PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Pan Kovalskii (ranked 5260 p4p, 638 weight class) and Cenk Mehmet (ranked 4214 p4p, 550 weight class). Kovalskii comes to the cage accompanied by Basta- Sansara. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Kovalskii
vs
Mehmet

180 cm
25
210 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

183 cm
19
213 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Powerful

IniTech Nutrition

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 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Pan Kovalskii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Cenk Mehmet!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Wesley Smith and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kovalskii tries for a takedown but Mehmet circles away easily

and Mehmet counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Kovalskii!
Kovalskii being controlled for a moment.
Kovalskii is looking to regain half guard here but Mehmet keeps moving and retains side control.
Mehmet controlling from side mount.
Mehmet really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kovalskii. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kovalskii is trying to improve his position.
Kovalskii manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Mehmet is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Mehmet has his hands clasped together around Kovalskii's back. He's all about the action.

Kovalskii is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Mehmet is just riding it out for now. Kovalskii eventually gives up the hold.

Kovalskii wants to work for an arm triangle but Mehmet is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mehmet pushes Kovalskii off looking to stand but Kovalskii dives back in and keeps control.
Mehmet controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.

Kovalskii wants to work for an arm triangle but Mehmet is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Mehmet is holding on to half guard well.

Kovalskii is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Mehmet can do anything to dispel that myth.
Mehmet desperately trying to maintain half guard.

Kovalskii is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Mehmet has his hands clasped together around Kovalskii's back. He's all about the action.
Mehmet tries to roll over but Kovalskii keeps him under control.
Mehmet is concentrating on defense, preventing Kovalskii from advancing position.

Kovalskii is trying to work for a kimura but Mehmet is defending well.
Mehmet keeps control of the position for the meantime.
Kovalskii wants to pass the guard but Mehmet is defending well.
Kovalskii definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

Kovalskii is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Kovalskii prevents Mehmet from standing back up.
Mehmet wants to improve his position but Kovalskii is controlling well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kovalskii is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Mehmet is trying to get back to full guard.

Kovalskii 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. Mehmet tries to escape but it's on too tight and he has to tap! Great BJJ skills there from Kovalskii!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Pan Kovalskii!
An out of breath Pan Kovalskii thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.