PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Stepan Grachev (ranked 1494 p4p, 2122 weight class) and Sergej Kersikov (ranked 201 p4p, 261 weight class). Kersikov is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Re-Style - I'm Alive. Sergej Kersikov told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Grachev
vs
Kersikov

175 cm
26
165
6 - 3 - 0

178 cm
28
160
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

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Bondi MMA 🏝️
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Stepan Grachev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Sergej Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Wagner Zegers and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Grachev comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kersikov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Grachev. Grachev obviously looking to wear him down.
Grachev tries to work over Kersikov's front leg with a kick but Kersikov checks it.

Grachev forces Kersikov back against the cage and clinches.
A body shot lands from Grachev.
Kersikov misses with a body punch.
Grachev lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A short left from Grachev.
Grachev tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Grachev being controlled against the cage.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Grachev is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Grachev goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Grachev throws a head punch that misses.
Grachev tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kersikov stalling in the clinch.

Kersikov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kersikov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Grachev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grachev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kersikov! But no joy.
Grachev slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Grachev wants to clinch up but Kersikov keeps it at a distance.
Kersikov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Grachev throws a leg kick

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

Grachev is rocked!
Kersikov defending well as Grachev loads up on a big left hand.
Kersikov is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Oh Grachev is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Good work by Kersikov as he checks the leg kick.
Grachev with the inside leg kick.
Kersikov moves away from the strike by Grachev.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kersikov! But no joy.
That kick from Grachev tenderised Kersikov's leg. Kersikov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Grachev seems to have got his legs back now.
Grachev stuns Kersikov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Grachev tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Kersikov scores with a counter punch that sends Grachev to the canvas! Kersikov smells blood - he's punishing Grachev with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Grachev has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sergej Kersikov!
An out of breath Sergej Kersikov thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.