Battle in the Square XI PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ramon Monzon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zu Korov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ramon Monzon could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Zu Korov's chin.

Monzon
vs
Korov

188 cm
25
183 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

177 cm
24
177 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Big right hand

Decent wrestler
Dangerous knees
Prefers standup

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ramon Monzon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Zu Korov!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Dmitry Maklakov and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nice uppercut there from Monzon.
Korov throws a lazy head kick

and Monzon counters with a crisp one two that drops Korov! Monzon thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Korov to his feet! Korov is in big trouble!

Korov is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Korov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Korov is still on wobbly legs! Can Monzon finish him?
Sloppy strikes from Monzon. Those never looked like landing.
Korov throws a sloppy head kick and Monzon moves out of range easily.
Korov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Monzon.
Korov looks winded!
Monzon lands with a massive overhand right! Stick a fork in Korov - he's out cold! Ermm... I think I just mixed my metaphors but yeah... That was a nice KO! Big win for Monzon!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:22 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Ramon Monzon!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sebastian Drago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexei Erschov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexei Erschov will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Drago
vs
Erschov

165 cm
23
170 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
20
180 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sebastian Drago!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexei Erschov!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Ivan Kurochkin and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Erschov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Drago to the mat! Drago manages to get full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Erschov wants to control from the top but Drago keeps moving.

Drago is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Erschov is aware though and is defending well.
Erschov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Erschov trying to control but Drago is working from the bottom.
Erschov throwing strikes but missing.
Drago striking off his back but it's not causing Erschov any problems.
Erschov tries to stand but Drago is controlling from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Drago wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Erschov wants to control from the top but Drago keeps moving.
Drago looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Alexei Erschov hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.

Erschov scores with a takedown into Drago's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Drago keeping moving, preventing Erschov from controlling successfully.

Erschov drops back looking for a leg! Drago is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Drago manages to kick Erschov off! Erschov jumps back into Drago's guard.
Erschov trying to control the position from guard on top but Drago is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Drago throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Erschov escapes and throws Drago's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Erschov passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Drago!
Erschov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Drago is looking to escape.
Drago looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Erschov wants to stand but Drago is holding on to him, trying to stop him posturing up.

Erschov wants to finish this one by submission but Drago is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Erschov.
Drago is desperately trying to improve his position but Erschov has a good base and remains in mount.
Erschov breaks from Drago's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Drago holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Erschov tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Erschov punching from mount but Drago doing a good job of avoiding damage.
Drago is in a horrible position here. Erschov smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Drago taking shots to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Drago tries to lock up and control but Erschov gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Erschov throwing strikes here but Drago is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Drago can't escape the position.
Erschov scoring with strikes but Drago is staying in there.
Erschov lands a nice shot to the head.
Erschov forces the positional change into back control.
Drago is breathing heavily.
Drago just trying to survive but Erschov is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.

Erschov is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Drago knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Drago for a finish.
Erschov is looking to control Drago but Drago is wriggling around and keeping busy.

Drago preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Erschov.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Erschov is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Erschov sinks in the hooks and is looking for the choke. He's got it! Drago taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Alexei Erschov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
53%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Horacy Horse (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jose Rendo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Horse
vs
Rendo

180 cm
17
165 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

160 cm
25
160 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Heavy handed

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 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Horacy Horse!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Jose Rendo!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Konstantin Menshow and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rendo fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Horse leaves Rendo with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Horse throws a sloppy head kick and Rendo moves out of range easily.
Horacy Horse seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Horse throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Horse gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Horse lands a body shot in the clinch.
Rendo jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Horse walks away with a smile on his face. Rendo gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Horacy Horse has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jose Rendo.
Rendo ducks under a wild hook from Horse.
Horse stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Horse wants it to stay on the feet.
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!
Rendo takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Rendo keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Horse.
Rendo fails to land the takedown.
Horse cracks Rendo with an open hand slap.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horse ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rendo moves away.
Rendo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
A chopping leg kick lands by Horse.
Horse pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Horse stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Horse wants it to stay on the feet.
Rendo ducks right into an uppercut from Horse.
Rendo looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Rendo tries to bum rush Horse with a series of wild strikes but Horse uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rendo throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Horse looks to throw the jab but Rendo is out of range.
Rendo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rendo on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Horse throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rendo shoots in and drives through. Horse sprawls well.
Horse throws a half hearted mid kick.
Rendo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Horse swivels and escapes.

Horse clinches up with Rendo and pushes him back against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rendo takes a shot to the head.

Horse pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Horse looks to land a left hand but Rendo moved out of range nicely.

Horse moves into range and clinches up with Rendo.
A nice right hand lands inside from Horse.
Horse scores with an uppercut up the middle.
A left hand lands to the body for Horse.
Horse lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Horse lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Horse scores with a shot to the side of Rendo's head.
Rendo jumps guard but Horse stands there with Rendo around his waist. Rendo gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Horse lands a hook to the side of the head.
Horse presses Rendo against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Horse lands a hook that snaps the head of Rendo backwards.
Rendo has had enough of the clinch but Horse keeps him there for the moment.
Horse lands a hook that snaps the head of Rendo backwards.
Rendo is looking to break free of the clinch but Horse has double underhooks.
Horse stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
With the fighters up against the cage, Horse throws an elbow but misses.
A right hand to the body from Horse.
Rendo fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Horse stops a takedown attempt from Rendo.
Rendo looks winded!
Nice body punch from Horse.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rendo tries to pull guard but Horse won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rendo is trying to break free.
Horse lands an uppercut.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Horse.
Horse lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Horse lands a right hand that snaps the head of Rendo backwards.
Rendo swings wildly with an uppercut but Horse uses good head movement to avoid it.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Horse.
Horse lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Horse is leaning against Rendo and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Horse misses with a knee to the head.
Rendo jumps guard but Horse stands there with Rendo around his waist. Rendo gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Horse lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rendo backwards.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rendo is working for takedown but Horse is calmly controlling the position for now.
Rendo fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Rendo takes an elbow to the forehead.
Horse lands a body shot in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Horacy Horse dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Horse has managed to clinch.
Rendo jumps guard but Horse stands there with Rendo around his waist. Rendo gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Horse scores with a nice hook to the head.
Horacy Horse has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Rendo jumps guard but Horse turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
A short right from Horse.
Horse scores with a hook to the body.
Horse softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rendo misses with some punches.
Rendo jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Horse walks away with a smile on his face. Rendo gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Horacy Horse has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jose Rendo.
Horse dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Rendo. That did some damage!
Rendo misses with a takedown
and Horse counters with a straight right hand.
Horse lands with an uppercut that bounces Rendo off the cage and back into range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rendo walks into a straight right hand from Horse.
Rendo is breathing heavily.
Horse connects with an inside leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horse comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Jose Rendo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rendo ducks under a wild hook from Horse.
Rendo on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Horse throws a body punch but Rendo moves out of range.
Horse lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

Rendo is rocked!
Horse cracks Rendo with a big right hand that sees him stumbling back against the cage! Rendo falls to his knees and Horse doesn't need a second invitatation - he rushes in and fires off several unanswered shots that force the referee to stop the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Horacy Horse!
Post fight, an emotional Horacy Horse said 'Neeeeigh that makes me feel alive!'.
In defeat, Jose Rendo stepped up to the mic, saying 'I will come back, stronger, faster and better, and I will get my revenge on this guy. My goal is the title, and no matter how many times I will lose, I will train to win the next fight and get closer to the belt.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Osvaldo Rios (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Knez Lazar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Rios
vs
Lazar

174 cm
19
140 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

168 cm
25
135 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Big heart

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight 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, Osvaldo Rios!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Knez Lazar!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Igor Prikhodko and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rios drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Rios is looking to take a break and control but Lazar is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Lazar wants to improve his position, back to half guard but Rios has ideas of his own. He's got hold of Lazar's far side arm and it looks like he's got an Americana. Ohh! Ohhhh! OOOOOOOOOH! A human being's arm is not meant to bend like that! Lazar is tapping like a morse code operator on the Titanic! SOS SOS! He's out of here! Great win for Rios!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Osvaldo Rios!
Osvaldo Rios decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
32%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dag Kreuger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexander Volkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Volkov has chosen Hindabuilding as his entrance music. Dag Kreuger could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Alexander Volkov's chin.

Kreuger
vs
Volkov

190 cm
25
240 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

190 cm
25
265 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Enjoys gardening

Meet the Future

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 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Dag Kreuger!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Alexander Volkov!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Volkov swats away the attempt to clinch by Kreuger.
Kreuger fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Volkov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kreuger as he avoids it easily.
Kreuger checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Volkov shoots in for a takedown but Kreuger shows good takedown defense.

Kreuger has Volkov up against the cage in a clinch.

Kreuger manages to break the clinch.
Kreuger is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kreuger shoots in for a takedown but Volkov shows good takedown defense.
Kreuger walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Volkov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kreuger has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Combat Zone [15 Elite & Sauna in the buildup to the fight.

Kreuger gets a clinch.
Volkov gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kreuger.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Dag Kreuger. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Volkov is trying to break the clinch but Kreuger is controlling him.

Kreuger tightens his grip and picks Volkov up, before dumping him to the ground. Volkov manages to land in guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Kreuger lands a couple of digs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Volkov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kreuger knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Volkov on the ground.

Volkov is looking for a triangle but Kreuger pushes his legs off easily.

Volkov pushes a forearm under Kreuger's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Kreuger is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:27 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Alexander Volkov!
Alexander Volkov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
In defeat, Dag Kreuger stepped up to the mic, saying 'He just happened to be the better man tonight, I won't make excuses. He beat me, hands down. I'll be back. '.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
71%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Roushimar Lombardo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Magomed Ismailov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Lombardo
vs
Ismailov

173 cm
26
210 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

185 cm
27
220 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Elite Canadian Threads

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Roushimar Lombardo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Magomed Ismailov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Vladimir Khabensky and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lombardo closes the distance and clinches up with Ismailov, looking for a takedown. Lombardo pushes Ismailov against the cage but Ismailov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Ismailov moves into the clinch.
Ismailov wants to take the fight to the mat but Lombardo manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Ismailov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

Ismailov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Ismailov stands up from Lombardo's guard - Ismailov perhaps looking for a knockout.

Ismailov pushes Lombardo up against the cage in a clinch.

Ismailov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Lombardo uses from the top position.

Lombardo drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Ismailov dives on top into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Lombardo has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Ismailov is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Lombardo.
Lombardo definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ismailov stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Ismailov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Ismailov tries to clinch up.
A left and a right from Ismailov both land. Nice combination.

It looks like Roushimar Lombardo has been cut.
Magomed Ismailov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Ismailov rushes Lombardo and presses him up against the cage.

Ismailov jumps into guard, dragging Lombardo to the mat.

Lombardo drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Ismailov manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Lombardo has Ismailov in his guard.

Ismailov stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ismailov lands with a good body shot.
Ismailov misses with the combination.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Ismailov forces Lombardo back against the cage and clinches.
Ismailov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Lombardo fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Lombardo throws a poor cross that misses
enabling Ismailov to counter with a crisp jab.
Ismailov misses with a wild combination.

Ismailov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ismailov stops a takedown attempt from Lombardo.

Ismailov jumps guard.
Lombardo tries to free his leg and advance position but Ismailov is retaining full guard.
Lombardo is breathing heavily.

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

Ismailov gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ismailov is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Lombardo can't fight it off and eventually Ismailov manages to take the fight to the floor. Lombardo looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Ismailov gets to his feet. Lombardo looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Magomed Ismailov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Ismailov drives through and clinches with Lombardo against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Ismailov has hold of one of Lombardo's legs. Lombardo is fighting the takedown attempt but Ismailov gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.

Lombardo is looking for a triangle here but Ismailov uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Lombardo is looking for a sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Ismailov stands up and beckons Lombardo to his feet.
Lombardo dodges the punch combination from Ismailov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Magomed Ismailov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Roushimar Lombardo's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Ismailov clinches with his opponent.
Lombardo prevents the takedown attempt.
Lombardo is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Ismailov is defending well.
Ismailov gets underhooks to prevent Lombardo's takedown attempt.
Ismailov can't get the takedown.
Lombardo drops down looking for an ankle pick but Ismailov pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Roushimar Lombardo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ismailov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Ismailov instigates a clinch.
Ismailov has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Lombardo after a bit of a struggle.
Lombardo drops down looking for an ankle pick but Ismailov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Ismailov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lombardo throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ismailov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

Ismailov moves into the clinch successfully.

Ismailov wants the takedown. Lombardo is fighting it off but Ismailov persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Lombardo's guard against the cage.

Lombardo looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ismailov passes into half guard.
Magomed Ismailov has got the better of the ground game so far.

Ismailov decides to return to a standing position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ismailov clinches up with Lombardo and pushes him back against the cage.
Lombardo goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ismailov prevents it.

Ismailov turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Ismailov manages to end up in side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Ismailov decides to stand back up.

Ismailov closes the distance and clinches.

Ismailov tightens his grip and picks Lombardo up, before dumping him to the ground. Lombardo manages to land in guard.

Lombardo is looking for a triangle here but Ismailov uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.

Ismailov stands up.
Ismailov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ismailov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Ismailov looks to land a combination but Lombardo avoids it well.
Lombardo ducks right into an uppercut from Ismailov.
Ismailov looks to land a combination. Lombardo sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Lombardo swats away the attempt to clinch by Ismailov.
Ismailov shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Lombardo eats them both and turns towards Ismailov to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Lombardo tries to keep at a distance but Ismailov has taken the fight into the clinch.

Ismailov gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.

Lombardo looking for a kimura from the bottom but Ismailov passes into side control!

Ismailov stands up and beckons Lombardo to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ismailov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Ismailov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Ismailov scores with a jab. Lombardo acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Magomed Ismailov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Roushimar Lombardo's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Ismailov works Lombardo's body with a nice hook.

Ismailov has managed to clinch.

Ismailov gets control of Lombardo's arms and successfully pulls guard. Ismailov will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Lombardo stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ismailov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Lombardo has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Lombardo is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Ismailov is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Ismailov has escaped and now he's on top!

Ismailov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ismailov closes the distance and clinches.
Ismailov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Lombardo is defending well.
Lombardo prevents the takedown attempt.

Ismailov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Lombardo uses from the top position.
Our spies down at at Red Square Gym inform us that Ismailov has really been working on his submissions in the buildup to this fight. Will it pay off?

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

Ismailov decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Ismailov lands a nice looking body shot.
Roushimar Lombardo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Magomed Ismailov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lombardo fails with the takedown.

Ismailov clinches up against the cage.

Ismailov gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Lombardo is trying to get back to full guard.

Lombardo actively working from the bottom here.

Ismailov decides to stand and escape the position.

Ismailov has Lombardo up against the cage in a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ismailov ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Ismailov no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Ismailov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Lombardo's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ismailov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Lombardo scrambles back to his feet.
Ismailov lands with a nice body punch.
Ismailov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Roushimar Lombardo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ismailov wants to clinch.
Ismailov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Magomed Ismailov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ismailov scores with a sloppy right hand. Lombardo should have avoided that one.
A right-left combo lands from Ismailov.
Ismailov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ismailov is looking to clinch but Lombardo is avoiding it.
Ismailov swinging wildly here.
Ismailov scores with a jab.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Ismailov moves into the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Magomed Ismailov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ismailov 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 27:30
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Magomed Ismailov!
Magomed Ismailov took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Elite Canadian Threads for their support in the buildup to the fight.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Andrey Lapis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shock Zhou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lapis comes to the cage accompanied by Once Solemn . On his way into the cage it seems that Andrey Lapis has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Andrey Lapis seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Lapis
vs
Zhou

178 cm
20
185 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

177 cm
21
178 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Andrey Lapis!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shock Zhou!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Aleksandr Martynov and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhou lands with an overhand left.

Zhou moves into the clinch.
Lapis has Zhou pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Zhou manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Lapis changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Zhou fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Lapis is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Lapis takes the fight into the clinch.
Lapis tries to score a body lock takedown but Zhou shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andrey Lapis. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Lapis tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Zhou just stands there and leans against the cage.
Zhou tries to break the clinch but Lapis is controlling the position.
Lapis has been working on his balance at St Petersburg MMA Gym, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Zhou.

Zhou breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Lapis dives in and grabs Zhou's left leg, looking for a takedown. Zhou pushes down on Lapis's head and hops out.
Lapis shoots in and drives through. Zhou sprawls well.
Lapis throws out a powerful jab.
Lapis misses with a double jab
and Zhou counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lapis dives in for a single leg takedown but Zhou sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Zhou is defending well against a takedown attempt.

Zhou breaks the clinch.
Zhou moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Zhou drops Lapis with a beautiful combination! Lapis stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Zhou is looking for the KO!

Lapis is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Lapis has taken the fight to the clinch.
Oh Lapis is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

Zhou breaks the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Zhou. No joy for Lapis on that attempt.
Lapis blocks a leg kick.
Lapis seems to have got his legs back now.
Zhou with a jab.
Lapis dives in for a single leg takedown but Zhou sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Zhou pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zhou lands a jab and follows it up with a massive straight that knocks Lapis out cold! Lapis is crumpled in the corner, his head only propped up by the cage! That's one for the organiziational promos right there! Wow, what a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Shock Zhou!
Shock Zhou is the new welterweight champion!
In defeat, Andrey Lapis stepped up to the mic, saying 'I was disappointed in this game and with it's engine. My passion for it has gone away. Win or loss? I don't give a shit!'.