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). MacKenzie comes to the cage accompanied by Kettel - My Dogan . Rakhmanov has chosen Russian national anthem as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

MacKenzie
vs
Rakhmanov

180 cm
25
202 lbs
6 - 5 - 0

179 cm
22
190 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

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 6 - 5 - 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 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mikhail Rakhmanov!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Aleksandr Martynov and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacKenzie tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rakhmanov was well out of range. Poor timing from MacKenzie.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from MacKenzie lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Rakhmanov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Rakhmanov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
MacKenzie lands with an uppercut that bounces Rakhmanov off the cage and back into range.
MacKenzie misses the jab.
Tommy MacKenzie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
MacKenzie throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
MacKenzie is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but MacKenzie moves away.
Rakhmanov misses with a series of wild punches.
MacKenzie throws a big shot that misses.
MacKenzie slips under a jab.
MacKenzie throws a left and a right that both miss
and Rakhmanov counters with a leg kick.
Rakhmanov throws out a leg kick but MacKenzie moves out of range and Rakhmanov only half commits.
A chopping leg kick lands by Rakhmanov.
MacKenzie lands the left hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmanov scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
A combination from Rakhmanov does no damage.
MacKenzie shoots in but Rakhmanov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
MacKenzie changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rakhmanov tries to avoid it but MacKenzie manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rakhmanov to the ground. Rakhmanov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
MacKenzie lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Nice body punch from MacKenzie.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rakhmanov cracks MacKenzie with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Rakhmanov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Rakhmanov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
MacKenzie looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tommy MacKenzie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rakhmanov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from MacKenzie.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacKenzie lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Rakhmanov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Rakhmanov connects with a single shot there.

MacKenzie is rocked!
MacKenzie lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Oh MacKenzie is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Mikhail Rakhmanov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
MacKenzie throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rakhmanov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
MacKenzie seems to have got his legs back now.
Rakhmanov lands a really nice looking cross but MacKenzie seems unphased.
MacKenzie avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rakhmanov digs a good hook to MacKenzie's body.
Rakhmanov blocks a jab.
MacKenzie connects with a looping right hand.
Rakhmanov works MacKenzie's body with a nice hook.
Rakhmanov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but MacKenzie was well out of range. Poor timing from Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov tries to land a front kick but MacKenzie steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rakhmanov jabs MacKenzie to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A slow jab from Rakhmanov misses its intended target.
Rakhmanov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by MacKenzie.
MacKenzie lands a lovely overhand right.
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.
MacKenzie missing with a left hand there. Rakhmanov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
MacKenzie misses with a two punch combination.
MacKenzie is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Rakhmanov ducks under a wild hook from MacKenzie.

Rakhmanov tries to sprawl but MacKenzie drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Rakhmanov wants to control but MacKenzie is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Rakhmanov is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but MacKenzie is staying active.
Rakhmanov tries to get to full guard but MacKenzie has control of the leg.
MacKenzie throwing shots but Rakhmanov is blocking nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
MacKenzie is trying to control the action in half guard but Rakhmanov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Rakhmanov works his way to full guard. Good work.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rakhmanov is on top in guard.
MacKenzie working a defensive guard here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
MacKenzie wants to sweep but no luck.
Rakhmanov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Rakhmanov dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

MacKenzie connects with a right hand. Rakhmanov shakes it off.
Rakhmanov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Rakhmanov swinging wildly here.
A left lands for Rakhmanov.
Nice defenses there by Rakhmanov.
MacKenzie misses with a lunging right hand
and Rakhmanov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
MacKenzie takes a swing at Rakhmanov's ribcage but misses.
Rakhmanov throws a predictable looking body shot
and MacKenzie counters with a nice uppercut.
MacKenzie shoots for a takedown but Rakhmanov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Rakhmanov misses with an uppercut. MacKenzie saw that one coming.
Rakhmanov misses with an attempted mid kick.
MacKenzie looks to land a left hand but Rakhmanov moved out of range nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacKenzie stuns Rakhmanov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
MacKenzie avoids the head kick by Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Mikhail Rakhmanov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rakhmanov takes a swing at MacKenzie's ribcage but misses.
Rakhmanov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
MacKenzie takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Rakhmanov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
MacKenzie looks for a takedown but Rakhmanov sprawls well.
MacKenzie cracks a nice hook into Rakhmanov's ribs.
Rakhmanov throws a right hand that MacKenzie ducks under and follows up with a left that MacKenzie also avoids with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacKenzie avoids the body shot from Rakhmanov.
MacKenzie throws a nice looking combination but Rakhmanov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
MacKenzie lands with a right hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rakhmanov misses with a head kick.
MacKenzie shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Rakhmanov as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tommy MacKenzie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
MacKenzie misses with a few strikes there.
Rakhmanov defending well as MacKenzie loads up on a big left hand.
MacKenzie takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rakhmanov tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and MacKenzie is able to avoid easily.

MacKenzie gets the takedown into side control.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rakhmanov is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov is looking to control MacKenzie's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Rakhmanov avoid being mounted?
Rakhmanov wants to get back to full guard.
MacKenzie is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Rakhmanov!
Rakhmanov can't escape the position.
Rakhmanov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Rakhmanov slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Rakhmanov is trying to maintain the position but MacKenzie is very close to passing his half guard.

MacKenzie wants to work for an arm triangle but Rakhmanov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
MacKenzie wants to take a breather but Rakhmanov is having none of it.
Rakhmanov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of MacKenzie's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take MacKenzie's back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacKenzie is really stuck here.
MacKenzie breaks Rakhmanov's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
MacKenzie is pushing down on Rakhmanov's leg trying to pass to half guard. Rakhmanov is fighting to maintain full guard but MacKenzie has managed to sneak the leg through.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
MacKenzie prevents Rakhmanov from improving his position.
Rakhmanov wants to sweep but MacKenzie has passed to side control!

MacKenzie is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Rakhmanov is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

MacKenzie tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

MacKenzie wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Rakhmanov, who protects the arm well.
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 Tommy MacKenzie will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Rakhmanov staying out of range there.
Some wild striking there from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov defending well as MacKenzie loads up on a big left hand.
Rakhmanov avoids the body shot from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
MacKenzie looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
MacKenzie has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Rakhmanov finds it's way round the side to connect with MacKenzie's head.
MacKenzie with a poor takedown
and Rakhmanov counters with a two punch combo.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
MacKenzie throws a looping overhand right but Rakhmanov ducks down to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacKenzie throws a leg kick that is checked
and Rakhmanov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rakhmanov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but MacKenzie was well out of range. Poor timing from Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov misses with an uppercut. MacKenzie saw that one coming.
MacKenzie thuds his right hand into Rakhmanov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Rakhmanov slaps away a takedown attempt from MacKenzie, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tommy MacKenzie. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by MacKenzie.
MacKenzie misses with an uppercut
enabling Rakhmanov to counter with a crisp jab.
Rakhmanov slaps away a takedown attempt from MacKenzie, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
MacKenzie avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rakhmanov cracks MacKenzie with a good jab.
MacKenzie checks the leg kick nicely there.
MacKenzie closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rakhmanov misses with the combination.
MacKenzie closes the distance and clinches up with Rakhmanov, looking for a takedown. MacKenzie pushes Rakhmanov against the cage but Rakhmanov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rakhmanov misses with a straight right.
MacKenzie throws a low kick, looking for Rakhmanov's leg but Rakhmanov calmly moves out of range.
Rakhmanov digs a good hook to MacKenzie's body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Rakhmanov misses.
MacKenzie checks the leg kick.
Rakhmanov throws a body punch but MacKenzie moves out of range.
Rakhmanov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by MacKenzie.
Rakhmanov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Good leg kick by Rakhmanov there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

MacKenzie closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Rakhmanov to the mat! Rakhmanov manages to get full guard.
Rakhmanov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. MacKenzie manages to get himself to full guard.
Rakhmanov trying to control the position from guard on top but MacKenzie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rakhmanov chips away with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
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 keeping moving, preventing Rakhmanov from controlling successfully.
Rakhmanov is working MacKenzie over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
MacKenzie has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Rakhmanov has passed into side control.
MacKenzie manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Rakhmanov controlling the pace.
Rakhmanov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rakhmanov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. MacKenzie defending well though.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikhail Rakhmanov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Rakhmanov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Rakhmanov!
Mikhail Rakhmanov thanked the fans post fight for their support.