PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Antetokounmpo (ranked 6461 p4p, 0 weight class) and Saifulla Rakhmonov (ranked 6504 p4p, 0 weight class). Ryan Antetokounmpo could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Saifulla Rakhmonov's chin.

Antetokounmpo
vs
Rakhmonov

183 cm
25
155 lbs
4 - 6 - 0

168 cm
25
155 lbs
4 - 9 - 1

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 4 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ryan Antetokounmpo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Saifulla Rakhmonov!
The judges for this bout are Robert Twigg, George Francis and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rakhmonov shoots in and bounces Antetokounmpo off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.

Antetokounmpo throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Rakhmonov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Antetokounmpo. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Antetokounmpo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Rakhmonov wants to get up but he can't break Antetokounmpo's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Rakhmonov is looking to work some ground and pound but Antetokounmpo has wrist control.

Antetokounmpo working for a triangle but Rakhmonov defends it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Antetokounmpo looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmonov controlling from the top position.
Antetokounmpo is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Rakhmonov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Antetokounmpo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rakhmonov sitting in guard here, content to control.

Antetokounmpo had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Rakhmonov defends it easily.
Rakhmonov controlling from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Antetokounmpo utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Antetokounmpo can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Rakhmonov controls the pace.

Antetokounmpo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rakhmonov is aware though and is defending well.
Rakhmonov is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Antetokounmpo working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rakhmonov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmonov won't allow Antetokounmpo to sweep him here.
Rakhmonov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Rakhmonov works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Antetokounmpo works his way to full guard. Good work.
Rakhmonov's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Rakhmonov preventing the sweep.
Rakhmonov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Antetokounmpo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Rakhmonov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Antetokounmpo is keeping the position for now.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Antetokounmpo closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rakhmonov circles away.
Antetokounmpo is breathing heavily.
Rakhmonov shoots in and drives through. Antetokounmpo sprawls well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rakhmonov rushes Antetokounmpo and presses him up against the cage.

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

Rakhmonov gets a clinch.
Antetokounmpo being controlled against the cage.
Rakhmonov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Antetokounmpo has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Rakhmonov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Rakhmonov ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rakhmonov no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Rakhmonov is pulling down on Antetokounmpo's head. It's preventing any offense from Antetokounmpo, at least for the moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rakhmonov wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Saifulla Rakhmonov dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Rakhmonov shoots in for a double leg but Antetokounmpo sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Antetokounmpo throws a combination that misses
and Rakhmonov counters with an inside leg kick.
Antetokounmpo swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Antetokounmpo displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rakhmonov.
Antetokounmpo looks for a takedown but Rakhmonov sprawls well.
Antetokounmpo goes for a double leg but Rakhmonov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Rakhmonov continues to drive forward.
Antetokounmpo changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rakhmonov tries to avoid it but Antetokounmpo manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rakhmonov to the ground. Rakhmonov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Antetokounmpo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rakhmonov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Antetokounmpo misses with an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Rakhmonov moves into the clinch.
Antetokounmpo gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Rakhmonov.
Come on Rakhmonov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmonov taking a breather.
Rakhmonov receives a warning from the referee for stalling.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rakhmonov is trying to pull guard but Antetokounmpo turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rakhmonov is trying to pull guard but Antetokounmpo has him pressed against the cage.
Rakhmonov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Rakhmonov tries to pull guard but Antetokounmpo holds him up against the cage and eventually Rakhmonov drops back down to his feet.

Rakhmonov breaks the clinch.
Antetokounmpo dives in and grabs Rakhmonov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rakhmonov pushes down on Antetokounmpo's head and hops out.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Antetokounmpo is defended easily by Rakhmonov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Rakhmonov.
Rakhmonov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Ryan Antetokounmpo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Antetokounmpo throws a right and a left that Rakhmonov avoids nicely.

Antetokounmpo gets tackled into the cage by Rakhmonov. Rakhmonov maintains the clinch.
Rakhmonov fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Rakhmonov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Antetokounmpo gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Antetokounmpo tries to pull guard but Rakhmonov holds him up against the cage and eventually Antetokounmpo drops back down to his feet.
Rakhmonov content to slow the pace in the clinch.

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

Rakhmonov rushes Antetokounmpo and presses him up against the cage.
Come on Rakhmonov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Rakhmonov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rakhmonov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rakhmonov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Antetokounmpo sprawls well. Antetokounmpo wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rakhmonov gets slowly back to his feet.

Antetokounmpo closes the distance and clinches.
Rakhmonov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Antetokounmpo pulls his leg out and moves away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo sets himself, and Rakhmonov steps forward looking for the clinch! Antetokounmpo avoids it this time.
Antetokounmpo misses with a double jab.
Antetokounmpo tries for a takedown but Rakhmonov circles away easily
and Rakhmonov counters with a two punch combo.
Rakhmonov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Antetokounmpo crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Rakhmonov - the referee stops the clock and Antetokounmpo gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Rakhmonov. Antetokounmpo manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Rakhmonov scores with a kick to the body.
Antetokounmpo fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

Rakhmonov closes the distance and clinches.
Rakhmonov digs a right hand underneath Antetokounmpo's ribcage. Antetokounmpo let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Rakhmonov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Antetokounmpo drops down looking for an ankle pick but Rakhmonov pulls his leg out and moves away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rakhmonov throws a leg kick which misses Antetokounmpo's front leg but catches the back leg as Antetokounmpo tries to avoid it.

Rakhmonov forces Antetokounmpo back against the cage and clinches.

Rakhmonov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Saifulla Rakhmonov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice takedown defense from Antetokounmpo. No joy for Rakhmonov on that attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Rakhmonov. No joy for Antetokounmpo on that attempt.
Antetokounmpo throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Antetokounmpo with a poor takedown

and Rakhmonov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Rakhmonov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Antetokounmpo blocks it with crossed arms.
Rakhmonov stalling.
Rakhmonov tries to pull guard but Antetokounmpo won't allow it.
Antetokounmpo has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Rakhmonov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Antetokounmpo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The referee is keeping an eye on Rakhmonov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rakhmonov prevents a takedown attempt there.
Rakhmonov taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmonov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Antetokounmpo to keep the fight standing.

Rakhmonov manages to break the clinch.
The fighters circling - Antetokounmpo throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Saifulla Rakhmonov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Rakhmonov moves into the clinch.
Rakhmonov is trying to pull guard but Antetokounmpo has him pressed against the cage.
Antetokounmpo wants to get back to striking at distance but Rakhmonov won't allow it.
Rakhmonov leaning his opponent against the cage.
Antetokounmpo is looking to control Rakhmonov's arms but Rakhmonov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Antetokounmpo has his back to the cage.

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

Rakhmonov moves into range and clinches up with Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rakhmonov breaks from the clinch.
Rakhmonov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Antetokounmpo defends it nicely.
Antetokounmpo fails with the takedown
and Rakhmonov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Antetokounmpo with a lazy takedown attempt

and Rakhmonov counters by moving into the clinch.

Rakhmonov breaks from the clinch.
Rakhmonov misses with a takedown attempt - Antetokounmpo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Rakhmonov forces Antetokounmpo back against the cage and clinches.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Rakhmonov manages to break the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Antetokounmpo scores with a one two! Rakhmonov had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Rakhmonov drives through and clinches with Antetokounmpo against the cage.
Rakhmonov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Antetokounmpo smiles and moves away.
Antetokounmpo shoots in but Rakhmonov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Rakhmonov tries to counter by closing the distance.

Rakhmonov moves into the clinch.
Rakhmonov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rakhmonov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Antetokounmpo is defending well for now.
Rakhmonov will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Antetokounmpo up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rakhmonov pulls guard.

Rakhmonov working for a triangle but Antetokounmpo defends it easily.
Ryan Antetokounmpo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rakhmonov trying to keep a closed guard but Antetokounmpo is proving a slippery customer.

Antetokounmpo drops back looking for a submission - "I'm sorry sir, but I'm gunna break your leg" says Antetokounmpo as he cranks on the unfortunate limb! Rakhmonov screams and taps out before any major damage is done! Don't mess with Antetokounmpo! Nice submission victory there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Ryan Antetokounmpo!