PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Malakai Semerkhet (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sergey Panikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Semerkhet's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, راقصة صغيرة. Panikov has chosen Fighters as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Semerkhet
vs
Panikov

170 cm
28
154 lbs
25 - 6 - 0

160 cm
29
145 lbs
19 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Conviction
Museum of Monsters & Madmen

Max Octane Fight Wear
Voodoo Nutrition

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 25 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Malakai Semerkhet!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sergey Panikov!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Patrick Alders and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Panikov throws the left hand but Semerkhet avoids the punch easily.
Panikov swings widly with a right hand
and Semerkhet makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Semerkhet dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Panikov. That did some damage!
Panikov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Semerkhet tries to clinch but Panikov moves out of range.
Semerkhet misses with a left hand
and Panikov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Semerkhet slips under a jab.
Semerkhet lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Semerkhet throws a lazy right hand but Panikov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Panikov throws a lazy right hand but Semerkhet sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Semerkhet throws a nice inside leg kick.
Panikov ducks under a wild hook from Semerkhet.
Semerkhet throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Panikov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Semerkhet bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Semerkhet throws a leg kick which misses Panikov's front leg but catches the back leg as Panikov tries to avoid it.
Decent striking displayed by Semerkhet there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semerkhet throws a poor cross that misses
and Panikov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Semerkhet thinking.
Panikov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Panikov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Semerkhet misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Semerkhet throws a leg kick
and Panikov counters with a straight right hand.
Panikov misses with a straight right.
Semerkhet was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Semerkhet checks a leg kick nicely.
Panikov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Semerkhet. Semerkhet obviously looking to wear him down.
Semerkhet swings widly with a right hand
and Panikov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Panikov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Semerkhet tries to land a front kick but Panikov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Panikov lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Panikov slips a jab and a cross from Semerkhet.
Panikov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Panikov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
We've been told by Semerkhet's head coaches at Convicted - Redemption that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Panikov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Semerkhet has taken the fight to the clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Panikov.
Semerkhet misses with a short punch on the inside.
Panikov tries to circle away but Semerkhet has him pinned against the ropes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Panikov.
A head punch on the inside from Panikov fails to land.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Semerkhet.
Panikov looking to stall.
Semerkhet can't find room to land a body shot as Panikov controls the action.
Semerkhet tries a body shot but Panikov blocks it.
Panikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Good body shot from Panikov.
A nice left hand lands by Panikov.
Panikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Semerkhet uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Panikov misses with the head strike.
Semerkhet misses with a punch on the inside.
Panikov pressing his opponent against the ropes.
Semerkhet prevents Panikov from breaking the clinch.
Panikov trying to control the position but instead, Semerkhet has worked for underhooks and has pushed Panikov into the ropes.
Panikov tries to throw a body punch but Semerkhet avoids it by throwing Panikov back against the ropes.

Panikov breaks from the clinch.
Semerkhet scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Panikov doesn't seem bothered though.
Panikov scores with a nice head shot.
Panikov moves out of range of the body kick from Semerkhet.
Panikov throws a big shot that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet lands with a straight right. Panikov didn't see that one coming.
Panikov moves out of range as Semerkhet throws a body kick.
Semerkhet cracks the inside of Panikov's front leg.
Panikov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Semerkhet moves away.
Semerkhet ducks under a wild hook from Panikov.
A chopping leg kick lands by Semerkhet.
Panikov takes a swing at Semerkhet's ribcage but misses.

Semerkhet has managed to clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short left from Panikov.
A head punch on the inside from Semerkhet fails to land.
Semerkhet throws a head punch that misses.
Semerkhet prevents a body shot from Panikov.
A head punch on the inside from Panikov fails to land.
Semerkhet doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Panikov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Panikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Sergey Panikov will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Panikov throws a series of punches but Semerkhet avoids them all with ease.
A jab from Panikov misses.
Semerkhet throws a hook but Panikov blocks it.
Panikov misses with a lunging right hand
and Semerkhet counters with a nice uppercut.
Semerkhet cracks the inside of Panikov's front leg.
Panikov looks to score with a jab to the body but Semerkhet is just out of range.
Semerkhet throws a head kick but Panikov moves out of range.
Panikov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Semerkhet tries a low kick but Panikov avoids it.
Semerkhet takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Semerkhet delivers a nice body kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Semerkhet throws a leg kick
and Panikov counters with a body kick.
Semerkhet connects with the punch.
Semerkhet thumps Panikov with a low kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Panikov scores with a spinning back kick!
Panikov tries to work over Semerkhet's front leg with a kick but Semerkhet checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semerkhet checks a low kick from Panikov.
Panikov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Malakai Semerkhet seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Semerkhet slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Semerkhet pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Panikov follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Panikov looks to land a body kick but Semerkhet moved away.
Malakai Semerkhet is winning the standup battle so far.
Panikov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Semerkhet takes the fight into the clinch.
Panikov lands with a left to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Semerkhet.
Panikov is leaning against Semerkhet and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Panikov breaks from the clinch.
Panikov lunges at Semerkhet with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Semerkhet's hand.
A big left from Semerkhet misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet slips a jab from Panikov.
Panikov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
The fight stays on the outside here - Semerkhet looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Panikov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Semerkhet misses the jab.
Panikov throws out a counter right but Semerkhet avoids it with no problem.
Panikov misses with a straight left.
Panikov lunges at Semerkhet with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Semerkhet's hand.
A big right from Semerkhet misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Panikov! But no joy.
A combination from Semerkhet does no damage.
Semerkhet slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

Semerkhet takes the fight into the clinch.
Panikov misses with a body punch.
Panikov blocking some punches.
Panikov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Panikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Semerkhet tries to pull guard but Panikov holds him up against the ropes and eventually Semerkhet drops back down to his feet.
Semerkhet working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Panikov taking a breather.

Semerkhet jumps guard and drags Panikov to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.

Semerkhet looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Panikov has picked Semerkhet up and slammed him! Semerkhet can't keep hold of the triangle and Panikov manages to pass to side control!
Panikov controls the position.
Semerkhet tries to improve position but can't.
Panikov wants to control but Semerkhet is keeping him busy.
Panikov takes a little break here. Semerkhet wants to take advantage but he is being controlled well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet trying his best to control but Panikov has mounted him.
Panikov trying to control but Semerkhet is having none of it.
Semerkhet slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Semerkhet has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Panikov is working away from the top position though.

Semerkhet is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Panikov pulls his head out easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Malakai Semerkhet will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Semerkhet scores with a leg kick.
Panikov throws a wild body kick that Semerkhet sees coming a mile off.
Panikov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Semerkhet throws a low kick but Panikov moves out of range easily.
Panikov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Semerkhet throws a wild body kick that Panikov sees coming a mile off.
Panikov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Panikov misses with a left hand
and Semerkhet counters with a nice uppercut.
Panikov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Semerkhet checks the leg kick.
Panikov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Semerkhet has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Panikov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Semerkhet walks into a jab.
A head kick by Semerkhet misses
and Panikov counters with a nice leg kick.
Panikov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Panikov throws a low kick, looking for Semerkhet's leg but Semerkhet calmly moves out of range.
A lazy left from Panikov finds it's target.
Panikov scores with a three punch combo!
Panikov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Nice shot by Semerkhet.
Panikov slips under a jab.
Panikov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Semerkhet paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Panikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Panikov moves out of range of the strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Semerkhet fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Panikov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Panikov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Semerkhet checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Semerkhet crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Panikov - the referee stops the clock and Semerkhet gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Panikov. Semerkhet manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Nice jab there from Semerkhet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Panikov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Semerkhet throws a half hearted mid kick.
Panikov looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Panikov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Nice defenses there by Semerkhet.
Semerkhet throws a leg kick but Panikov moved away.
Panikov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Panikov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Semerkhet throws a jab but it's blocked by Panikov.
Semerkhet scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Semerkhet connects with a nice looking jab.
Panikov blocks a jab.
Panikov throws a big shot that misses.
Semerkhet is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Panikov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Panikov takes one to the chin there.
Semerkhet throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Panikov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Panikov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Panikov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Semerkhet lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Panikov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Panikov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Semerkhet counters with a nice uppercut.
Panikov lands with a cross.
Semerkhet throws a predictable looking body shot
and Semerkhet takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Panikov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Semerkhet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Panikov. Semerkhet does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Panikov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Semerkhet drives through and clinches with Panikov against the ropes.
Panikov avoiding damage.
Semerkhet misses with a body punch.
Panikov taking a breather.
Panikov tries to stall but Semerkhet uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Semerkhet softening up his opponent with strikes, against the ropes.
Panikov is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Sergey Panikov.
A telegraphed right hand from Semerkhet misses the target.
Panikov takes one on the button.
Panikov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Panikov throws the kick towards the body but Semerkhet avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Sergey Panikov just about did enough to take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

The fighters circling - Panikov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Panikov lands a nice looking kick to the body. Semerkhet takes a step back to recover.
Semerkhet misses with a right hand
and Panikov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Panikov misses with a straight left.
Semerkhet avoids the body shot from Panikov.
Panikov throws a jab but it's blocked by Semerkhet.
Panikov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Panikov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Panikov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Panikov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A bone on bone clash there as Semerkhet blocks the leg kick.
Semerkhet throws out a leg kick but Panikov moves out of range and Semerkhet only half commits.
Panikov swinging wildly here.
Semerkhet fires out a quick counter leg kick but Panikov just manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Panikov slips under a jab from Semerkhet.
It seemed like Panikov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Panikov looks to land a left hand but Semerkhet moved out of range nicely.
Semerkhet with a jab.
Semerkhet moves away from the strike by Panikov.
As Panikov backs away, Semerkhet returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Semerkhet throws a sloppy body shot
and Panikov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
The crowd cheers as Panikov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Semerkhet doesn't seem phased though.
Panikov avoids a kick to the body.
Panikov takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Panikov gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Semerkhet counters with a straight right hand.
Semerkhet darts in trying to clinch
enabling Panikov to counter with a crisp jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet tries to close the distance and clinch up but Panikov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Panikov connects with a nice looking jab.
Panikov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Semerkhet throws a leg kick but Panikov checks it.
Semerkhet needs to keep his hands up - Panikov had a free shot at his head there.
Panikov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Panikov tries to land a body kick
and Semerkhet counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A slow jab from Panikov misses its intended target.
Panikov throws a leg kick
and Semerkhet counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Semerkhet keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Panikov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Semerkhet moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Semerkhet attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Panikov staying out of range there.
Panikov is looking for the big counter here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet misses with an uppercut.
Semerkhet with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Panikov to score with a decent uppercut.
Semerkhet lands a leg kick that knocks Panikov off balance momentarily.
Semerkhet throws a head kick but Panikov moves out of range.
Semerkhet misses with a body kick.
Panikov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Semerkhet misses with a looping left.
Panikov flicks out a counter leg kick but Semerkhet steps away.
Semerkhet misses with a head kick.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Semerkhet 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 Panikov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Panikov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Panikov misses with a straight left.
Semerkhet was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Semerkhet connects with a good right hand that stumbles Panikov. Panikov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Semerkhet is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Semerkhet slips under a jab.
Semerkhet half committed to a counter leg kick.
Panikov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Semerkhet sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Panikov moves into range and connects with a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Panikov wants to slow Semerkhet down by chopping away at his legs.
Panikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Semerkhet.
Semerkhet takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Panikov takes a swing at Semerkhet's ribcage but misses.
Panikov keeps the fight on the outside.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Panikov drops his hands momentarily and Semerkhet takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Semerkhet avoids the body shot from Panikov.
Panikov just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromSemerkhet.
Panikov scores with a body shot.
Panikov avoids the head kick by Semerkhet.
Semerkhet checks a leg kick.
Good work by Panikov as he checks the leg kick.
Panikov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Semerkhet has time to react.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergey Panikov dominated that fourth round.
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!

Panikov throws an overhand right that lands on Semerkhet's shoulder, as Semerkhet tries to avoid the shot.
Panikov wants to land a leg kick but Semerkhet is out of range.
Semerkhet pushes Panikov away with a front kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Panikov.
Semerkhet darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Semerkhet moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Panikov shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Semerkhet fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Panikov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Semerkhet cracks the inside of Panikov's front leg.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Panikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Semerkhet staying out of range there.
Semerkhet throws out a loose jab but Panikov uses good head movement to avoid it.

Semerkhet has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semerkhet struggles to land a body shot inside as Panikov controls his hands.
Panikov tries to throw a body punch but Semerkhet avoids it by throwing Panikov back against the ropes.
Panikov throws a head punch that misses.
Panikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Panikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Semerkhet pushes Panikov back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Semerkhet lands a right hand.
Panikov lands a nice uppercut.
Panikov prevents a body shot from Semerkhet.
Panikov misses with a body punch.
A short left from Panikov.
Panikov lands a hook that snaps the head of Semerkhet backwards.
Panikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Panikov lands with a light punch inside.
Malakai Semerkhet has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sergey Panikov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet keeps control of Panikov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Semerkhet scores with a nice hook to the head.
Panikov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Semerkhets head.
Semerkhet misses with the head strike.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Semerkhet misses with a punch on the inside.
Semerkhet swings wildly with an uppercut but Panikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Semerkhet tries to pull guard but Panikov won't allow it.
A head punch on the inside from Semerkhet fails to land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Panikov misses with some punches.
Semerkhet is leaning against Panikov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Semerkhet tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Semerkhet working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Semerkhet lands a body shot in the clinch.
Semerkhet tries to work over Panikov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Semerkhet tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Semerkhet working some nice short punches in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Semerkhet tries a body shot but Panikov blocks it.
Semerkhet tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Semerkhet swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Semerkhet blocking some punches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Semerkhet tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Semerkhet can't find room to land a body shot as Panikov controls the action.
Semerkhet works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Semerkhet misses with the head strike.
Panikov blocks an uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
Malakai Semerkhet showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Panikov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 47:49
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 47:48
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 47:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sergey Panikov! Sergey Panikov retains his lightweight title!
As Sergey Panikov got his breath back, he grabbed the microphone and managed to blurt out the following: You lose to slow learner with little skill, how you feel? I smoke cigarettes, 40 a day, and eat pizza.'.