PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Martynov (ranked 2779 p4p, 269 weight class) and Ben Simmons (ranked 2920 p4p, 276 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Martynov
vs
Simmons

175 cm
23
275 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

208 cm
22
240 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mikhail Martynov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ben Simmons!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Alan Glass and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Simmons drives through with a takedown into Martynov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Martynov wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Simmons manages to pass to side control.

Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Simmons in particular looking to stall.
Martynov is trying to stand.

Martynov has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Simmons is on him like a limpet, forcing Martynov back against the ropes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Simmons goes for a takedown attempt but Martynov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Martynov slaps away a takedown attempt from Simmons, before circling back to the center of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Simmons shoots in looking for a takedown. Martynov tries to sprawl out of it but Simmons keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Martynov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Mikhail Martynov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ben Simmons.
The fighters circling - Martynov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Martynov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Donk. Martynov catches Simmons right on the button with a cross.
Simmons is trying hard to land a takedown here. Martynov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Martynov swings for the body but Simmons moves out of range.
Martynov sets himself, and Simmons steps forward looking for the clinch! Martynov avoids it this time.

Simmons feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Martynov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Simmons is controlling him.

Martynov pushes Simmons off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Martynov just misses with a punch to the body.
Simmons looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Martynov is fending him off so far but Simmons persists. Nope, Martynov circles away and we're back to standing.
Martynov lands with a hook. Simmons tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Simmons tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Martynov defends well and Simmons ends up having to push Martynov into the ropes where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Martynov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Nice straight punches there by Martynov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Martynov.
Simmons misses with a takedown attempt

and Martynov holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Simmons tries to work over Martynov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Martynov tries to work over Simmons's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Martynov blocking some punches.
Martynov prevents a body shot from Simmons.
Martynov blocks an uppercut.
Martynov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Simmons throws a head punch that misses.
Simmons is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Martynov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Martynov stalling in the clinch but Simmons improves position.
Simmons swings wildly with an uppercut but Martynov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Martynov pushes Simmons back against the ropes and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martynov tries to work over Simmons's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Martynov prevents the takedown attempt.
Simmons wants to take the fight to the mat but Martynov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Martynov prevents a body shot from Simmons.

Martynov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
A swing and a miss from Martynov.
Martynov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Martynov wants it to stay on the feet.
Simmons bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Martynov throws a body punch but Simmons moves out of range.

Martynov closes the distance and clinches.
Martynov throws a big uppercut that drops Simmons! More strikes from Martynov and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Simmons lies dazed against the ropes as Martynov celebrates with his cornermen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mikhail Martynov!
A relieved looking Mikhail Martynov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Ben Simmons spoke after the fight, saying 'I've made the decision to move up to the Heavyweight division, these weight cuts have been killing me.'.