PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Evgenii Mamchenko (ranked 1388 p4p, 1957 weight class) and Bitor Belport (ranked 189 p4p, 259 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Mamchenko
vs
Belport

175 cm
40
198
28 - 23 - 2

183 cm
25
193
2 - 0 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

PWNAGE

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 28 - 23 - 2, fighting out of Los Angeles, Evgenii Mamchenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Bitor Belport!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Cecil Peabody and Tiny Johnson.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A combination from Mamchenko does no damage.

Mamchenko shoots in and gets a takedown into Belport's guard.

Belport has his feet on Mamchenko's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Mamchenko scores with a hook to the body. Belport takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Belport throws a lazy right hand but Mamchenko sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mamchenko shoots in looking for a takedown but Belport manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mamchenko's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Belport is looking for the big counter here.
Belport lands with a hook. Mamchenko tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Belport misses with a hook. Mamchenko ducked under it nicely.
Mamchenko throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Mamchenko uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Belport has time to react.
Mamchenko shoots in but Belport avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Mamchenko shoots in and gets a takedown into Belport's guard.
Mamchenko wants to control from the top but Belport keeps moving.
Belport controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Belport keeping moving, preventing Mamchenko from controlling successfully.
Mamchenko definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Belport wants to control the position but Mamchenko says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Mamchenko is thwarting Belport's attempts to control the position.
Belport is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Belport blocking the ground and pound attempt from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko not doing much here.
Mamchenko thows a huge punch but Belport dodges it nicely.

Mamchenko wants to work for an arm triangle but Belport is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Mamchenko throwing shots but Belport is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko stops Belport from getting back to his feet.
Belport is trying to control but can't.

Mamchenko is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Belport sees it coming and defends easily.

Mamchenko seems to be working for a kimura but Belport defends the submission attempt.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Mamchenko is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Belport sees it coming and defends easily.

Belport is defending against the submission attempts here by Mamchenko.
Belport regains full guard. Nicely done.
Mamchenko throws an elbow that misses. Belport uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Mamchenko's guard. Nice move by Belport!

Belport trying to control the position from guard on top but Mamchenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Mamchenko has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Belport can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Mamchenko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belport.
Belport trying to control but Mamchenko is working from the bottom.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Belport accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Belport in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Mamchenko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belport.
Belport throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Belport throws a big right hand that misses.
Mamchenko is trying to keep Belport in close.
Mamchenko looking for a sweep. Not yet Mamchenko, not yet.
Belport throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Mamchenko works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Mamchenko looking for subs off his back but Belport has passed one foot through into half guard.
Mamchenko wants to control but Belport is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mamchenko blocking the ground and pound attempt from Belport.

Mamchenko is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Belport pulls his head out easily.
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 Evgenii Mamchenko will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mamchenko throws a hook but Belport blocks it.
Mamchenko bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A jab from Mamchenko misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Belport! But no joy.
Mamchenko throws the left hand but Belport avoids the punch easily.
Mamchenko swings widly with a right hand
and Belport counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Mamchenko misses with a wild body shot.
Mamchenko lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.

Mamchenko fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Belport sprawls well initially but Mamchenko persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Belport is pressing down on Mamchenko's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Mamchenko works over Belport with some ground and pound from guard.
Mamchenko trying to control but Belport is working from the bottom.
Mamchenko throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Mamchenko slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
You can see the frustration on Belport's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Mamchenko is looking to take a break and control but Belport is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Belport is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Mamchenko connects with a nice short shot to Belport's temple.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Mamchenko lands a nice short elbow.

Mamchenko is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Belport is controlling Mamchenko's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Belport regains full guard. Nicely done.
Mamchenko throws a big elbow that misses.
Belport pulls Mamchenko in close to prevent any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Belport is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Mamchenko's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Belport lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Mamchenko has his foot on Belport's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Belport works his way back into a safe position though.
Mamchenko has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Mamchenko looking for a guillotine here but Belport defends easily.
Belport sitting in guard here, content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mamchenko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Belport.
Belport postures up in Mamchenko's guard and throws a big left but Mamchenko blocks it.

Mamchenko has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Belport 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 Mamchenko.
Mamchenko tries to bench press Belport off him but Belport keeps the position.
Belport cracks Mamchenko with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Mamchenko is looking for a sweep.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Belport working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Belport fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Belport is looking to take a break and control but Mamchenko is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mamchenko struggling a bit here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Belport trying to control the position but Mamchenko is working away.
Mamchenko tries to buck Belport off but Belport is having none of it.
Mamchenko wants to control but Belport postures up.
Mamchenko is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Belport off and has taken his back!
Mamchenko tries to keep control of the position but Belport is staying busy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Belport is taking damage to the body and head.
Mamchenko is not going to allow Belport to sit and survive in this position.
Mamchenko doesn't have the hooks in and Belport manages to turn into his guard.
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 Evgenii Mamchenko will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Belport throws an overhand right that lands on Mamchenko's shoulder, as Mamchenko tries to avoid the shot.
Mamchenko tests Belport's chin there with a solid looking shot.

Mamchenko shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Belport has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Mamchenko is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Belport can't find room to land a body shot as Mamchenko controls the action.
Mamchenko is trying to drag Belport to the mat but Belport just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mamchenko is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Mamchenko is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Evgenii Mamchenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Mamchenko as Belport tries to tie him up.
Mamchenko drops down looking for an ankle pick but Belport pulls his leg out and moves away.
Belport gets cracked there but stands up to it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A big right from Belport misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mamchenko dips to his left and cracks Belport with an uppercut!
Mamchenko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Belport.
Mamchenko appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Mamchenko looks to land a right hand but Belport moved out of range.
Belport lands a jab to the head.
Evgenii Mamchenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Mamchenko misses with an uppercut.
Mamchenko throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Belport throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Bitor Belport is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A big right from Belport misses.
Mamchenko takes one on the button.
Mamchenko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Belport throws out the jab.
Mamchenko throws out a powerful jab.
Mamchenko throws a lazy right hand but Belport sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mamchenko is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko defending well as Belport loads up on a big left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Belport throws a nice looking combination but Mamchenko bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mamchenko is trying hard to land a takedown here. Belport sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Belport misses with a looping left.
Belport slips under a jab.
Mamchenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Belport counters with a right hand to the body.
Belport closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Belport looks to score with a jab to the body but Mamchenko is just out of range.
Mamchenko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Belport.
Mamchenko takes one on the button.
Belport uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Belport on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Mamchenko misses with an uppercut.
Despite the aggression on Belport's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Mamchenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Belport manages to avoid it.
Belport slips under a jab from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Belport scores with a nice right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Belport keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Mamchenko loads up on a big right hand but Belport slips the punch.
Mamchenko dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Mamchenko misses with a wild body shot.
Mamchenko misses with a takedown attempt - Belport sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Mamchenko bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Belport scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Belport throws a hook but Mamchenko blocks it.
Mamchenko is looking to counter punch.
Mamchenko slips under a jab from Belport.
Belport thows a left - swing and a miss!
A jab lands there for Belport.
Mamchenko shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Belport as he jumps to the side.
Mamchenko closes this distance looking for a takedown but Belport circles away.
Evgenii Mamchenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Belport.
Belport pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Belport swats away the attempt to clinch by Mamchenko.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mamchenko defending well as Belport loads up on a big left hand.
Belport ducks under a wild hook from Mamchenko.
Mamchenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Mamchenko swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Belport scores with a nice head shot.

Mamchenko closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Bitor Belport has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Belport manages to work his way to half guard, despite Mamchenko's best efforts.
Belport is doing well to control the position and prevent Mamchenko from advancing to side control.
Mamchenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Belport keeps working.
Belport is holding on to half guard well.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bitor Belport comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Mamchenko 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 29:28
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Evgenii Mamchenko!
After winning the bout, Evgenii Mamchenko thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.