EFC 8: Da Gaucho vs Tsekunov PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Rafael Almeida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Carl Draiman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters will be looking to make this an exciting fight for the fans, I'm sure!

Almeida
vs
Draiman

191 cm
29
195 lbs
10 - 7 - 0

178 cm
28
184 lbs
11 - 9 - 1

Good takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Knockout power

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 10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rafael Almeida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Carl Draiman!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Igor Prikhodko and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big right from Draiman misses.
Draiman defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Almeida.

Draiman closes the distance and clinches.
Almeida goes for a takedown attempt but Draiman pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Draiman leaves Almeida with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Almeida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Draiman misses with a straight left.
Almeida blocks a low kick nicely.
Draiman is looking to clinch but Almeida is avoiding it.

Draiman darts in and clinches Almeida up against the cage.

Draiman turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Draiman manages to end up in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Draiman tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Almeida tries to escape but Draiman is in control.
Draiman tries to get to his feet but Almeida is in the middle of advancing position himself and ends up with Draiman in his guard.
Draiman wants to stand but Almeida is controlling his posture from full guard.

Almeida throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Draiman would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Almeida is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Draiman wants to stand but Almeida is controlling his posture from full guard.
Draiman must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Almeida is controlling Draiman's posture.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Draiman rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Almeida moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Draiman wants to clinch up but Almeida keeps it at a distance.
Almeida circles away from the clinch attempt.
Almeida on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

Draiman clinches with his opponent.
Draiman is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Almeida tries to break free but Draiman pushes him back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Almeida has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Draiman is trying to keep an underhook but Almeida manages to get the takedown into half guard.

Almeida is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Draiman sees it coming and defends easily.
Draiman has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Almeida is working away from the top position though.
Almeida wants to control but Draiman is keeping him busy.
Almeida uses his free foot to push down on Draiman's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Draiman.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Almeida tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Almeida trying to control but Draiman is having none of it.
Draiman slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carl Draiman dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Almeida takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Draiman tries to clinch up.
Carl Draiman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Draiman takes the fight into the clinch.

Draiman pulls guard.
Draiman keeping moving, preventing Almeida from controlling successfully.
Carl Draiman has got the better of the ground game so far.
Draiman trying to keep a closed guard but Almeida is proving a slippery customer.
Draiman thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Draiman is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Draiman keeping moving, preventing Almeida from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rafael Almeida has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Draiman gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Draiman jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Almeida walks away with a smile on his face. Draiman gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Horrible takedown by Almeida or perhaps it was just good defense by Draiman which made him look bad.

Draiman moves into the clinch.
Almeida tries for a takedown. No joy.
Draiman gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Almeida.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Almeida. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Almeida has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Draiman clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Almeida is persistently looking for the submission but Draiman is defending it well.
Draiman just trying to survive but Almeida is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Draiman might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Almeida haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

Almeida is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Draiman defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
I really don't envy Draiman right now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Almeida working for a choke but Draiman is defending well.

Almeida goes for a risky armbar from back mount and it's not paid off. Draiman escapes and is now in half guard on top.
Draiman tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Almeida.
Draiman moves into side control, avoiding the strikes from Almeida.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Draiman tries to stand but Almeida controls the position and pulls Draiman into his guard.
Draiman wants to get up but he can't break Almeida's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Almeida will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Draiman wants to stand and escape but instead Almeida has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Almeida slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Rafael Almeida will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Draiman forces Almeida back against the cage and clinches.
Almeida is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Draiman gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Almeida's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Draiman throws a sloppy head kick
and Almeida counters with a nice uppercut.
Draiman tries to close the distance and clinch but Almeida swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Draiman throws a half hearted mid kick.
Draiman tries to clinch but Almeida is having none of it.
Draiman misses with a hook to the body
and Almeida cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

Draiman gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Draiman pulls guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Almeida tries to free his leg and advance position but Draiman is retaining full guard.
Draiman wants to sweep here but Almeida controlling him for the moment.
Almeida wants to control from the top but Draiman keeps moving.
Draiman tries to strike from the bottom.
Almeida trying to control but Draiman is working from the bottom.
Draiman trying to keep a closed guard but Almeida is proving a slippery customer.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Rafael Almeida wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Draiman throws out a loose jab but Almeida uses good head movement to avoid it.
Draiman goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Draiman moves into the clinch.
Almeida is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Draiman is defending well.
Draiman jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Almeida walks away with a smile on his face. Draiman gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Draiman stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rafael Almeida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Almeida tries for a takedown but Draiman circles away easily

and Draiman counters by moving into the clinch.

Draiman jumps guard.
Draiman trying to keep a closed guard but Almeida is proving a slippery customer.
Draiman throws some sloppy strikes off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Draiman holds on and takes a little breather.
Almeida is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Draiman tries to strike from the bottom.
Almeida trying to control the position from guard on top but Draiman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Rafael Almeida just wasn't active enough.
Draiman moves out of range of the body kick from Almeida.
Draiman swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Draiman misses the shot to the body.
Draiman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Draiman throws a head kick but Almeida moves out of range.
Draiman looks for the body kick but Almeida saw that one coming.

Draiman has closed the distance and engaged Almeida in a clinch.
Almeida tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Draiman jumps guard but Almeida turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Almeida wants to take the fight to the mat but Draiman manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Almeida is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Draiman gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

Draiman ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Draiman no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Almeida sitting in guard here, content to control.
Draiman throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Carl Draiman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Draiman has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 28:29
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Carl Draiman!
Carl Draiman seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
54%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jefferson Askham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Milos Petrasek (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Milos Petrasek has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Askham
vs
Petrasek

178 cm
18
185 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

182 cm
25
192 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Hates pizza

Good wrestler
Brawler
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 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Jefferson Askham!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Milos Petrasek!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Petrasek moves into the clinch successfully.
Askham is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Askham prevents a takedown attempt there.
Askham is trying to maintain a safe position but Petrasek gets an underhook and turns Askham into the cage.

Askham breaks from the clinch.
Petrasek tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Petrasek closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Askham did well to prevent Petrasek getting side control.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Petrasek with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Petrasek has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Askham is trying to escape the mount.
Askham knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Petrasek on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Petrasek controlling the position easily from mount.

Petrasek is controlling this nicely and is looking to make no mistakes. Askham is trying to wiggle out of this horrible position. Askham flips to his side and attempts to get a leg in for half guard. Petrasek anticipates the leg and manages to get behind Askham and secures both hooks! This could be bad! Petrasek slips an arm under Askham chin and tries to position for a rear naked choke. Petrasek has worked the choke in now and it looks tight. Petrasek is squeezing on Askham like an anaconda would it's prey. Askham fails to tap and has fallen unconscious! We've got ourselves a winner by way of a rear naked choke!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Milos Petrasek!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ramazan Abdulkerimov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robin Verhoeven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ramazan Abdulkerimov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Robin Verhoeven's chin.

Abdulkerimov
vs
Verhoeven

188 cm
26
250 lbs
8 - 14 - 0

195 cm
25
240 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Enjoys gardening

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 8 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ramazan Abdulkerimov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Robin Verhoeven!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

A momentary lapse in concentration from Abdulkerimov enables Verhoeven to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Abdulkerimov manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Verhoeven trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Verhoeven trying to control the position from guard on top but Abdulkerimov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Robin Verhoeven has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Verhoeven darts in and clinches Abdulkerimov up against the cage.

Verhoeven pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Verhoeven slips a straight right by Abdulkerimov.
Verhoeven throws a half hearted mid kick.
Abdulkerimov moves in looking to clinch but Verhoeven pushes him off.
Abdulkerimov throws a right and a left that Verhoeven avoids nicely.
Abdulkerimov tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Verhoeven makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Abdulkerimov really felt that one!

Verhoeven looking to score a takedown here. Abdulkerimov is defending well but Verhoeven drives through and ends up in Abdulkerimov's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Verhoeven trying to control the position from guard on top but Abdulkerimov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Abdulkerimov is pulling down on Verhoeven's head. It's preventing any offense from Verhoeven, at least for the moment.
Abdulkerimov keeping moving, preventing Verhoeven from controlling successfully.
Abdulkerimov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Abdulkerimov tries to get out of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Robin Verhoeven was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Verhoeven manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Abdulkerimov on his heels. He'll look to pass Abdulkerimov's guard now, I'm sure.
Verhoeven pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Abdulkerimov is keeping the position for now.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Verhoeven looking to sit in guard and control but Abdulkerimov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Verhoeven trying to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Verhoeven is proving hard to escape from.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Robin Verhoeven was stalling too much, according to the referee.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Verhoeven wants to work for an arm triangle but Abdulkerimov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Verhoeven is just content to waste time from the top position. Abdulkerimov takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Abdulkerimov has control of Verhoeven's left arm, preventing Verhoeven from doing any damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Abdulkerimov lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Verhoeven!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robin Verhoeven dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Abdulkerimov's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Abdulkerimov duly obliges.

Verhoeven closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Abdulkerimov did well to prevent Verhoeven getting side control.

Verhoeven is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Abdulkerimov still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Abdulkerimov has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
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!
Verhoeven is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Abdulkerimov is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Abdulkerimov controlling the pace for now.
Verhoeven is trying desperately to improve position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Abdulkerimov is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Abdulkerimov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Abdulkerimov wants to clinch.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up but Verhoeven circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Abdulkerimov tries to break free but Verhoeven pushes him back against the cage.

Verhoeven gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Verhoeven is looking to advance position but Abdulkerimov has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Abdulkerimov avoids the attempt from Verhoeven to control.
Abdulkerimov controlling from the full mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov tries to stand up but he's trapped just for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Verhoeven is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

We're going to have a standup here because Ramazan Abdulkerimov wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Verhoeven avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Abdulkerimov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Verhoeven is looking to land body kicks.
Abdulkerimov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Abdulkerimov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ramazan Abdulkerimov dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

A slapping body kick lands there for Verhoeven.
A telegraphed right hand from Abdulkerimov misses the target.

Verhoeven shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Verhoeven stalling.

Verhoeven is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Verhoeven misses with a head shot. Abdulkerimov uses the momentum to regain guard.

Verhoeven has gone for a leg lock! Abdulkerimov slips out almost immediately though and dives into Verhoeven's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov wants to stand but Verhoeven is controlling his posture from full guard.
Verhoeven is striking but Abdulkerimov is not phased and passes to half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Verhoeven tries to regain full guard. Instead though, Abdulkerimov has advanced to mount. Uh oh.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Verhoeven throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.

Abdulkerimov is standing up, even though he is in mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov swinging wildly here.
Abdulkerimov doesn't manage to clinch there - Verhoeven circles away.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Verhoeven manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

Verhoeven is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Abdulkerimov's half guard.
Abdulkerimov is controlling Verhoeven's position as best he can from this difficult position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Robin Verhoeven comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Verhoeven has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 28:29
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Robin Verhoeven!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Tom Hammer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexey Denisov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tom Hammer had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 136.4lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. Alexey Denisov acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Hammer
vs
Denisov

165 cm
28
149 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

174 cm
25
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Tom Hammer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexey Denisov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Denisov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Denisov showed some decent athleticism there.
Denisov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Hammer knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Hammer wants to improve his position but Denisov is controlling well.
Denisov is thwarting Hammer's attempts to control the position.
Hammer is trying is best to control the position here.
Denisov is looking to pass Hammer's guard but actually Hammer recovers to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hammer trying to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Denisov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Hammer trying to control the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Denisov moves into the clinch successfully.
A frustrated look appears on Denisov's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Hammer's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Denisov closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Hammer did well to prevent Denisov getting side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammer wants to get back to full guard.
Denisov keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Hammer taking some punishment here, with Denisov in his half guard.
Denisov wants to control but Hammer is keeping him busy.
Denisov is pressing down on Hammer's thigh, looking to free his foot. Hammer is holding on for now.
Denisov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Denisov trying to control the action but Hammer is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Alexey Denisov was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Hammer gets caught flat footed, as Denisov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Denisov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Denisov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Hammer is trying to keep Denisov in close.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Denisov wanted to stand there but Hammer had control of the position.
Hammer tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Denisov passes Hammer's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Denisov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Denisov is thwarting Hammer's attempts to control the position.
Denisov content to control rather than advance.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Hammer misses with a takedown attempt

and Denisov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexey Denisov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Denisov closes the distance and clinches up with Hammer, looking for a takedown. Denisov pushes Hammer against the cage but Hammer circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Denisov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Tom Hammer is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Denisov throws a wild body kick that Hammer sees coming a mile off.
Hammer shoots in for a takedown but Denisov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Denisov has a takedown stuffed.
Tom Hammer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexey Denisov.
Denisov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Hammer.

Denisov has managed to clinch.
Denisov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Hammer fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Hammer shoots in for a takedown but Denisov shows good takedown defense.
Hammer dives in and grabs Denisov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Denisov pushes down on Hammer's head and hops out.
Denisov keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Tom Hammer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Denisov 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.
Hammer is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

Hammer is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Hammer working a defensive guard here.

Hammer throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Denisov looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Denisov sitting in guard doing not very much at all here. Hammer doesn't need a second invitation though! He's locked up a guillotine and he's squeezing tight! That is tiiiiiiiiight! Denisov paying the price for stalling here - he's pushing hard on the arm trying to free himself but it's no use! He's tapped! WOW, quick submission from Hammer - great work!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:38 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Tom Hammer!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kamil Gadzhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kamil Gadzhiev is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Veljanovski
vs
Gadzhiev

182 cm
26
227 lbs
18 - 8 - 0

193 cm
23
279 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid 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 18 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kamil Gadzhiev!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Dmitry Maklakov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Veljanovski gets caught napping as Gadzhiev dives in and scores a takedown. Veljanovski manages to retain guard.
Veljanovski trying to control the position.
Gadzhiev forces his way into half guard.
Veljanovski wants to get back to full guard.
Gadzhiev is thwarting Veljanovski's attempts to control the position.
Gadzhiev moves nicely into side control.
Gadzhiev wants to stand but Veljanovski has his arm trapped.
Gadzhiev trying to control the position but Veljanovski is working away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski seems a little lost for a moment, as Gadzhiev dominates the positioning.
Gadzhiev looking to control but instead Veljanovski has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Veljanovski is trying to control but can't.
Veljanovski wants to get back to full guard.
Veljanovski might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Gadzhiev is looking for a kimura here.
Gadzhiev trying to control the action but Veljanovski is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is trying to maintain the position but Gadzhiev is very close to passing his half guard.
Gadzhiev wants to take a breather but Veljanovski is having none of it.

Gadzhiev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Veljanovski doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gadzhiev.
Veljanovski is looking to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is trying to control but can't.
Veljanovski wants to get back to his feet.
Gadzhiev is keen to just control but Veljanovski is a slippery customer.
Veljanovski tries to get to full guard but Gadzhiev has control of the leg.
Veljanovski tries to kick Gadzhiev off but Gadzhiev keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Veljanovski closes the distance and pushes Gadzhiev back into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Gadzhiev shoots for a takedown but Veljanovski saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Gadzhiev doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Veljanovski counters with a shoot takedown. Gadzhiev fights it but they end up in guard.
Gadzhiev is trying to control the position but Veljanovski postures up.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Gadzhiev keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Veljanovski accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Veljanovski is stalling in the full guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gadzhiev keeping moving, preventing Veljanovski from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Nikola Veljanovski will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Veljanovski.
Gadzhiev tries for a takedown but Veljanovski sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Veljanovski shoots for a double leg takedown but Gadzhiev sprawls well. He's pushed Veljanovski's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Gadzhiev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Veljanovski counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Gadzhiev being controlled against the cage.
Veljanovski seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Gadzhiev looking for a takedown.
Nikola Veljanovski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kamil Gadzhiev.
Veljanovski is stalling here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski is pressed up against the cage. Gadzhiev has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Veljanovski down to the mat. Veljanovski avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Nikola Veljanovski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Gadzhiev slaps away a takedown attempt from Veljanovski, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Veljanovski shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Gadzhiev pinned against the cage. Gadzhiev gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Veljanovski decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Gadzhiev trying to hold on to Veljanovski's head to control him but Veljanovski postures up.
Veljanovski scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Veljanovski is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Veljanovski thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Gadzhiev's head.
Gadzhiev is trying to get back to full guard.
Gadzhiev is not content to let Veljanovski control the position.
Nikola Veljanovski overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gadzhiev tries to roll over but Veljanovski keeps him under control.
Veljanovski missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski working over Gadzhiev with some ground and pound. Gadzhiev looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Gadzhiev is trying to stand up here but Veljanovski is controlling him well.
Veljanovski trying to pass the guard but Gadzhiev defending well.

Veljanovski is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Veljanovski here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Veljanovski is trying to control the action in half guard but Gadzhiev is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Gadzhiev defends it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski working over Gadzhiev with some ground and pound. Gadzhiev looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gadzhiev manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Gadzhiev 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.
Gadzhiev controls Veljanovski momentarily but Veljanovski frees himself.

Veljanovski has gone for a leg lock! Gadzhiev slips out almost immediately though and dives into Veljanovski's guard.
Veljanovski trying to control the position here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Veljanovski closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Gadzhiev quickly recovers to half guard.
Veljanovski wants to take a breather but Gadzhiev is having none of it.
Gadzhiev is trying to maintain the position but Veljanovski is very close to passing his half guard.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Gadzhiev wants to control but Veljanovski is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Veljanovski is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Veljanovski is thwarting Gadzhiev's attempts to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Veljanovski is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Gadzhiev is just riding it out for now. Veljanovski eventually gives up the hold.
Veljanovski throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Gadzhiev wants to get back to full guard.
Gadzhiev trying to control from the bottom.

Veljanovski is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Gadzhiev has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski stops Gadzhiev from getting back to his feet.
Gadzhiev has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Veljanovski is working away from the top position though.
Veljanovski scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Veljanovski sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Gadzhiev defending well though.
Veljanovski not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Gadzhiev is staying active underneath Veljanovski, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Gadzhiev has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Veljanovski is working away from the top position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is pressing down on Gadzhiev's thigh, looking to free his foot. Gadzhiev is holding on for now.

Veljanovski is actively looking for submissions here but good counter grappling here from Gadzhiev as he works his way to full guard.

Gadzhiev is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Veljanovski missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski trying to control the position from guard on top but Gadzhiev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gadzhiev is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Veljanovski stands and throws Gadzhiev's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Veljanovski throws an elbow but Gadzhiev slips to the side and avoids it well.
Gadzhiev on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Veljanovski wants to control but Gadzhiev is keeping him busy.
Kamil Gadzhiev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nikola Veljanovski is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Veljanovski misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikola Veljanovski showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Veljanovski has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 30:27
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikola Veljanovski!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shamil Astakhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sandor Orkas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Astakhov
vs
Orkas

182 cm
25
210 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

190 cm
25
237 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shamil Astakhov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Sandor Orkas!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Illya Tyunina and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Orkas throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Astakhov's waist but Astakhov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Orkas off to one side.
Orkas thows a left - swing and a miss!
Orkas has his takedown stuffed

and Astakhov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Astakhov.
Orkas trying to keep a closed guard but Astakhov is proving a slippery customer.
Astakhov trying to control but Orkas is working from the bottom.
Orkas utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Astakhov throwing strikes but missing.
Astakhov trying to control but Orkas is working from the bottom.
Astakhov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Orkas works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov tries to free his leg and advance position but Orkas is retaining full guard.
Orkas keeping moving, preventing Astakhov from controlling successfully.
Astakhov is stalling in the full guard.
Orkas has his hands on Astakhov's head, controlling the position.

Shamil Astakhov has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Orkas throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Orkas.
Astakhov slaps away a takedown attempt from Orkas, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sandor Orkas.
Orkas shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Astakhov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Astakhov is looking to take a break and control but Orkas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Astakhov is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Orkas works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov throws an elbow that misses. Orkas uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Astakhov's guard. Nice move by Orkas!

Astakhov throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Orkas controlling from the top position.

Astakhov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Orkas can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Astakhov working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Orkas has passed into half guard!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov is looking to improve his position.
Orkas tries to pass to full mount but Astakhov defends it.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Orkas in particular looking to stall.
Astakhov wants to control the action here but instead Orkas manages to pass to full mount!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Astakhov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shamil Astakhov dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Orkas goes for a double leg but Astakhov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Astakhov continues to drive forward.

Astakhov lands a takedown into guard.
Astakhov lands a couple of elbows.
Orkas keeping full guard, as Astakhov tries to pass.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Orkas keeps moving.
Astakhov is pushing down on Orkas's leg trying to pass to half guard. Orkas is fighting to maintain full guard but Astakhov has managed to sneak the leg through.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Orkas trying to control but Astakhov postures up.
Orkas is trying is best to control the position here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orkas is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Astakhov misses with a head shot. Orkas uses the momentum to regain guard.
Astakhov looking to sit in guard and control but Orkas gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Orkas advances position into side control!
Astakhov is trying to buck Orkas off.
Astakhov is looking to reverse the position.
Shamil Astakhov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orkas controls the position.
Astakhov tries to improve position but can't.
Astakhov manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Astakhov is keen to just control but Orkas is a slippery customer.
Astakhov controlling the action here.
Astakhov wants to control but Orkas is keeping him busy.
Astakhov prevents Orkas from improving his position.
Astakhov keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
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!
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Astakhov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Orkas is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Orkas keeping hold of Astakhov's head, controlling as best he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Astakhov.
Orkas wants to control but Astakhov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Orkas blocking the ground and pound attempt from Astakhov.
Astakhov throwing shots but Orkas is blocking nicely.
Orkas moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Astakhov is fighting to break Orkas's control of his arms but Orkas is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Orkas can do anything to dispel that myth.
Astakhov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Astakhov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Orkas is keeping the position for now.
Orkas manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Astakhov manages to get himself to full guard.
Orkas seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov looking for a sweep. Not yet Astakhov, not yet.
Orkas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Astakhov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Orkas controlling from the top position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Sandor Orkas has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Orkas looks for a takedown but Astakhov sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Shamil Astakhov will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Orkas shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Orkas drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Astakhov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Astakhov trying to remain calm as Orkas controls from the top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
You can see the frustration on Astakhov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov is letting Orkas control him for a moment.
Astakhov regains half guard.
Astakhov wants to sweep but Orkas has passed to side control!
Astakhov wants to control but Orkas postures up.
Astakhov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
The referee asks Orkas politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Orkas prefers to stall for the moment though.
Astakhov struggling a bit here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov is trying to work for a sweep but Orkas has mounted him!
Astakhov tries to hold on but Orkas pushes him away.
Astakhov is looking to get to half guard.
Astakhov slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Astakhov punching from the bottom.
Orkas wants to get back to his feet.
Astakhov wants to control but Orkas is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orkas wants to get back to his feet.
Astakhov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Astakhov is working hard here to advance position.
Still in half guard, Orkas seems content to control.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Sandor Orkas was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Orkas has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Astakhov has picked Orkas up - he's going for a ride! Astakhov dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

Astakhov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Orkas has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are battling for position here. Orkas manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Orkas lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Astakhov!
Orkas can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Astakhov is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Sandor Orkas just about did enough to take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Orkas throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Astakhov tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Orkas is in Astakhov's guard.
Orkas wants to get up but he can't break Astakhov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Astakhov wants to stand and escape but Orkas is having none of it.

Astakhov is looking for a triangle but Orkas pushes his legs off easily.

Orkas got a little sloppy there for a moment and Astakhov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Orkas has managed to get both his arms back between Astakhov's legs - danger averted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Orkas manages to pass to side control.
Astakhov trying to control here.
Orkas controlling the pace.
Astakhov wants to control but Orkas is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Nice sprawl there from Astakhov as Orkas shoots in.
Orkas shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Astakhov as he jumps to the side.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Orkas gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Astakhov counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Orkas's guard now.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sandor Orkas.
Astakhov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Orkas looking for a sweep. Not yet Orkas, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orkas utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Astakhov is fighting to break Orkas's control of his arms but Orkas is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Orkas working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Astakhov.
Orkas utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Orkas keeping moving, preventing Astakhov from controlling successfully.
Astakhov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Astakhov trying to control the position from guard on top but Orkas is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Orkas looking to hit a scissor sweep but Astakhov is one step ahead there.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Orkas misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Orkas.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shamil Astakhov had his way with Sandor Orkas in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Orkas misses with a takedown attempt - Astakhov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Orkas misses with a takedown attempt

and Astakhov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Orkas's guard.
Orkas seems keen to control Astakhov's posture.
Astakhov postures up in Orkas's guard and throws a big left but Orkas blocks it.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Orkas holds on and takes a little breather.
Orkas trying to control the position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Astakhov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Astakhov advances to half guard.
Astakhov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Orkas keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov is really struggling to control Orkas but he's trying to hold on to the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Orkas fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sandor Orkas.
Astakhov moves out of range of the strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orkas looks for a takedown but Astakhov sprawls well.

Orkas shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Orkas showed some decent athleticism there.
Orkas wants to pass to mount but Astakhov is defending the position.
Astakhov keeping control of the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov wants to get back to full guard.
Astakhov is trying to control but Orkas passes into side control!
Astakhov is looking for a sweep.
Astakhov gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Orkas looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov working to try and regain half guard.
Astakhov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Orkas controlling his opponent.
Astakhov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Sandor Orkas has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Shamil Astakhov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Astakhov wants to control but Orkas is having none of it.

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 Shamil Astakhov.
I think Astakhov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 49:46
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 49:46
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shamil Astakhov!
Shamil Astakhov retains his heavyweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
68%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Da Gaucho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Murad Tsekunov (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.

Da Gaucho
vs
Tsekunov

168 cm
26
141 lbs
14 - 2 - 0

172 cm
25
142 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Da Gaucho!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Murad Tsekunov!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Dmitry Maklakov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tsekunov missing with a left hand there. Da Gaucho was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tsekunov slips a jab and a cross from Da Gaucho.
Tsekunov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Tsekunov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tsekunov doesn't manage to clinch there - Da Gaucho circles away.
Tsekunov misses with an uppercut. Da Gaucho saw that one coming.
Tsekunov is looking to clinch.
Tsekunov throws a hook but Da Gaucho blocks it.
Tsekunov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Da Gaucho slips under a jab.
Tsekunov closes the distance looking to clinch
and Da Gaucho counters with a left and a right that stings Tsekunov.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tsekunov pushes Da Gaucho up against the cage in a clinch.
Da Gaucho is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Tsekunov is defending well.
Da Gaucho jumps guard but Tsekunov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.

Da Gaucho breaks the clinch.

Da Gaucho drives through with a takedown into guard.
Da Gaucho advances to half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Tsekunov manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Da Gaucho thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov looking to control.
Da Gaucho looking to pass the guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Tsekunov can do anything to dispel that myth.
Da Gaucho wants to control from the top but Tsekunov keeps moving.
Tsekunov has control of Da Gaucho's left arm, preventing Da Gaucho from doing any damage.
Tsekunov being controlled here, momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Tsekunov misses the jab.
Tsekunov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Da Gaucho.
Da Gaucho swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Da Gaucho shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Tsekunov defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bruno Da Gaucho. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Da Gaucho tries to keep at a distance but Tsekunov has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Da Gaucho drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Tsekunov gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Da Gaucho gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Da Gaucho thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tsekunov's head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Bruno Da Gaucho will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Tsekunov tries to clinch there but Da Gaucho circles away.
Da Gaucho gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Tsekunov counters by clinching up.

Tsekunov works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Tsekunov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Da Gaucho. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Tsekunov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Da Gaucho is proving hard to escape from.
Da Gaucho pulls Tsekunov in close to his closed guard and prevents Tsekunov from doing any damage or advancing position.
Tsekunov wants to stand but Da Gaucho has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Tsekunov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Da Gaucho throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.

Tsekunov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Da Gaucho trying to keep a closed guard but Tsekunov is proving a slippery customer.
Tsekunov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Da Gaucho is proving hard to escape from.

Da Gaucho is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Tsekunov defends well.
Da Gaucho wants to sweep here but Tsekunov controlling him for the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tsekunov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Da Gaucho is proving hard to escape from.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tsekunov is breathing heavily.

Da Gaucho has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Tsekunov doesn't defend quickly enough and Da Gaucho has managed to lock this one up! Can Tsekunov escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Da Gaucho on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:40 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Bruno Da Gaucho!
Bruno Da Gaucho retains his bantamweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
31%

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