PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Semen Dolgov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Berry Bluethurty (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Dolgov
vs
Bluethurty

193 cm
25
203 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

194 cm
28
210 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

Dangerous GnP
Counter fighter
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Semen Dolgov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Berry Bluethurty!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bluethurty scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Dolgov misses the body punch
and Bluethurty counters with a left to the body.
Dolgov definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Dolgov looks to throw the jab but Bluethurty is out of range.
Dolgov moves out of range as Bluethurty strikes.
Dolgov went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Bluethurty throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Dolgov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Bluethurty misses with a few strikes there.
Bluethurty looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Dolgov lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Bluethurty walks into a left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Dolgov moves into the clinch.
Dolgov slowing the pace effectively.
Bluethurty is looking to take this one to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dolgov's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Bluethurty tries for a takedown. No joy.

Bluethurty lands a takedown into guard.
Dolgov wants to get back to his feet but Bluethurty passes into half guard.

Dolgov tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

Bluethurty is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Dolgov keeping hold of Bluethurty's head, controlling as best he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dolgov is pressing down on Bluethurty's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Bluethurty with a flurry of punches that miss.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Dolgov is looking for a triangle but Bluethurty pushes his legs off easily.

Bluethurty drops back looking for a leg! Dolgov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Dolgov manages to kick Bluethurty off! Bluethurty jumps back into Dolgov's guard.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dolgov keeping moving, preventing Bluethurty from controlling successfully.

Bluethurty drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Bluethurty jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Bluethurty trying to control but Dolgov is working from the bottom.
Dolgov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Dolgov tries to get out of the position.

Bluethurty postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Dolgov is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Bluethurty, into his guard.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Bluethurty trying to keep a closed guard but Dolgov is proving a slippery customer.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Dolgov drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Bluethurty dives on top into guard.

Dolgov looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Bluethurty passes into half guard.
Bluethurty is trying to control the action in half guard but Dolgov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Bluethurty in half guard on the top. He's looking for a kimura... He's got it locked and he's managed to free his trapped foot. Dolgov tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Bluethurty!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Berry Bluethurty!
A determined Berry Bluethurty didn't want to dwell on this fight in his post fight interview. Instead he was more keen to state he wants a title shot. Let's see if he gets it!