PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tommy MacKenzie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikhail Rakhmanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think MacKenzie might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Kettel - My Dogan . Rakhmanov has chosen Russian national anthem as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

MacKenzie
vs
Rakhmanov

180 cm
24
203 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

179 cm
21
190 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

Steel Penn's Laundry 93%

Damnfield clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Tommy MacKenzie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mikhail Rakhmanov!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Vladimir Khabensky and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacKenzie scores with a sloppy right hand. Rakhmanov should have avoided that one.
MacKenzie looks to land a left hand but Rakhmanov moved out of range nicely.
Rakhmanov misses with the body kick
and MacKenzie counters with a nice body shot.
MacKenzie chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Jab from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov scores with a shot to the body.
MacKenzie shoots in for a takedown but Rakhmanov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
MacKenzie swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
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!
MacKenzie throws a low kick but Rakhmanov moves out of range easily.
Rakhmanov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Rakhmanov throws a nice inside leg kick.
Rakhmanov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Jab, jab by MacKenzie - just one landing.
Rakhmanov lands a jab to MacKenzie's midsection.
Rakhmanov lands a head kick. MacKenzie smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
MacKenzie comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacKenzie throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
MacKenzie looks to land a left hand but Rakhmanov moved out of range nicely.
MacKenzie misses with a left hand
and Rakhmanov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
MacKenzie misses with a straight left.
Mikhail Rakhmanov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rakhmanov thows a body shot but no joy.
MacKenzie chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rakhmanov can pounce on him.
MacKenzie misses with an uppercut.
MacKenzie jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Rakhmanov throws a body punch but MacKenzie moves out of range.
Rakhmanov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but MacKenzie manages to avoid it.
Rakhmanov throws a low kick but MacKenzie moves out of range easily.
Rakhmanov connects with a leg kick. MacKenzie looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
MacKenzie displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rakhmanov throws out the jab.
MacKenzie avoids the body shot from Rakhmanov.
MacKenzie takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacKenzie moves into range and connects with a jab.
MacKenzie lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

MacKenzie closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

MacKenzie is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Rakhmanov defends it well.
Rakhmanov is looking to improve his position.
Rakhmanov won't allow MacKenzie to pass to mount.
MacKenzie wants to take a breather but Rakhmanov is having none of it.
MacKenzie is thwarting Rakhmanov's attempts to control the position.
MacKenzie thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rakhmanov's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov is trying to maintain the position but MacKenzie is very close to passing his half guard.
Rakhmanov trying to get back to full guard but MacKenzie takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
MacKenzie wants to take Rakhmanov's back but he can't do it this time.
MacKenzie prevents Rakhmanov from getting the reversal.
Rakhmanov tries to lock up and control but MacKenzie gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
MacKenzie is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Rakhmanov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
MacKenzie is dominating on the ground here - he's now on his opponent's back, looking to sink in the hooks. Rakhmanov is in real trouble.

Rakhmanov defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Rakhmanov trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

MacKenzie looking for the choke from the back.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rakhmanov rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

MacKenzie is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rakhmanov is just riding it out for now. MacKenzie eventually gives up the hold.
MacKenzie throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

MacKenzie is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
MacKenzie trying to mount his opponent but Rakhmanov defends it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tommy MacKenzie dominated that round.
That's time! MacKenzie's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rakhmanov lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Rakhmanov throws a body punch but MacKenzie moves out of range.
MacKenzie slips under a jab.
Rakhmanov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rakhmanov ducks under a wild hook from MacKenzie.
Nice shot by Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov connects with a body shot.
Rakhmanov misses with a straight left.
MacKenzie throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Mikhail Rakhmanov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A bone on bone clash there as MacKenzie blocks the leg kick.
Rakhmanov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rakhmanov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but MacKenzie was well out of range. Poor timing from Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov swings for the body but MacKenzie moves out of range.
Rakhmanov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmanov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
MacKenzie misses with an uppercut. Rakhmanov saw that one coming.
Rakhmanov thows a leg kick but MacKenzie checks it
and MacKenzie cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A low kick from Rakhmanov misses
and MacKenzie makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
MacKenzie throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rakhmanov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
MacKenzie moves into range and connects with a jab.
Rakhmanov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
MacKenzie cracks Rakhmanov with an open hand slap.
Rakhmanov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov ducks under a wild hook from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between MacKenzie's hands.
This has been an exciting period of action!
MacKenzie looks to land a right hand but Rakhmanov moved out of range.
Rakhmanov tries to land a leg kick but MacKenzie saw it coming and moves away.
MacKenzie misses with a combination
enabling Rakhmanov to counter with a crisp jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Rakhmanov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Rakhmanov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
MacKenzie swings widly with a right hand
and Rakhmanov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Rakhmanov scores with a leg kick.

MacKenzie feints and as Rakhmanov raises his hands in defense, MacKenzie changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
MacKenzie stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rakhmanov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rakhmanov working a defensive guard here.
MacKenzie won't allow Rakhmanov to sweep him here.
MacKenzie tries to free his leg and advance position but Rakhmanov is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacKenzie advances position into side control!
MacKenzie trying to control the action but Rakhmanov is working from the bottom.
Rakhmanov tries to buck MacKenzie off but MacKenzie is having none of it.
Rakhmanov is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
MacKenzie is looking to take a break and control but Rakhmanov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Rakhmanov manages to work his way to half guard, despite MacKenzie's best efforts.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

MacKenzie is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
MacKenzie wants to pass the guard but Rakhmanov is defending well.
Rakhmanov is trying to control but can't.
MacKenzie wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rakhmanov keeps working.
Rakhmanov works his way to full guard. Good work.
Rakhmanov looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but MacKenzie puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Rakhmanov is trying to get back to full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
MacKenzie wants to pass to mount but Rakhmanov is defending the position.

MacKenzie is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Rakhmanov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Rakhmanov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent MacKenzie stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Rakhmanov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rakhmanov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A big left from MacKenzie misses.
Rakhmanov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Rakhmanov staying out of range there.
Rakhmanov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Rakhmanov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
MacKenzie lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rakhmanov at a distance.
Rakhmanov is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down MacKenzie rather than just go for the knockout.
MacKenzie is looking to score with low kicks.
A left lands for MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov throws a chopping leg kick but MacKenzie manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Rakhmanov throws a leg kick that is checked
and MacKenzie connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmanov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
MacKenzie chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Rakhmanov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
MacKenzie shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rakhmanov defends it nicely.
MacKenzie is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rakhmanov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
MacKenzie misses with a wild combination.
Rakhmanov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Rakhmanov looks to score with a jab to the body but MacKenzie is just out of range.
Rakhmanov connects with a body shot that sends MacKenzie's belly button to the back.
MacKenzie is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rakhmanov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping MacKenzie at a distance.
Rakhmanov lands with a straight right. MacKenzie didn't see that one coming.
Rakhmanov looks to score with a jab to the body but MacKenzie is just out of range.
MacKenzie lands a head kick!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rakhmanov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Rakhmanov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rakhmanov swings widly with a right hand
and MacKenzie counters with a stiff right hand.
Rakhmanov works MacKenzie's body with a nice hook.
Rakhmanov looks for the body kick but MacKenzie saw that one coming.
Rakhmanov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
MacKenzie is looking to score with low kicks.
Rakhmanov takes a swing at MacKenzie's ribcage but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacKenzie ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rakhmanov moves away.
Rakhmanov sizes up MacKenzie with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
A solid leg kick lands there for MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as MacKenzie throws out the jab.
MacKenzie scores with a head kick. Rakhmanov tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
MacKenzie scores with a punch to the head.
MacKenzie misses with a hook.
Rakhmanov throws a head kick but MacKenzie moves out of range.
MacKenzie misses with a looping right.
Tommy MacKenzie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rakhmanov scores with a shot to the body.
Rakhmanov takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Rakhmanov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A good leg kick by Rakhmanov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
MacKenzie bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
MacKenzie moves in looking to clinch but Rakhmanov pushes him off.
MacKenzie takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Rakhmanov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from MacKenzie.
MacKenzie tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Rakhmanov is able to avoid easily.
MacKenzie tries to clinch but Rakhmanov is having none of it.
Rakhmanov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A clash of legs there as MacKenzie blocks the low kick.
Good leg kick by Rakhmanov there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
MacKenzie looks to land a combination but Rakhmanov avoids it well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
An inside leg kick lands from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
MacKenzie throws a leg kick that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikhail Rakhmanov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Rakhmanov 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Rakhmanov!
After winning the bout, Mikhail Rakhmanov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.