PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Gennady Mikhasevich (ranked 801 p4p, 102 weight class) and Thomas Raske (ranked 1009 p4p, 126 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Mikhasevich
vs
Raske

180 cm
25
185 lbs
16 - 6 - 0

188 cm
26
185 lbs
14 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Groove Gear
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Gennady Mikhasevich!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Thomas Raske!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Igor Prikhodko and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Raske instigates a clinch.
Raske misses with the head strike.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Raske.
Raske misses with some punches.
Raske misses with a punch to the body.
Raske swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Raske lands a left hand.

Mikhasevich breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Raske has taken the fight to the clinch.
Raske throws a head punch that misses.
Mikhasevich swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Mikhasevich gets through Raske's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

Mikhasevich pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Raske clinches.
Raske scores with a shot to the side of Mikhasevich's head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mikhasevich is trying to break free.
Raske works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Mikhasevich blocking some punches.
Raske working aggressively here.
Raske misses with some punches.

Mikhasevich breaks from the clinch.
Mikhasevich takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Mikhasevich uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Raske.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Raske staying out of range there.
Raske wants to counter with a clinch but Mikhasevich pushes him away.
Raske misses with a looping right.
Mikhasevich avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Mikhasevich displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.

It looks like Thomas Raske has been cut.
Raske defending well as Mikhasevich loads up on a big left hand.
Raske throws a body shot but no joy.
Jab from Raske.
Raske throws a head kick that misses
and Mikhasevich counters with a straight right hand.

Raske has managed to clinch.
Raske tries to work over Mikhasevich's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Raske lands with a short shot to the head.
Raske misses with a punch on the inside.
Mikhasevich tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Raske misses with some punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Raske misses with the head strike.
Mikhasevich is pushing Raske up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.

Mikhasevich breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Raske misses with an attempted mid kick.
As Raske looks to move away, Mikhasevich throws a big counter combo but Raske just gets out of the way.
Nice jab there from Raske.
Raske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Mikhasevich.
Raske flicks out a counter leg kick but Mikhasevich steps away.
Raske throws a jab but it's blocked by Mikhasevich.
Mikhasevich swats away the attempt to clinch by Raske.
Mikhasevich steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Raske.
Mikhasevich takes one to the side of the head.
Raske throws a good cross that connects.
Raske jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Raske rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Mikhasevich counters with a straight right hand.
A slow jab from Mikhasevich misses its intended target.
Raske looks to clinch
and Mikhasevich counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Mikhasevich wants to slow Raske down by chopping away at his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raske scores with a punch to the head.
Raske throws a half hearted mid kick.
Mikhasevich was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Mikhasevich cracks Raske with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Raske tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Raske misses with a hook.
Mikhasevich looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Thomas Raske seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mikhasevich takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Raske has Mikhasevich up against the cage in a clinch.
Raske has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Mikhasevich seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Raske can turn it around.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Mikhasevich creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Mikhasevich misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mikhasevich wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Raske fails to land.
Raske misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mikhasevich goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Raske has a couple of punches blocked by Mikhasevich.
Mikhasevich blocking some punches.
Mikhasevich wants to get back to striking at distance but Raske won't allow it.
Mikhasevich lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raske working aggressively here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mikhasevich working aggressively here.
Raske swings wildly with an uppercut but Mikhasevich uses good head movement to avoid it.
A right handed body shot lands from Raske.

Mikhasevich pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Raske buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Mikhasevich throws an overhand right that lands on Raske's shoulder, as Raske tries to avoid the shot.
Raske pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Raske clinches up with Mikhasevich and pushes him back against the cage.
Raske tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Mikhasevich's elbow.
Mikhasevich blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Mikhasevich takes a shot to the head.
Raske throws a punch but it's blocked by Mikhasevich.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Raske misses with a hook from the clinch.
Raske is working Mikhasevich over against the cage.
Raske pushes Mikhasevich back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mikhasevich lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Mikhasevich takes a shot to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Mikhasevich.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thomas Raske dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Thomas Raske's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Mikhasevich throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Raske throws a nice outside leg kick.
Mikhasevich on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Raske slips a jab and a cross from Mikhasevich.

Raske clinches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Mikhasevich.
Raske scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A body shot lands from Mikhasevich.
Raske goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Mikhasevich struggles to land a body shot inside as Raske controls his hands.
Raske lands a right hand that snaps the head of Mikhasevich backwards.
Mikhasevich scores with a shot to the side of Raske's head.
Mikhasevich swings wildly with an uppercut but Raske uses good head movement to avoid it.
Raske scores with a nice hook to the head.
Thomas Raske seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Raske goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Raske fails to land.
Raske lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Mikhasevich.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Mikhasevich fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Raske has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

Mikhasevich manages to break the clinch.
Raske looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Mikhasevich throws a big shot that misses.
Raske has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Raske looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Raske lands with a nice body punch.
Raske tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Mikhasevich counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Raske thinking.
Gennady Mikhasevich is winning the standup battle so far.

Raske moves into range and clinches up with Mikhasevich.
Raske misses with a punch to the body.
Mikhasevich misses with a short punch on the inside.
Raske lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Mikhasevich.

Mikhasevich breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Raske cracks the inside of Mikhasevich's front leg.
Raske connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

Mikhasevich tries to keep at a distance but Raske has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mikhasevich blocks a punch to the side of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Raske fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Mikhasevich breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Mikhasevich tries to bum rush Raske with a series of wild strikes but Raske uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Raske slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Raske feints and then cracks Mikhasevich's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Mikhasevich down.
Raske lands a front kick.
Raske ducks under a wild hook from Mikhasevich.
Mikhasevich throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Raske sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Mikhasevich sets himself, and Raske steps forward looking for the clinch! Mikhasevich avoids it this time.
Raske throws a hook but Mikhasevich avoids it easily.
A counter left hand to the body from Mikhasevich misses its target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Raske.
Raske throws a front kick that sends Mikhasevich stumbling back into the cage.
Mikhasevich misses with a body kick.
Raske tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A chopping leg kick lands by Raske.
Raske goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Raske moves in looking to clinch but Mikhasevich pushes him off.
Mikhasevich fires out a quick counter leg kick but Raske just manages to avoid it.
Raske fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Mikhasevich checks it well.
Raske takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Mikhasevich misses with a looping right.
Mikhasevich on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Raske ducks under a wild hook from Mikhasevich.
Mikhasevich throws a right and a left that both miss.
Raske takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Raske tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Mikhasevich manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Raske shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Mikhasevich is looking to counter punch.
Raske tries to clinch but Mikhasevich moves out of range.
Raske throws a wild body kick that Mikhasevich sees coming a mile off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Oooooh!!! Mikhasevich has knocked Raske down with a huge combo! Mikhasevich steps away and waves a wobbly Raske back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

Raske is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Raske misses with a low kick as Mikhasevich jumps back.
Raske is still on wobbly legs! Can Mikhasevich finish him?
A jab from Raske misses.
Mikhasevich lunges at Raske with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Raske's hand.
Good work by Mikhasevich as he checks the leg kick.
Raske tries a low kick but Mikhasevich avoids it.
It looked like Mikhasevich wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Mikhasevich connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Raske momentarily.
Mikhasevich's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Raske connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Mikhasevich scrambles back to his feet.
Raske uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Mikhasevich.
Raske feints a counter leg kick.
That kick from Raske tenderised Mikhasevich's leg. Mikhasevich is trying to keep his angry face on.
Raske lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Mikhasevich scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Raske looks to clinch
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mikhasevich on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Raske. Raske obviously looking to wear him down.
Raske looks to throw the jab but Mikhasevich is out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Mikhasevich misses the target.
Raske attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Mikhasevich was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
A bone on bone clash there as Raske blocks the leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Thomas Raske will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Thomas Raske's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Raske moves out of range of the strikes.
Raske lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Raske seems to have recovered his senses.
Raske lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Raske catches Mikhasevich with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Raske uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Mikhasevich has time to react.
Raske scores with a leg kick.
Raske takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Raske tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mikhasevich paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Raske uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Mikhasevich has time to react.
Raske tests Mikhasevich's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Raske throws a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That kick from Raske tenderised Mikhasevich's leg. Mikhasevich is trying to keep his angry face on.
Raske throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Mikhasevich walks forward, straight into a front kick from Raske.
Good leg kick by Raske there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Raske rushes Mikhasevich and presses him up against the cage.
Mikhasevich is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mikhasevich looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Raske doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Mikhasevich manages to break the clinch.

Raske closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Raske.
Raske being controlled against the cage.
Mikhasevich misses with a punch on the inside.
Mikhasevich tries to work over Raske's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Mikhasevich's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Raske throws a body kick that misses.
Mikhasevich throws a big counter combination but Raske scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Raske is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
The fighters circling - Mikhasevich throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Mikhasevich misses with a looping left.
Raske misses with a double jab.
Mikhasevich was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Raske tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Mikhasevich paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Mikhasevich throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Raske looks to land a body kick but Mikhasevich moved away.
Nice shot lands for Raske.
Mikhasevich on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Raske moves into the clinch.
A short left from Raske.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mikhasevich blocks a body shot from Raske.
Raske throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Mikhasevichs head.
A short right from Raske.
Mikhasevich is trying to push Raske away but Raske has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Mikhasevich pushes Raske back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Raske keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Mikhasevich's efforts to push away.

Mikhasevich pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Raske tries to clinch there but Mikhasevich circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raske looks to score with a jab to the body but Mikhasevich is just out of range.
Raske throws a lazy right hand but Mikhasevich sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mikhasevich has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Raske.
A slapping leg kick lands for Raske.
Raske throws a predictable looking body shot
and Mikhasevich counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Mikhasevich throws the left hand but Raske avoids the punch easily.
Mikhasevich swats away the attempt to clinch by Raske.
Raske moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A good leg kick by Raske.
Mikhasevich throws a hook to the side of Raske's head but Raske sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Mikhasevich takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Mikhasevich connects with a good right hand that stumbles Raske. Raske circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mikhasevich tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Mikhasevich looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Raske connects with a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mikhasevich throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Raske sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Donk. Raske catches Mikhasevich right on the button with a cross.
Raske ducks under a wild hook from Mikhasevich.
Jab, jab by Raske - just one landing.
Mikhasevich keeps the fight on the outside.
An attempted straight right counter from Mikhasevich misses the target.
Mikhasevich moves out of range as Raske throws a body kick.
Raske scores with a kick to the body.
Mikhasevich throws out a loose jab but Raske uses good head movement to avoid it.
Raske misses the shot to the body.
Raske misses with a right hand
and Mikhasevich counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Gennady Mikhasevich has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mikhasevich misses with a hook.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Raske! But no joy.

And that's the end of the fight!
Thomas Raske comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Raske 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 Valeri Chadov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 27:30
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thomas Raske!
During a confident post fight interview, Thomas Raske thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.