PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleksandr Rybakov (ranked 4856 p4p, 7237 weight class) and Ifeanyi Nzelibe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rybakov
vs
Nzelibe

193 cm
25
260
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
21
250
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid 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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Aleksandr Rybakov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Ifeanyi Nzelibe !
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Bart Greer and Santiago Holmes.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nzelibe throws a head kick that misses.
Rybakov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

Nzelibe shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Rybakov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Rybakov tries to control but end up mounted... ooooh, that's bad.
Nzelibe throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Rybakov tries to hold on but Nzelibe pushes him away.
Rybakov trying desperately to get to his feet.
Rybakov is desperately trying to improve his position but Nzelibe has a good base and remains in mount.
Rybakov tries to lock up and control but Nzelibe gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Rybakov takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Nzelibe controlling his opponent.
Nzelibe avoids the attempt from Rybakov to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nzelibe wants to finish this one by submission but Rybakov is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Nzelibe .
Nzelibe controlling his opponent.
Rybakov is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Nzelibe working his ground and pound in the gym.
Nzelibe unloading with bombs!
Rybakov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Rybakov tries to get out of the position.
Nzelibe looking to finish Rybakov with some ground and pound. This is bad for Rybakov!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rybakov wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Rybakov is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Nzelibe keeps control of the position as Rybakov tries to break free.
Rybakov just looking to survive in the bad position.
Nzelibe controlling the position well here. Rybakov rolled but Nzelibe kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nzelibe throwing damaging strikes from the back! Rybakov could be in trouble here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Nzelibe is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Rybakov knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Rybakov for a finish.
Nzelibe has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

Rybakov won't enjoy being in this position. Nzelibe looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - Rybakov is tapping - it's over boys! Nzelibe picks up the submission victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Ifeanyi Nzelibe !