PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Martin Cristos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lee Machin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cristos comes to the cage accompanied by Cypress Hill - Hand on the Pump. Martin Cristos had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Cristos
vs
Machin

178 cm
35
180 lbs
23 - 14 - 1

180 cm
29
175 lbs
19 - 13 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Martin Cristos!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 13 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lee Machin!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Konstantin Menshow and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machin buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Machin with a lazy takedown attempt
and Cristos counters with a head kick. That will keep Machin thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Machin blocks a low kick nicely.
Machin shoots in but Cristos avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Cristos throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Machin tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Machin tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cristos swivels and escapes.
Martin Cristos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lee Machin.
A chopping leg kick lands by Cristos.
Cristos fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Machin has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cristos is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Machin effectively controlling the action here.
Machin is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Machin is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Cristos gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Machin looking to slow down the pace here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cristos throws a head punch that misses.
Machin has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cristos is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Machin tries to score a body lock takedown but Cristos shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Machin blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Machin breaks from the clinch.
Machin with a lazy takedown attempt
and Cristos makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Cristos throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Machin's head.
Cristos thows a body kick. Machin tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Cristos dodges the punch combination from Machin.
Martin Cristos is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Cristos misses with a low kick.
Cristos with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Cristos pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cristos doesn't manage to clinch there - Machin circles away.
Machin takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Cristos tries to land a front kick but Machin steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cristos thumps Machin with a low kick.
Cristos misses with a body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cristos fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Machin.
Machin tries to clinch up.

Cristos closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Machin blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Cristos lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Machin stalls.
Machin looking for a takedown.
Cristos misses with a punch to the body.
Cristos lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Machin lands with a left to the head.
Cristos prevents a takedown attempt there.
Cristos gets underhooks to prevent Machin's takedown attempt.
Machin swings wildly with an uppercut but Cristos uses good head movement to avoid it.
Machin blocking some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machin keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Cristos's efforts to push away.
Machin has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Cristos is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Machin has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Cristos avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Machin works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Cristos throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A short left from Cristos.

Cristos manages to break the clinch.

Machin has Cristos up against the cage in a clinch.
Cristos doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Machin has a couple of punches blocked by Cristos.
Cristos effectively controlling the action here.
Machin blocks an uppercut.
Machin working hard to break the clinch.
Cristos misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cristos throws a head punch that misses.
Cristos doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Machin lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Machin is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Cristos gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A hook to the body from Cristos.
Cristos misses with the head strike.
Cristos is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Machin has Cristos pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Cristos manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Machin is trying to break the clinch but Cristos is controlling him.
Cristos lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Cristos lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Machin.
Machin looks winded!
Cristos looking to stall.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Cristos misses with a body punch.
Cristos tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Machin's elbow.
A nice right hand lands inside from Cristos.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Martin Cristos dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Machin rushes Cristos and presses him up against the cage.
Machin softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

It looks like Martin Cristos has been cut.
A short uppercut from Machin.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Cristos.
Machin is trying to break the clinch but Cristos has him pressed against the cage.
Machin jumps guard but Cristos turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
A hook to the body from Cristos.
Cristos working aggressively here.
Cristos misses with some punches.
Cristos misses with a hook to the ribs.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Cristos stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Machin can't get the takedown.
Cristos lands a left hand.
Machin blocks the elbow strike.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Machin looking for a takedown.
Martin Cristos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lee Machin.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Cristos creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Machin working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Machin blocks an uppercut.
A bit of stalling here from Machin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machin is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

Machin has clasped his hands together around Cristos's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Cristos is looking to reverse the position.
Machin controls the position.
Machin tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Machin working the ground and pound from side control.
Cristos tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cristos wants to control but Machin postures up.

Machin goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Cristos rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Machin's guard! Nice work there by Cristos!
Cristos in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Machin throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cristos lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Machin keeping moving, preventing Cristos from controlling successfully.
Machin trying to control the position.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Cristos avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Machin looking for a sweep. Not yet Machin, not yet.
Machin is trying to control the position but Cristos postures up.
Cristos content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Machin wants to sweep here but Cristos controlling him for the moment.

Machin has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cristos can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cristos loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Machin trying to keep a closed guard but Cristos is proving a slippery customer.
Cristos connects with a couple of short punches.
Cristos content to stall in guard here.
Cristos loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cristos trying to control the position from guard on top but Machin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Machin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Cristos wants to control from the top but Machin keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Martin Cristos just wasn't active enough.
That kick from Cristos tenderised Machin's leg. Machin is trying to keep his angry face on.
Cristos connects with an inside leg kick.
Martin Cristos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A punch lands to the side of Cristos 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Machin slips a jab and a cross from Cristos.
Machin will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cristos is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Machin bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cristos with a nice cross.
Machin shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cristos as he jumps to the side.
Machin is breathing heavily.
Machin fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Cristos thumps Machin with a low kick.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Machin checks a leg kick.
Machin shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Martin Cristos will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Martin Cristos's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! 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.

Cristos lands a head kick!
Machin tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cristos swivels and escapes.
Machin fails to land the takedown.
Cristos swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Cristos throws a nice inside leg kick.
Machin lands a head shot.
Cristos finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

Cristos moves into the clinch successfully.
Machin is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Cristos is defending well.
Martin Cristos has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lee Machin.
Machin tries to throw a body punch but Cristos avoids it by throwing Machin back against the cage.
Cristos pushes Machin back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Machin struggles to land a body shot inside as Cristos controls his hands.
Machin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Cristos is working Machin over against the cage.
Cristos misses with the head strike.
Cristos misses with a body punch.
Cristos throws a punch but it's blocked by Machin.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machin has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Machin is trying to pull guard but Cristos turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Martin Cristos has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Cristos lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Machin gets through Cristos's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Cristos misses with a punch on the inside.
Machin tries to pull guard but Cristos won't allow it.
Cristos lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A short uppercut from Cristos.
Machin struggles to land a body shot inside as Cristos controls his hands.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Cristos.

Machin pulls guard effortlessly.
Machin is trying to keep Cristos in close.
Machin keeping moving, preventing Cristos from controlling successfully.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Lee Machin has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cristos postures up and lands a big shot to Machin's brow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Machin keeping full guard, as Cristos tries to pass.
Cristos trying to control but Machin is working from the bottom.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Martin Cristos just wasn't active enough.
Cristos misses with a body kick.
Nice shot lands for Cristos.
Martin Cristos is winning the standup battle so far.
Cristos misses with an uppercut.
Machin swinging wildly here.
The fighters circling - Cristos throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Machin checks a low kick from Cristos.
Cristos is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Machin.
Machin throws a hook to the side of Cristos's head but Cristos sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Cristos throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Machin will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Machin tries to clinch there but Cristos circles away.
Cristos throws a half hearted mid kick.
Cristos throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Machin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Machin throws a leg kick but Cristos sees it coming and moves out of range.
Machin takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cristos pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Cristos misses with a low kick.
Machin tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Cristos swivels and escapes.
Cristos stalks Machin and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Machin's face. Machin staggers backwards, shaken.
A jab from Machin does it's job there.
Cristos looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Cristos throws a leg kick which misses Machin's front leg but catches the back leg as Machin tries to avoid it.

Machin closes the distance and clinches.
Machin drops down looking for an ankle pick but Cristos pulls his leg out and moves away.
Cristos looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cristos looks to score with a jab to the body but Machin is just out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cristos tries a head kick but it misses.
Martin Cristos is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Machin looks to score with a jab to the body but Cristos is just out of range.
Cristos dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Machin. That did some damage!
Machin avoids a punch combination nicely.
Machin wants to clinch up but Cristos keeps it at a distance.
A slapping leg kick lands for Cristos.
Machin avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Machin.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cristos throws a low kick but Machin avoids it.
Cristos displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Machin.
Lee Machin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cristos looking to land some kicks to the body here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Martin Cristos showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Cristos, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Martin Cristos!
Our winner, Martin Cristos, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.