PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gen Tenryu (ranked 1812 p4p, 1717 weight class) and Boyko Kersikov (ranked 269 p4p, 257 weight class). Kersikov has chosen Sefa - God's Plan as his entrance music. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Tenryu
vs
Kersikov

182 cm
26
189
11 - 9 - 0

184 cm
26
189
5 - 2 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Brooklyn Apothecary
Brooklyn Threads

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Pearson Specter Litt

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 11 - 9 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gen Tenryu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 1, fighting out of New York, Boyko Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Daniel Bishop and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Tenryu moves into the clinch successfully.
Tenryu working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Tenryu doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Tenryu tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.
I was talking to Tenryu's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
A shot in the inside from Tenryu.
A hook to the body from Tenryu.
Kersikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kersikov's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Tenryu struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Tenryu lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Tenryu.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Tenryu.
Kersikov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kersikov controlling the action here for a moment.
Kersikov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kersikov tries to stall but Tenryu uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kersikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tenryu controls his hands.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Tenryu fails to land.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Nice body punch from Kersikov.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kersikov scores with a shot to the side of Tenryu's head.
A short right from Kersikov.
Tenryu blocks a body shot from Kersikov.
Tenryu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tenryu tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.
Kersikov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Tenryu working aggressively here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tenryu tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.
Kersikov taking a breather.
The referee is keeping an eye on Kersikov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Tenryu tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tenryu is leaning against Kersikov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Tenryu lands with a short shot to the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tenryu lands an uppercut.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kersikov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
A body shot lands from Kersikov.
Kersikov lands with a right to the head.
Tenryu tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tenryu throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Kersikov lands with a light punch inside.
Kersikov misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kersikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tenryu lands with a short head shot on the inside.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Tenryu doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tenryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tenryu throws a head punch that misses.
Tenryu struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Tenryu tries to work over Kersikov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov digs a right hand into Tenryu's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tenryu's gas tank.
Tenryu struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Tenryu.
Kersikov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Tenryu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov is pushing Tenryu up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov is working Tenryu over against the cage.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tenryu.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tenryu misses with some punches.
Tenryu struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Kersikov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kersikov blocking some punches.
Tenryu lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Tenryu misses with some punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Tenryu.
A head punch on the inside from Tenryu fails to land.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kersikov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tenryu.
Kersikov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tenryu goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Boyko Kersikov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Tenryu on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kersikov. Kersikov obviously looking to wear him down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tenryu. Kersikov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tenryu misses with a jab to the body
and Tenryu takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Tenryu throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kersikov! But no joy.
Tenryu tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kersikov was well out of range. Poor timing from Tenryu.
Tenryu throws a jab when Kersikov was well out of range.
Tenryu moves out of range of the strikes.
Tenryu throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kersikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kersikov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Tenryu throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Kersikov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Tenryu throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
It seemed like Kersikov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tenryu. Kersikov does a little dance to reset his feet.

Tenryu closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Tenryu misses with the head strike.
Tenryu lands a body shot.
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!
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Tenryu.
Boyko Kersikov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A right hand to the body from Tenryu.
Tenryu can't find room to land a body shot as Kersikov controls the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tenryu misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tenryu misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tenryu misses with some punches.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tenryu's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Tenryu blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tenryu tries to work over Kersikov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A body shot lands from Kersikov.
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Tenryu.
Tenryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tenryu stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kersikov stalling in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov blocking some punches.
A short right from Kersikov.
Tenryu misses with a punch on the inside.
Tenryu lands a nice shot to the body.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kersikov wants to stall.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Still in the clinch, Kersikov scores with a nice short uppercut.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Tenryu.
Tenryu tries to work over Kersikov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kersikov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
Tenryu misses with a punch to the body.
Tenryu lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Tenryu working aggressively here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Tenryu.
Tenryu tries to throw a body punch but Kersikov avoids it by throwing Tenryu back against the cage.
Kersikov is struggling to control the position.
Tenryu misses with a punch on the inside.
Kersikov lands with a left to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Tenryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Tenryu as Kersikov tries to tie him up.
Tenryu throws a head punch that misses.
Tenryu lands a right hand.
Kersikov content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Kersikov lands a body punch in the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Tenryu tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov blocking some punches.
Kersikov scores with a hook to the body.
A hook to the body from Tenryu.
Kersikov blocks an uppercut.
Tenryu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tenryu blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tenryu.
Kersikov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A head punch on the inside from Tenryu fails to land.
Kersikov taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Tenryu digs a right hand into Kersikov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kersikov's gas tank.
Kersikov tries a body shot but Tenryu blocks it.
A hook to the body from Tenryu.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Gen Tenryu will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Tenryu has managed to clinch.
Tenryu misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kersikov lands a left hand.
Kersikov lands a shoulder strike.
Tenryu lands with a light punch inside.
Tenryu scores with a shot to the side of Kersikov's head.
Tenryu takes a shot to the head.
Kersikov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tenryu throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Tenryu backwards.
Kersikov is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tenryu misses with a body punch.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Tenryu is keeping busy.
Tenryu tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tenryu lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tenryu.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kersikov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Tenryu prevents a body shot from Kersikov.
Tenryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tenryu.
Tenryu throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Tenryu throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kersikovs head.
A nice left hand lands by Kersikov.
Tenryu tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Tenryu as Kersikov tries to tie him up.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Kersikov trying to control the position but instead, Tenryu has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kersikov into the cage.
Tenryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tenryu misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kersikov tries to work over Tenryu's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kersikov takes a shot to the head.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Tenryu is keeping busy.
Tenryu lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Tenryu misses with some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov blocking some punches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tenryu.
Tenryu stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Tenryu pushes Kersikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Tenryu as Kersikov tries to tie him up.
Kersikov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tenryu prevents a body shot from Kersikov.
A head punch on the inside from Tenryu fails to land.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Tenryu fails to land.
Tenryu letting Kersikov take a breather here.
Tenryu throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kersikovs head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Tenryu throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Tenryu lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tenryu tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tenryu gets through Kersikov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Tenryu blocks a punch to the side of the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tenryu.
Kersikov works on Tenryu's body with a couple of short punches.
A nice left hand lands by Kersikov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tenryu lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kersikov.
Kersikov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Tenryu misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A shot in the inside from Tenryu.
Tenryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tenryu creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Tenryu lands a shot to the body.
Kersikov blocks a body shot from Tenryu.
Kersikov lands a left hand.
Tenryu scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A shot in the inside from Tenryu.
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Tenryu.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gen Tenryu showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Tenryu has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 29:28
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 29:28
Judge William Gold scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gen Tenryu!
Gen Tenryu gave a mention to Brooklyn Apothecary in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).