PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kim Iljong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vladimir Arlovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Iljong might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Last of the Mohicans - Promontory . Arlovski comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Machine Head-Now I Lay Thee Down kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Iljong
vs
Arlovski

188 cm
29
260 lbs
16 - 7 - 0

190 cm
25
255 lbs
17 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

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 16 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Kim Iljong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vladimir Arlovski!
The judges for this bout are Tiny Johnson, Wesley Smith and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Arlovski misses with the combination.
Iljong loads up on a big right hand but Arlovski slips the punch.
Iljong scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Arlovski doesn't seem bothered though.
Arlovski moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Iljong throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Arlovski counters with a head kick.
Iljong throws a body kick that misses.
Iljong tries to clinch there but Arlovski circles away.
Iljong throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Arlovski will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Arlovski throws a head kick that misses.
Arlovski steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Iljong. That one must have hurt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Iljong throws an overhand right that lands on Arlovski's shoulder, as Arlovski tries to avoid the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Arlovski throws a right hand that Iljong ducks under and follows up with a left that Iljong also avoids with ease.
Arlovski misses with a takedown attempt

and Iljong counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Arlovski goes for a takedown in the clinch but Iljong prevents it.
Kim Iljong has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vladimir Arlovski.

Iljong breaks from the clinch.
Iljong misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Arlovski throws a head kick that misses.
Iljong falls off balance throwing a combination
and Arlovski counters with a stiff right hand.
Arlovski connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Arlovski throws a lazy uppercut
and Iljong counters with a nice uppercut.
Iljong misses with a leg kick.
Arlovski pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Iljong back to the cage. Arlovski follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arlovski on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

It looks like Vladimir Arlovski has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Arlovski thows a body shot but no joy.
Iljong tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Arlovski was well out of range. Poor timing from Iljong.
Arlovski swings widly with a right hand
and Iljong cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Iljong cracks Arlovski with a right hand to the side of the head.
Iljong misses with a two punch combination.
Arlovski throws a combination that misses
and Iljong counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Arlovski looks gassed!
Iljong just misses with a punch to the body.
Arlovski throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Iljong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Arlovski throws a body punch but Iljong moves out of range.
Iljong shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Arlovski eats them both and turns towards Iljong to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Arlovski.
Arlovski throws a sloppy head kick and Iljong moves out of range easily.
Iljong fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Arlovski on the side of the head.
Iljong misses with an uppercut.
Iljong scores with the left hand. Arlovski knows he should have avoided that one.
Iljong lands a nice shot to the body.
Iljong misses with a left hand
and Arlovski counters with a slapping leg kick.
Arlovski shoots in for a double leg but Iljong sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Iljong looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Oooooh!!! Iljong has knocked Arlovski down with a huge combo! Iljong steps away and waves a wobbly Arlovski back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
Arlovski moves out of range as Iljong strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Iljong scores with a leg kick.
Iljong lands an overhand right.
Iljong fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Iljong ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Iljong lands with a thumping leg kick.
Arlovski ducks under a wild hook from Iljong.
Iljong lands a jab-cross combination.
Iljong lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Arlovski circles away quickly and effectively.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A telegraphed right hand from Iljong misses the target.
Arlovski uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Iljong.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kim Iljong dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Vladimir Arlovski's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Arlovski shoots in for a double leg but Iljong sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Nice body kick from Arlovski.
A head kick by Arlovski misses
and Iljong counters with a left and a right that stings Arlovski.
Iljong uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Arlovski has time to react.
Arlovski keeps the fight on the outside.
Arlovski misses with a combination
and Iljong counters with a left and a right that stings Arlovski.
Arlovski lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Iljong is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Arlovski can do to turn this around?
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Arlovski takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Arlovski throws a lazy head kick
and Iljong counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Arlovski is breathing heavily.
Iljong scores with a hook to the body. Arlovski takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Iljong connects with a good right hand that stumbles Arlovski. Arlovski circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Iljong lands with an uppercut that bounces Arlovski off the cage and back into rage.

Arlovski is rocked!

That has opened up Vladimir Arlovski's cut even more.
Arlovski displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Iljong throws out the jab.
Arlovski takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Iljong lands with a thumping leg kick.
A jab from Iljong does it's job there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A slapping body kick lands there for Iljong.
Iljong lands a lovely overhand right.
Iljong dips to his left and cracks Arlovski with an uppercut!
A slow jab from Iljong misses its intended target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Arlovski ducks under a wild hook from Iljong.
Iljong is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Arlovski attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Iljong lands with a right hand.
Arlovski has his takedown stuffed
and Iljong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Arlovski is still on wobbly legs! Can Iljong finish him?

Iljong moves into the clinch.
Arlovski seems to have recovered his senses.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Iljong.

The cut above Vladimir Arlovski's eye is starting to cause him problems now.

Iljong breaks the clinch.
Iljong lands a slapping body shot.
Arlovski avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Arlovski stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Iljong.
Iljong misses with the combination.
Arlovski swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Iljong counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Iljong lands with a shot to the body.
Iljong tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Arlovski displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Iljong.
Iljong throws a lazy right hand but Arlovski sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Arlovski steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Iljong.
Arlovski throws a lazy head kick
and Arlovski takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Arlovski misses with the body kick
and Iljong counters with a nice body shot.
Iljong scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Arlovski throws a sloppy head kick
and Iljong counters with a stiff right hand.
Arlovski takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Nice shot lands for Iljong.
Arlovski misses with a lunging right hand
and Iljong counters with a stiff right hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Iljong throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kim Iljong is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Iljong with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Arlovski throws a leg kick
and Iljong makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Arlovski on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kim Iljong dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Vladimir Arlovski's cut.
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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Iljong swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Arlovski misses with a looping left.
Some wild striking there from Iljong.
Iljong shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Iljong tries to clinch but Arlovski moves away
and Arlovski counters with an outside leg kick.
Iljong moves away from the strike by Arlovski.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Iljong throws a right hand that misses
and Arlovski counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Arlovski slips a straight right by Iljong.
Iljong keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Iljong swings for the body but Arlovski moves out of range.
Iljong ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Arlovski moves away.
Arlovski tries to score a power double leg takedown but Iljong sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Arlovski somewhat.
Arlovski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Iljong misses with a wild body shot.
Arlovski throws a right hand that Iljong ducks under and follows up with a left that Iljong also avoids with ease.
Iljong misses the body punch
and Arlovski makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Iljong throws a nice looking combination but Arlovski bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Arlovski has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Iljong takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Iljong dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Iljong connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Arlovski falls off balance throwing a combination
and Iljong counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Arlovski throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Iljong cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Arlovski steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Iljong.
Iljong falls off balance throwing a combination
and Arlovski counters with a head kick. That will keep Iljong thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Arlovski throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Iljong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Arlovski throws the kick towards the body but Iljong avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Iljong blocks a head kick by Arlovski.
Arlovski throws a lazy uppercut
and Iljong counters with a straight right hand.
Iljong throws an overhand right that lands on Arlovski's shoulder, as Arlovski tries to avoid the shot.
Iljong throws a lazy uppercut
and Arlovski counters with a three punch combo that has Iljong backing up. Iljong nods at Arlovski to acknowledge the strikes.
Iljong throws a sloppy head kick and Arlovski moves out of range easily.
Kim Iljong is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Arlovski throws a combination that misses
and Iljong cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Arlovski throws a push kick but Iljong slaps the foot to one side.
Iljong misses with a wild combination.
Arlovski throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Iljong counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Arlovski throws a leg kick that is checked
and Iljong counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Iljong lands a jab to the head.
Iljong throws a series of punches but Arlovski avoids them all with ease.
Iljong takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
A head kick by Iljong misses
and Arlovski counters with a three punch combo that has Iljong backing up. Iljong nods at Arlovski to acknowledge the strikes.
Vladimir Arlovski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Arlovski misses with a right hand
letting Iljong counter with a right hand.
Iljong falls off balance throwing a combination
and Arlovski counters with a leg kick.
Vladimir Arlovski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Arlovski misses with a hook
and Iljong counters with a nice low kick that buckles Arlovski's knee momentarily.
Iljong tries to clinch there but Arlovski circles away.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Vladimir Arlovski.
Well Iljong has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Tiny Johnson scores the fight for Kim Iljong!
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight for Kim Iljong!
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight for Kim Iljong!

Kim Iljong wins by unanimous decision!