PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jan Szczevnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Wayne McCullough (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wayne McCullough will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Szczevnikov
vs
McCullough

182 cm
24
144 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

169 cm
25
144 lbs
13 - 6 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of London, Jan Szczevnikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 1, fighting out of London, Wayne McCullough!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Chris Edwards and Donald Grub.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McCullough throws and low kick but Szczevnikov moves out of range easily.
McCullough defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Szczevnikov.
Jan Szczevnikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice takedown defense from McCullough. No joy for Szczevnikov on that attempt.
McCullough throws a front kick aimed at Szczevnikov's knee but Szczevnikov avoids it well.
Szczevnikov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around McCullough's waist but McCullough gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Szczevnikov off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jan Szczevnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McCullough tries to land a front kick but Szczevnikov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
McCullough lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Szczevnikov at a distance.
McCullough digs a good hook to Szczevnikov's body.
Szczevnikov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
McCullough lands a nice leg kick that just misses Szczevnikov's sensitive parts.
McCullough is looking to score with low kicks.
McCullough dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Szczevnikov tries for a takedown but McCullough sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
McCullough fakes the leg kick and cracks Szczevnikov in the body.
McCullough moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
McCullough throws out a leg kick but Szczevnikov moves out of range and McCullough only half commits.
McCullough throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Szczevnikov tries to clinch but McCullough moves out of range.
Szczevnikov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
McCullough shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Szczevnikov checks a leg kick nicely.
Szczevnikov fails with a takedown attempt.
McCullough throws and low kick but Szczevnikov moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No luck for Szczevnikov with that takedown attempt.
Szczevnikov is breathing heavily.
McCullough tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Szczevnikov checks a leg kick.
Szczevnikov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Szczevnikov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Szczevnikov fails with a takedown attempt.
A leg kick checked by Szczevnikov.
Szczevnikov looks for a takedown but McCullough sprawls well.
McCullough looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
McCullough tried to score with a low kick but Szczevnikov checks it.
A swing and a miss from Szczevnikov.
McCullough slaps away a takedown attempt from Szczevnikov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Szczevnikov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

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.
McCullough tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McCullough scores with a hook to the body. Szczevnikov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
McCullough 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.
McCullough lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Szczevnikov backs up against the cage.
McCullough throws a leg kick but Szczevnikov sees it coming and moves out of range.
McCullough displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
A solid body kick from McCullough.
McCullough pivots, looking for a leg kick but Szczevnikov is out of range and McCullough settles back down.
Szczevnikov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
McCullough tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Szczevnikov is able to avoid easily.
McCullough misses with a low kick as Szczevnikov jumps back.
McCullough misses with a low kick.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Szczevnikov. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Szczevnikov checks a leg kick nicely.
Szczevnikov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says McCullough as he avoids it easily.
McCullough throws out a leg kick but Szczevnikov moves out of range and McCullough only half commits.
McCullough walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Szczevnikov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
McCullough tried to score with a low kick but Szczevnikov checks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCullough tries a low kick but Szczevnikov avoids it.
McCullough tries a low kick but Szczevnikov avoids it.
Szczevnikov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts McCullough as he jumps to the side.
McCullough lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
A left and a right from McCullough both land. Nice combination.
McCullough is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Szczevnikov rather than just go for the knockout.
A leg kick checked by Szczevnikov.
Nice takedown defense from McCullough. No joy for Szczevnikov on that attempt.
A left and a right from McCullough both land. Nice combination.
McCullough misses with a low kick as Szczevnikov jumps back.
A bone on bone clash there as Szczevnikov blocks the leg kick.
McCullough walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Szczevnikov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
McCullough scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
McCullough finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
McCullough throws the kick towards the body but Szczevnikov avoids it.
McCullough fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Szczevnikov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
McCullough looks to land a combination. Szczevnikov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Szczevnikov tries for a takedown but McCullough sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
A leg kick checked by Szczevnikov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Szczevnikov checks the leg kick.
Szczevnikov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
A right-left combo lands from McCullough.
Szczevnikov checks the leg kick.
Szczevnikov fails to land the takedown.
A nice leg kick lands there from McCullough.
McCullough shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
McCullough throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
McCullough goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Szczevnikov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around McCullough's waist but McCullough gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Szczevnikov off to one side.
McCullough lands the left hand.
McCullough with a jab.
Some bone on bone action there as Szczevnikov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Szczevnikov blocks a leg kick.
Szczevnikov blocks a leg kick.
Wayne McCullough is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Horrible takedown by Szczevnikov or perhaps it was just good defense by McCullough which made him look bad.
McCullough tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wayne McCullough dominated that round.
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.

No luck for Szczevnikov with that takedown attempt.
McCullough throws a leg kick but Szczevnikov moved away.
McCullough tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McCullough misses with a low kick.

Szczevnikov gets a takedown into half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if McCullough can do anything to dispel that myth.

Szczevnikov seems to be looking for submissions.
McCullough wants to control but Szczevnikov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
McCullough controlling the position for now.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
McCullough is refusing to be controlled, as Szczevnikov sits in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Szczevnikov 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.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Szczevnikov is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
McCullough tries to get back to half guard but can't.
McCullough is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Szczevnikov looking for a guillotine from mount but McCullough is having none of it.

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.
McCullough is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
McCullough tries to reverse the position but Szczevnikov maintains control.

Szczevnikov goes for an armbar but McCullough turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from McCullough.

Szczevnikov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. McCullough is aware though and is defending well.
McCullough is looking to stand up but Szczevnikov won't let him.

Szczevnikov throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! McCullough escapes and throws Szczevnikov's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Szczevnikov tries to bench press McCullough off him but McCullough keeps the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McCullough decides to stand up, so the ref orders Szczevnikov to his feet.

Szczevnikov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

McCullough manages to break the clinch.
McCullough is looking to chop away at Szczevnikov's legs.
Some bone on bone action there as Szczevnikov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
McCullough throws a body kick that misses.
Wayne McCullough seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Szczevnikov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but McCullough avoids it really well and circles away.
McCullough slaps away a takedown attempt from Szczevnikov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jan Szczevnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McCullough lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
McCullough pivots, looking for a leg kick but Szczevnikov is out of range and McCullough settles back down.
McCullough misses with a body kick.
Szczevnikov wants to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from McCullough lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Szczevnikov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Szczevnikov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Szczevnikov looks to land a right hand but McCullough moved out of range.

Szczevnikov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Szczevnikov goes for a takedown in the clinch but McCullough prevents it.
McCullough is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
McCullough is trying to force a seperation but Szczevnikov has the dominant position.
McCullough has had enough of the clinch but Szczevnikov keeps him there for the moment.
McCullough is trying to break free.
McCullough is trying to force a seperation but Szczevnikov has the dominant position.
McCullough tries to break the clinch but Szczevnikov is controlling the position.
McCullough is trying to stall.
Szczevnikov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
McCullough wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Szczevnikov has him pressed against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jan Szczevnikov will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Szczevnikov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Szczevnikov checks a low kick from McCullough.

Szczevnikov shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Szczevnikov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McCullough is looking to improve his position.
Szczevnikov is thwarting McCullough's attempts to control the position.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Szczevnikov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
McCullough desperately trying to maintain half guard.

Szczevnikov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
McCullough is concentrating on defense, preventing Szczevnikov from advancing position.
McCullough manages to get to full guard.
Szczevnikov won't allow McCullough to sweep him here.
McCullough keeping moving, preventing Szczevnikov from controlling successfully.

Szczevnikov is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! McCullough is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! McCullough has escaped and now he's on top!
Szczevnikov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Szczevnikov wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Szczevnikov has his foot on McCullough's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. McCullough works his way back into a safe position though.

McCullough stands up from guard. Let's bang!
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Szczevnikov checks a leg kick.
Horrible takedown by Szczevnikov or perhaps it was just good defense by McCullough which made him look bad.
McCullough works Szczevnikov's body with a nice hook.
Szczevnikov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
McCullough misses with a low kick.
McCullough cracks the inside of Szczevnikov's front leg.
McCullough swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Szczevnikov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Szczevnikov avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Szczevnikov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCullough 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.
A bone on bone clash there as Szczevnikov blocks the leg kick.
Jan Szczevnikov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from McCullough lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Szczevnikov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Szczevnikov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
A nice combination there by McCullough.
A shot to de liver by McCullough. Beautiful body shot.
McCullough throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Szczevnikov closes the distance and clinches up with McCullough, looking for a takedown. Szczevnikov pushes McCullough against the cage but McCullough circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jan Szczevnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McCullough throws a shot to the body.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Szczevnikov checks a leg kick.
McCullough cracks a nice hook into Szczevnikov's ribs.
McCullough throws a low kick but it's checked well by Szczevnikov.
McCullough tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McCullough tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Szczevnikov is able to avoid easily.
McCullough tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
McCullough misses with a leg kick.
Szczevnikov checks a low kick from McCullough.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Szczevnikov.
McCullough digs a good body shot into Szczevnikov's ribs.

And that's the end of the fight!
Wayne McCullough comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think McCullough 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 James Atkins scores the fight 27:29
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 27:29
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 27:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Wayne McCullough!