PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Daley Borisov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fou Rthihovsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fou Rthihovsky has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Borisov
vs
Rthihovsky

169 cm
21
131 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

165 cm
24
135 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Determined

XTREME PWNAGE

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Daley Borisov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Fou Rthihovsky!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Bruno Hogan and Summer Carpenter.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rthihovsky misses with a wild body shot.
Borisov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Rthihovsky walks into a stiff left hand from Borisov.
Rthihovsky ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Borisov moves away.
Rthihovsky throws the kick towards the body but Borisov avoids it.
Rthihovsky thows a body shot but no joy.
The crowd cheers as Borisov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Rthihovsky doesn't seem phased though.
Borisov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Borisov scores with a punch to the head.
Rthihovsky shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Borisov throws a looping overhand right but Rthihovsky ducks down to avoid it.
No joy there for Rthihovsky, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Borisov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rthihovsky misses with a body shot.
Borisov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rthihovsky swivels and escapes.
Good standup being displayed there by Borisov as he connects with a hook.
Rthihovsky throws a hook but Borisov avoids it easily.
Borisov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Borisov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daley Borisov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rthihovsky looks to land a left hand but Borisov moved out of range nicely.
Fou Rthihovsky is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Borisov thuds his right hand into Rthihovsky's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky misses with a body shot.
Borisov throws an off balance right hand
and Rthihovsky connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rthihovsky throws out a loose jab but Borisov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A big left from Rthihovsky misses.
Rthihovsky lunges at Borisov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Borisov's hand.

Borisov shoots in and gets a takedown into Rthihovsky's guard.
Rthihovsky lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Borisov!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Borisov wants to control but Rthihovsky is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky content just to control the position here.
Borisov is trying desperately to improve position.
Rthihovsky looking to control and managing it successfully.
Borisov is desperately trying to improve his position but Rthihovsky has a good base and remains in mount.
Rthihovsky sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky wants to control the pace but Borisov is squirming around nicely.
Borisov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Rthihovsky trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Rthihovsky prevents Borisov from getting the reversal.
Rthihovsky controlling the position easily from mount.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Borisov wants to hold on but Rthihovsky pushes him away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Borisov is squirming around, avoiding Rthihovsky's attempts to control the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Borisov throws a jab when Rthihovsky was well out of range.

Borisov dives in and scores a takedown into Rthihovsky's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rthihovsky lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Borisov!
Rthihovsky working Borisov over with strikes here.
Rthihovsky scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Borisov is looking to improve his position but Rthihovsky isn't that keen on the idea.
Rthihovsky can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Borisov is looking to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rthihovsky prevents Borisov from getting the reversal.
Borisov wants to control but Rthihovsky is having none of it.
Rthihovsky takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Fou Rthihovsky has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rthihovsky looking to control but Borisov is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Rthihovsky takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Rthihovsky trying to control but Borisov is having none of it.
Rthihovsky controlling from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Fou Rthihovsky wasn't active enough on the ground.
Borisov takes one to the side of the head.
Borisov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rthihovsky as he avoids it easily.
Rthihovsky takes one to the side of the head.
Rthihovsky thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rthihovsky tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Rthihovsky darts in and clinches Borisov up against the cage.
Rthihovsky struggles to land a body shot inside as Borisov controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Borisov fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Borisov tries to pull guard but Rthihovsky forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daley Borisov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rthihovsky lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Borisov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Rthihovsky gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nice body punch from Rthihovsky - that landed with a thud.
Rthihovsky tries to work over Borisov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Rthihovsky has Borisov pushed against the cage.
Borisov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Borisov jumps guard but Rthihovsky turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Borisov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Rthihovsky prevents it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky gets through Borisov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Borisov wants a takedown.
Borisov jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Rthihovsky walks away with a smile on his face. Borisov gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Rthihovsky displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Borisov.
Rthihovsky misses with a two punch combination.
Rthihovsky thuds his right hand into Borisov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rthihovsky throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Borisov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Borisov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Rthihovsky throws out a leg kick but Borisov moves out of range and Rthihovsky only half commits.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Rthihovsky throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Borisov misses the target.
Borisov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rthihovsky avoids it really well and circles away.
Borisov swinging wildly here.
Some wild striking there from Borisov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Borisov takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rthihovsky gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Rthihovsky stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Rthihovsky scores with a shoulder strike.
Borisov is trying to pull guard but Rthihovsky has him pressed against the cage.
Borisov prevents a body shot from Rthihovsky.
Stalling in the clinch from Rthihovsky.
Borisov is trying to pull guard but Rthihovsky has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daley Borisov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Borisov goes for a takedown attempt but Rthihovsky pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Rthihovsky looks to throw the jab but Borisov is out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky jabs at Borisov's body.
Rthihovsky scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Borisov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rthihovsky walks into a left hand.
A slow jab from Borisov misses its intended target.
Rthihovsky fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Rthihovsky throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rthihovsky fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky stuns Borisov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Rthihovsky throws a hook to the side of Borisov's head but Borisov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Borisov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rthihovsky wants to clinch up but Borisov keeps it at a distance.
Rthihovsky ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Borisov moves away.
Rthihovsky fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Borisov manages to avoid it.
Borisov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rthihovsky moves away from the strike by Borisov.
Rthihovsky misses with a hook.
Borisov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rthihovsky circles away quickly and effectively.
Borisov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky misses with a looping left.
Rthihovsky misses with a wild body shot.
Rthihovsky throws a body punch but Borisov moves out of range.
Rthihovsky throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rthihovsky doesn't manage to clinch there - Borisov circles away.
Rthihovsky scores with a punch to the head.
Rthihovsky catches Borisov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Borisov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rthihovsky misses with a straight left.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Borisov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Borisov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rthihovsky at a distance.
Rthihovsky is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Borisov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rthihovsky avoids it really well and circles away.
Borisov fails with the takedown
and Rthihovsky counters with an inside leg kick.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Rthihovsky, as that shot connected.
No luck for Borisov with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Daley Borisov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rthihovsky throws out a loose jab but Borisov uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rthihovsky works Borisov's body with a nice hook.
Borisov tries for a takedown but Rthihovsky circles away easily
and Rthihovsky counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Rthihovsky misses with a body shot.
Borisov misses with a takedown

and Rthihovsky counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky has Borisov pushed against the cage.
Borisov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Rthihovsky to keep the fight standing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Borisov tries to pull guard but Rthihovsky won't allow it.
Rthihovsky displaying some good clinch control by pressing Borisov up against the cage.
Rthihovsky lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Borisov or not.
Rthihovsky lands a right hand.
Borisov is trying to pull guard but Rthihovsky has him pressed against the cage.
Rthihovsky lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Rthihovsky stalling.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Borisov backwards.
Borisov tries to pull guard but Rthihovsky won't allow it.
Rthihovsky tries a body shot but Borisov blocks it.
Borisov prevents a body shot from Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky lands a shoulder strike.
Rthihovsky lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Borisov backwards.
Rthihovsky manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Borisov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Rthihovsky smiles and moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Borisov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Rthihovsky swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rthihovsky misses the shot to the body.
Rthihovsky ducks under a wild hook from Borisov.
Borisov throws a right and a left that Rthihovsky avoids nicely.
Rthihovsky tries to land a leg kick but Borisov saw it coming and moves away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky dominated that fourth round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Borisov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Rthihovsky counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Borisov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rthihovsky.
Borisov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Rthihovsky throws a body punch but Borisov moves out of range.
Fou Rthihovsky seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Borisov shoots in for a takedown but Rthihovsky shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rthihovsky fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Borisov manages to avoid it.
Borisov's corner calls for a 1-2. Borisov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Rthihovsky is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Borisov rather than just go for the knockout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Borisov loads up on a big right hand but Rthihovsky slips the punch.
Borisov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rthihovsky connects with the punch.
Borisov throws the left hand but Rthihovsky avoids the punch easily.
Rthihovsky displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Rthihovsky tries to clinch but Borisov moves out of range.
Rthihovsky tries to clinch up but Borisov circles away and keeps his distance.
A punch combination from Borisov misses.
Borisov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Borisov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Borisov avoids the body shot from Rthihovsky.
Borisov looks to land a right hand but Rthihovsky moved out of range.
Rthihovsky slips a jab from Borisov.
Borisov scores with a shot to the body.
Rthihovsky ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Borisov moves away.
Rthihovsky with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Borisov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Rthihovsky dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Borisov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Borisov.
Borisov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rthihovsky moves out of range of the strikes.
Rthihovsky ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
A telegraphed right hand from Rthihovsky misses the target.
Borisov misses with the combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Borisov.
Rthihovsky ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Rthihovsky lands a body shot.
Borisov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rthihovsky.
Borisov misses with a left hand
and Rthihovsky counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Rthihovsky throws a body punch but Borisov moves out of range.
Rthihovsky throws a leg kick but Borisov sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Daley Borisov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fou Rthihovsky is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Borisov misses with a right hand
and Rthihovsky counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fou Rthihovsky comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Rthihovsky 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 John Mangel scores the fight 45:50
Judge Bruno Hogan scores the fight 45:50
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fou Rthihovsky!
Fou Rthihovsky is the new bantamweight champion!