PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Malakai Semerkhet (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arnost Paskalev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Semerkhet comes to the cage accompanied by راقصة صغيرة. Paskalev has chosen The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Semerkhet
vs
Paskalev

170 cm
23
154 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

173 cm
21
153 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Malakai Semerkhet!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Arnost Paskalev!
The judges for this bout are Eddie Farnsworth, Franklyn Lucas and Steve Montenegro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Semerkhet misses with a low kick.
Paskalev blocks the body kick.
Paskalev dives in for a single leg takedown but Semerkhet sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Semerkhet goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Semerkhet lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Semerkhet fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Paskalev blocks a body shot from Semerkhet.
Paskalev blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short right from Semerkhet on the inside.
Paskalev jumps guard but Semerkhet turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Semerkhet lands a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Paskalev is trying to pull guard but Semerkhet turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Malakai Semerkhet has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arnost Paskalev.
Semerkhet scores with a shoulder strike.
Semerkhet lands with a left to the head.
Paskalev is trying to pull guard but Semerkhet has him pressed against the cage.
Semerkhet misses with a punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semerkhet misses with a short punch on the inside.
Semerkhet lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Semerkhet prevents the takedown attempt.
Paskalev tries to pull guard but Semerkhet holds him up against the cage and eventually Paskalev drops back down to his feet.
Paskalev blocks a body shot from Semerkhet.
Semerkhet prevents a takedown attempt there.
Semerkhet tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Paskalev's elbow.
Semerkhet landing knees to the head.
A shot in the inside from Semerkhet.
Semerkhet misses with a body punch.
Semerkhet scores with a nice hook to the head.
Semerkhet tries to throw a body punch but Paskalev avoids it by throwing Semerkhet back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Paskalev drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Semerkhet gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Still in the clinch, Semerkhet scores with a nice short uppercut.
Semerkhet throws a punch but it's blocked by Paskalev.
Semerkhet softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Semerkhet lands with a light punch inside.
Semerkhet misses with a punch on the inside.
Semerkhet digs a right hand into Paskalev's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Paskalev's gas tank.
Paskalev wants a takedown.
Semerkhet tries to work over Paskalev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Semerkhet misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A shot in the inside from Semerkhet.
Still in the clinch, Semerkhet scores with a nice short uppercut.
Semerkhet misses with a body punch.
Paskalev avoiding damage as Semerkhet throws knees to the body.
Semerkhet has a couple of punches blocked by Paskalev.
Paskalev jumps guard but Semerkhet stands there with Paskalev around his waist. Paskalev gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Paskalev is trying to drag Semerkhet to the mat but Semerkhet just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Semerkhet misses with a hook from the clinch.
Semerkhet lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Paskalev backwards.
Semerkhet throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Semerkhet throws a punch but it's blocked by Paskalev.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Paskalev looking for a takedown.
Semerkhet tries to work over Paskalev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Semerkhet misses with a body punch.
Semerkhet misses with a short punch on the inside.
Semerkhet lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Paskalev jumps guard but Semerkhet stands there with Paskalev around his waist. Paskalev gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Semerkhet working aggressively here.
Semerkhet gets underhooks to prevent Paskalev's takedown attempt.
Semerkhet tries to work over Paskalev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A short left from Semerkhet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Paskalev tries to pull guard but Semerkhet forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Semerkhet misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Semerkhet working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Paskalev shoots in and drives through. Semerkhet sprawls well.
Paskalev avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Semerkhet lands a nice leg kick that just misses Paskalev's sensitive parts.
Semerkhet throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Semerkhet misses the jab.
Semerkhet moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Semerkhet throws a nice outside leg kick.
Paskalev moves out of range as Semerkhet throws a body kick.
Semerkhet scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Semerkhet, as that shot connected.
Semerkhet misses the shot to the body.
We've been told by Semerkhet's head coaches at Convicted Fight Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Paskalev takes a kick to the side of the head.
Semerkhet misses the shot to the body.
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!
Paskalev misses with a takedown attempt - Semerkhet sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Paskalev drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Semerkhet tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Paskalev wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
The strikes coming from Paskalev are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
You can see the frustration on Semerkhet's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Paskalev wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Semerkhet, who protects the arm well.
Paskalev trying to control the position but Semerkhet is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet struggling a bit here.
Paskalev has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Semerkhet!
Paskalev throws some wild stikes that Semerkhet manages to avoid easily.
Paskalev lands a big shot there that rocks Semerkhet but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Paskalev tries to push Semerkhet's head away but Semerkhet is holding on tight.
Semerkhet manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Semerkhet trying to control from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet works his way to full guard. Good work.
Paskalev throws a big right hand that misses.
Semerkhet trying to keep a closed guard but Paskalev is proving a slippery customer.
Semerkhet keeping full guard, as Paskalev tries to pass.
Semerkhet preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Paskalev with a flurry of punches that miss.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Paskalev thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Paskalev pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Semerkhet is keeping the position for now.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Paskalev takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Semerkhet throws a right and a left that both miss.
Semerkhet is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Paskalev can do to turn this around?
Semerkhet throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Paskalev.
Paskalev ducks under a wild hook from Semerkhet.
Paskalev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Semerkhet circles away.
Malakai Semerkhet has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arnost Paskalev.
Semerkhet tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Paskalev is able to avoid easily.
A leg kick checked by Paskalev.
Semerkhet keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Paskalev tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Semerkhet defends well and Paskalev ends up having to push Semerkhet into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Malakai Semerkhet dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Paskalev slips under a jab.
Semerkhet misses with a left hand

and Paskalev counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Semerkhet!
Semerkhet is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Paskalev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Semerkhet's head.
Semerkhet wants to get back to full guard.
Paskalev stalling away here and it's allowed Semerkhet to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Semerkhet keeping full guard, as Paskalev tries to pass.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Semerkhet looking to control.
Semerkhet keeping full guard, as Paskalev tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Paskalev throws a big elbow that misses.
Paskalev postures up.
Semerkhet can't keep his opponent in guard - Paskalev advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Paskalev working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

Paskalev seems to be working for a kimura but Semerkhet defends the submission attempt.
Paskalev wants to take a breather but Semerkhet is having none of it.
Semerkhet moves into full guard.
Paskalev pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Semerkhet is keeping the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Semerkhet working a defensive guard here.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Semerkhet tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Semerkhet.
Semerkhet throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Paskalev fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Semerkhet throws a lazy right hand but Paskalev sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Malakai Semerkhet is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Semerkhet misses with a kick to the body.
Semerkhet tries to land a front kick but Paskalev steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Paskalev moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Paskalev takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Semerkhet misses with a few strikes there.
Semerkhet delivers a nice body kick.
Semerkhet will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Paskalev moves out of range of the leg kick from Semerkhet.
Paskalev sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Malakai Semerkhet seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Paskalev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Paskalev fails with a takedown attempt.
Semerkhet connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Paskalev displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Semerkhet throws out the jab.
Arnost Paskalev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet misses with the combination.
Semerkhet misses with a straight left.
Semerkhet throws a leg kick but Paskalev checks it.
A jab lands there for Semerkhet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Semerkhet tests Paskalev's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Paskalev moves out of range of the body kick from Semerkhet.
Paskalev with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Semerkhet to score with a decent uppercut.
A chopping leg kick lands by Semerkhet.
Malakai Semerkhet is winning the standup battle so far.
Semerkhet throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Semerkhet stuffs the takedown attempt from Paskalev. Paskalev gets slowly back to his feet.
Malakai Semerkhet has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arnost Paskalev.
Paskalev misses with an uppercut
and Semerkhet counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Malakai Semerkhet showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Semerkhet, 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 Eddie Farnsworth scores the fight 30:26
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 30:26
Judge Steve Montenegro scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Malakai Semerkhet!
A very excited looking Malakai Semerkhet made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Arnost Paskalev spoke after the fight, saying 'Honey Badger needs sleep now'.