PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vyacheslav Kalashnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tobias Larsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kalashnikov's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Leningrad Cowboys - Those were the days . 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.

Kalashnikov
vs
Larsson

195 cm
29
245 lbs
21 - 8 - 0

195 cm
34
280 lbs
22 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Perkele!
Hellbent

//buriedALIVE// Fight Gear

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 21 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Vyacheslav Kalashnikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tobias Larsson!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Konstantin Menshow and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Larsson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kalashnikov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kalashnikov scores with a nice body kick.
We've been told by Kalashnikov's head coaches at RNC Sport Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Larsson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kalashnikov.

It looks like Tobias Larsson has been cut.
Larsson throws an off balance right hand
and Kalashnikov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Larsson thinking.
Larsson takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Kalashnikov throws a leg kick which misses Larsson's front leg but catches the back leg as Larsson tries to avoid it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kalashnikov connects with a right hand. Larsson shakes it off.
Vyacheslav Kalashnikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kalashnikov.
Larsson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kalashnikov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Larsson misses with a straight left.
Nice cross by Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Larsson.
A swing and a miss from Larsson.
Kalashnikov throws a jab when Larsson was well out of range.
Vyacheslav Kalashnikov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalashnikov thuds his right hand into Larsson's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kalashnikov 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 Larsson has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Larsson and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Larsson shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Kalashnikov lands an overhand right.
Kalashnikov scores with a jab to the head.
Kalashnikov swings for the body but Larsson moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kalashnikov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Larsson lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Larsson misses with a looping right.
Kalashnikov sizes up Larsson with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kalashnikov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Larsson was well out of range. Poor timing from Kalashnikov.
Larsson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kalashnikov as he avoids it easily.
Kalashnikov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

Kalashnikov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Larsson stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov throws a head punch that misses.
Larsson can't find room to land a body shot as Kalashnikov controls the action.
Larsson scores with a shoulder strike.
A short right from Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Larsson.
Kalashnikov just leaning against Larsson, taking a breather.
Kalashnikov missing with knees to the body.
Larsson has had enough of the clinch but Kalashnikov keeps him there for the moment.
Kalashnikov trying to land knees to the body.
Kalashnikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Larsson's elbow.
Kalashnikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Larsson controls his hands.
Larsson tries to break free but Kalashnikov pushes him back against the cage.
Kalashnikov blocks a body shot from Larsson.
Kalashnikov working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Larsson has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Kalashnikov seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Larsson can turn it around.
Larsson throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov throws a head punch that misses.
Kalashnikov presses Larsson against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Larsson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Larsson decides to pull guard.
Kalashnikov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kalashnikov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kalashnikov content to stall in guard here.
Kalashnikov with a nice head shot there.
Kalashnikov throws an elbow that misses. Larsson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kalashnikov's guard. Nice move by Larsson!
Larsson postures up.
Larsson looking to pass the guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Larsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larsson trying to control but Kalashnikov is working from the bottom.
Larsson wants to pass the guard but Kalashnikov is keeping the position.
Larsson stopping the sweep attempt from Kalashnikov.
Larsson tries to free his leg and advance position but Kalashnikov is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Larsson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Larsson with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kalashnikov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vyacheslav Kalashnikov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tobias Larsson's cut.
That's time! Kalashnikov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kalashnikov lands a jab-cross combination.
Kalashnikov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Vyacheslav Kalashnikov is winning the standup battle so far.
Larsson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kalashnikov manages to avoid it.
Kalashnikov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Larsson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kalashnikov loads up on a big right hand but Larsson slips the punch.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Kalashnikov here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Kalashnikov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Larsson sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kalashnikov connects with a leg kick. Larsson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Kalashnikov connects with the punch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kalashnikov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kalashnikov throws out a loose jab but Larsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kalashnikov throws a push kick but Larsson slaps the foot to one side.
Kalashnikov ducks under a wild hook from Larsson.
Larsson takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalashnikov misses with an uppercut.
Nice body kick from Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Kalashnikov lands a really nice looking cross but Larsson seems unphased.
Larsson takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
That kick from Kalashnikov tenderised Larsson's leg. Larsson is trying to keep his angry face on.
Larsson walks forward, straight into a front kick from Kalashnikov.
A good leg kick by Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov lands with a kick to the temple. Larsson shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kalashnikov thumps Larsson with a low kick.
Kalashnikov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Larsson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kalashnikov.
Larsson will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kalashnikov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Larsson avoids the head kick by Kalashnikov.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kalashnikov.
Larsson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kalashnikov. Kalashnikov obviously looking to wear him down.
Kalashnikov misses with a straight left.
Kalashnikov connects with a right hand. Larsson shakes it off.
Larsson's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Larsson misses with a straight right.
Kalashnikov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Larsson takes a jab right on the kisser.
Kalashnikov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Larsson. That did some damage!
Larsson takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Larsson stalks Kalashnikov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Kalashnikov's face. Kalashnikov staggers backwards, shaken.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice cross by Kalashnikov.
Larsson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kalashnikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Larsson on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kalashnikov. Kalashnikov obviously looking to wear him down.
Larsson takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
A looping hook to the body misses from Larsson. Kalashnikov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Larsson misses with a left hand

and Kalashnikov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov wants to control from the top but Larsson keeps moving.
Kalashnikov throwing strikes from guard but Larsson blocks nicely.
Kalashnikov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Larsson is trying to keep Kalashnikov in close.
Kalashnikov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalashnikov trying to control but Larsson is working from the bottom.
Larsson looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kalashnikov postures up.
Larsson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

Larsson has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kalashnikov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Vyacheslav Kalashnikov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kalashnikov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kalashnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Larsson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Larsson is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kalashnikov defends well.
Kalashnikov trying to control but Larsson is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vyacheslav Kalashnikov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Tobias Larsson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kalashnikov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Larsson momentarily.
Larsson takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Larsson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Larsson misses with a lunging right hand
and Kalashnikov counters with a body kick.
Kalashnikov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kalashnikov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

Kalashnikov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Larsson manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kalashnikov with a flurry of punches that miss.

Larsson throws his legs up looking for a submission but Kalashnikov uses it to pass to side control.
Kalashnikov lands some shots froms side control.
Larsson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kalashnikov tries to score with some ground and pound. Larsson controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Larsson tries to improve position but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Kalashnikov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Larsson is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kalashnikov's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Kalashnikov is trying to control. Larsson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kalashnikov is nestled in close to Larsson, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Kalashnikov is trying to control. Larsson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Larsson is trying to get back to full guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Larsson trying to control here.
Larsson is looking to improve his position.
Larsson trying to control from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kalashnikov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Larsson can do to turn this around?
Larsson wants to control but Kalashnikov is keeping busy.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Kalashnikov thows a body kick. Larsson tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Larsson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kalashnikov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Larsson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kalashnikov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Larsson scrambles back to his feet.

Larsson feints and as Kalashnikov raises his hands in defense, Larsson changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Larsson passes into half guard.
Kalashnikov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kalashnikov is refusing to be controlled, as Larsson sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Larsson is working away from the top position though.
Kalashnikov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Larsson winds up and cracks Kalashnikov with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Kalashnikov wants to improve his position but Larsson is controlling well.
Larsson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Larsson trying to control from Kalashnikov's half guard. Kalashnikov has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larsson is looking to work some ground and pound but Kalashnikov has wrist control.
Larsson wants to control from the top but Kalashnikov keeps moving.
Larsson in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Larsson throws a big elbow that misses.
Kalashnikov wants to sweep but no luck.
Larsson scoring with some ground and pound.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kalashnikov is pulling down on Larsson's head. It's preventing any offense from Larsson, at least for the moment.
Larsson postures up in Kalashnikov's guard and throws a big left but Kalashnikov blocks it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vyacheslav Kalashnikov clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Tobias Larsson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Larsson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kalashnikov's waist but Kalashnikov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Larsson off to one side.
Kalashnikov misses with a shot to the body

and Larsson counters with a single leg into guard. Kalashnikov didn't expect that.
Kalashnikov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Larsson's guard.
Larsson looking for a sweep. Not yet Larsson, not yet.

Larsson looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Kalashnikov has picked Larsson up and slammed him! Larsson can't keep hold of the triangle and Kalashnikov manages to pass to side control!
The strikes coming from Kalashnikov are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Kalashnikov throwing shots but missing, from side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kalashnikov working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Larsson gets back to half guard.
Larsson tries to get to full guard but Kalashnikov has control of the leg.
Kalashnikov throwing shots but Larsson is blocking nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larsson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kalashnikov.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Larsson is looking for a sweep. Kalashnikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Larsson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Kalashnikov pulls his head out easily.
Still in half guard, Kalashnikov seems content to control.
Larsson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kalashnikov.
Larsson wants to improve his position but Kalashnikov is controlling well.
Larsson is looking to control Kalashnikov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Larsson avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Larsson avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov wants to free his trapped foot but Larsson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kalashnikov is looking to take a break and control but Larsson is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Larsson tries to roll over but Kalashnikov keeps him under control.
Kalashnikov passes the guard and advances to mount!
Kalashnikov avoids the attempt from Larsson to control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Larsson is wriggling around trying to escape.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov punching from mount but Larsson doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Larsson is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
The referee warns Larsson that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Larsson avoids a series of strikes thrown by Kalashnikov.
Larsson tries to reverse the position but Kalashnikov maintains control.
Larsson is squirming around, avoiding Kalashnikov's attempts to control the action.
Kalashnikov throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Larsson is wriggling around trying to escape.
Kalashnikov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Larsson is trying desperately to improve position.
Kalashnikov lands with some strikes.

That has opened up Tobias Larsson's cut even more.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Poor strikes thrown by Kalashnikov there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Larsson is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Kalashnikov postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Larsson looks a forlorn figure.
Larsson really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Larsson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Kalashnikov trying to mount his opponent but Larsson defends it.
Kalashnikov is trying to control. Larsson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Larsson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kalashnikov lands a nice short elbow.

The cut above Tobias Larsson's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Larsson wants to control but Kalashnikov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Larsson works his way to full guard. Good work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vyacheslav Kalashnikov had his way with Tobias Larsson in that round.
The cut man is working on Tobias Larsson's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Kalashnikov cracks Larsson with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Larsson shoots in but no luck this time.
Kalashnikov scores with a jab to the jaw.
Larsson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kalashnikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kalashnikov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kalashnikov wants to slow Larsson down by chopping away at his legs.
Larsson has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Larsson takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Larsson chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kalashnikov can pounce on him.
Kalashnikov misses with a looping right.
Larsson moves out of range as Kalashnikov throws a body kick.
Larsson throws an overhand right that lands on Kalashnikov's shoulder, as Kalashnikov tries to avoid the shot.
Larsson misses with a hook. Kalashnikov ducked under it nicely.
Larsson takes one to the chin there.

Tobias Larsson's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Larsson walks into a straight right hand from Kalashnikov.

Larsson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Kalashnikov on his heels. He'll look to pass Kalashnikov's guard now, I'm sure.
Larsson postures up.
Larsson wants to pass the guard but Kalashnikov is keeping the position.
Kalashnikov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Larsson is looking to work some ground and pound but Kalashnikov has wrist control.
Kalashnikov keeping moving, preventing Larsson from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Larsson misses with a straight right.
Larsson on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Kalashnikov throws a leg kick but Larsson sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kalashnikov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's 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!
Larsson throws a looping overhand right but Kalashnikov ducks down to avoid it.
Kalashnikov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Tobias Larsson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Larsson missing with a left hand there. Kalashnikov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kalashnikov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kalashnikov throws the kick towards the body but Larsson avoids it.
Larsson takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kalashnikov lands a nice shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Kalashnikov.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kalashnikov.
Larsson defending well as Kalashnikov loads up on a big left hand.
Kalashnikov clobbers Larsson with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Tobias Larsson's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:30 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Vyacheslav Kalashnikov!
Vyacheslav Kalashnikov retains his heavyweight title!
Vyacheslav Kalashnikov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
Tobias Larsson spoke after the fight, saying 'Nearing the end of my story now, seeing this contract out and then I'm done.'.