PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Steven Rutherford (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Karim Bashorov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bashorov comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Hangar 18 kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Karim Bashorov was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Rutherford
vs
Bashorov

183 cm
28
186 lbs
21 - 1 - 1

190 cm
32
194 lbs
21 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Reaper Combatwear

Urban Fighter
Bullet Proof System

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Steven Rutherford!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Karim Bashorov!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Sam Margolis and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rutherford takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Bashorov blocks the body kick.
Rutherford misses with a left hand
letting Bashorov counter with a right hand.
We've been told by Rutherford's head coaches at The Charles Martel School of Greatness that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Bashorov throws an off balance right hand
and Rutherford counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Bashorov misses with a takedown
and Rutherford counters with a straight right hand.
Rutherford uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bashorov.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bashorov.
Rutherford 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.
Rutherford takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Bashorov scores with a punch to the head.
Rutherford throws out a loose jab but Bashorov uses good head movement to avoid it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Bashorov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Bashorov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Rutherford.
Rutherford misses with a hook
and Bashorov counters with a stiff right hand.
Rutherford misses the shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rutherford. Bashorov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rutherford tries to land a front kick but Bashorov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Rutherford tries to land a front kick but Bashorov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Bashorov scores with a hook.
Rutherford missing with a left hand there. Bashorov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A little jabbing left from Bashorov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Steven Rutherford is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Nice shot by Bashorov.
Rutherford connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Bashorov misses with a straight left.
Rutherford takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Bashorov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rutherford.
Bashorov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rutherford.
Bashorov throws a jab but it's blocked by Rutherford.
Bashorov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
It seemed like Bashorov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Bashorov sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Rutherford walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bashorov takes a swing at Rutherford's ribcage but misses.
Bashorov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov checks a leg kick nicely.
A telegraphed right hand from Bashorov misses the target.
Rutherford pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Bashorov throws a body punch but Rutherford moves out of range.
Bashorov is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Rutherford had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Bashorov clobbers Rutherford with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Bashorov misses with a straight right.
Rutherford is looking to counter with a body kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Bashorov as he connects with a hook.
Bashorov just misses with a punch to the body.
Rutherford lands a jab to the nose.
Rutherford misses with a kick to the body.
Bashorov keeps the fight on the outside.
Bashorov with a hook.

Rutherford clinches up with Bashorov and pushes him back against the cage.
Rutherford can't find room to land a body shot as Bashorov controls the action.
Rutherford lands a right hand that snaps the head of Bashorov backwards.

Bashorov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Rutherford uses from the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov being controlled here, momentarily.
Rutherford preventing the sweep.
Rutherford controls from within his opponent's guard.

Bashorov looking for a guillotine here but Rutherford defends easily.

Bashorov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rutherford doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rutherford manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Bashorov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Bashorov looking for a guillotine here but Rutherford defends easily.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Bashorov being controlled here, momentarily.
Bashorov wants to sweep here but Rutherford controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Karim Bashorov will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Bashorov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Rutherford stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
A decent looking cross lands there for Bashorov.
Bashorov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rutherford.
Bashorov keeps the fight on the outside.
Bashorov throws out a counter right but Rutherford avoids it with no problem.
Bashorov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bashorov misses with an uppercut.
Rutherford takes a jab right on the kisser.
Bashorov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Rutherford is fending him off so far but Bashorov persists. Nope, Rutherford circles away and we're back to standing.
And Rutherford counters with a quick kick to the body but Bashorov blocks it.
Bashorov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bashorov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bashorov. Rutherford does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sloppy strikes from Bashorov. Those never looked like landing.
Bashorov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
A big right from Bashorov misses.
Rutherford misses with a wild body shot.
Bashorov lands with an uppercut that bounces Rutherford off the cage and back into range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rutherford throws a hook but Bashorov avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutherford bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Karim Bashorov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Bashorov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rutherford throws out the jab.
Rutherford takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Karim Bashorov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bashorov checks a leg kick.
Bashorov lands with a shot to the body.

Bashorov drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Rutherford is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Rutherford struggling a bit here.
Bashorov postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rutherford is working to avoid the ground and pound but Bashorov connects with a decent elbow.
Bashorov controls the position from side control.
Rutherford regains half guard, as Bashorov was trying to land strikes.

Bashorov is looking for submissions but instead, Rutherford has regained full guard.
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!
Bashorov throws a big right hand that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov scoring with some ground and pound.
Rutherford keeping moving, preventing Bashorov from controlling successfully.
Rutherford is trying to control the position but Bashorov postures up.
Bashorov throwing strikes from guard but Rutherford blocks nicely.
Bashorov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Bashorov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Rutherford thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Bashorov wants to control from the top but Rutherford keeps moving.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Bashorov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Rutherford is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Bashorov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Bashorov wants to control from the top but Rutherford keeps moving.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rutherford not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Rutherford keeping moving, preventing Bashorov from controlling successfully.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karim Bashorov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Bashorov scores with a shot to the body.
Rutherford takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Rutherford is looking to score with low kicks.
Rutherford misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bashorov.
Bashorov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Rutherford with a body shot.
Bashorov takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
A telegraphed right hand from Rutherford misses the target.
Bashorov tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Rutherford tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Bashorov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bashorov lands a head shot.
Bashorov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rutherford.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A lazy left from Rutherford finds it's target.
Bashorov lands a slapping body shot.
Bashorov looks for a takedown but Rutherford sprawls well.
A slow jab from Bashorov misses its intended target.
It looked like Rutherford wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bashorov lands a slapping body shot.
Nice cross by Bashorov.
Rutherford dodges the punch combination from Bashorov.
Rutherford moves out of range of the strikes.
Bashorov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rutherford.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Bashorov drags the fight down to the ground.
Rutherford content to stall in guard here.
Rutherford trying to control the position from guard on top but Bashorov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Karim Bashorov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bashorov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Bashorov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bashorov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rutherford gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Bashorov looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Rutherford puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Bashorov wants to improve his position but Rutherford is controlling well.
Bashorov manages to get to full guard.

Bashorov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rutherford can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov keeping full guard, as Rutherford tries to pass.
Rutherford sitting in guard here, content to control.
Rutherford trying to stand up but can't free himself from Bashorov's guard.

Bashorov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Bashorov looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Rutherford passes into side control.
Rutherford is looking to take a break and control but Bashorov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Rutherford controls the position from side control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bashorov looks to move to half guard but instead Rutherford has passed into mount! Damn!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Karim Bashorov just about did enough to take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rutherford slips a jab from Bashorov.
Bashorov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bashorov throws a hook to the side of Rutherford's head but Rutherford sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Rutherford looks to land a right hand but Bashorov moved out of range.

Bashorov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Bashorov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Rutherford struggling a bit here.
Bashorov works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rutherford is trying to control Bashorov's posture but Bashorov avoids it.
Rutherford takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Rutherford dodges the ground and pound from Bashorov.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Bashorov thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Rutherford controls the position for a moment.
You can see the frustration on Rutherford's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Bashorov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rutherford keeps working.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Bashorov working the head with strikes.
Rutherford tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Bashorov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Bashorov wants to control but Rutherford is keeping him busy.
Bashorov is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Rutherford is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Bashorov off and has taken his back!
Bashorov rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Bashorov desperately trying to maintain half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Bashorov moves into full guard.

Bashorov working for submissions but it's allowed Rutherford to get to half guard.
Bashorov is controlling Rutherford's trapped leg to prevent Rutherford from advancing to side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Bashorov tries to get to full guard but Rutherford has control of the leg.
Rutherford not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Rutherford wants to lay and pray for a moment but Bashorov keeps working.
Bashorov makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Bashorov.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rutherford sitting in guard here, content to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Karim Bashorov dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Bashorov misses with an uppercut.
Rutherford is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Bashorov.
Steven Rutherford has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The fighters circling - Bashorov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Rutherford misses with a wild body shot.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Rutherford. Bashorov shrugs it off though.
Rutherford moves in looking to clinch but Bashorov pushes him off.
As Rutherford backs off Bashorov throws a huge counter combo but Rutherford manages to avoid it all.
Bashorov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rutherford throws out a loose jab but Bashorov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Bashorov throws a big shot that misses.
Bashorov scores with a nice right hand.
A head kick misses from Rutherford.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bashorov moves out of range of the body kick.
Bashorov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Nice defenses there by Bashorov.
Bashorov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Bashorov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rutherford moves in looking to clinch but Bashorov pushes him off.
Rutherford bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rutherford moves in looking to clinch but Bashorov pushes him off.
Bashorov missing with a left hand there. Rutherford was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rutherford avoids the body shot from Bashorov.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Rutherford.
Bashorov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Bashorov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Rutherford is looking to clinch but Bashorov is avoiding it.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bashorov is defended easily by Rutherford.
A big left from Rutherford misses.
Bashorov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Jab by Rutherford.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Bashorov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rutherford doesn't seem bothered though.

Bashorov feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Bashorov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Rutherford striking off his back but it's not causing Bashorov any problems.
Rutherford looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Bashorov throws a big elbow that misses.
Rutherford not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Bashorov sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Bashorov wants to control from the top but Rutherford keeps moving.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rutherford is trying to control the position but Bashorov postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Bashorov lands the left hand.
Bashorov blocks the body kick.
Rutherford moves out of range of the strikes.
Rutherford throws a hook to the side of Bashorov's head but Bashorov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Rutherford lands a lovely overhand right.
Rutherford looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Bashorov lands a nice shot that snaps Rutherford's head back.
Bashorov loads up on a big right hand but Rutherford slips the punch.
Rutherford takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Karim Bashorov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bashorov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bashorov looks to score with a jab to the body but Rutherford is just out of range.
A jab from Bashorov finds it's way through Rutherford's defenses.
Bashorov just misses with a punch to the body.
Rutherford throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Bashorov throws a lazy right hand but Rutherford sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rutherford delivers a nice body kick.
Rutherford misses with a hook. Bashorov ducked under it nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rutherford takes one to the side of the head.
Bashorov looks for a takedown but Rutherford sprawls well.
A looping hook to the body misses from Bashorov. Rutherford does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rutherford fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Bashorov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

And that's the end of the fight!
Karim Bashorov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Bashorov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 James Glass scores the fight 45:50
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 45:50
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Karim Bashorov!
A very excited looking Karim Bashorov 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.