PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Chest Mangold (ranked 1256 p4p, 2266 weight class) and Aslanbek Akhtankhanov (ranked 138 p4p, 236 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Mangold
vs
Akhtankhanov

179 cm
22
155
5 - 2 - 0

178 cm
22
145
2 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Chest Mangold!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aslanbek Akhtankhanov!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, David Schapiro and Reed Andrews.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Akhtankhanov crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Mangold - the referee stops the clock and Akhtankhanov gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Mangold. Akhtankhanov manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Akhtankhanov moves out of range of the strikes.
Akhtankhanov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Mangold counters with a stiff right hand.
Mangold uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Akhtankhanov.
Mangold quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Akhtankhanov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Mangold's sensitive parts.
Mangold scoring well with a low kick there.
Akhtankhanov moves away from the strike by Mangold.
Akhtankhanov lands with a good body shot.
Mangold thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akhtankhanov tried to score with a low kick but Mangold checks it.
Mangold swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Akhtankhanov scores with a nice right hand.
Mangold throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Akhtankhanov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akhtankhanov lands with a good body shot.
Akhtankhanov throws a poor cross that misses
and Mangold counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Akhtankhanov throws a body punch but Mangold moves out of range.
Mangold misses with a kick to the body.
Akhtankhanov looks like he wants to counter punch here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov lands a jab to the nose.
Akhtankhanov throws an off balance right hand
letting Mangold counter with a right hand.
Akhtankhanov lands a body shot.
Akhtankhanov misses with a low kick.
Akhtankhanov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Mangold feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Mangold slips under a jab.
Mangold feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Akhtankhanov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Akhtankhanov lands with a nice body punch.
A clash of legs there as Mangold blocks the low kick.
A little feinted left hand from Mangold on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Akhtankhanov lands a lovely overhand right.
A nice leg kick from Akhtankhanov, right into the meat of the thigh.
Mangold looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Akhtankhanov misses with a leg kick
and Mangold counters with a right hand to the body.
Akhtankhanov takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akhtankhanov lands a slapping body shot.
Akhtankhanov throws a lazy uppercut
and Mangold counters with a nice uppercut.
Mangold with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Akhtankhanov to score with a decent uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook
and Mangold counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nice shot lands for Akhtankhanov.
Good leg kick by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov cracks Mangold with a good jab.
Akhtankhanov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Mangold throws out the jab.
Akhtankhanov tried to score with a low kick but Mangold checks it.
Akhtankhanov scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Akhtankhanov lands a leg kick that knocks Mangold off balance momentarily.
Akhtankhanov cracks a nice hook into Mangold's ribs.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook
and Mangold connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Akhtankhanov throws a solid leg kick but Mangold takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Akhtankhanov.
Mangold tried to counter with a leg kick but Akhtankhanov avoided it.
Mangold misses with an uppercut
and Akhtankhanov counters with a left to the body.
Akhtankhanov connects with a nice looking jab.
Mangold stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Akhtankhanov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Mangold connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Akhtankhanov lands a slapping body shot.
Akhtankhanov missing with a left hand there. Mangold was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Mangold doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov throws a nice inside leg kick.
Akhtankhanov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akhtankhanov lands a right hook to the body.
Akhtankhanov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Mangold throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mangold blocks a low kick nicely.
Akhtankhanov lands a nice shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov thuds a left hand into Mangold's body.
Akhtankhanov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akhtankhanov just misses with a punch to the body.
Mangold swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Akhtankhanov connects with a solid leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Mangold tenderised Akhtankhanov's leg. Akhtankhanov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Akhtankhanov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Mangold jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Mangold chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Akhtankhanov tests Mangold's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Mangold is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
That kick from Akhtankhanov tenderised Mangold's leg. Mangold is trying to keep his angry face on.
Akhtankhanov lands a lovely overhand right.
Akhtankhanov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Mangold has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Akhtankhanov chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Akhtankhanov connects with an inside leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akhtankhanov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Akhtankhanov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Akhtankhanov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Mangold misses with an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aslanbek Akhtankhanov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Akhtankhanov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Mangold might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Akhtankhanov is looking to slow Mangold down with leg kicks.
Mangold avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Mangold counters with an inside leg kick.
Mangold throws a push kick but Akhtankhanov slaps the foot to one side.
Akhtankhanov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Mangold takes a swing at Akhtankhanov's ribcage but misses.
Akhtankhanov throws a front kick aimed at Mangold's knee but Mangold avoids it well.
Mangold walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Akhtankhanov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Akhtankhanov fails to land with a series of punches.
Akhtankhanov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Mangold doesn't seem bothered though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mangold throws an overhand right that lands on Akhtankhanov's shoulder, as Akhtankhanov tries to avoid the shot.
Good shot there by Akhtankhanov.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Mangold tries to move into range but Akhtankhanov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Mangold slips under a jab.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Mangold.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Mangold lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Akhtankhanov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Akhtankhanov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body shot.
Akhtankhanov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Mangolds jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Mangold moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Akhtankhanov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Mangold takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Akhtankhanov has been working his punching technique in the buildup to the fight and it appears to be paying off.
Akhtankhanov with a nice calf kick.
Mangold takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A swing and a miss from Akhtankhanov.
Mangold blocks a jab.
Akhtankhanov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Mangold.
Akhtankhanov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A little feinted left hand from Mangold on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Akhtankhanov lands a glancing blow to the side of Mangold's head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Mangold checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mangold swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Akhtankhanov thuds a left hand into Mangold's body.
Akhtankhanov shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Akhtankhanov just misses with a punch to the body.
Mangold is looking to counter punch.
Mangold thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mangold has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Akhtankhanov finds it's way round the side to connect with Mangold's head.
A jab from Mangold misses.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Akhtankhanov misses the shot to the body.
Mangold avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Mangold chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Akhtankhanov can pounce on him.
Akhtankhanov throws a looping overhand right but Mangold ducks down to avoid it.
Akhtankhanov dips to his left and cracks Mangold with an uppercut!
Akhtankhanov misses with an uppercut
and Mangold connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Akhtankhanov throws a chopping leg kick but Mangold manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Mangold at a distance.
Mangold ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Mangold has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Akhtankhanov finds it's way round the side to connect with Mangold's head.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick
and Akhtankhanov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Akhtankhanov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mangold.
Akhtankhanov digs a good hook to Mangold's body.
Mangold throws a hook but Akhtankhanov blocks it.
Jab, jab by Akhtankhanov - just one landing.
Good leg kick by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook.
Mangold misses with a hook.
Akhtankhanov lands a right hook to the body.
Akhtankhanov blocks the body kick.
Akhtankhanov feints and then cracks Mangold's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Mangold down.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mangold bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Mangold throwing a counter right hand but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Akhtankhanov misses.
Akhtankhanov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Good leg kick by Akhtankhanov.
Mangold uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Akhtankhanov.
A shot to the liver by Akhtankhanov. Beautiful body shot.
Akhtankhanov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Akhtankhanov misses with a few strikes there.
Akhtankhanov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Mangold thinks about countering with a body kick.
Akhtankhanov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mangold. Mangold circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Akhtankhanov throws a lazy right hand but Mangold sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mangold is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Mangold is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Mangold keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Akhtankhanov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick which misses Mangold's front leg but catches the back leg as Mangold tries to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aslanbek Akhtankhanov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Akhtankhanov is looking to slow Mangold down with leg kicks.
Akhtankhanov throws a quick inside leg kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Akhtankhanov. That's going to slow Mangold down.
Good shot there by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws a lazy uppercut
and Mangold counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Mangold on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Akhtankhanov misses the shot to the body.
Mangold takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Akhtankhanov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Mangold throws a leg kick that misses.
Akhtankhanov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Mangold's hands.
Mangold ducks right into an uppercut from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov digs a good hook to Mangold's body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mangold throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Akhtankhanov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Akhtankhanov lands a nice shot that snaps Mangold's head back.
Mangold throws a leg kick but Akhtankhanov checks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mangold keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a right hand but Mangold moved out of range.
Akhtankhanov throws the left hand but Mangold avoids the punch easily.
Akhtankhanov throws a low kick but Mangold moves out of range easily.
Mangold's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Akhtankhanov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Mangold scrambles back to his feet.
Nice body punch from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Akhtankhanov throws a chopping leg kick but Mangold manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Mangold tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Akhtankhanov swings for the body but Mangold moves out of range.
Mangold looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A nice leg kick from Akhtankhanov, right into the meat of the thigh.
Mangold fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Akhtankhanov manages to avoid it.
Mangold lands a slapping body shot.
Jab by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov is looking to chop away at Mangold's legs.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mangold fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Akhtankhanov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akhtankhanov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Akhtankhanov finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Akhtankhanov thows a leg kick but Mangold checks it
letting Mangold counter with a right hand.
Akhtankhanov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
A low kick from Akhtankhanov is predictable there
letting Mangold counter with a right hand.
That kick from Mangold tenderised Akhtankhanov's leg. Akhtankhanov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Akhtankhanov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Akhtankhanov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Akhtankhanov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mangold. Mangold circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Mangold looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Akhtankhanov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Akhtankhanov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Mangold thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mangold manages to avoid it.
Akhtankhanov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Mangold looks to land a right hand but Akhtankhanov moved out of range.
Akhtankhanov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
A nice leg kick from Akhtankhanov, right into the meat of the thigh.
Akhtankhanov catches Mangold with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Akhtankhanov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Akhtankhanov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Mangold.
Akhtankhanov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Akhtankhanov lands a head shot.
Akhtankhanov feints and then cracks Mangold's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Mangold down.
Akhtankhanov lands a right hook to the body.
Mangold looks to land a body kick but Akhtankhanov moved away.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body punch
and Mangold counters with a straight right hand.
Mangold throws a low kick, looking for Akhtankhanov's leg but Akhtankhanov calmly moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov lands a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Akhtankhanov lands with an uppercut that bounces Mangold off the cage and back into range.
Mangold misses with a hook.
Mangold drops his hands momentarily and Akhtankhanov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Mangold throws a looping overhand right but Akhtankhanov ducks down to avoid it.
Mangold looks to throw the jab but Akhtankhanov is out of range.
Chest Mangold has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Akhtankhanov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick
and Mangold counters with a stiff right hand.
Akhtankhanov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Akhtankhanov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Mangold stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Akhtankhanov takes a swing at Mangold's ribcage but misses.
The fighters circling - Mangold throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mangold thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akhtankhanov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Mangold with a body shot.
Mangold takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Akhtankhanov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 27:30
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 27:30
Judge Reed Andrews scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aslanbek Akhtankhanov!
In his post fight interview, Aslanbek Akhtankhanov started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.