PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Kalashnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rodney Jackson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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 Rodney Jackson was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Kalashnikov
vs
Jackson

187 cm
23
200 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

189 cm
32
197 lbs
19 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Mikhail Kalashnikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Rodney Jackson!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Arvi Lind and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kalashnikov looks for a takedown but Jackson sprawls well.
Jackson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Jackson wants it to stay on the feet.
Kalashnikov shoots in for a takedown but Jackson shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mikhail Kalashnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jackson bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kalashnikov's head.

Kalashnikov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Kalashnikov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Kalashnikov postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Sloppy strikes there by Kalashnikov.
The strikes coming from Kalashnikov are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Kalashnikov wants to control but Jackson is keeping him busy.
Kalashnikov tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Kalashnikov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalashnikov controlling from side mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kalashnikov working the ground and pound.
Kalashnikov working the ground and pound from side control.
Jackson wants to control but Kalashnikov postures up.
Kalashnikov taking a break here but Jackson is having none of it and regains half guard.
Kalashnikov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kalashnikov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kalashnikov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson is not content to let Kalashnikov control the position.

Kalashnikov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Jackson has managed to free his arm - good work.
Kalashnikov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Kalashnikov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Jackson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kalashnikov.

Kalashnikov seems to be looking for submissions.
Kalashnikov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Jackson is refusing to be controlled, as Kalashnikov sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov controlling the action here.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Kalashnikov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kalashnikov is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Jackson reverses the position - he's now on top in Kalashnikov's guard.
Kalashnikov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Jackson is one step ahead there.

Kalashnikov looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Jackson trying to control the position from guard on top but Kalashnikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov looking for a sweep. Not yet Kalashnikov, not yet.
Jackson trying to control but Kalashnikov is working from the bottom.
Jackson looking to pass the guard.
Kalashnikov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Kalashnikov throws his legs up looking for a submission but Jackson uses it to pass to side control.
Jackson controls the position from side control.
Jackson trying to control the position but Kalashnikov is working away.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jackson taking a breather here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Mikhail Kalashnikov will probably get the nod.
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.

Kalashnikov goes for a double leg but Jackson avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Jackson continues to drive forward.
Jackson misses with a looping left.
Kalashnikov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Jackson defends it nicely.
Kalashnikov swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Jackson makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Kalashnikov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Jackson as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mikhail Kalashnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kalashnikov fails with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jackson misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kalashnikov closes the distance and clinches up with Jackson, looking for a takedown. Kalashnikov pushes Jackson against the cage but Jackson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Jackson takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Jackson enables Kalashnikov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Jackson manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Jackson keeping moving, preventing Kalashnikov from controlling successfully.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jackson managing to control the position.
Kalashnikov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kalashnikov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Jackson keeping moving, preventing Kalashnikov from controlling successfully.
Kalashnikov throws a strike but Jackson rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Jackson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kalashnikov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kalashnikov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Jackson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Jackson content to stall in guard here.
Jackson trying to control the position from guard on top but Kalashnikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jackson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Jackson advances position into side control!
Kalashnikov is looking to reverse the position.
Kalashnikov being controlled for a moment.
Kalashnikov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov is pressing down on Jackson's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Jackson's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Jackson trying to control the position from guard on top but Kalashnikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jackson looking to sit in guard and control but Kalashnikov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Kalashnikov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Kalashnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Jackson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kalashnikov landing some decent shots from guard.
Kalashnikov won't allow Jackson to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kalashnikov sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Jackson's guard.
Jackson really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kalashnikov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Kalashnikov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Jackson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Jackson defending well though.
Kalashnikov stalling.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kalashnikov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
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 Mikhail Kalashnikov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Kalashnikov shoots for a takedown but Jackson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kalashnikov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Jackson avoids it really well and circles away.
Jackson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kalashnikov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Jackson's waist but Jackson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kalashnikov off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mikhail Kalashnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kalashnikov fails with the takedown
and Jackson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A lazy left from Jackson finds it's target.

It looks like Mikhail Kalashnikov has been cut.
Kalashnikov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Jackson swivels and escapes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Jackson ducks under a wild hook from Kalashnikov.
Kalashnikov misses with a lunging right hand
and Jackson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kalashnikov shoots in but no luck this time.
Jackson unleashes a big counter combination but Kalashnikov bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Jackson lands with a straight right. Kalashnikov didn't see that one coming.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalashnikov shoots in for a takedown but Jackson shows good takedown defense.
Jackson throws a combination that misses

and Kalashnikov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Kalashnikov won't allow Jackson to sweep him here.
Kalashnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Jackson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jackson controls Kalashnikov momentarily but Kalashnikov frees himself.
Mikhail Kalashnikov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kalashnikov throws a strike but Jackson rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Kalashnikov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Kalashnikov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Jackson defends it easily.

Kalashnikov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson stays in close to Kalashnikov's body and controls the position.
Jackson must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kalashnikov keeping moving, preventing Jackson from controlling successfully.
Kalashnikov trying to control the position.

Kalashnikov is looking for a triangle but Jackson pushes his legs off easily.

Kalashnikov looking for a guillotine here but Jackson defends easily.
Jackson is stalling in the full guard.
Rodney Jackson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jackson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Jackson stays in close to Kalashnikov's body and controls the position.

Kalashnikov throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Jackson escapes and throws Kalashnikov's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Kalashnikov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Jackson is looking for a kimura here.
Kalashnikov wants to control but Jackson is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kalashnikov tries to roll over but Jackson keeps him under control.
Jackson wants to control but Kalashnikov is keeping him busy.
Kalashnikov gets full guard.

Kalashnikov is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Jackson content to stall in guard here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kalashnikov trying to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rodney Jackson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kalashnikov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 29:28
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Kalashnikov!
Mikhail Kalashnikov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.