PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Chad Stronghold (ranked 4286 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alan Markov (ranked 3966 p4p, 325 weight class). Markov comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Jay Bling - Aye kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Alan Markov told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Stronghold
vs
Markov

175 cm
26
152 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

172 cm
20
158 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Chad Stronghold!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Alan Markov!
The judges for this bout are , Jack Bonds and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stronghold misses with a hook
and Markov finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Markov with a hook.
Stronghold throws a looping overhand right but Markov ducks down to avoid it.
Markov slips under a jab from Stronghold.
Stronghold takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Markov scores with a hook.
Stronghold moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Markov walks into a stiff left hand from Stronghold.
Alan Markov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A jab from Markov finds it's way through Stronghold's defenses.
Stronghold moves forwards but Markov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Stronghold drops his hands momentarily and Markov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Markov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stronghold connects with a nice looking jab.
Stronghold throws a right hand that misses
and Markov counters with a nice body kick.
Markov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Markov jabs at Stronghold's body.
Stronghold steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Markov.
Markov scores with the left hand. Stronghold knows he should have avoided that one.
Markov works the jab nicely.
No joy there for Stronghold, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Markov slips a jab and a cross from Stronghold.
Stronghold backing away here, and Markov unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
The fighters circling - Stronghold throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Stronghold connects with a body shot that sends Markov's belly button to the back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Markov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Stronghold jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Markov has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Markov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Stronghold has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Markov connects with a solid leg kick.
Markov jabs Stronghold right on the nose. Stronghold blinks but takes it well.
Markov with a hook.
Nice uppercut there from Markov.
A cross from Markov lands.
Markov scores with a shot to the body.
Markov scores with a shot to the body.
Markov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Stronghold.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Markov! But no joy.
Stronghold throws a hook to the side of Markov's head but Markov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Stronghold throws a hook but Markov avoids it easily.
Markov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Markov scores with a jab to the body.
Stronghold throws a right hand that misses
and Markov counters with a nice uppercut.
Markov lands a nice hook to Stronghold's body. Stronghold takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Markov scores with a kick to the body.
A big left from Stronghold misses.
Stronghold takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Stronghold throws a jab when Markov was well out of range.
Stronghold is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stronghold missing with a left hand there. Markov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Markov flicks out a counter leg kick but Stronghold steps away.
Stronghold misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Markov to counter with a crisp jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Stronghold takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Stronghold throws a hook to the side of Markov's head but Markov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A little jabbing left from Markov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Markov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A nice leg kick lands there from Markov.
Markov scoring well with a low kick there.
Stronghold takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Nice defenses there by Markov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Stronghold tries to move into range but Markov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Stronghold throws a poor cross that misses
and Markov counters with an outside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Markov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Stronghold throws a lazy right hand but Markov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Stronghold drops his hands momentarily and Markov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Markov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Stronghold gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Stronghold misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Markov.
A shot to the liver by Markov. Beautiful body shot.
Markov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Markov throws a combination. Stronghold tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Markov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Decent striking displayed by Markov there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Markov slips under a jab.
Markov doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Markov lands a right hook to the body.
Stronghold will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stronghold scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Stronghold throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Stronghold cracks a nice hook into Markov's ribs.
Stronghold walks into a stiff left hand from Markov.
Stronghold takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Markov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Decent striking displayed by Markov there.
Markov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Stronghold throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Markov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Stronghold throws a jab when Markov was well out of range.
A lazy left from Markov finds it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Markov misses with a looping left.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Markov misses with a hook.
Markov scores with a nice right hand.
Markov slips under a jab from Stronghold.
Stronghold scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Markov doesn't seem bothered though.
Markov lands a jab to Stronghold's midsection.
Stronghold doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Markov thumps Stronghold with a low kick.
Markov ducks under a wild hook from Stronghold.
Markov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Stronghold crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Markov - the referee stops the clock and Stronghold gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Markov. Stronghold manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markov blocks a jab.
Markov is looking for the big counter here.
That kick from Markov tenderised Stronghold's leg. Stronghold is trying to keep his angry face on.
Alan Markov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Markov lands with a nice body punch.
Stronghold throws a left and a right that both miss
and Stronghold takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Stronghold misses with an uppercut
and Markov counters with a good low kick that Stronghold was not able to check.
Stronghold throws a shot from downtown. Markov moves away and avoids it.
Stronghold looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A chopping leg kick lands by Markov.
Markov scores with a hook.
Markov misses with an uppercut. Stronghold saw that one coming.
Stronghold was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Markov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Markov lands with a straight right. Stronghold didn't see that one coming.
Stronghold moves away from the strike by Markov.
Markov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Stronghold stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Markov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A punch lands to the side of Stronghold 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Markov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Stronghold shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Markov throws a sloppy head kick and Stronghold moves out of range easily.
Stronghold is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Stronghold swings widly with a right hand
and Stronghold takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Markov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Stronghold's head.
Stronghold walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alan Markov 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. And we move into the final round!

Stronghold misses with an uppercut
and Markov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Markov connects with a right hand. Stronghold shakes it off.
Stronghold misses with a lunging right hand
and Stronghold takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Stronghold takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Stronghold misses with a looping right.
Stronghold throws a body punch but Markov moves out of range.
Stronghold slips a jab and a cross from Markov.
Markov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stronghold takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Markov scores with a jab to the body.
Stronghold misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Markov thows a body kick. Stronghold tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Markov connects with a body shot.
Markov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Strongholds jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Markov misses the jab.
Stronghold chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Markov can pounce on him.
Markov lands a nice looking body kick.
Markov throws a poor cross that misses
and Markov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Stronghold has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Markov finds it's way round the side to connect with Stronghold's head.
Stronghold defending well as Markov loads up on a big left hand.
Stronghold is looking to counter punch.
Markov misses with a two punch combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stronghold swings widly with a right hand
and Markov counters with a one-two to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Markov cracks the inside of Stronghold's front leg.
Stronghold ducks under a wild hook from Markov.
Markov moves out of range as Stronghold strikes.
Markov cracks Stronghold with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Markov scores with the left hand. Stronghold knows he should have avoided that one.
Stronghold ducks under a wild hook from Markov.
Nice jab there from Markov.
Markov looks to land a right hand but Stronghold moved out of range.
Markov misses with a right hand
and Stronghold connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Stronghold sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Markov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Markov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Nice body punch from Markov.
Stronghold throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Markov counters with a stiff right hand.
Markov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Stronghold on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Markov cracks Stronghold with a right hand to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Markov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Markov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Markov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Markov lands with a hook. Stronghold tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
That kick from Markov tenderised Stronghold's leg. Stronghold is trying to keep his angry face on.
Markov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Stronghold throws out the jab.
Markov flicks out a counter leg kick but Stronghold steps away.
Chad Stronghold has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alan Markov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Stronghold takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A telegraphed right hand from Markov misses the target.
Stronghold takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Stronghold throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Markov counters with a straight right hand.
Stronghold throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Markov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alan Markov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Markov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 26:30
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alan Markov!
After winning the bout, Alan Markov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.