PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Michail Rasnov (ranked 4514 p4p, 4516 weight class) and Jack McGregson (ranked 509 p4p, 411 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Rasnov
vs
McGregson

185 cm
21
155
6 - 0 - 0

176 cm
20
153
3 - 7 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

EFC Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Michail Rasnov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jack McGregson!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Tarja Halkonen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

McGregson shoots in and bounces Rasnov off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
McGregson controls from within his opponent's guard.

Rasnov looking for a guillotine here but McGregson defends easily.
McGregson trying to control the position from guard on top but Rasnov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGregson sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Rasnov's guard.

McGregson is trying to work for a kimura but Rasnov is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasnov tries to roll over but McGregson keeps him under control.

McGregson is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Rasnov is just riding it out for now. McGregson eventually gives up the hold.
Rasnov is trying to control but can't.

McGregson is working for a kimura but Rasnov is defending it quite comfortably.
Rasnov trying to hold on to McGregson's head to control him but McGregson postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
McGregson wants to control but Rasnov is keeping him busy.
Rasnov wants to get back to his feet.
McGregson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

McGregson looking to secure an arm triangle but Rasnov defends it well.
Rasnov manages to regain half guard. Good work.

McGregson is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
McGregson controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McGregson wants to work for an arm triangle but Rasnov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

McGregson is looking for a kimura but Rasnov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for McGregson to get the leverage.
McGregson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Rasnov knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
McGregson is stalling here. Rasnov is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! McGregson seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Rasnov has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
McGregson on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
McGregson wants to control but Rasnov postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McGregson is not content to let Rasnov control the position.
McGregson is trying to control Rasnov's posture but Rasnov avoids it.
Rasnov trying to control the position but McGregson is working away.
McGregson can't do much from the bottom here.
McGregson sneaks back into half guard.
Rasnov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

McGregson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rasnov pulls his head out easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jack McGregson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Rasnov dives in for a single leg takedown but McGregson sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
McGregson is defending well against a takedown attempt.

McGregson jumps guard.
McGregson is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

McGregson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rasnov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rasnov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Jack McGregson has got the better of the ground game so far.
McGregson utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rasnov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Rasnov got a little sloppy there for a moment and McGregson has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Rasnov has managed to get both his arms back between McGregson's legs - danger averted.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

McGregson is looking for a triangle but Rasnov pushes his legs off easily.
McGregson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
McGregson is trying to keep Rasnov in close.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rasnov stands up and beckons McGregson to his feet.

McGregson moves into range and clinches up with Rasnov.
Rasnov is trying to pull guard but McGregson has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michail Rasnov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rasnov wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

McGregson has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Rasnov uses from the top position.
Rasnov 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.
Rasnov wants to pass the guard but McGregson is keeping the position.
Rasnov stays in close to McGregson's body and controls the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

McGregson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rasnov is aware though and is defending well.

McGregson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
McGregson working a defensive guard here.

Rasnov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
McGregson keeping moving, preventing Rasnov from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov tries to stand but McGregson is controlling from the bottom.

McGregson is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rasnov is aware though and is defending well.
Rasnov trying to control the position from guard on top but McGregson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rasnov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

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

McGregson is looking for a triangle but Rasnov pushes his legs off easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
McGregson trying to control the position.

McGregson looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
McGregson is breathing heavily.

McGregson escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Rasnov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rasnov wants to pass the guard but McGregson is keeping the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rasnov is looking to work some ground and pound but McGregson has wrist control.

McGregson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

McGregson working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rasnov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rasnov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jack McGregson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Rasnov throws a nice looking combination but McGregson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

McGregson pushes Rasnov up against the cage in a clinch.
McGregson drops down looking for an ankle pick but Rasnov pulls his leg out and moves away.

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

Rasnov pulls guard.
McGregson trying to control but Rasnov is working from the bottom.
Rasnov keeping full guard, as McGregson tries to pass.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rasnov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
McGregson looking to pass the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McGregson 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.
Rasnov keeping moving, preventing McGregson from controlling successfully.
Rasnov trying to keep a closed guard but McGregson is proving a slippery customer.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rasnov misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Rasnov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

McGregson looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
McGregson is trying to keep Rasnov in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McGregson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rasnov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
McGregson wants to control the position but Rasnov says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.

McGregson is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rasnov pulls his head out easily.
McGregson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
McGregson is trying to maintain the position but Rasnov is very close to passing his half guard.
McGregson is trying to control but Rasnov manages to pass to mount!
Rasnov pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Rasnov with the ground and pound from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McGregson wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.

Rasnov is persistently looking for the submission but McGregson is defending it well.
McGregson trying to control the position but Rasnov manages to sink in the hooks.
Rasnov is looking to control McGregson but McGregson is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Good control from Rasnov.
McGregson is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Rasnov not allowing McGregson to control his hands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rasnov patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
McGregson looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
McGregson might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Rasnov haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
McGregson tries to escape the position.
McGregson trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rasnov wants to control but McGregson is keeping busy.
Rasnov gets his hands free as McGregson looks to control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Michail Rasnov clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

McGregson moves into range and clinches up with Rasnov.

Rasnov pulls guard effortlessly.
McGregson trying to control the position from guard on top but Rasnov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
McGregson wants to pass the guard but Rasnov is keeping the position.
McGregson trying to control but Rasnov is working from the bottom.

Rasnov kicks McGregson off and gets to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McGregson closes the distance and clinches up with Rasnov, looking for a takedown. McGregson pushes Rasnov against the cage but Rasnov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
McGregson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Rasnov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
McGregson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Michail Rasnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jack McGregson.

Rasnov manages to get an easy takedown there - catching McGregson on his heels. He'll look to pass McGregson's guard now, I'm sure.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasnov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
McGregson is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
McGregson not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

McGregson had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Rasnov defends it easily.
Rasnov sitting in guard here, content to control.

McGregson is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
McGregson keeping moving, preventing Rasnov from controlling successfully.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Rasnov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from McGregson.

McGregson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. McGregson showed some decent athleticism there.
McGregson controlling the action here.
McGregson trying to mount his opponent but Rasnov defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

McGregson is trying to work for a kimura but Rasnov is defending well.
Rasnov pushes McGregson off looking to stand but McGregson dives back in and keeps control.
Rasnov is refusing to be controlled, as McGregson sits in half guard.

McGregson is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Rasnov sees it coming and defends easily.
Rasnov is trying to control but can't.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Rasnov is defending against the submission attempts here by McGregson.

McGregson is working for a kimura but Rasnov is defending it quite comfortably.
Rasnov is trying to stand back up but McGregson is controlling him
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rasnov tries to roll over but McGregson keeps him under control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Jack McGregson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
McGregson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

And that's the end of the fight!
Michail Rasnov showed his dominance in that final round.
I have no idea who won that fight. Let's wait and see whether the judges are as confused as me! Time for a split decision perhaps?!. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight for Michail Rasnov!
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight for Michail Rasnov!
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Michail Rasnov!

Michail Rasnov wins by unanimous decision!
Michail Rasnov got down on his knees post fight and begged the management for a title shot. 'Please, I want that title shot so bad! Give it to me!'