PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Emilio Rojas (ranked 645 p4p, 74 weight class) and Alexei Chernokov (ranked 848 p4p, 103 weight class). Chernokov has chosen Disaster strikes - Mushroom cloud as his entrance music. The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rojas
vs
Chernokov

175 cm
30
168 lbs
10 - 6 - 0

174 cm
32
165 lbs
22 - 15 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
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 10 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Emilio Rojas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 15 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexei Chernokov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Vladimir Khabensky and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chernokov misses with a hook. Rojas ducked under it nicely.
A quick step to the side and Rojas tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Chernokov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Rojas scores with a hook.
Rojas works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Rojas misses with a hook. Chernokov ducked under it nicely.
Rojas throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rojas lands a nice hook to Chernokov's body. Chernokov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Chernokov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rojas.
Chernokov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Chernokov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rojas.
Rojas leaves Chernokov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Chernokov is defended easily by Rojas.
Chernokov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rojas moves away.
Rojas swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Rojas paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A big right from Rojas misses.
Chernokov tries to counter by closing the distance.
Rojas misses with a double jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chernokov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rojas moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
A big left from Rojas misses.
Chernokov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rojas.
Chernokov throws a jab when Rojas was well out of range.
Rojas drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
A big left from Rojas misses.
A slow jab from Chernokov misses its intended target.
It looked like Rojas wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Nice body punch from Chernokov.
Chernokov lands a nice shot that snaps Rojas's head back.
Chernokov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rojas.
Rojas has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Chernokov slips under a jab.
Emilio Rojas is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rojas on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Rojas moves out of range as Chernokov strikes.
Chernokov throws a hook but Rojas blocks it.
Rojas looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A punch combination from Rojas misses.
Rojas throws a big shot that misses.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A good leg kick by Rojas.
Chernokov checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rojas avoids the body shot from Chernokov.
A jab from Chernokov finds it's way through Rojas's defenses.
Rojas uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Chernokov.
Chernokov lands a really nice looking cross but Rojas seems unphased.
Rojas tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rojas throws a hook to the side of Chernokov's head but Chernokov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A little jabbing left from Chernokov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
No joy there for Chernokov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Chernokov swings for the body but Rojas moves out of range.
Rojas thuds a left hand into Chernokov's body.
Chernokov just misses with a punch to the body.
Rojas looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A countering left hand to the body from Chernokov misses.
Chernokov misses the jab.
Rojas looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Chernokov ducks under a wild hook from Rojas.
Chernokov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Rojas.
Rojas throws an overhand right that lands on Chernokov's shoulder, as Chernokov tries to avoid the shot.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Chernokov.
Chernokov in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov scoring with punches from side control.
Chernokov misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Rojas bucks up and tries to throw Chernokov off but instead Chernokov has got his back!
Chernokov lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Chernokov gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.

Rojas is looking to stand back up. He's having to work hard to escape but eventually he manages it.
Chernokov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rojas was well out of range. Poor timing from Chernokov.
Rojas takes a jab right on the kisser.
Chernokov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rojas sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A little feinted left hand from Rojas on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Chernokov avoids the body shot from Rojas.
Chernokov lands a jab to Rojas's midsection.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rojas bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Chernokov's head backwards.
Rojas uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Chernokov.
Rojas rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Chernokov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Chernokov feints the counter takedown.
Rojas scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Chernokov. Beautiful body shot.
Rojas ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rojas throws a front kick that sends Chernokov stumbling back into the cage.
Rojas throws a big shot that misses.
Rojas slips a jab from Chernokov.
Rojas lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Rojas misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rojas lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Chernokov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rojas was well out of range. Poor timing from Chernokov.
As Chernokov looks to move away, Rojas throws a big counter combo but Chernokov just gets out of the way.
Rojas lands a high kick!
Chernokov blocks a jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rojas. Chernokov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Chernokov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Chernokov.
Chernokov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rojas scores with a body shot.
Chernokov misses with a wild body shot.
A big right from Chernokov misses.
Rojas circles away from the clinch attempt
and Rojas connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Emilio Rojas will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rojas looks to land a left hand but Chernokov moved out of range nicely.
Chernokov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Rojas slips under a jab.
Rojas is looking to counter punch.
Rojas closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Rojas is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Chernokov.
Chernokov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Chernokov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rojas swats him away and circles back towards the center.
It looked like Rojas wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Chernokov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Rojas misses with a left hand
and Chernokov counters with a straight right hand.
Chernokov loads up on a big right hand but Rojas slips the punch.
Chernokov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Rojas defending well as Chernokov loads up on a big left hand.
Rojas jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Chernokov throws a body punch but Rojas moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rojas lands a jab to the nose.
Chernokov misses with a looping right.
Rojas jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Rojas swings widly with a right hand
and Chernokov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Chernokov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Rojas manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rojas is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Rojas wants to get back to striking at distance but Chernokov won't allow it.
Rojas lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A short left from Chernokov.
Chernokov can't find room to land a body shot as Rojas controls the action.
Rojas throws a punch but it's blocked by Chernokov.
Chernokov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Rojas's efforts to push away.
Rojas looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Chernokov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rojas backwards.
Rojas blocks a body shot from Chernokov.
Chernokov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Rojas breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rojas bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Chernokov's head backwards.
Emilio Rojas seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Rojas enables Chernokov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Rojas manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Rojas is looking to stand up but Chernokov isn't so interested in that idea.
Chernokov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rojas is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Rojas avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Rojas is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Chernokov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Rojas wants to get back to his feet but Chernokov is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Chernokov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Chernokov advances to half guard.
Chernokov working over Rojas with some ground and pound. Rojas looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Chernokov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Rojas taking some punishment here, with Chernokov in his half guard.
Rojas wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rojas kicks off Chernokov and gets to his feet.
Rojas throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Chernokov on the side of the head.
Rojas feints and then cracks Chernokov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Chernokov down.
Rojas lands with a straight right. Chernokov didn't see that one coming.
Jab from Rojas.
Chernokov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rojas throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rojas slips a straight right by Chernokov.
Emilio Rojas is winning the standup battle so far.
Rojas feints and then cracks Chernokov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Chernokov down.
Chernokov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Rojas. Rojas circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rojas avoids the body shot from Chernokov.
Rojas misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rojas throws a series of punches but Chernokov avoids them all with ease.
Chernokov tries to bum rush Rojas with a series of wild strikes but Rojas uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Chernokov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rojas throws out the jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rojas misses with a jab to the body
and Chernokov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Chernokov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rojas manages to avoid it.
Chernokov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Rojas sizes up Chernokov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Chernokov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Rojas connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Chernokov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
A punch combination from Chernokov misses.
Chernokov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Rojas.
Chernokov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Chernokov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Rojas throws out the jab.
Rojas misses with a hook. Chernokov ducked under it nicely.
Rojas lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Nice body punch from Rojas.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rojas avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rojas connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Chernokov momentarily.
Chernokov throws a big shot that misses.
Chernokov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rojas circles away quickly and effectively.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexei Chernokov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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!

Chernokov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Chernokov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Decent striking displayed by Chernokov there.

Chernokov moves into range and clinches up with Rojas.
Rojas prevents a takedown attempt there.

Rojas breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rojas misses with a looping left.
Chernokov takes a swing at Rojas's ribcage but misses.
No joy there for Rojas, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Chernokov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Nice uppercut lands for Rojas. That snapped Chernokov's head back.

Chernokov looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
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!
Chernokov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rojas's head.
Chernokov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Chernokov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rojas is trying to stand up here but Chernokov is controlling him well.
Chernokov is trying to control. Rojas wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Rojas is trying to stand back up but Chernokov is controlling him
Rojas avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Chernokov.
Rojas avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Chernokov.
Rojas is not content to let Chernokov control the position.
Rojas wants to get back to his feet.
Chernokov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A jab from Rojas finds it's way through Chernokov's defenses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rojas misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Chernokov.
A jab from Chernokov misses.
Rojas slips under a jab from Chernokov.
Rojas is looking to counter punch.
Chernokov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A jab from Chernokov misses.
A swing and a miss from Rojas.
Chernokov throws a hook but Rojas avoids it easily.
Rojas was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Chernokov walks into a left hand.
Chernokov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Chernokov steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Rojas. That one must have hurt.
Rojas throws a hook but Chernokov avoids it easily.
Rojas looks to throw the jab but Chernokov is out of range.
Rojas lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Chernokov moves away from the strike by Rojas.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rojas throws out a loose jab but Chernokov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rojas is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Chernokov.
Chernokov drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Rojas defends it well.

Chernokov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Rojas's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rojas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Chernokov.
Rojas is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Chernokov throws a big elbow that misses.
Chernokov postures up in Rojas's guard and throws a big left but Rojas blocks it.
Chernokov won't allow Rojas to get back to his feet.
Rojas is looking to stand back up but Chernokov counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Rojas.
Chernokov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Chernokov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Rojas sees it coming and defends easily.
Rojas is trying to stand up here but Chernokov is controlling him well.
Chernokov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Rojas manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Chernokov throws a lazy right hand but Rojas sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rojas staying out of range there.
Chernokov misses with a combination
enabling Rojas to counter with a crisp jab.
Chernokov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Chernokov lands with a nice body punch.
Chernokov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Chernokov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Chernokov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rojas swings widly with a right hand
and Chernokov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Chernokov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rojas.
Rojas moves out of range as Chernokov strikes.
Chernokov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rojas throws a lazy right hand but Chernokov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Chernokov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Alexei Chernokov.
I think Chernokov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 28:29
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 28:29
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 29:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Alexei Chernokov!
Alexei Chernokov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.