PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alexei Chernokov (ranked 864 p4p, 106 weight class) and Don Gotti (ranked 1837 p4p, 218 weight class). Chernokov comes to the cage accompanied by Disaster strikes - Mushroom cloud. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Chernokov
vs
Gotti

174 cm
31
165 lbs
19 - 12 - 2

175 cm
29
170 lbs
15 - 11 - 1

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 12 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexei Chernokov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Don Gotti!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Paul Aken and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gotti connects with a body shot that sends Chernokov's belly button to the back.
Gotti goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Chernokov gets caught flat footed, as Gotti shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Chernokov seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Gotti not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Chernokov wants to sweep but no luck.

Chernokov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gotti gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Chernokov wants to sweep here but Gotti controlling him for the moment.
Chernokov being controlled here, momentarily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chernokov keeping full guard, as Gotti tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chernokov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Gotti seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Gotti pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Chernokov is keeping the position for now.

Chernokov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Gotti doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Gotti manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Chernokov looking for a sweep. Not yet Chernokov, not yet.
Chernokov throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Gotti sitting in guard here, content to control.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
The fighters circling - Gotti throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Don Gotti seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

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.
Gotti misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Chernokov.
Chernokov misses with a straight left.
Gotti throws a body punch but Chernokov moves out of range.
Gotti lands a jab to the head.
Chernokov connects with a single shot there.
Gotti throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Chernokov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gotti thinking.
Gotti throws a good cross that connects.
Chernokov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Gotti throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A lazy body kick from Gotti
and Chernokov counters with a nice uppercut.
Gotti connects with a body shot.
An inside leg kick lands from Gotti.
Chernokov looks to score with a jab to the body but Gotti is just out of range.
Nice sprawl there from Chernokov as Gotti shoots in.
Chernokov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Gotti. Gotti obviously looking to wear him down.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Gotti.
Gotti slips under a jab from Chernokov.
Gotti tries to counter with a clinch but Chernokov shakes him off and moves away.
Chernokov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gotti throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Gotti listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A slow jab from Gotti misses its intended target.
Some bone on bone action there as Chernokov checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Chernokov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Chernokov throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Gotti tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Chernokov is in Gotti's guard.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Gotti has his foot on Chernokov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Chernokov works his way back into a safe position though.
Chernokov throws a big right hand that misses.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Chernokov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Chernokov postures up and lands a big shot to Gotti's brow.

Gotti has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Chernokov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Chernokov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Chernokov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gotti is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Chernokov wants to improve his position but Gotti is controlling well.

Chernokov looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Chernokov won't allow Gotti to pass to mount.
Gotti controlling the action here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Don Gotti dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Chernokov blocks a head kick by Gotti.
Gotti scores with a jab to the jaw.
Chernokov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Chernokov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Gotti.
Gotti defending well as Chernokov loads up on a big left hand.
Chernokov walks into a jab.
Chernokov misses with a hook. Gotti ducked under it nicely.
Gotti takes a swing at Chernokov's ribcage but misses.
Gotti throws a body punch but Chernokov moves out of range.
Chernokov cracks Gotti with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chernokov misses with a straight left.

Gotti shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Gotti was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
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!
Gotti trying to control the action but Chernokov is working from the bottom.
Gotti advances to full mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gotti lands a couple of good shots and Chernokov has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Chernokov tries to break free.
Gotti has good solid back control here.
Chernokov tries to escape the position.
I would not like to be Chernokov right now.
Chernokov is keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov is in bad spot here.

Gotti is looking for the choke from the back position but Chernokov is controlling his hands well.
Chernokov has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Gotti.
Gotti has the hooks in. Chernokov is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Gotti keeps control of the position easily here as Chernokov tries to buck him off.
Gotti somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.
Gotti trying to control.
Well, with Gotti on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Chernokov is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Chernokov trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Chernokov is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Gotti gets his way!
Chernokov staying busy and making it hard for Gotti to control.
Chernokov can't escape the position.
Gotti has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Chernokov preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Gotti.
You can see the frustration on Chernokov's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Gotti looking for the RNC.
Gotti has the hooks in. Chernokov is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Chernokov is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Chernokov breaks Gotti's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotti looking to hit a scissor sweep but Chernokov is one step ahead there.
Chernokov is looking to work some ground and pound but Gotti has wrist control.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Chernokov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Chernokov postures up and lands a big shot to Gotti's brow.
Chernokov trying to control but Gotti is working from the bottom.

Gotti is looking for a triangle but Chernokov pushes his legs off easily.

Chernokov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Gotti has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Chernokov has managed to get both his arms back between Gotti's legs - danger averted.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Chernokov wants to control from the top but Gotti keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Don Gotti showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Gotti throws a sloppy head kick and Chernokov moves out of range easily.
Chernokov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Gotti throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Chernokov throws a body punch but Gotti moves out of range.
Chernokov moves away from the strike by Gotti.
Gotti throws a body shot but no joy.
Don Gotti seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Chernokov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Gotti connects with the punch.
Chernokov lunges at Gotti with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Gotti's hand.
Gotti fails to land with a series of punches.
Chernokov misses with a body shot.
A countering left hand to the body from Gotti misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gotti jabs Chernokov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Chernokov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Gotti fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Gotti lands a nice looking body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gotti misses with an uppercut.
Chernokov looks to land a left hand but Gotti moved out of range nicely.
Gotti throws a leg kick but Chernokov checks it.
Gotti misses with a leg kick
and Chernokov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Chernokov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Gotti circles away quickly and effectively.
Gotti throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Chernokov throws a hook to the side of Gotti's head but Gotti sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Gotti misses with a wild body shot.
Gotti is looking to slow Chernokov down with leg kicks.
Chernokov misses with a straight right.
Gotti tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
No luck for Gotti with that takedown attempt.
Gotti shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Chernokov but Chernokov pushes him off and we're back to square one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov slips under a jab.
Chernokov misses with the combination.
Gotti throws a leg kick but Chernokov sees it coming and checks it nicely.
A combination from Chernokov does no damage.
Gotti avoids the body shot from Chernokov.
Gotti looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Chernokov blocks a jab.
Gotti throws a nice outside leg kick.
Gotti throws a lazy right hand but Chernokov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gotti dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Chernokov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Gotti throws out the jab.
Gotti misses the jab.
Don Gotti is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov throws a jab but it's blocked by Gotti.
Gotti doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Chernokov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Alexei Chernokov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Don Gotti.
Gotti uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Chernokov.
Chernokov checks a low kick from Gotti.
Chernokov moves away from the strike by Gotti.
Alexei Chernokov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Gotti steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Chernokov.
Chernokov defending well as Gotti loads up on a big left hand.
Gotti fails with the takedown
letting Chernokov counter with a right hand.
Chernokov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Gotti throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A shot to the liver by Gotti. Beautiful body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gotti thuds a left hand into Chernokov's body.
Chernokov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Gotti.
Gotti loads up on a big right hand but Chernokov slips the punch.
Chernokov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Chernokov throws a jab when Gotti was well out of range.
Chernokov blocks a leg kick.
It looked like Chernokov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Good exchange - Gotti coming out on top.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gotti tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Chernokov is able to avoid easily.
Chernokov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Gotti misses with a head kick.
Chernokov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Gotti sprawls and moves away.
Gotti throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Gotti drops his hands momentarily and Chernokov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Gotti throws a hook but Chernokov blocks it.
Gotti has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Gotti there as he acknowledges the shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Don Gotti comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Gotti 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 27:30
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 27:30
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Don Gotti!
Don Gotti spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.