PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Kalashnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Silvio Provenza (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Provenza is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Madreblu - Certamente. 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.

Kalashnikov
vs
Provenza

187 cm
25
200 lbs
11 - 1 - 0

182 cm
31
180 lbs
16 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

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 11 - 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 16 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Silvio Provenza!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kalashnikov scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Kalashnikov working away.
Provenza is looking to regain half guard here but Kalashnikov keeps moving and retains side control.
A lull in the action here as Kalashnikov stalls from top position.
Kalashnikov scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Provenza to see if he's OK.

Kalashnikov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Kalashnikov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Provenza gets back to half guard.
Kalashnikov controlling the action here.
Provenza is trying to maintain the position but Kalashnikov is very close to passing his half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalashnikov working Provenza over with strikes.

Kalashnikov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Nice strikes from Kalashnikov there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalashnikov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Provenza trying to hold on to Kalashnikov's head to control him but Kalashnikov postures up.
Kalashnikov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Kalashnikov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kalashnikov connects with a nice short shot to Provenza's temple.

Kalashnikov is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Provenza defends it well.
Provenza taking some punishment here, with Kalashnikov in his half guard.
Kalashnikov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Provenza flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Provenza throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Provenza moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Provenza keeping moving, preventing Kalashnikov from controlling successfully.
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 two minutes gone in the round.
Provenza wants to sweep here but Kalashnikov controlling him for the moment.

Provenza looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kalashnikov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Kalashnikov cracks Provenza with a solid left hand.
Kalashnikov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Kalashnikov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Kalashnikov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kalashnikov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Provenza looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kalashnikov is one step ahead there.

Provenza working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kalashnikov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kalashnikov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kalashnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Provenza is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kalashnikov cracks Provenza with a solid left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Provenza is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Kalashnikov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

Provenza looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Kalashnikov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Provenza's head.
Provenza working a defensive guard here.
Kalashnikov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Provenza's head.
Kalashnikov tries to free his leg and advance position but Provenza is retaining full guard.
Kalashnikov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Kalashnikov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kalashnikov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Kalashnikov slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Kalashnikov looks up at the clock and then as Provenza takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Kalashnikov smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Kalashnikov works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Provenza is looking for a sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Provenza down.
Kalashnikov cracks Provenza with a big right hand but Provenza just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Provenza gets back to half guard.
Kalashnikov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Provenza is trying to get back to full guard.
Kalashnikov is trying to control. Provenza wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Provenza wants to get back to full guard.
Kalashnikov is trying to control the action in half guard but Provenza is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kalashnikov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Kalashnikov trying to control from half guard but Provenza is working away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kalashnikov working over Provenza with some ground and pound. Provenza looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Kalashnikov wants to pass to mount but Provenza is defending the position.
Provenza is not content to let Kalashnikov control the position.

Kalashnikov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Provenza doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kalashnikov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Kalashnikov dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Provenza is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kalashnikov.
Provenza leaves Kalashnikov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Silvio Provenza is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
The crowd cheers as Provenza lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kalashnikov doesn't seem phased though.
Provenza looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kalashnikov is fending him off so far but Provenza persists. Nope, Kalashnikov circles away and we're back to standing.
Kalashnikov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Kalashnikov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Kalashnikov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Provenza sprawls well initially but Kalashnikov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Provenza is looking for a sweep. Kalashnikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kalashnikov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Kalashnikov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Provenza can do to turn this around?
Kalashnikov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Provenza with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Provenza wants to improve his position but Kalashnikov is controlling well.

Provenza actively working from the bottom here.
Kalashnikov controlling the pace.
Kalashnikov is trying to control the action in half guard but Provenza is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Provenza looking for submissions off his back.
Provenza is looking to improve his position.
Provenza on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Kalashnikov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Provenza wants to improve his position but Kalashnikov is controlling well.

Kalashnikov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Provenza tries to get to full guard but Kalashnikov has control of the leg.
Kalashnikov working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.

Kalashnikov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Provenza sees it coming and defends easily.
Provenza is staying active underneath Kalashnikov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kalashnikov prevents Provenza from improving his position.
Kalashnikov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Kalashnikov is trying to control. Provenza wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Provenza is looking to escape.
Provenza is refusing to be controlled, as Kalashnikov sits in half guard.
Provenza is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kalashnikov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Kalashnikov controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov lands with a punch from half guard.
Provenza is refusing to be controlled, as Kalashnikov sits in half guard.
Kalashnikov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Provenza missing with punches from the bottom.
Provenza is staying active underneath Kalashnikov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Provenza is looking for a sweep. Kalashnikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Provenza punching from the bottom.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kalashnikov connects with a nice short shot to Provenza's temple.
Provenza is looking for a sweep. Kalashnikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Provenza taking some punishment here, with Kalashnikov in his half guard.

Provenza looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Provenza is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kalashnikov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Provenza makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Provenza.
Kalashnikov is working Provenza over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Kalashnikov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kalashnikov lands a couple of decent looking shots.

Provenza looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Provenza manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kalashnikov manages to get himself to full guard.

Provenza trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Provenza content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kalashnikov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Provenza trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Provenza must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Provenza lands a couple of elbows.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Kalashnikov dominated that second round.
That's time! Kalashnikov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Provenza stuffs the takedown attempt from Kalashnikov. Kalashnikov gets slowly back to his feet.

Kalashnikov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Provenza to the mat! Provenza manages to get full guard.
Kalashnikov wants to control from the top but Provenza keeps moving.

Provenza escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kalashnikov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kalashnikov stands up over Provenza, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kalashnikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Provenza is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kalashnikov cracks Provenza with a solid left hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalashnikov wants to control from the top but Provenza keeps moving.
Provenza throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Provenza wants to stand but Kalashnikov is controlling the position.
Mikhail Kalashnikov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Provenza looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Kalashnikov puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalashnikov slips a nice elbow through Provenza's hands, connecting with Provenza's forehead.
Kalashnikov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Kalashnikov sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Kalashnikov trying to control from half guard but Provenza is working away.
Provenza is trying to stand back up but Kalashnikov is controlling him
Provenza is refusing to be controlled, as Kalashnikov sits in half guard.
Kalashnikov is nestled in close to Provenza, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Kalashnikov is trying to work for a kimura but Provenza is defending well.
Provenza trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Kalashnikov manages to pass to mount!
Kalashnikov raining down shots from the mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kalashnikov lands a heavy elbow.

Provenza is rocked!
Kalashnikov looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Provenza covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:29 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Kalashnikov!
After winning the bout, Mikhail Kalashnikov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.