PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Rashad Evans (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lyle Kikyerass (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Evans
vs
Kikyerass

225 cm
26
300 lbs
11 - 9 - 0

199 cm
23
300 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rashad Evans!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Lyle Kikyerass!
The judges for this bout are Columbo Gatti, Jorge Garcia and Eddie Farnsworth.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kikyerass misses with a wild body shot.
Kikyerass slips a jab and a cross from Evans.
Kikyerass takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kikyerass dodges the punch combination from Evans.
Kikyerass misses with a takedown attempt
and Evans makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Evans swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A jab from Evans misses.

Kikyerass tries to sprawl but Evans drives through with a takedown into half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
It looks like Evans is going to stand back up.
Evans wants to free his trapped foot but Kikyerass is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kikyerass keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Evans not doing much here.
Evans will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Evans wants to stand up but Kikyerass is controlling the position.
Evans not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Evans missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kikyerass tries to get to full guard but Evans has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Evans wants to work for an arm triangle but Kikyerass is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kikyerass is trying to get back to full guard.
Kikyerass misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Kikyerass is looking to improve his position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Evans is taking a breather. Kikyerass 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.
Kikyerass is not content to let Evans control the position.
Evans is thwarting Kikyerass's attempts to control the position.
Kikyerass is refusing to be controlled, as Evans sits in half guard.

Rashad Evans has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Evans moves into range and lands a nice body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Evans jabs Kikyerass right on the nose. Kikyerass blinks but takes it well.
Kikyerass misses with a double jab.
Evans throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kikyerass stuffs the takedown.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
No luck for Evans with that takedown attempt.
Kikyerass thows a body shot but no joy.
Kikyerass lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Kikyerass dives in and scores a takedown into Evans's guard.
Kikyerass postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Evans wants to get back to his feet but Kikyerass is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Kikyerass landing some decent shots from guard.

Evans is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Kikyerass throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Evans works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Evans working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kikyerass.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kikyerass cracks Evans with a solid left hand.
Kikyerass working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kikyerass keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Evans's head.
Evans looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kikyerass postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Evans throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Evans is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Evans not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Kikyerass preventing the sweep.
Kikyerass is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Kikyerass throws a big elbow that misses.
Kikyerass makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Evans tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Evans is working hard here to advance position.
Kikyerass with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Evans preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Evans is trying to control the position but Kikyerass postures up.
Kikyerass works over Evans with some ground and pound from guard.
Kikyerass takes a decent strike to the side of the head.
Kikyerass lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Evans manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kikyerass manages to get himself to full guard.
Evans postures up.
Kikyerass trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Kikyerass throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Kikyerass wants to sweep here but Evans controlling him for the moment.
Evans controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Evans trying to control the position from guard on top but Kikyerass is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Rashad Evans just wasn't active enough.
Kikyerass fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Evans fails with the takedown.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Lyle Kikyerass 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.

Kikyerass thows a body shot but no joy.
Evans on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kikyerass. Kikyerass obviously looking to wear him down.
Donk. Evans catches Kikyerass right on the button with a cross.
A bone on bone clash there as Evans blocks the leg kick.
Evans fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kikyerass fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Evans leaves Kikyerass with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Evans. No joy for Kikyerass on that attempt.
Rashad Evans has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lyle Kikyerass.
Kikyerass displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Evans.
Rashad Evans is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kikyerass drops his hands momentarily and Evans takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Evans is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kikyerass. Evans does a little dance to reset his feet.

Evans scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Kikyerass has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
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!
Evans is trying to control the action in half guard but Kikyerass is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Evans wants to get back to his feet.
Evans is controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Evans postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Kikyerass to stand up.
Kikyerass takes a swing at Evans's ribcage but misses.
Nice takedown defense from Evans. No joy for Kikyerass on that attempt.
Evans tries to land a front kick but Kikyerass steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kikyerass stuffs the takedown attempt from Evans. Evans gets slowly back to his feet.
Kikyerass misses with an uppercut. Evans saw that one coming.
Rashad Evans is winning the standup battle so far.
Evans tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kikyerass sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Evans somewhat.
Kikyerass with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kikyerass shoots in for a takedown but Evans shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Some wild striking there from Evans.
Lyle Kikyerass seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kikyerass uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Evans.
Kikyerass tries for a takedown but Evans circles away easily

and Evans counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Evans connects with a nice short shot to Kikyerass's temple.
Evans throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kikyerass misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Evans slips a nice elbow through Kikyerass's hands, connecting with Kikyerass's forehead.
Evans controlling the action here.
Evans throwing shots but Kikyerass is blocking nicely.
Kikyerass pushes Evans off looking to stand but Evans dives back in and keeps control.
Kikyerass tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Kikyerass can do anything to dispel that myth.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Evans seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kikyerass does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Rashad Evans wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Evans dodges the punch combination from Kikyerass.
Evans steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kikyerass.
Kikyerass with a jab.
Kikyerass punishes Evans's body with a nice straight punch.
Kikyerass slaps away a takedown attempt from Evans, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Evans scores a takedown into full mount!
BOOM! Evans connects with a massive shot to the dome!

Evans working for a guillotine from mount but Kikyerass is in no mood to give up.
Kikyerass wants to control but Evans is having none of it.
Evans landing punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kikyerass swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.
Evans working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Evans working the ground and pound effectively.
Evans tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Evans pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Kikyerass is working to get back to half guard.
Evans lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Kikyerass hang on?
Kikyerass is working to get back to half guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Evans tries to control but Kikyerass wriggling away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kikyerass tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rashad Evans dominated that second round.
That's time! Evans's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Evans dives in and grabs Kikyerass's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kikyerass pushes down on Evans's head and hops out.
Evans lands a nice shot that snaps Kikyerass's head back.
No luck for Evans with that takedown attempt.
Evans shoots in and drives through. Kikyerass sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rashad Evans. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Evans closes the distance and clinches up with Kikyerass, looking for a takedown. Evans pushes Kikyerass against the cage but Kikyerass circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kikyerass throws a hook but Evans avoids it easily.
Kikyerass tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Evans was well out of range. Poor timing from Kikyerass.
Kikyerass cracks Evans with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.

Evans shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Kikyerass tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kikyerass is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Evans has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Evans is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kikyerass bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Evans's guard.
Evans keeping moving, preventing Kikyerass from controlling successfully.
Evans is pulling down on Kikyerass's head to control his posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Kikyerass trying to control but Evans is working from the bottom.
Evans throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Kikyerass chips away with some ground and pound.
Kikyerass connects with a couple of short punches.
Evans looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kikyerass is one step ahead there.
Kikyerass wants to control from the top but Evans keeps moving.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Evans is on top in guard.
Evans postures up.
Evans slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Evans pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kikyerass is keeping the position for now.
Kikyerass bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Evans's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Evans tries to strike from the bottom.
Kikyerass connects with a couple of short punches.
Evans looking for a sweep. Not yet Evans, not yet.
Kikyerass postures up in Evans's guard and throws a big left but Evans blocks it.
Kikyerass working some strikes from top position.
Evans bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kikyerass's guard.

Kikyerass is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Evans defends well.
Evans working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kikyerass striking off his back but it's not causing Evans any problems.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kikyerass keeping moving, preventing Evans from controlling successfully.
Evans working some strikes from top position.
Kikyerass preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Evans gets to his feet. Kikyerass looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Evans shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kikyerass defends it nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kikyerass ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kikyerass fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Evans checks it well.
Kikyerass misses with a two punch combination.

Kikyerass closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Evans to the mat! Evans manages to get full guard.
Kikyerass wants to control from the top but Evans keeps moving.

Evans pushes Kikyerass off and gets back to his feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Evans showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kikyerass.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kikyerass misses the shot to the body.
Kikyerass throws a leg kick but Evans checks it.
Kikyerass is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Evans rather than just go for the knockout.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kikyerass.
Kikyerass takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Evans looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kikyerass is fending him off so far but Evans persists. Nope, Kikyerass circles away and we're back to standing.
Evans takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Evans throws a series of punches but Kikyerass avoids them all with ease.
Kikyerass fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Evans has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kikyerass moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Evans displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kikyerass throws out the jab.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kikyerass takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kikyerass throws a looping overhand right but Evans ducks down to avoid it.
Evans shoots for a double leg takedown but Kikyerass sprawls well. He's pushed Evans's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lyle Kikyerass comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kikyerass 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 Columbo Gatti scores the fight 28:29
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 28:29
Judge Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lyle Kikyerass!