PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Vitaliy Shunkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shakim Abdulkerimov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vitaliy Shunkov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Shakim Abdulkerimov's chin.

Shunkov
vs
Abdulkerimov

175 cm
25
164 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

180 cm
20
150 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Very quick

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight 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 Rio de Janeiro, Vitaliy Shunkov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Shakim Abdulkerimov!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Cesar, Luis Engracia and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Abdulkerimov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

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

Abdulkerimov is defending against the submission attempts here by Shunkov.
Shunkov wants to stand up but Abdulkerimov is controlling the position.
Shunkov stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Abdulkerimov wants to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shunkov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Abdulkerimov trying to control here.
Shunkov passes to side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Shunkov decides to stand up, so the ref orders Abdulkerimov to his feet.

Abdulkerimov clinches with his opponent.
Shunkov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Abdulkerimov after a bit of a struggle.
Shunkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Abdulkerimov prevents it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shunkov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Abdulkerimov gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Vitaliy Shunkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shunkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Abdulkerimov prevents it.
Abdulkerimov misses with an elbow over the top.
Shunkov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Abdulkerimov gets underhooks to prevent Shunkov's takedown attempt.
Shunkov blocks an elbow strike.
Abdulkerimov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Abdulkerimov misses with an elbow strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Abdulkerimov throws an elbow but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov throws an elbow that misses.
Abdulkerimov pushes off an throws an elbow but Shunkov leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Abdulkerimov creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Shunkov's defenses.
Shunkov is looking for a takedown.
Shunkov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Shunkov blocks an elbow strike from Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov lands an elbow inside that Shunkov shrugs off.

It looks like Vitaliy Shunkov has been cut.
Abdulkerimov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Nice elbow from Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov lands an elbow inside.
Abdulkerimov throws an elbow that misses.
Shunkov avoids the elbow strike from Abdulkerimov, against the cage.
Abdulkerimov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shunkov avoids a wild elbow strike from Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Shunkov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Abdulkerimov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Abdulkerimov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

Shunkov turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
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!

Shunkov is working to tighten his grip on Abdulkerimov's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Abdulkerimov has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Shunkov is really squeezing tight and eventually Abdulkerimov passes out! Shunkov breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:44 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Vitaliy Shunkov!
Vitaliy Shunkov is the new lightweight champion!
Vitaliy Shunkov decided to call for a title shot in his post fight interview, which was very strange given the fact this fight was for a title and he's already the champion. I guess that's what getting punched in the head does for you.