PBP Commentary

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

John
vs
Shamarov

168 cm
23
155 lbs
2 - 4 - 1

175 cm
21
160 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 4 - 1, fighting out of The Island, Cenk John!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Vinkel Shamarov!
The judges for this bout are Michael Johnstone, Peter Branson and David Hoff.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Shamarov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. John manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Shamarov is fighting to break John's control of his arms but John is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Shamarov trying to control but John is working from the bottom.

John has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Shamarov is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

John breaks from the clinch.
Cenk John seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Shamarov throws a series of punches but John avoids them all with ease.
An inside leg kick from John misses.
John shoots and misses
and John takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Shamarov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
John throws a hook but Shamarov avoids it easily.
Despite the aggression on Shamarov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.

Shamarov moves into the clinch successfully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Shamarov tries to break free but John pushes him back against the cage.

Shamarov breaks from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

John moves into the clinch.
John goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Shamarov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

John shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Shamarov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Shamarov has momentary wrist control but John slips an elbow through the middle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Shamarov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
John lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Shamarov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
John trying to control the position from guard on top but Shamarov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shamarov looking to hit a scissor sweep but John is one step ahead there.
John being controlled here momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
John postures up.

Shamarov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
John won't allow Shamarov to sweep him here.
John trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Shamarov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Shamarov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Shamarov wants to stand but John is controlling the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
John closes the distance looking to clinch
and Shamarov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Shamarov takes one to the side of the head.
John throws an off balance right hand
and Shamarov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Shamarov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps John's head backwards.
John swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Shamarov counters by clinching up.

John breaks the clinch.
John tries to close the distance and clinch but Shamarov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Shamarov checks a leg kick.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
John is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Shamarov is looking for the big counter here.
Shamarov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
John seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Shamarov tries to close the distance and clinch up but John swats him away and circles back towards the center.
The fighters circle, before John throws a beautiful high kick that crashes into Shamarov's neck, sending him stumbling to the floor! John lands more strikes and forces a referee stoppage! That one ended in an instant!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Kick & Punches). Cenk John!