PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Todd Rumper (ranked 1778 p4p, 239 weight class) and Viktor Mikhailov (ranked 2967 p4p, 374 weight class). The key to victory for Todd Rumper has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Rumper
vs
Mikhailov

198 cm
25
220 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

190 cm
29
217 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good in bed

Good wrestler
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Todd Rumper!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Viktor Mikhailov!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Edson Gomes and Mauricio Rocha.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mikhailov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mikhailov throws a predictable looking body shot

and Rumper moves into the clinch.
Mikhailov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Rumper is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Mikhailov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Mikhailov misses with a takedown attempt - Rumper sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Rumper takes the fight into the clinch.
Mikhailov is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rumper wants to break the clinch but can't.
Rumper is looking to control Mikhailov's arms but Mikhailov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rumper has his back to the cage.

Mikhailov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mikhailov shoots in and drives through. Rumper sprawls well.
Todd Rumper has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Viktor Mikhailov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mikhailov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rumper changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Mikhailov tries to avoid it but Rumper manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Mikhailov to the ground. Mikhailov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Mikhailov shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Rumper but Rumper pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Rumper shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Mikhailov but Mikhailov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rumper looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Rumper has managed to clinch.

Mikhailov breaks the clinch.
A right-left combo lands from Rumper.
Mikhailov misses with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mikhailov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rumper can pounce on him.
Rumper shoots for a double leg takedown but Mikhailov sprawls well. He's pushed Rumper's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Mikhailov drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mikhailov wants to get up but he can't break Rumper's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Mikhailov stays in close to Rumper's body and controls the position.
Mikhailov wants to pass the guard but Rumper is keeping the position.
Rumper wants to sweep here but Mikhailov controlling him for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mikhailov controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Rumper is trying to control the position but Mikhailov postures up.
Rumper managing to control the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
No luck for Rumper with that takedown attempt.
Mikhailov shoots in for a takedown but Rumper shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Mikhailov misses with a low kick as Rumper jumps back.
Rumper fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Mikhailov avoids it really well and circles away.
Mikhailov fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Rumper avoids it really well and circles away.
Rumper swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rumper fails to land the takedown.
Rumper shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mikhailov tries a head kick but it misses.
Rumper is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mikhailov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Mikhailov throws a front kick aimed at Rumper's knee but Rumper avoids it well.
Nice takedown defense from Mikhailov. No joy for Rumper on that attempt.
Mikhailov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rumper moves in looking to clinch but Mikhailov pushes him off.
Rumper shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mikhailov sprawls well. Mikhailov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rumper gets slowly back to his feet.
Mikhailov tries to counter by closing the distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Viktor Mikhailov will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Rumper tries to clinch there but Mikhailov circles away.
Mikhailov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rumper tries to clinch
and Mikhailov counters with a right hand to the body.
Mikhailov throws a head kick that misses.
Rumper shoots for a takedown but Mikhailov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rumper.
Rumper will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Rumper. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rumper looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Despite the aggression on Mikhailov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rumper blocks a head kick by Mikhailov.
As Mikhailov looks to move away, Rumper throws a big counter combo but Mikhailov just gets out of the way.
Rumper ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Todd Rumper is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Mikhailov moves into range and clinches up with Rumper.
Mikhailov prevents a body shot from Rumper.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Mikhailov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Mikhailov can do anything to dispel that myth.
Mikhailov pulls Rumper in close to prevent any damage.
Mikhailov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Mikhailov working a defensive guard but Rumper passes into half guard.
Rumper throws a strike but Mikhailov avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Rumper is working Mikhailov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Rumper wants to stand but Mikhailov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Rumper wants to pass the guard but Mikhailov is keeping the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mikhailov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Rumper passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.
Rumper wants to control but Mikhailov is keeping him busy.
Rumper prevents Mikhailov from improving his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rumper is taking a breather. Mikhailov says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Rumper stops Mikhailov from getting back to his feet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Mikhailov closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Rumper's guard.
Rumper 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.
Mikhailov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Rumper is proving hard to escape from.
Rumper is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Rumper can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Mikhailov controls the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mikhailov stopping the sweep attempt from Rumper.
Mikhailov passes Rumper's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Mikhailov keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Mikhailov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Rumper knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Mikhailov seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rumper is controlling Mikhailov's position as best he can from this difficult position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rumper blocks a head kick by Mikhailov.
Rumper changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Mikhailov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Rumper fails with a takedown attempt.
Mikhailov with the counter takedown but Rumper avoids it easily.
Rumper lands with a right hand.
Mikhailov blocks the body kick.
Rumper pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Rumper tries to keep at a distance but Mikhailov has taken the fight into the clinch.
Mikhailov fails to pull the fight into his guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mikhailov jumps guard.
Mikhailov keeping moving, preventing Rumper from controlling successfully.

Rumper drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Mikhailov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Rumper has Mikhailov in his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rumper wants to get back to his feet but Mikhailov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Rumper trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Rumper trying to keep a closed guard but Mikhailov is proving a slippery customer.
Mikhailov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Mikhailov tries to free his leg and advance position but Rumper is retaining full guard.
My spies in All Star Performance Institute inform me that Mikhailov has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Rumper escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Mikhailov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Mikhailov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Mikhailov wants to control from the top but Rumper keeps moving.
Mikhailov looking to pass the guard.

Mikhailov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rumper has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Mikhailov has managed to get both his arms back between Rumper's legs - danger averted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rumper trying to control the position.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Mikhailov shoots in but no luck this time.
Rumper doesn't manage to clinch there - Mikhailov circles away.
Rumper gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Mikhailov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Rumper's guard.

Rumper is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

Mikhailov ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Mikhailov no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Mikhailov looking for a sweep. Not yet Mikhailov, not yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mikhailov looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Mikhailov looking for a sweep. Not yet Mikhailov, not yet.
Rumper wants to stand but Mikhailov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Rumper scoring with punches to the head and body.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mikhailov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Rumper trying to control the position from guard on top but Mikhailov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Viktor Mikhailov just about did enough to take it.
That's time! Rumper's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rumper throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mikhailov.
Rumper shoots for a takedown but Mikhailov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Mikhailov dives in for a single leg takedown but Rumper sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Rumper fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Rumper fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Rumper. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Mikhailov shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Mikhailov has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rumper tries to lock up and control but Mikhailov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rumper is trying to escape the mount.
Rumper is working hard here to advance position.
Rumper wants to control but Mikhailov is having none of it.
Mikhailov controlling his opponent.

That's two 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.
Mikhailov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Rumper sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Mikhailov is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Mikhailov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Mikhailov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Rumper regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mikhailov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Mikhailov stands up and waves to Rumper to follow him.

Rumper gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Mikhailov to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Mikhailov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Rumper's head.
Mikhailov wants to control from the top but Rumper keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rumper trying to control the position.
Mikhailov prevents Rumper from getting back to his feet.
Rumper trying to strike off his back.
Rumper working a defensive guard but Mikhailov passes into half guard.
Rumper trying to control here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rumper wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Mikhailov dominated that fourth round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

The fight stays on the outside here - Rumper looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Rumper is defended easily by Mikhailov.
Mikhailov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rumper has a takedown stuffed.

Mikhailov gets a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Mikhailov gets control of Rumper's arms and successfully pulls guard. Mikhailov will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Rumper trying to control the position from guard on top but Mikhailov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rumper slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Mikhailov can't do much from the bottom here.
Rumper controls the position.
I wouldn't like to be where Mikhailov is right now.
Mikhailov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Rumper wants to control but Mikhailov is keeping him busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Mikhailov wings away with a couple of strikes but they don't land.

Rumper has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Mikhailov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Mikhailov tries to clinch up.
Rumper shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mikhailov as he avoids it easily.
Mikhailov tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Todd Rumper. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Mikhailov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mikhailov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Rumper defends well and Mikhailov ends up having to push Rumper into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Mikhailov scores with a head kick. Rumper tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Mikhailov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Mikhailov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Mikhailov misses with a body kick.
Rumper drops down looking for a counter takedown but Mikhailov sprawls and moves away.
Rumper avoids the body shot from Mikhailov.
Mikhailov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Mikhailov wants it to stay on the feet.
Rumper looks to land a body kick but Mikhailov moved away.
Rumper shoots in but Mikhailov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Rumper tries for a takedown but Mikhailov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rumper is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Mikhailov closes the distance and clinches up with Rumper, looking for a takedown. Mikhailov pushes Rumper against the cage but Rumper circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rumper attempts a counter takedown but Mikhailov avoids it well and moves away.
Mikhailov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Mikhailov throws a sloppy head kick and Rumper moves out of range easily.
It looked like Rumper was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Mikhailov.

Rumper gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Mikhailov is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Rumper wants to break free but Mikhailov has control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Rumper breaks the clinch.
Mikhailov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Todd Rumper has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Viktor Mikhailov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Mikhailov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Viktor Mikhailov.
I've got Mikhailov 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 Matheus Silva scores the fight 45:50
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 45:50
Judge Mauricio Rocha scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Viktor Mikhailov!
Viktor Mikhailov is the new light heavyweight champion!