PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Werdinand Xiilianiatoph (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aleksandr Kiriyenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kiriyenko has chosen EMINEM - lose yourself as his entrance music. Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Xiilianiatoph
vs
Kiriyenko

225 cm
25
265 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

183 cm
24
238 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Very confident

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Werdinand Xiilianiatoph!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aleksandr Kiriyenko!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Vladimir Khabensky and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Xiilianiatoph gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Kiriyenko to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Kiriyenko controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Xiilianiatoph wants to sweep but no luck.

Xiilianiatoph working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Kiriyenko has passed into half guard!
Xiilianiatoph is trying to control but can't.
Kiriyenko is controlling the pace.
Kiriyenko lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Xiilianiatoph wants to get back to full guard.

Kiriyenko stands up and beckons Xiilianiatoph to join him on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiriyenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Xiilianiatoph is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kiriyenko sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kiriyenko shoots in for a double leg but Xiilianiatoph sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Xiilianiatoph tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Xiilianiatoph throws a right hand that Kiriyenko ducks under and follows up with a left that Kiriyenko also avoids with ease.

Xiilianiatoph has closed the distance and engaged Kiriyenko in a clinch.
Kiriyenko is struggling to control the position.
Xiilianiatoph is trying to break the clinch but Kiriyenko is controlling him.
Xiilianiatoph lands a right hand.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kiriyenko takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Xiilianiatoph lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiilianiatoph tries a knee to the head but Kiriyenko blocks it.
Kiriyenko keeps control of Xiilianiatoph as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Xiilianiatoph pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Aleksandr Kiriyenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kiriyenko shoots in and gets a takedown into Xiilianiatoph's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Xiilianiatoph is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kiriyenko wants to control from the top but Xiilianiatoph keeps moving.

Xiilianiatoph looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Kiriyenko passes into side control.
Xiilianiatoph really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Xiilianiatoph tries to buck Kiriyenko off but Kiriyenko is having none of it.
Xiilianiatoph taking punishment in the form of punches.
Xiilianiatoph can't do much from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Xiilianiatoph trying to remain calm as Kiriyenko controls from the top position.
Kiriyenko cracks Xiilianiatoph with a big elbow.
Xiilianiatoph is looking for a sweep.
Xiilianiatoph takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Xiilianiatoph regains half guard.

Kiriyenko is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Xiilianiatoph sees it coming and defends easily.
Xiilianiatoph tries to roll over but Kiriyenko keeps him under control.
Xiilianiatoph is trying to stand.
Xiilianiatoph is pressing down on Kiriyenko's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Kiriyenko works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Kiriyenko in particular looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kiriyenko scoring with strikes to the body and head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kiriyenko with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Kiriyenko is looking to take a break and control but Xiilianiatoph is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Xiilianiatoph wants to get back to his feet.
Kiriyenko is trying to control the action in half guard but Xiilianiatoph is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Aleksandr Kiriyenko hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
A punch combination from Xiilianiatoph misses.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xiilianiatoph with a lazy takedown attempt
and Kiriyenko counters with a left and a right that stings Xiilianiatoph.
Xiilianiatoph displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kiriyenko.
Xiilianiatoph throws a head kick but Kiriyenko moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksandr Kiriyenko dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Xiilianiatoph rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kiriyenko moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kiriyenko misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Kiriyenko moves into the clinch.
Kiriyenko blocks the elbow strike.

Xiilianiatoph manages to break the clinch.
Xiilianiatoph uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kiriyenko.
A left and a right from Xiilianiatoph both land. Nice combination.
Kiriyenko takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Kiriyenko has managed to clinch.
Kiriyenko jumps guard but Xiilianiatoph stands there with Kiriyenko around his waist. Kiriyenko gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kiriyenko blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Xiilianiatoph breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kiriyenko tries for a takedown but Xiilianiatoph sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Werdinand Xiilianiatoph has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aleksandr Kiriyenko.
Kiriyenko is breathing heavily.
Xiilianiatoph stuffs the takedown attempt from Kiriyenko. Kiriyenko gets slowly back to his feet.

Kiriyenko has managed to clinch.
Kiriyenko keeps control of Xiilianiatoph as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Xiilianiatoph creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Xiilianiatoph changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kiriyenko fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Xiilianiatoph tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kiriyenko is able to avoid easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Xiilianiatoph rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kiriyenko moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A head kick from Xiilianiatoph lands but Kiriyenko takes it in his stride.

It looks like Aleksandr Kiriyenko has been cut.

Xiilianiatoph lands a big head kick that sends Kiriyenko tumbling to the mat! Xiilianiatoph takes a step backwards and waves Kiriyenko back to his feet - he wants the finish!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kiriyenko tries to clinch up.

Kiriyenko clinches up with Xiilianiatoph and pushes him back against the cage.

Xiilianiatoph breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kiriyenko tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Xiilianiatoph throws a head kick but Kiriyenko moves out of range.
Xiilianiatoph fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kiriyenko shoots in but Xiilianiatoph avoids the takedown attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kiriyenko wants to clinch.
Xiilianiatoph throws a half hearted mid kick.
Xiilianiatoph tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kiriyenko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kiriyenko misses with the combination.
Kiriyenko shoots in but no luck this time.
Xiilianiatoph pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kiriyenko throws a lazy head kick
and Xiilianiatoph makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Kiriyenko misses with a body shot
and Xiilianiatoph counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice body kick there by Xiilianiatoph.
Xiilianiatoph fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Xiilianiatoph throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kiriyenko's waist but Kiriyenko gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Xiilianiatoph off to one side.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kiriyenko.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Xiilianiatoph tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kiriyenko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Werdinand Xiilianiatoph dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Aleksandr Kiriyenko's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Xiilianiatoph wants to land a leg kick but Kiriyenko is out of range.
Kiriyenko walks into a left hand.
Xiilianiatoph misses with a body shot.
Xiilianiatoph wants to clinch.

Kiriyenko instigates a clinch.

Xiilianiatoph's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kiriyenko shoots in but Xiilianiatoph avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Kiriyenko throws an off balance right hand
and Xiilianiatoph counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kiriyenko fails with a takedown attempt.
Xiilianiatoph is looking to wear down Kiriyenko with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Kiriyenko takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Xiilianiatoph tries to clinch but Kiriyenko is having none of it.
Xiilianiatoph shoots in and drives through. Kiriyenko sprawls well.
Xiilianiatoph throws a head kick but Kiriyenko moves out of range.
Xiilianiatoph misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Xiilianiatoph throws a combination. Kiriyenko tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Kiriyenko circles away from the clinch attempt.
Xiilianiatoph throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kiriyenko fails with an attempt to clinch.
Xiilianiatoph tries to clinch but Kiriyenko moves away

and Kiriyenko counters with a single leg into guard. Xiilianiatoph didn't expect that.
Xiilianiatoph on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Xiilianiatoph tries to get out of the position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kiriyenko not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Xiilianiatoph will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Xiilianiatoph has his foot on Kiriyenko's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kiriyenko works his way back into a safe position though.
Xiilianiatoph not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Xiilianiatoph working a defensive guard but Kiriyenko passes into half guard.
Xiilianiatoph is in trouble now - Kiriyenko has advanced to mount!
Xiilianiatoph is wriggling around trying to escape.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kiriyenko controlling from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kiriyenko wants to finish this one by submission but Xiilianiatoph is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Kiriyenko.
Xiilianiatoph really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Kiriyenko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Xiilianiatoph is looking to escape.
Xiilianiatoph wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Kiriyenko is working the ground and pound. Can Xiilianiatoph escape?
Xiilianiatoph knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kiriyenko on the ground.

Kiriyenko is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Xiilianiatoph defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
Xiilianiatoph has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Xiilianiatoph rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Xiilianiatoph slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Kiriyenko won't allow Xiilianiatoph to sweep him here.

Xiilianiatoph is looking for a triangle here but Kiriyenko uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Xiilianiatoph gets back to half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Xiilianiatoph tries to kick Kiriyenko off but Kiriyenko keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Werdinand Xiilianiatoph.
I think Xiilianiatoph 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Werdinand Xiilianiatoph!
Werdinand Xiilianiatoph seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.