PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nicolas Karkmananis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zoey Malone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Malone has chosen Boy Named Sue - Johnny Cash as his entrance music. On his way into the cage it seems that Nicolas Karkmananis has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Karkmananis
vs
Malone

185 cm
31
215 lbs
13 - 13 - 1

189 cm
36
218 lbs
18 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nicolas Karkmananis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Zoey Malone!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Malone changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

Malone clinches with his opponent.
Malone blocks an uppercut.
Karkmananis looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Karkmananis looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Malone lands a body punch in the clinch.
Malone tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Karkmananis's elbow.

Malone jumps into guard, dragging Karkmananis to the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Malone looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Karkmananis got a little sloppy there for a moment and Malone has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Karkmananis has managed to get both his arms back between Malone's legs - danger averted.
Karkmananis trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Malone escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Karkmananis gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Malone can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Karkmananis controls the pace.
Karkmananis trying to control the position from guard on top but Malone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Karkmananis is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Lokko Ltd. that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malone trying to keep a closed guard but Karkmananis is proving a slippery customer.
Karkmananis trying to control the position from guard on top but Malone is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Malone is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Karkmananis defends well.

Malone throws his legs up looking for a submission but Karkmananis uses it to pass to side control.
Karkmananis trying to control the position but Malone is working away.
Malone tries to bench press Karkmananis off him but Karkmananis keeps the position.

Karkmananis decides to take the fight back to the feet.

Malone drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malone prevents Karkmananis from getting back to his feet.
Malone postures up in Karkmananis's guard and throws a big left but Karkmananis blocks it.

Karkmananis isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Malone stacks Karkmananis on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Malone!
Karkmananis gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Malone manages to capitalize on a mistake by Karkmananis to take his back!
Karkmananis is trying to get back to his feet but Malone has full control of the position and if anything, Karkmananis has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Karkmananis showing good submission defense here.
Malone tries to get the hooks in deep but Karkmananis pushed the leg off.

Malone looking to finish the fight with a rear naked choke. Karkmananis is controlling Malone 's left arm and he spins nicely into guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Malone working for a triangle but Karkmananis defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Karkmananis stands and steps away. Malone gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Karkmananis stuffs the takedown.

Karkmananis clinches with his opponent.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Karkmananis.
Malone looks winded!
Karkmananis blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Karkmananis manages to break the clinch.

Karkmananis moves into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis misses with a body punch.
Karkmananis gets through Malone's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

It looks like Zoey Malone has been cut.
A shot in the inside from Karkmananis.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Karkmananis as Malone tries to tie him up.
Malone misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Karkmananis can't find room to land a body shot as Malone controls the action.
Malone blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Malone drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Malone swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Malone lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Malone throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Malone misses with an uppercut.
Malone misses with a body punch
and Karkmananis counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Karkmananis lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Zoey Malone will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Zoey Malone's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Karkmananis gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Malone wants to stall.
Karkmananis tries to land knees in the clinch but Malone avoids the damage to the body.
Malone is working for takedown but Karkmananis is calmly controlling the position for now.
Malone is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Karkmananis is defending well.
Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
Malone wants a takedown but no success here.
Nicolas Karkmananis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zoey Malone.
Karkmananis lands a body punch.
Malone tries for a takedown. No joy.
Karkmananis tries to circle away but Malone has him pinned against the cage.
Malone keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Karkmananis's efforts to push away.
Malone lands with a short head shot on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A frustrated look appears on Karkmananis's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Karkmananis pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Malone misses with a kick to the body.
Karkmananis is looking to clinch but Malone is avoiding it.
Karkmananis misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karkmananis checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
No luck for Malone with that takedown attempt.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Malone lunges at Karkmananis with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Karkmananis's hand.
Malone pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Karkmananis dips to his left and cracks Malone with an uppercut!
Malone is looking to clinch but Karkmananis is avoiding it.
Malone circles away from the clinch attempt
and Malone counters with a low kick, right behind Karkmananis 's knee.
Malone looks for a takedown but Karkmananis sprawls well.
Malone shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Karkmananis sprawls well. Karkmananis wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Malone gets slowly back to his feet.
Malone misses with a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Malone's head backwards.
Malone avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Karkmananis throws a body shot but no joy.
Malone tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Karkmananis manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Karkmananis rushes Malone and presses him up against the cage.
Karkmananis lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Malone backwards.

That has opened up Zoey Malone's cut even more.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Malone can't get the takedown.
A short left from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis is trying to break the clinch but Malone has him pressed against the cage.
Karkmananis misses with a body punch.
Karkmananis wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Malone tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Karkmananis misses with a body punch.
Malone blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Karkmananis is trying to break the clinch but Malone has him pressed against the cage.
Karkmananis is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Karkmananis wants to stall.
Nicolas Karkmananis has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Malone pushes Karkmananis back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis can't find room to land a body shot as Malone controls the action.
Karkmananis swings wildly with an uppercut but Malone uses good head movement to avoid it.
Malone slows down the pace here.

Karkmananis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Malone throws a jab when Karkmananis was well out of range.
Nicolas Karkmananis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Karkmananis slips a straight right by Malone.
Nice straight punches there by Karkmananis. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Karkmananis.
Malone takes a swing at Karkmananis's ribcage but misses.
Malone misses with a body shot.
Malone throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Karkmananis.
Karkmananis leaves Malone with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Malone misses with a low kick as Karkmananis jumps back.
Malone takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Malone is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Malone takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Malone avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
No joy there for Karkmananis, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Karkmananis wants to clinch
letting Malone counter with a right hand.
Karkmananis doesn't manage to clinch there - Malone circles away.

Karkmananis has closed the distance and engaged Malone in a clinch.
Karkmananis working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Malone swings wildly with an uppercut but Karkmananis uses good head movement to avoid it.
Malone works on Karkmananis's body with a couple of short punches.
Karkmananis lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Malone.

Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A punch lands to the side of Karkmananis 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Karkmananis misses with a two punch combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolas Karkmananis dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Zoey Malone'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.

Karkmananis lands a head kick!
Malone moves in looking to clinch but Karkmananis pushes him off.
Karkmananis lands a high kick!

The cut above Zoey Malone's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Malone tries to clinch up but Karkmananis circles away and keeps his distance.
Nicolas Karkmananis is winning the standup battle so far.
Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Malone circles away.
Karkmananis doesn't manage to clinch there - Malone circles away.
Karkmananis lands with a slapping head kick.
Karkmananis wants to clinch.

Karkmananis gets a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Karkmananis is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Malone has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Karkmananis avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Malone lands a hook that snaps the head of Karkmananis backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karkmananis misses with a knee to the head.
Malone jumps guard but Karkmananis turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Karkmananis throws a punch but it's blocked by Malone.
Malone is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Karkmananis gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nicolas Karkmananis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zoey Malone.
Karkmananis digs a right hand underneath Malone's ribcage. Malone let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Malone takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Malone prevents a body shot from Karkmananis.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Karkmananis is defending well against a takedown attempt.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Karkmananis creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Karkmananis tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Malone avoids it.
Malone goes for a takedown in the clinch but Karkmananis prevents it.
Karkmananis lands a body punch in the clinch.
Karkmananis lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Zoey Malone's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Karkmananis is pushing Malone up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Karkmananis tries a knee to the head but he's missed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis trying to control the position but instead, Malone has worked for underhooks and has pushed Karkmananis into the cage.
Karkmananis is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Karkmananis goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Malone can't find room to land a body shot as Karkmananis controls the action.
Malone looking for a takedown.
Malone throws a head punch that misses.
Karkmananis throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Malone misses with a punch on the inside.
Malone jumps guard but Karkmananis stands there with Malone around his waist. Malone gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Karkmananis gets underhooks to prevent Malone's takedown attempt.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Malone creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis gets underhooks to prevent Malone's takedown attempt.

Malone gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Zoey Malone has got the better of the ground game so far.
Karkmananis trying to control from the bottom.
Karkmananis tries to get to full guard but Malone has control of the leg.
Malone prevents Karkmananis from standing back up.
Karkmananis tries to get to full guard but Malone has control of the leg.
Karkmananis trying to control here.
Karkmananis missing with punches from the bottom.
Malone is pressing down on Karkmananis's thigh, looking to free his foot. Karkmananis is holding on for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis is not content to let Malone control the position.
Malone prevents Karkmananis from standing back up.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Karkmananis is looking to slow Malone down with leg kicks.
Malone throws a head kick that misses

and Karkmananis counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Karkmananis.

Karkmananis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Malone ducks right into an uppercut from Karkmananis.
Malone walks into a left hand.
Malone keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Karkmananis moves out of range as Malone strikes.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Karkmananis is looking to clinch but Malone is avoiding it.
Karkmananis is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Malone can do to turn this around?
Malone connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Malone takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Nicolas Karkmananis!
Zoey Malone was interviewed post fight and said 'Damn! That sucked!'.