PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Argivas Kerenzikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Max Matthews (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kerenzikov
vs
Matthews

185 cm
24
270 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

195 cm
27
263 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

TWGC Champion
Great elbows
Fast

Just Fight (Everything 7$)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Argivas Kerenzikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Max Matthews!
The judges for this bout are Frank Dennis, Robert Twigg and Wesley Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kerenzikov throws a sloppy head kick and Matthews moves out of range easily.
Nice takedown defense from Kerenzikov. No joy for Matthews on that attempt.
Matthews fails in his attempt to clinch.

Matthews closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Kerenzikov is looking to control Matthews's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Kerenzikov avoid being mounted?
Kerenzikov is staying active underneath Matthews, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Matthews is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Kerenzikov sees it coming and defends easily.
Matthews landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Kerenzikov is looking to control Matthews's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Kerenzikov avoid being mounted?
Kerenzikov is looking for a sweep. Matthews is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Matthews is looking for a kimura but Kerenzikov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Matthews to get the leverage.
Matthews tries to pass to full mount but Kerenzikov defends it.
Kerenzikov is trying to control but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kerenzikov tries to roll over but Matthews keeps him under control.
Matthews throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Matthews looks to land a strike but Kerenzikov avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Matthews lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kerenzikov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Matthews manages to get himself to full guard.
Matthews keeping moving, preventing Kerenzikov from controlling successfully.
Matthews looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kerenzikov is one step ahead there.
Kerenzikov trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Matthews manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Kerenzikov looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Matthews tries to free his leg and advance position but Kerenzikov is retaining full guard.
Kerenzikov keeping moving, preventing Matthews from controlling successfully.
Matthews stands and throws Kerenzikov's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Matthews has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Kerenzikov is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Matthews yanks on the arm and Kerenzikov is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Matthews.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:49 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Max Matthews! Max Matthews retains his heavyweight title!
An out of breath Max Matthews thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.