PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Boyko Kersikov (ranked 867 p4p, 42 weight class) and Roko Tiili (ranked 1094 p4p, 54 weight class). Tiili has chosen Antti Railio - Halla ja etelätuuli as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kersikov
vs
Tiili

167 cm
36
142 lbs
21 - 7 - 0

168 cm
38
137 lbs
25 - 13 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Boyko Kersikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 13 - 2, fighting out of London, Roko Tiili!
The judges for this bout are Alyssa Summers, Steve Montenegro and Joseph Jones.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tiili blocks a jab.
Kersikov scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Kersikov looks to throw the jab but Tiili is out of range.
Kersikov misses the jab.
Kersikov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Tiili.
Tiili lands a really nice looking cross but Kersikov seems unphased.

Kersikov has closed the distance and engaged Tiili in a clinch.
Kersikov scores with a shoulder strike.
Tiili scores with a shot to the side of Kersikov's head.
Kersikov scores with a shot to the side of Tiili's head.
I was talking to Kersikov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tiili pressing his opponent against the cage.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kersikov scores with a shoulder strike.
Kersikov gets through Tiili's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Tiili lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tiili pressing his opponent against the cage.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tiili.
Tiili misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Tiili wants to stall.
Tiili stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Tiili.
Kersikov stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Kersikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A shot in the inside from Tiili.
Tiili lands a right hand.
Tiili throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Tiili stalling in the clinch.
Kersikov looking to stall.
Tiili fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tiili misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Tiili working aggressively here.
A head punch on the inside from Tiili fails to land.
Kersikov tries to stall but Tiili uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kersikov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
Kersikov is trying to maintain a safe position but Tiili gets an underhook and turns Kersikov into the cage.
Kersikov lands with a left to the head.
Tiili lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tiili.
Tiili lands with a short punch from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
Tiili lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tiili throws a head punch that misses.
Tiili doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov stalling the fight.
Kersikov lands a shoulder strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tiili is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kersikov is keeping busy.
Kersikov gets underhooks to prevent Tiili's takedown attempt.
Kersikov misses with a body punch.
Kersikov lands with a light punch inside.
Tiili blocks an uppercut.
Tiili can't find room to land a body shot as Kersikov controls the action.
Tiili blocking some punches.
Kersikov is pushing Tiili up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Tiili blocking some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Tiili can't break the clinch.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Tiili as Kersikov tries to tie him up.
Kersikov lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Tiili.
Tiili blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Tiili throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Kersikov looking to slow down the pace here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tiili wants to take the fight to the mat but Kersikov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Kersikov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Tiili leaning against his opponent.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Kersikov blocking some punches.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Tiili'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.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kersikov.
Kersikov lands a shoulder strike.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Tiili throws a head punch that misses.
Tiili lands an uppercut.
Kersikov digs a right hand underneath Tiili's ribcage. Tiili let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kersikov stalls.
Tiili wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boyko Kersikov dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kersikov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tiili.
A telegraphed right hand from Kersikov misses the target.
Tiili looks to land a right hand but Kersikov moved out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Kersikov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Boyko Kersikov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kersikov darts in trying to clinch
and Tiili counters with a thumping low kick.
Nice uppercut there from Tiili.
Tiili takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Tiili throws a solid leg kick but Kersikov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tiili.
A little feinted left hand from Kersikov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kersikov tries to grapple but his opponent circles
enabling Tiili to counter with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tiili misses with a low kick.
Tiili slips a jab and a cross from Kersikov.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Tiili! But no joy.
Tiili throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A slapping leg kick lands for Tiili.
Kersikov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tiili tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kersikov is able to avoid easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A swing and a miss from Kersikov.
Kersikov ducks under a wild hook from Tiili.
Kersikov takes a swing at Tiili's ribcage but misses.
Tiili attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Kersikov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tiili counters with a nice uppercut.
Tiili defending well as Kersikov loads up on a big left hand.
Tiili lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kersikov tests Tiili's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Kersikov has Tiili up against the cage in a clinch.
Kersikov lands a shoulder strike.
Kersikov lands a right hand.
Kersikov scores with a shoulder strike.
Tiili blocks an uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tiili scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Tiili lands with a short shot to the head.

Tiili's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tiili misses with a body punch

and Kersikov holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tiili blocking some punches.
Tiili misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kersikov is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Tiili blocking some punches.
A shot in the inside from Kersikov.
Tiili is pushing Kersikov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kersikov lands a body punch in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Tiili slows down the pace here.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tiili.
Tiili blocks an uppercut.
Tiili lands a body shot.
Tiili has had enough of the clinch but Kersikov keeps him there for the moment.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tiili controls his hands.
Tiili wants a takedown.
Tiili blocks an uppercut.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tiili wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Tiili is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Tiili backwards.

Tiili's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tiili throws a chopping leg kick but Kersikov manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kersikov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
A swing and a miss from Kersikov.
Roko Tiili seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kersikov wants to clinch but Tiili slips to the side
and Tiili counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Tiili takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Kersikov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tiili can do to turn this around?
This has been an exciting period of action!
A slow jab from Tiili misses its intended target.
Tiili slips under a jab.

Kersikov closes the distance and clinches.
Kersikov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tiili backwards.
Tiili throws a head punch that misses.

Tiili's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Kersikov rushes Tiili and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Tiili breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kersikov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tiili.
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 Boyko Kersikov will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Tiili lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kersikov tries to clinch but Tiili is having none of it.
Kersikov tries to clinch there but Tiili circles away.
Tiili connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kersikov cracks Tiili with an open hand slap.
Kersikov stuffs the takedown.
Kersikov looks to clinch
and Tiili counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kersikov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Tiili's hands.
Tiili scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kersikov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Kersikov tries to clinch up.
Kersikov closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kersikov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Kersikov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Tiili, pushing him back against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kersikov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Kersikov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kersikov misses with the head strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov blocks an uppercut.
Kersikov lands a left hand.
Kersikov displaying some good clinch control by pressing Tiili up against the cage.
Boyko Kersikov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kersikov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tiili misses with the head strike.
A short left from Kersikov.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kersikov lands a hook to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Kersikov lands a left hand.
Tiili drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kersikov gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Tiili breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kersikov is looking to clinch but Tiili is avoiding it.
Kersikov throws a hook to the side of Tiili's head but Tiili sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Boyko Kersikov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kersikov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Tiili counters with a right hand to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tiili throws a low kick but Kersikov moves out of range easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Kersikov misses the target.
Kersikov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tiili looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Kersikov closes the distance and clinches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tiili.
Kersikov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
A head punch on the inside from Tiili fails to land.
Kersikov keeps control of Tiili as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Tiili blocking some punches.
Kersikov lands a hook that snaps the head of Tiili backwards.

Tiili is rocked!
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tiili is still on wobbly legs! Can Kersikov finish him?
A right hand to the body from Kersikov.
Tiili seems to have recovered his senses.
Kersikov looking to slow down the pace here.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tiili backwards.
Tiili is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kersikov is keeping busy.
Tiili lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tiili blocks a body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov misses with a body punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kersikov lands with a light punch inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tiili.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Tiili uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tiili swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
Tiili looking to slow down the pace here.
Roko Tiili has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kersikov tries a body shot but Tiili blocks it.

Tiili manages to break the clinch.
Kersikov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tiili paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kersikov connects with a nice looking jab.
Kersikov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Tiili swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tiili.
Boyko Kersikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Roko Tiili.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov tries to move into range but Tiili moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kersikov connects with a combination that backs up Tiili into the cage. Kersikov lands a flurry of punches that gets past Tiili's guard. Tiili is down and the referee has seen enough. It is all over! Kersikov bursts into tears - this win obviously means a huge amount to him.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:13 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Boyko Kersikov!
A victorious Boyko Kersikov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.