zhemaletdinov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Zheng has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Zheng wants to improve his position but Zhemaletdinov is controlling well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zhemaletdinov works his way into full mount!

Zhemaletdinov moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Zheng has worked his arm free - good work by Zheng!
Zhemaletdinov working away.

Zhemaletdinov working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zheng is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Zhemaletdinov's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

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

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

Zhemaletdinov 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.
Zheng trying to control but Zhemaletdinov postures up.

Zhemaletdinov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Zheng has managed to free his arm - good work.
Zheng is trying to maintain the position but Zhemaletdinov is very close to passing his half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Zhemaletdinov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Elmir Zhemaletdinov dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zheng looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Zhemaletdinov is fending him off so far but Zheng persists. Nope, Zhemaletdinov circles away and we're back to standing.

Zhemaletdinov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Zheng napping and manages to drive through into side control!

Zheng throws Zhemaletdinov to one side and escapes!
Zheng scoring well with a low kick there.
Elmir Zhemaletdinov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zheng tries to clinch but Zhemaletdinov is having none of it.
Zhemaletdinov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Zheng.
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!
Zheng darts in looking for a takedown but Zhemaletdinov gets double underhooks and turns Zheng into the cage.
Zhemaletdinov fails to land the takedown.
Zhemaletdinov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Zheng. Zheng obviously looking to wear him down.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Zhemaletdinov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Elmir Zhemaletdinov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Zhemaletdinov gets the takedown into side control.

Zheng throws Zhemaletdinov to one side and escapes!
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Zheng as Zhemaletdinov shoots in.
Zheng tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Zhemaletdinov swivels and escapes.

Zheng closes the distance and clinches.
Zhemaletdinov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Zheng is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Zhemaletdinov to keep the fight standing.

Zheng pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zheng leaves Zhemaletdinov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Zheng throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Zhemaletdinov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

Zheng clinches.
Zhemaletdinov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Zheng avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Zheng tries to pull guard but Zhemaletdinov holds him up against the cage and eventually Zheng drops back down to his feet.

Zheng escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zheng doesn't manage to clinch there - Zhemaletdinov circles away.
Zheng misses with a jab, cross combination.
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!
Zheng is looking to clinch.
Zhemaletdinov shoots in but no luck this time.
Zheng fails to land the takedown.
Zhemaletdinov shoots in and drives through. Zheng sprawls well.

Zheng rushes Zhemaletdinov and presses him up against the cage.
Zheng tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zheng is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Zhemaletdinov to keep the fight standing.
Zheng will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Zhemaletdinov up against the cage.

Zheng manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zheng throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Zheng shoots for a takedown but Zhemaletdinov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Zhemaletdinov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Zhemaletdinov lands in his opponent's guard.

Zhemaletdinov is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Zheng looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zhemaletdinov is one step ahead there.
Zheng keeps trying to improve his position.

Zhemaletdinov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Zhemaletdinov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Zheng throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhemaletdinov slips nicely into half guard.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Elmir Zhemaletdinov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Zhemaletdinov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Zhemaletdinov is looking for a kimura here.

Zhemaletdinov seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chunzhi Zheng showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Zhemaletdinov dives in and scores a takedown into Zheng's guard.

Zhemaletdinov drops back looking for a leg! Zheng is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Zheng manages to kick Zhemaletdinov off! Zhemaletdinov jumps back into Zheng's guard.

Zhemaletdinov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Zhemaletdinov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Zhemaletdinov looking to pass the guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Zhemaletdinov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhemaletdinov won't allow Zheng to sweep him here.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Zhemaletdinov is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Zheng not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Zhemaletdinov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Zhemaletdinov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Zheng controls Zhemaletdinov momentarily but Zhemaletdinov frees himself.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Zheng is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two 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.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Zhemaletdinov thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Zheng looking to control.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Zhemaletdinov fails with the takedown.
Zheng fails with an attempt to clinch.
Zheng throws a head kick that half lands.
Zheng throws a right hand that Zhemaletdinov ducks under and follows up with a left that Zhemaletdinov also avoids with ease.
Zhemaletdinov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Zheng throws a counter combo.
Both fighters circling a little - Zheng finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Zhemaletdinov leaves Zheng with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zheng shoots in for a takedown but Zhemaletdinov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
A slapping body kick lands there for Zheng.
Zheng fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Zhemaletdinov avoids it really well and circles away.
Elmir Zhemaletdinov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chunzhi Zheng.

Zhemaletdinov scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Zheng is in trouble now - Zhemaletdinov has advanced to mount!
Zheng can't escape the position.

Zhemaletdinov wants to finish this one by submission but Zheng is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Zhemaletdinov.
Zheng tries to lock up and control but Zhemaletdinov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zhemaletdinov has isolated one of Zheng's arms. Zheng looking to fight him off but Zhemaletdinov twists into an armbar. It's tight... Will he tap?? YES, he's tapped! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:24 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Elmir Zhemaletdinov!