PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Vladimir Kharitonov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gerard Esqueda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kharitonov comes to the cage accompanied by BLUNT - Raggae All Day. Esqueda is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Cant del Barça. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kharitonov
vs
Esqueda

170 cm
25
156 lbs
12 - 4 - 0

179 cm
24
168 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Granite chin

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

XTREME PWNAGE: Down Under!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Vladimir Kharitonov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Gerard Esqueda!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Illya Tyunina and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Esqueda connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kharitonov throws an overhand right that lands on Esqueda's shoulder, as Esqueda tries to avoid the shot.

Esqueda tries to keep at a distance but Kharitonov has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kharitonov lands a left hand.
Esqueda blocks an uppercut.
Esqueda leaning his opponent against the cage.
Kharitonov stalling in the clinch but Esqueda improves position.
Kharitonov can't find room to land a body shot as Esqueda controls the action.
Kharitonov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Esqueda backwards.
Kharitonov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kharitonov is looking to break free of the clinch but Esqueda has double underhooks.
Esqueda tries a body shot but Kharitonov blocks it.
Kharitonov blocks an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kharitonov.
Esqueda can't find room to land a body shot as Kharitonov controls the action.
Kharitonov works on Esqueda's body with a couple of short punches.
A right handed body shot lands from Kharitonov.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Esqueda is trying to trip Kharitonov. He has hold of a leg but Kharitonov is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Esqueda persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
Esqueda working some strikes from top position.
Esqueda pushes down on Kharitonov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Esqueda wants to pass the guard but Kharitonov is defending well.
Kharitonov is trying to stand up here but Esqueda is controlling him well.
Kharitonov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Esqueda.
Esqueda tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kharitonov knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The fighters are battling for position here. Kharitonov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Esqueda has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kharitonov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Esqueda looking to sit in guard and control but Kharitonov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Esqueda is trying to control the position from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kharitonov wants to pass the guard but Esqueda is keeping the position.
Kharitonov pushing down on Esqueda's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Esqueda is looking for a sweep. Kharitonov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Esqueda is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Esqueda avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kharitonov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kharitonov prevents Esqueda from improving his position.
Kharitonov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kharitonov is trying to control the action in half guard but Esqueda is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kharitonov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kharitonov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Esqueda blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

Esqueda looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Esqueda wants to control but Kharitonov is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kharitonov working over Esqueda with some ground and pound. Esqueda looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Esqueda blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
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!
Esqueda avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov controlling the action here.
Kharitonov's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Esqueda avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kharitonov.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Esqueda wants to control but Kharitonov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Esqueda is refusing to be controlled, as Kharitonov sits in half guard.
Esqueda gets full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Kharitonov dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kharitonov looks to land a body kick but Esqueda moved away.
Kharitonov throws a lazy body kick
enabling Esqueda to counter with a crisp jab.
Kharitonov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Esqueda's sensitive parts.
Kharitonov misses with a head kick.
Kharitonov thows a body shot but no joy.
Esqueda checks the leg kick.
Kharitonov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Esqueda misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kharitonov.
Esqueda lands with an uppercut that bounces Kharitonov off the cage and back into range.
Esqueda moves out of range of the body kick from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Esqueda scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Esqueda tries to clinch but Kharitonov moves out of range.
Esqueda throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kharitonov connects with a solid leg kick.
Kharitonov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Esqueda.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kharitonov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Esqueda manages to avoid it.
Kharitonov misses with a straight left.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Esqueda lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kharitonov.
Esqueda blocks a body shot from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov struggles to land a body shot inside as Esqueda controls his hands.
Esqueda lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kharitonov lands a body punch in the clinch.
Esqueda avoiding damage.
Esqueda has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Kharitonov after a bit of a struggle.
Kharitonov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Esqueda fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Esqueda prevents a body shot from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov lands with a short shot to the head.
Kharitonov swings wildly with an uppercut but Esqueda uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kharitonov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kharitonov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Esqueda prevents a body shot from Kharitonov.
Esqueda drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vladimir Kharitonov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gerard Esqueda.
Kharitonov misses with a hook from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Esqueda.
Kharitonov lands with a light punch inside.
Kharitonov tries a body shot but Esqueda blocks it.
Esqueda looking to slow down the pace here.
Kharitonov lands a hook that snaps the head of Esqueda backwards.
Esqueda tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kharitonov's elbow.
Kharitonov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kharitonov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Esqueda takes a shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda working aggressively here.
Kharitonov gets underhooks to prevent Esqueda's takedown attempt.

Kharitonov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kharitonov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Esqueda connects with a crisp jab.
Kharitonov swinging wildly here.
Esqueda has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Kharitonov lands a nice looking body kick.
Esqueda shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kharitonov pinned against the cage. Kharitonov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Kharitonov clinches up with Esqueda and pushes him back against the cage.
Esqueda lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Esqueda.
Esqueda blocks a body shot from Kharitonov.

Kharitonov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Esqueda steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Kharitonov. That one must have hurt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda swings for the body but Kharitonov moves out of range.
Esqueda walks into a jab.
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!
Kharitonov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kharitonov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kharitonov staying out of range there.
Esqueda tries to close the distance and clinch but Kharitonov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kharitonov lands with a nice body kick.
Kharitonov throws a head kick that misses.
Esqueda ducks under a wild hook from Kharitonov.
Vladimir Kharitonov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kharitonov lands with a straight right. Esqueda didn't see that one coming.
Kharitonov misses with a wild body shot.
Kharitonov misses with a kick to the body.
Kharitonov feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Esqueda's calf.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kharitonov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Esqueda.
Kharitonov slips a straight right by Esqueda.
Kharitonov scores with a kick to the midsection.
Esqueda avoids the head kick by Kharitonov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vladimir Kharitonov dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. And we move into the final round!

Kharitonov tries to land a leg kick but Esqueda saw it coming and moves away.
Esqueda fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kharitonov avoids it really well and circles away.
Kharitonov tries to work over Esqueda's front leg with a kick but Esqueda checks it.
Kharitonov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Esqueda.
Esqueda blocks the body kick.
Kharitonov throws the left hand but Esqueda avoids the punch easily.
Esqueda tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kharitonov was well out of range. Poor timing from Esqueda.
Esqueda moves out of range of the body kick from Kharitonov.
Esqueda throws a lazy right hand but Kharitonov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Esqueda tries to close the distance and clinch but Kharitonov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Esqueda sizes up Kharitonov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Esqueda takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Esqueda avoids the head kick by Kharitonov.
Kharitonov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Esqueda.
Kharitonov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kharitonov lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kharitonov moves into range and clinches up with Esqueda.
Esqueda swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kharitonov lands with a right to the head.
Kharitonov works on Esqueda's body with a couple of short punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Esqueda.
Kharitonov blocking some punches.
Kharitonov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kharitonov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Esqueda backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kharitonov.
Esqueda misses with some punches.
Esqueda is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kharitonov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Esqueda tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Esqueda blocks an uppercut.
Kharitonov blocks a body shot from Esqueda.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Esqueda lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Esqueda drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A short left from Esqueda.
Esqueda's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Kharitonov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Gerard Esqueda has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Esqueda changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kharitonov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Vladimir Kharitonov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gerard Esqueda.

Esqueda fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kharitonov, pushing him back against the cage.
Esqueda is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kharitonov.
Esqueda tries to work over Kharitonov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda misses with a short punch on the inside.
Esqueda misses with a short punch on the inside.
Esqueda blocks an uppercut.
Kharitonov tries to throw a body punch but Esqueda avoids it by throwing Kharitonov back against the cage.
Kharitonov looking to slow down the pace here.
Esqueda stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kharitonov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Esqueda prevents a body shot from Kharitonov.
Esqueda misses with a short punch on the inside.
Vladimir Kharitonov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Esqueda.
Kharitonov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kharitonov tries to work over Esqueda's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Esqueda misses with the head strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Esqueda.
Kharitonov leaning against his opponent.
Kharitonov has a couple of punches blocked by Esqueda.
Vladimir Kharitonov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda tries a body shot but Kharitonov blocks it.
Kharitonov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Esqueda is pushing Kharitonov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kharitonov.
Kharitonov misses with a punch to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kharitonov.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Esqueda wants to stall.
Esqueda misses with a short punch on the inside.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vladimir Kharitonov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kharitonov 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vladimir Kharitonov!
Vladimir Kharitonov managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, XTREME PWNAGE: Down Under!, into his post fight interview.