Divine - Twelve PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ibra Zlatan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Toni Turnschuh (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Toni Turnschuh has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Ibra Zlatan's chin.

Zlatan
vs
Turnschuh

193 cm
21
215 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

193 cm
19
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

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 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ibra Zlatan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Toni Turnschuh!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Viktor Lagutenko and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Turnschuh showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Zlatan.
Turnschuh looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!

Zlatan pushes Turnschuh up against the ropes in a clinch.
Zlatan connects with a nasty looking knee right to Turnschuh's face.

It looks like Toni Turnschuh has been cut.
Zlatan misses with a knee to the head.
Zlatan connects with a knee to the head.
Zlatan misses with a knee strike.
The fighters are pressed against the ropes, as the pace of the fight slows.
Zlatan fails to pull guard.
Zlatan throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Turnschuh blocks it with crossed arms.
Turnschuh wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Zlatan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Turnschuh's efforts to push away.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

Zlatan jumps guard and drags Turnschuh to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Zlatan seems keen to control Turnschuh's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zlatan's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Zlatan has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Ibra Zlatan wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Zlatan circles away from the clinch attempt

and Zlatan holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Zlatan looking to throw knees to the head but Turnschuh is blocking nicely.
Zlatan throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Turnschuh blocks it with crossed arms.
Turnschuh tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Zlatan misses with a knee strike.
Zlatan landing knees to the head.
Zlatan landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Zlatan landing knees to the head.
Zlatan with a knee to the head.
Turnschuh blocks an elbow strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks it.
Zlatan tries for a takedown. No joy.
Turnschuh wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Turnschuh tries to circle away but Zlatan has him pinned against the ropes.
Turnschuh blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Turnschuh tries to break the clinch but Zlatan is controlling the position.
Turnschuh is trying to push Zlatan away but Zlatan has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Zlatan with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Turnschuh looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A frustrated look appears on Turnschuh's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Zlatan has Turnschuh pressed against the ropes, preventing Turnschuh from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Turnschuh tries to break the clinch but Zlatan is controlling the position.
A frustrated look appears on Turnschuh's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Zlatan misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Turnschuh.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Turnschuh is looking to break free of the clinch but Zlatan has double underhooks.
Zlatan prevents Turnschuh from breaking the clinch.
Zlatan tries to score a body lock takedown but Turnschuh shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ibra Zlatan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zlatan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Turnschuh has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zlatan tries to pull guard but Turnschuh won't allow it.
Turnschuh blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Turnschuh as Zlatan tries to tie him up.
Zlatan has Turnschuh pressed against the ropes, preventing Turnschuh from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Zlatan tries to stall but Turnschuh uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Turnschuh has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Turnschuh wants to break free but Zlatan has control.
Zlatan misses with an elbow strike.
Turnschuh has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Zlatan trying to land knees to the body.
Turnschuh avoiding damage as Zlatan throws knees to the body.
Turnschuh wants to break free but Zlatan has control.
Turnschuh wants to break free but Zlatan has control.
Turnschuh tries to break free but Zlatan pushes him back against the ropes.
Zlatan prevents Turnschuh from breaking the clinch.
Turnschuh is trying to break free.
Zlatan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zlatan throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Turnschuh blocks it with crossed arms.
Zlatan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zlatan keeps control of Turnschuh as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Zlatan looking to throw knees to the head but Turnschuh is blocking nicely.
Turnschuh is trying to force a seperation but Zlatan has the dominant position.
Turnschuh tries to break free but Zlatan pushes him back against the ropes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ibra Zlatan dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Toni Turnschuh's cut.
That's time! Zlatan's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Turnschuh closes the distance looking to clinch

and Zlatan moves into the clinch.
Zlatan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Turnschuh's defenses.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks it.
Zlatan taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Zlatan.
Zlatan landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

Zlatan pulls guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Zlatan managing to control the position.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Ibra Zlatan wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Turnschuh tries to close the distance and clinch but Zlatan swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
A punch combination from Turnschuh misses.
Turnschuh lands with a nice combination. Zlatan backs away looking to recover.
Turnschuh tries to clinch but Zlatan is having none of it.
Turnschuh fails in his attempt to clinch.

Zlatan moves into the clinch.
Turnschuh blocks the elbow strike.
Zlatan displaying some good clinch control by pressing Turnschuh up against the ropes.
Zlatan looking to stall.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Turnschuh wants to break free but Zlatan has control.
Turnschuh avoids the elbow strike from Zlatan, against the ropes.
Zlatan tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Turnschuh wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Zlatan changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Turnschuh fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Zlatan moves out of range of the body kick from Turnschuh.

Turnschuh has managed to clinch.
Zlatan misses with a knee to the head.
Zlatan connects with a knee to the head.
Turnschuh is trying to break the clinch but Zlatan is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zlatan throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Turnschuh blocks it with crossed arms.
Zlatan tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Turnschuh smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ibra Zlatan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Turnschuh cracks Zlatan with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.
Turnschuh shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Zlatan but Zlatan pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Turnschuh looks to land a combination but Zlatan avoids it well.
Decent striking displayed by Turnschuh there.
Turnschuh tries to clinch up

and Zlatan moves into the clinch.
Zlatan with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Turnschuh's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ibra Zlatan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Turnschuh swinging wildly here.
Turnschuh lands with a nice combination. Zlatan backs away looking to recover.
Ibra Zlatan is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Zlatan is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
No joy there for Turnschuh, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Zlatan pushes Turnschuh up against the ropes in a clinch.
Zlatan drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zlatan with a knee to the head.
Turnschuh looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Zlatan looking to throw knees to the head but Turnschuh is blocking nicely.
Zlatan with an attempt at a knee that misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Turnschuh on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Zlatan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Turnschuh has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zlatan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Turnschuh's efforts to push away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ibra Zlatan dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Toni Turnschuh's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Turnschuh scores with a body shot.
Turnschuh closes the distance but Zlatan moves to the side

and Zlatan counters by clinching up.
Zlatan landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Zlatan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Turnschuh's defenses.
Zlatan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zlatan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Turnschuh has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zlatan with an attempt at a knee that misses.
The referee is keeping an eye on Zlatan - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Zlatan tries to land a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks with his arms.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zlatan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Turnschuh has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Turnschuh looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Zlatan with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Turnschuh can't break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Turnschuh is trying to break the clinch but Zlatan is controlling him.
Zlatan missing with knees to the body.
Turnschuh is trying to push Zlatan away but Zlatan has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Turnschuh wants to get back to striking at distance but Zlatan won't allow it.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks it.
Zlatan looking to throw knees to the head but Turnschuh is blocking nicely.
Zlatan tries to land a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks with his arms.
Turnschuh blocks the elbow strike.
Zlatan tries to land a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks with his arms.
Turnschuh wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Zlatan has him pressed against the ropes.
Zlatan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Turnschuh has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zlatan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Turnschuh's efforts to push away.
Zlatan lands a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Zlatan with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Zlatan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Zlatan lands a knee to the head.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks it.
Zlatan tries a knee to the head but Turnschuh blocks it.
Turnschuh gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Zlatan.
Turnschuh wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Turnschuh avoiding damage as Zlatan throws knees to the body.
Turnschuh has had enough of the clinch but Zlatan keeps him there for the moment.
Zlatan using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Turnschuh has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zlatan drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zlatan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Turnschuh is defending well for now.

Turnschuh pulls Zlatan into guard.
Zlatan throws and elbow that misses. Turnschuh uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Zlatan's guard. Nice move by Turnschuh!
Turnschuh wants to pass the guard but Zlatan is keeping the position.
Zlatan is pulling down on Turnschuh's head. It's preventing any offense from Turnschuh, at least for the moment.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Zlatan looking to hit a scissor sweep but Turnschuh is one step ahead there.
Zlatan controls Turnschuh momentarily but Turnschuh frees himself.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Turnschuh trying to control but Zlatan is working from the bottom.
Turnschuh is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Toni Turnschuh wasn't active enough on the ground.

Zlatan moves into range and clinches up with Turnschuh.
Zlatan fails to pull the fight into his guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ibra Zlatan. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zlatan lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Zlatan misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Turnschuh.
Zlatan misses with a knee to the head.
Turnschuh wants to break the clinch but can't.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Zlatan is trying to stall.
Zlatan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Ibra Zlatan.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Zlatan, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight for Ibra Zlatan!
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight for Ibra Zlatan!
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight for Ibra Zlatan!

Ibra Zlatan wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
15%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Renato Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aleksandr Starostenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Renato Gracie has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Gracie
vs
Starostenko

181 cm
28
205 lbs
10 - 10 - 0

182 cm
21
210 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 10 - 10 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Renato Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aleksandr Starostenko!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Sergei Dronov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Starostenko throws a head kick that misses.
Starostenko falls off balance throwing a combination
and Gracie counters with a straight right hand.

It looks like Aleksandr Starostenko has been cut.
Starostenko should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Gracie.

Gracie has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Starostenko is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Gracie yanks on the arm and Starostenko is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Gracie.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Renato Gracie!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
79%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Donkey Kong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikolay Ivanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kong
vs
Ivanov

190 cm
26
205 lbs
2 - 4 - 0

208 cm
20
200 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Great low kicks
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Determined

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 2 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Donkey Kong!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolay Ivanov!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Illya Tyunina and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ivanov has closed the distance and engaged Kong in a clinch.

Ivanov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ivanov tries a head kick but it misses.
Kong fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kong tries to clinch there but Ivanov circles away.
Ivanov fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Ivanov cracks a nice hook into Kong's ribs.
Ivanov lands a two punch combo.
Ivanov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kong.
Kong pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Ivanov pushes Kong up against the ropes in a clinch.

Ivanov manages to break the clinch.
Nikolay Ivanov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kong fails with an attempt to clinch.

Ivanov closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Kong is trying to stand back up but Ivanov is controlling him
Ivanov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Ivanov winds up and cracks Kong with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Kong avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Ivanov.
Ivanov is looking to advance position but Kong won't allow it.

Ivanov is working for a kimura but Kong is defending it quite comfortably.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kong moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Ivanov trying to control but Kong is working from the bottom.
Ivanov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kong not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Ivanov forces his way into half guard.
Kong might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Kong is looking to escape.
Kong is trying to get back to full guard.
Kong is looking to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ivanov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ivanov prevents Kong from improving his position.

Ivanov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kong is not content to let Ivanov control the position.
Ivanov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Ivanov is thwarting Kong's attempts to control the position.
Kong keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ivanov drops an elbow to the side of Kong's head.

Ivanov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Ivanov is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ivanov stops Kong from getting back to his feet.
Ivanov is pressing down on Kong's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kong is holding on for now.
Ivanov not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Ivanov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Ivanov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Ivanov wants to pass the guard but Kong is defending well.

Ivanov stands up and beckons Kong to join him on the feet.
Kong throws a head kick that misses.
Ivanov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Ivanov blocks a head kick by Kong.

Ivanov takes the fight into the clinch.
Kong tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kong takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kong looking to slow down the pace here.
Kong is trying to break free.
Nice body punch from Ivanov - that landed with a thud.
Kong is breathing heavily.
Ivanov digs a right hand into Kong's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kong's gas tank.
A right hook to the body lands for Ivanov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kong doesn't manage to clinch there - Ivanov circles away.
Ivanov tries to land a front kick but Kong steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Ivanov closes the distance and lands a one-two.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kong tries to pull guard but Ivanov holds him up against the ropes and eventually Kong drops back down to his feet.
Ivanov lands a nice knee to the body.
Ivanov missing with knees to the body.

Ivanov jumps guard.
Ivanov working a defensive guard here.

Ivanov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kong can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Ivanov wants to stand and escape but Kong is having none of it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ivanov has a closed guard, preventing Kong from standing up.
Ivanov looking for a sweep. Not yet Ivanov, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kong wants to get up but he can't break Ivanov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Ivanov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kong defends it easily.
Kong wants to get up but he can't break Ivanov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Ivanov keeping full guard, as Kong tries to pass.
Kong won't allow Ivanov to get back to his feet.
Kong has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Ivanov is proving hard to escape from.
Ivanov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kong is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kong trying to control but Ivanov is working from the bottom.

Ivanov wriggles free and stands up.

Ivanov instigates a clinch.
Kong is working for a takedown up against the ropes. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Ivanov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ivanov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kong pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ivanov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Ivanov moves into the clinch.

Ivanov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ivanov tries to clinch but Kong is having none of it.
Ivanov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ivanov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ivanov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kong.
A shot to the body from Ivanov misses
and Kong counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Ivanov is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Ivanov misses with a double jab.
Ivanov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Ivanov misses with a double jab.

Ivanov closes the distance and clinches.
Kong working hard to break the clinch.

Ivanov manages to break the clinch.
Ivanov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Ivanov avoids the head kick by Kong.
Ivanov tries to clinch up.
Ivanov misses with a double jab
and Kong counters with a head kick. That will keep Ivanov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Kong doesn't manage to clinch there - Ivanov circles away.
Ivanov swings for the body but Kong moves out of range.
Ivanov misses with a wild combination.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ivanov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ivanov's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Kong tries to break free but Ivanov pushes him back against the ropes.
Kong is trying to push Ivanov away but Ivanov has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.

Ivanov breaks from the clinch.
Ivanov avoids the head kick by Kong.
Kong avoids the head kick by Ivanov.
Sloppy strikes from Ivanov. Those never looked like landing.
Kong throws the left hand but Ivanov avoids the punch easily.
Ivanov fails in his attempt to clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ivanov lands a nice knee to the body.
Ivanov lands a body punch in the clinch.
Kong tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ivanov avoids it.
Ivanov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kong.
Ivanov trying to land knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolay Ivanov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Kong's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Kong misses with a hook. Ivanov ducked under it nicely.
Ivanov throws a right and a left that Kong avoids nicely.

Ivanov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Ivanov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Horrible takedown by Kong or perhaps it was just good defense by Ivanov which made him look bad.
Kong fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Ivanov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Ivanov tries a head kick but it misses.

Ivanov drives through and clinches with Kong against the ropes.

Ivanov breaks the clinch.
Ivanov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kong.
Ivanov tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in the close the distance. Kong manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Ivanov throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Ivanov takes the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kong misses with a punch on the inside.
Ivanov lands a nice shot to the body.
Ivanov lands a right hand.
Ivanov trying to land knees to the body.
Kong is working for takedown but Ivanov is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Donkey Kong. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ivanov is leaning against Kong and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A short left from Ivanov.
Kong wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ivanov has him pressed against the ropes.
Ivanov lands an elbow that stopped Kong in his tracks for a moment.

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

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Ivanov breaks from the clinch.

Ivanov closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Kong did well to prevent Ivanov getting side control.
Ivanov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ivanov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kong trying to control from the bottom.
Ivanov wants to pass to mount but Kong is defending the position.

Ivanov is working for a submission of some sort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kong is trying to control but can't.

Ivanov wants to work for an arm triangle but Kong is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kong wants to control but Ivanov is keeping busy.
Ivanov throwing shots but Kong is blocking nicely.
Kong is trying to get back to full guard.
Ivanov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Kong blocking the ground and pound attempt from Ivanov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ivanov is working for a submission of some sort.
Kong wants to get back to his feet.
Donkey Kong has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kong tries to roll over but Ivanov keeps him under control.
Ivanov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kong's head.
Kong is trying to maintain the position but Ivanov is very close to passing his half guard.

Kong looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Kong kicks off Ivanov and gets to his feet.

Ivanov darts in and clinches Kong up against the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ivanov lands a body shot in the clinch.

Ivanov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Ivanov forces Kong back against the ropes and clinches.
Ivanov is working Kong over against the ropes.
Ivanov lands a good knee to the midsection. Kong won't want to take too many of those.
Ivanov working Kong over with knees to the body.
Ivanov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Ivanov misses with a knee strike.

Ivanov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ivanov throws a leg kick
and Kong connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Kong tries to keep at a distance but Ivanov has taken the fight into the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Ivanov.
Kong has a couple of punches blocked by Ivanov.

Ivanov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ivanov is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kong rather than just go for the knockout.
A head kick by Kong misses

and Ivanov counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Ivanov.
Kong is trying to break the clinch but Ivanov is controlling him.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ivanov.

Ivanov breaks the clinch.
Ivanov lands with a nice combination. Kong backs away looking to recover.
Nikolay Ivanov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ivanov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolay Ivanov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ivanov 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight for Nikolay Ivanov!
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight for Nikolay Ivanov!
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight for Nikolay Ivanov!

Nikolay Ivanov wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Yevgeni Ratchenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boris Anyukov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Ratchenko
vs
Anyukov

178 cm
19
187 lbs
5 - 5 - 1

183 cm
23
185 lbs
2 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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 5 - 5 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Yevgeni Ratchenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Boris Anyukov!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Aleksandr Martynov and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Anyukov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Anyukov throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Ratchenko because Anyukov loaded up on that one.
Anyukov trying to control but Ratchenko is having none of it.

Anyukov looking to secure an arm triangle but Ratchenko defends it well.
Ratchenko is squirming around, avoiding Anyukov's attempts to control the action.
Anyukov is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Poor strikes thrown by Anyukov there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Anyukov controlling the pace for now.
Anyukov trying to control but he's not successful this time.

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

Anyukov is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Ratchenko has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Ratchenko!
Anyukov keeping moving, preventing Ratchenko from controlling successfully.

Boris Anyukov has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Anyukov scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Anyukov controlling the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ratchenko avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Anyukov.
Anyukov misses with a head shot. Ratchenko uses the momentum to regain guard.
Anyukov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Anyukov postures up and lands a big shot to Ratchenko's brow.
Ratchenko keeping full guard, as Anyukov tries to pass.
Anyukov content to stall in guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Anyukov trying to control but Ratchenko is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Anyukov might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Ratchenko kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boris Anyukov dominated that round.
That's time! Ratchenko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Anyukov shoots in for a double leg but Ratchenko sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Anyukov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ratchenko's guard.
Anyukov tries to free his leg and advance position but Ratchenko is retaining full guard.
Anyukov trying to control the position from guard on top but Ratchenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Anyukov drops back, looking for a kneebar! Ratchenko looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Ratchenko looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Ratchenko!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Anyukov is looking to regain half guard here but Ratchenko keeps moving and retains side control.
Ratchenko controlling the position.
Anyukov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ratchenko wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Ratchenko is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Anyukov's shoulder. That is not cool.
Ratchenko is looking to take a break and control but Anyukov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Anyukov tries to bench press Ratchenko off him but Ratchenko keeps the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Anyukov being controlled for a moment.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Ratchenko trying to control the position but Anyukov is working away.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Anyukov struggling a bit here.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Anyukov trying to remain calm as Ratchenko controls from the top position.

We're going to have a standup here because Yevgeni Ratchenko wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

Anyukov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Anyukov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Anyukov goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Ratchenko turns into him and now he's in Anyukov's guard.
Anyukov keeping moving, preventing Ratchenko from controlling successfully.

Anyukov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Ratchenko postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Ratchenko trying to control but Anyukov is working from the bottom.

Yevgeni Ratchenko has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Anyukov scores a takedown into full mount!
Ratchenko blocking the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Boris Anyukov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Ratchenko stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ratchenko wants it to stay on the feet.

Anyukov shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Anyukov is trying to control the action in half guard but Ratchenko is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Anyukov with the ground and pound but Ratchenko uses the opportunity to regain guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Anyukov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Anyukov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ratchenko keeping moving, preventing Anyukov from controlling successfully.
Anyukov is working Ratchenko over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Anyukov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Ratchenko keeping moving, preventing Anyukov from controlling successfully.

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.
Anyukov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ratchenko swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Anyukov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Boris Anyukov hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Anyukov lands with an uppercut that bounces Ratchenko off the ropes and back into rage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Anyukov 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.
Anyukov content to stall in guard here.
Ratchenko keeping moving, preventing Anyukov from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Ratchenko 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.

Anyukov is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Ratchenko is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Ratchenko has escaped and now he's on top!
Anyukov keeping moving, preventing Ratchenko from controlling successfully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Boris Anyukov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Anyukov 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight for Boris Anyukov!
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight for Boris Anyukov!
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight for Boris Anyukov!

Boris Anyukov wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
24%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Saha Dubov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gerard Gory (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Dubov
vs
Gory

186 cm
20
278 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

200 cm
19
290 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Brown Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Saha Dubov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gerard Gory!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Valeri Chadov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Dubov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Gory cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

It looks like Saha Dubov has been cut.
Gory connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Dubov momentarily.
Dubov lands an overhand right.
Dubov throws a head kick that misses
and Gory counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Dubov really is a fat lump.

Dubov gets a takedown into half guard.
Gory moves into full guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gory lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Dubov!
Gory controlling the position easily from mount.
Gory moves to the back.
Dubov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Gory controlling from the back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Gory is hanging on to Dubov's back as he tries to escape.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Gerard Gory was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Nice body punch from Gory.
Dubov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gory works the jab nicely.
Dubov is breathing heavily.
Dubov takes one on the button.
Gory fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Gory punishes Dubov's body with a nice straight punch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gory throws a shot to the body.
A lazy left from Gory finds it's target.
Dubov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gory throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Dubov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Gory connects with a body shot.
Gory lands a really nice looking cross but Dubov seems unphased.

Gory clinches up against the ropes.

Gory drags the fight down to the ground.
Gory has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Gory's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Gory bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Dubov's guard.
Gory controlling from the top position.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Gerard Gory was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Decent striking displayed by Gory there.
Dubov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Gory goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Dubov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Gory scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
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!
Gory stuns Dubov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Gory gets the takedown into side control.
Gory is maintaining the dominant position - no doubt Dubov will start to get frustrated soon if he's not already.
Gory works to advance to full mount. Dubov defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Gory forces the positional change into back control.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
It looks like Gory might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Gerard Gory was stalling too much, according to the referee.
No joy there for Dubov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Dubov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Gory lands a slapping body shot.
Gory jabs at Dubov's body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gory scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Dubov doesn't seem bothered though.
Gory moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Gory shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Dubov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Gory controls the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Gory dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Saha Dubov's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Gory ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Dubov misses with an uppercut
and Gory counters with a straight right hand.
Gory scores with a body shot.
Gory lands with a nice body punch.
Nice shot by Gory.
Gory is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Dubov rather than just go for the knockout.
A jab from Gory does it's job there.
Gory changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Dubov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Gory lands with a shot to the body.
Gory cracks Dubov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the ropes.

Gory gets a clinch.
Gory scores with a shoulder strike.
Gory lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

Dubov is rocked!

Gory pulls guard.
Gory has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Gory is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Gory looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Gory passes the guard and advances to mount!
Gory controlling from mount.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dubov is desperately trying to improve his position but Gory has a good base and remains in mount.
Gory controlling the position easily from mount.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gory moves to take his opponent's back.
Well, with Gory on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Dubov is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Gory trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Dubov doesn't escape.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Gory is working on the RNC. He looks like he's got it but Dubov won't tap... Oh, he's out! The ref rips Gory off his unconscious opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:01 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Gerard Gory!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nathan Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maksim Nikifor (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikifor is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Enae Volare Mezzo. Maksim Nikifor is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Smith
vs
Nikifor

185 cm
21
205 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

195 cm
28
205 lbs
14 - 9 - 2

BJJ White Belt
World class MT
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nathan Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 9 - 2, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maksim Nikifor!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Dmitry Maklakov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Smith.
Nikifor smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Smith throws a sloppy head kick and Nikifor moves out of range easily.
Smith misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nikifor avoids the head kick by Smith.
Smith misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nikifor misses with a series of wild punches.
Smith misses with a head kick.
Smith throws a head kick that misses.
Nikifor looks to land a combination but Smith avoids it well.
A head kick misses from Smith.
A head kick misses from Smith.
Smith misses with a head kick.
Nikifor throws a right hand that Smith ducks under and follows up with a left that Smith also avoids with ease.
Smith throws a head kick that misses
and Nikifor counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Smith is breathing heavily.
Smith slips a jab and a cross from Nikifor.
Nikifor throws a right and a left that Smith avoids nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nikifor bobbing and weaving well here. And he's unloaded with a massive right hand that drops Smith! He dives into his guard looking to finish!

Smith is rocked!

Nikifor stands up and waves to Smith to follow him.
Oh Smith is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Smith misses with a head kick.
Smith seems to have got his legs back now.
Smith closes the distance looking to clinch
and Nikifor counters with a left to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Nice combo by Nikifor! Oh, that's hurt him - Smith falls to the canvas and Nikifor follows him into side control.

Smith is rocked!
A big shot lands for Nikifor! That's hurt Smith! Will he recover? Nikifor fires away with more strikes and the referee has to step in to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:04 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Maksim Nikifor!