PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Meriu Crinichi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sergey Brunner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Meriu Crinichi has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Crinichi
vs
Brunner

200 cm
22
145 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

174 cm
19
145 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Meriu Crinichi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergey Brunner!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Aleksandr Martynov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Brunner closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Crinichi to the mat! Crinichi manages to get full guard.
Brunner trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Crinichi is on top in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Brunner not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Crinichi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Brunner is keeping the position for now.

Crinichi 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.
Brunner is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Brunner trying to keep a closed guard but Crinichi is proving a slippery customer.
Crinichi wants to pass the guard but Brunner is keeping the position.
Crinichi won't allow Brunner to sweep him here.
Crinichi tries to free his leg and advance position but Brunner is retaining full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Brunner throws a leg kick but Crinichi sees it coming and checks it nicely.

Brunner scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Crinichi is trying to get back to full guard.

Crinichi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Brunner trying to control from half guard but Crinichi is working away.
Brunner takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Brunner wants to control but Crinichi is keeping him busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Crinichi looking for submissions off his back.
Crinichi is breathing heavily.
Still in half guard, Brunner seems content to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Crinichi wants to get back to full guard.

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

Excellent takedown into side control there by Brunner.
Brunner wants to lay and pray for a moment but Crinichi keeps working.
Crinichi is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Brunner's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Brunner is taking a breather. Crinichi says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Crinichi tries to roll over but Brunner keeps him under control.
Brunner is figuring out what he wants to do next.

Crinichi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

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

Crinichi with the active half guard here but Brunner passes nicely into side control.
Brunner staying calm.
Crinichi is looking for a sweep.
Brunner lands a nice forearm strike.
Crinichi is looking to regain half guard here but Brunner keeps moving and retains side control.
Brunner really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Crinichi. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Brunner lands an elbow.

That's four 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.

Brunner decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Sergey Brunner seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Brunner misses with an uppercut. Crinichi saw that one coming.
Brunner misses the shot to the body.

Brunner looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Crinichi!
Crinichi is squirming around, avoiding Brunner's attempts to control the action.
Brunner with the ground and pound from mount.
Brunner tries to control but Crinichi wriggling away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergey Brunner dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Crinichi with a poor takedown

and Brunner counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Brunner avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Crinichi looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Brunner avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Brunner slips nicely into half guard.
Crinichi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Brunner.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Crinichi is looking to improve his position.

Crinichi looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Crinichi won't allow Brunner to pass to mount.
Crinichi is staying active underneath Brunner, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Brunner tries to clinch but Crinichi is having none of it.
Brunner throws a right hand that Crinichi ducks under and follows up with a left that Crinichi also avoids with ease.
Crinichi really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Crinichi fails with the takedown

and Brunner counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Brunner is controlling the pace.
Brunner seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Crinichi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Crinichi looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Crinichi is not content to let Brunner control the position.
Brunner missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

Crinichi looking for submissions off his back.
Crinichi tries to get to full guard but Brunner has control of the leg.
Brunner seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Crinichi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Brunner is looking to clinch but Crinichi is avoiding it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brunner looks to score with a jab to the body but Crinichi is just out of range.
An inside leg kick lands from Brunner.
Crinichi gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Brunner counters with a right hand to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Meriu Crinichi. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Brunner.
Brunner in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Crinichi tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Brunner wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Brunner happy to just control the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brunner trying to control the position but Crinichi is working away.
Crinichi tries to bench press Brunner off him but Brunner keeps the position.

Brunner tries for a kimura but Crinichi is defending well.
Crinichi regains half guard.
Brunner trying to control the action but Crinichi is working from the bottom.
Brunner might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Crinichi kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

Crinichi is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Brunner pulls his head out easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergey Brunner showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Brunner throws a series of strikes that have Crinichi backpedaling.

Brunner scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Crinichi is looking to improve his position.
Crinichi keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Brunner controlling the pace.
Crinichi wants to get back to full guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Brunner tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Crinichi looking for submissions off his back.
Brunner not landing any meaningful shots this time.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Brunner lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Brunner.
Brunner tries to clinch up.
Brunner misses with a two punch combination.
Brunner wants to clinch.
Brunner scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Brunner scores with a hook to the body. Crinichi takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Brunner tries to clinch there but Crinichi circles away.
Crinichi swats away the attempt to clinch by Brunner.

Brunner feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Crinichi is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Crinichi is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Crinichi is thwarting Brunner's attempts to control the position.

Crinichi is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Brunner is defending against the submission attempts here by Crinichi.
Crinichi is thwarting Brunner's attempts to control the position.
Brunner is controlling Crinichi's trapped leg to prevent Crinichi from advancing to side control.
Sergey Brunner has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Brunner is trying to get back to full guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Brunner is looking to slow Crinichi down with leg kicks.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Brunner.
Crinichi is looking to reverse the position.
Brunner wants to lay and pray for a moment but Crinichi keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Brunner bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Brunner is looking to take a break and control but Crinichi is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Crinichi is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Brunner prevents Crinichi from improving his position.
Crinichi avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Brunner.
The fighters are battling for position here. Crinichi manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Crinichi is looking for a triangle but Brunner pushes his legs off easily.
Brunner sitting in guard here, content to control.

Brunner decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Crinichi, up you get!
Brunner thumps Crinichi with a low kick.
Brunner tries to clinch but Crinichi is having none of it.
Crinichi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Crinichi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Brunner throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Brunner closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Crinichi to the mat! Crinichi manages to get full guard.
Brunner must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Crinichi had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Brunner is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Crinichi Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Brunner's back instead.
Brunner wants to control his opponent's hands but Crinichi gets his hands free.
Brunner is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Crinichi off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Brunner controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad spot.

Brunner is staying cool under pressure, defending well against the rear naked choke attempt from his opponent.

Crinichi is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brunner tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!

Crinichi moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Brunner has worked his arm free - good work by Brunner!
What's Brunner going to do here then? He's in a bit of a pickle.
Brunner stops Crinichi from passing to mount.
Brunner gets back to half guard.

Brunner is defending against the submission attempts here by Crinichi.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brunner is trying to control but can't.
Brunner keeps control of the position for the meantime.

Crinichi seems to be looking for submissions.
Crinichi tries to pass the half guard into mount. Brunner knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Brunner wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergey Brunner dominated that fourth round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Brunner throws a front kick aimed at Crinichi's knee but Crinichi avoids it well.
Brunner tries to close the distance and clinch but Crinichi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Brunner shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Brunner was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Crinichi bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Crinichi passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Brunner is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Crinichi is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Brunner has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Crinichi is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brunner keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Crinichi will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Crinichi is trying to work for a kimura. He's got his hands clasped together - this could be trouble! No, Brunner has managed to free his arm - good work.

Crinichi seems to be looking for submissions.
Crinichi is looking to advance position but Brunner won't allow it.
Brunner tries to get to full guard but Crinichi has control of the leg.
Crinichi wants to free his trapped foot but Brunner is holding on for dear life with his legs.

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

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Brunner wants to clinch.

Brunner shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Crinichi tries to get to full guard but Brunner has control of the leg.
Brunner lands with a punch from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brunner scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Crinichi is looking to improve his position.
Crinichi makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Crinichi.

Crinichi is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Brunner content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Crinichi keeping moving, preventing Brunner from controlling successfully.

Crinichi looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Sergey Brunner is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

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.

Brunner avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Crinichi keeping moving, preventing Brunner from controlling successfully.

Crinichi working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Brunner doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Brunner manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Meriu Crinichi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Crinichi looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Brunner has picked Crinichi up and slammed him! Crinichi can't keep hold of the triangle and Brunner manages to pass to side control!
Brunner landing a few strikes.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Crinichi is trying to get back to half guard.
Crinichi misses with a strike from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sergey Brunner comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Brunner has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 45:50
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 45:50
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sergey Brunner!
Sergey Brunner is the new featherweight champion!