PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sergei Kourdakov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Derrick Rankinstein (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kourdakov comes to the cage accompanied by Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian. Rankinstein is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Going Back To Cali by LL Cool J. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Kourdakov
vs
Rankinstein

165 cm
30
141 lbs
18 - 8 - 1

169 cm
25
147 lbs
15 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Balco Boys - Hilo

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergei Kourdakov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 7 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Derrick Rankinstein!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Viktor Lagutenko and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rankinstein connects with a body shot that sends Kourdakov's belly button to the back.
Kourdakov scores with a shot to the body.
Rankinstein works the jab nicely.
Rankinstein keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Rankinstein has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Rankinstein swings for the body but Kourdakov moves out of range.
Rankinstein stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kourdakov.
Rankinstein swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kourdakov.
Kourdakov swings for the body but Rankinstein moves out of range.
Kourdakov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Rankinstein checks a leg kick nicely.
Kourdakov looks to land a left hand but Rankinstein moved out of range nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kourdakov wants to clinch up but Rankinstein keeps it at a distance.
Kourdakov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A bone on bone clash there as Rankinstein blocks the leg kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Rankinstein.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rankinstein uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kourdakov.
Rankinstein misses with a shot to the body
letting Kourdakov counter with a right hand.
Rankinstein scores with a three punch combo!
Kourdakov throws a shot from downtown. Rankinstein moves away and avoids it.
Rankinstein missing with a left hand there. Kourdakov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A jab from Kourdakov finds it's way through Rankinstein's defenses.
Rankinstein tries to bum rush Kourdakov with a series of wild strikes but Kourdakov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
The crowd cheers as Kourdakov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Rankinstein doesn't seem phased though.
Rankinstein uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kourdakov.
Kourdakov takes a swing at Rankinstein's ribcage but misses.
Kourdakov walks forward, straight into a front kick from Rankinstein.
Kourdakov tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kourdakov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Rankinstein back to the cage. Kourdakov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Rankinstein tries to clinch but Kourdakov is having none of it.
Rankinstein pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Kourdakov finds it's target.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kourdakov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rankinstein swivels and escapes.
Kourdakov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kourdakov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kourdakov fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Rankinstein checks it well.
Kourdakov wants to slow Rankinstein down by chopping away at his legs.
Rankinstein slaps away a takedown attempt from Kourdakov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kourdakov misses with a double jab.
Kourdakov tries a low kick but Rankinstein avoids it.
Kourdakov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rankinstein ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Rankinstein throws a body punch but Kourdakov moves out of range.
Rankinstein misses with the combination.
Rankinstein with a poor takedown
and Kourdakov counters with a good low kick that Rankinstein was not able to check.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov lands a glancing blow to the side of Rankinstein's head.
Rankinstein is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kourdakov rather than just go for the knockout.
Rankinstein lands with a right hand.
Rankinstein looks to score with a jab to the body but Kourdakov is just out of range.
Kourdakov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kourdakov throws a wild body kick that Rankinstein sees coming a mile off.
A leg kick checked by Rankinstein.
Rankinstein clobbers Kourdakov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kourdakov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rankinstein manages to avoid it.
Rankinstein slaps away a takedown attempt from Kourdakov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kourdakov swings for the body but Rankinstein moves out of range.
Rankinstein misses with a jab, cross combination.
Rankinstein keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kourdakov.
Some bone on bone action there as Rankinstein checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Rankinstein checks a leg kick.
Kourdakov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Kourdakov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

Rankinstein decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kourdakov is trying to stand up here but Rankinstein is controlling him well.
Rankinstein has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rankinstein with shots to the head and body - Kourdakov looks very uncomfortable down there.
Kourdakov trying desperately to get to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Sergei Kourdakov will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kourdakov misses with a hook. Rankinstein ducked under it nicely.
Kourdakov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rankinstein fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kourdakov scores with a body shot.
Rankinstein keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
No joy there for Rankinstein, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kourdakov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rankinstein throws a right hand that Kourdakov ducks under and follows up with a left that Kourdakov also avoids with ease.
Kourdakov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rankinstein sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Kourdakov slips under a jab.
Rankinstein changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Rankinstein takes a jab right on the kisser.
Rankinstein throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Kourdakov on the side of the head.
Kourdakov looks to land a combination but Rankinstein avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rankinstein checks a low kick from Kourdakov.
Rankinstein throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Rankinstein moves out of range of the strikes.
Kourdakov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rankinstein can pounce on him.
Rankinstein throws a leg kick
and Kourdakov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kourdakov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rankinstein waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kourdakov.
Derrick Rankinstein is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rankinstein scores with a hook.
Rankinstein's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Rankinstein duly obliges.
Rankinstein tries a head kick but it misses.
A clash of legs there as Rankinstein blocks the low kick.
Rankinstein shoots in and drives through. Kourdakov sprawls well.
Kourdakov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Rankinstein walks forward, straight into a front kick from Kourdakov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kourdakov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rankinstein manages to avoid it.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Rankinstein.
A big right from Kourdakov misses.
Kourdakov throws a jab when Rankinstein was well out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kourdakov. Rankinstein does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kourdakov throws a body punch but Rankinstein moves out of range.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Rankinstein enables Kourdakov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Rankinstein manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rankinstein controlling the position.
Kourdakov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Rankinstein utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rankinstein is controlling Kourdakov's posture.
Kourdakov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rankinstein is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rankinstein wants to sweep but no luck.
Kourdakov trying to control but Rankinstein is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rankinstein is keeping the position for now.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kourdakov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rankinstein manages to avoid it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kourdakov. Rankinstein does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kourdakov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rankinstein was well out of range. Poor timing from Kourdakov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rankinstein closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Kourdakov did well to prevent Rankinstein getting side control.
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.

Kourdakov kicks off Rankinstein and gets to his feet.
Rankinstein ducks under a wild hook from Kourdakov.
Rankinstein connects with a nice looking jab.
Kourdakov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Rankinstein connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kourdakov scrambles back to his feet.
Rankinstein throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kourdakov misses with a low kick.
A swing and a miss from Kourdakov.
Kourdakov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rankinstein was well out of range. Poor timing from Kourdakov.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rankinstein throws a head kick that misses.
Rankinstein tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kourdakov swivels and escapes.
Kourdakov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Kourdakov slips a straight right by Rankinstein.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Derrick Rankinstein will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Kourdakov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Kourdakov throws a hook to the side of Rankinstein's head but Rankinstein sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nice shot by Rankinstein.
Kourdakov defending well as Rankinstein loads up on a big left hand.
Kourdakov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rankinstein.
Rankinstein uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kourdakov.
Kourdakov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Rankinsteins jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Kourdakov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kourdakov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rankinstein was well out of range. Poor timing from Kourdakov.
Rankinstein misses with a double jab.
Nice takedown defense from Rankinstein. No joy for Kourdakov on that attempt.
Rankinstein looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Rankinstein pushes Kourdakov away with a front kick.
Kourdakov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov ducks under a wild hook from Rankinstein.
Rankinstein drops his hands momentarily and Kourdakov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Rankinstein lands a nice hook to Kourdakov's body. Kourdakov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kourdakov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rankinstein misses with a takedown attempt - Kourdakov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Rankinstein throws a head kick that misses.
Rankinstein just misses with a punch to the body.
Rankinstein displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kourdakov.
Kourdakov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kourdakov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Rankinstein bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kourdakov's head backwards.
The crowd cheers as Kourdakov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Rankinstein doesn't seem phased though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rankinstein throws a push kick but Kourdakov slaps the foot to one side.
Kourdakov throws a body punch but Rankinstein moves out of range.
No joy there for Kourdakov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kourdakov throws a head kick but Rankinstein moves out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rankinstein throws an overhand right that lands on Kourdakov's shoulder, as Kourdakov tries to avoid the shot.
Kourdakov blocks the body kick.
Kourdakov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kourdakov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Rankinstein if he has to take too many more of those.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kourdakov misses with a series of wild punches.
Rankinstein lands a nice shot to the body.
Rankinstein throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rankinstein tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kourdakov was well out of range. Poor timing from Rankinstein.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Rankinstein tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kourdakov was well out of range. Poor timing from Rankinstein.
Kourdakov cracks Rankinstein with a good jab.
Kourdakov is looking to score with low kicks.
Kourdakov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rankinstein at a distance.
Kourdakov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Rankinstein counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Kourdakov's guard now.
Rankinstein is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Rankinstein's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Rankinstein is working Kourdakov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Kourdakov is looking to stand up but Rankinstein isn't so interested in that idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Kourdakov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Rankinstein misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kourdakov.
A big right from Kourdakov misses.
Rankinstein throws a jab but it's blocked by Kourdakov.
Kourdakov works the jab nicely.
Kourdakov shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kourdakov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kourdakov connects with a leg kick. Rankinstein looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Kourdakov walks into a jab.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kourdakov scores with a body shot.
Kourdakov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Sergei Kourdakov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kourdakov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rankinstein.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Derrick Rankinstein.
I think Rankinstein 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 28:29
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:30
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Derrick Rankinstein!
An out of breath and clearly excited Derrick Rankinstein thanked Balco Boys - Hilo for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).