PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Igor Balboa (ranked 4118 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lavrentiy Shepkin (ranked 25120 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Balboa
vs
Shepkin

190 cm
25
210 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

196 cm
21
213 lbs
4 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Igor Balboa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 7 - 0, fighting out of The Island, Lavrentiy Shepkin!
The judges for this bout are Peter Branson, Daniel Franklin and Michael Johnstone.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Balboa tries to score a power double leg takedown but Shepkin sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Balboa somewhat.
Balboa misses with a takedown attempt - Shepkin sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Balboa looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Shepkin has managed to escape just enough to sneak back to his feet but Balboa is on him like a limpet, forcing Shepkin back against the cage.
Balboa is trying to pull guard but Shepkin turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Igor Balboa. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Shepkin gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Balboa regains guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shepkin trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Shepkin won't allow Balboa to sweep him here.
Shepkin trying to control but Balboa is working from the bottom.
Balboa wants to sweep here but Shepkin controlling him for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Balboa is looking for a triangle but Shepkin pushes his legs off easily.
Shepkin works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Shepkin looks to land a strike but Balboa avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Shepkin is looking to work some ground and pound but Balboa has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Shepkin trying to control but Balboa is working from the bottom.
Balboa on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Balboa tries to get out of the position.
Shepkin won't allow Balboa to sweep him here.
Balboa is working hard here to advance position.
Shepkin stays in close to Balboa's body and controls the position.

Shepkin drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Balboa dives on top into guard.

Shepkin looking to control but Balboa passes into half guard.

Balboa is looking for a kimura here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shepkin is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Shepkin wants to improve his position but Balboa is controlling well.
Shepkin wants to control but Balboa passes into side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Balboa tries for a kimura but Shepkin is defending well.

Balboa thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Shepkin is looking for a sweep.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Shepkin is still trying to improve position.

Balboa tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Lavrentiy Shepkin will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Shepkin shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Balboa sprawls well. Balboa wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Shepkin gets slowly back to his feet.

Balboa shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Shepkin is looking to get back to is feet but Balboa passes into side control.

Balboa is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Shepkin is trying to escape and Balboa transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Shepkin is forced to tap! Nice work there by Balboa! Very nice indeed!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:58 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Igor Balboa!