PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Marko Kersikov (ranked 98 p4p, 347 weight class) and Frank Rizzo (ranked 3 p4p, 23 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Kersikov might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Hi Rez - 3 Ft Tall. Frank Rizzo acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Kersikov
vs
Rizzo

168 cm
30
140
15 - 5 - 1

150 cm
28
140
14 - 7 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

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Hoarse Pills

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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 15 - 5 - 1, fighting out of New York, Marko Kersikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 7 - 2, fighting out of St Petersburg, Frank Rizzo!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Albert Achterberg and Paul Aken.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rizzo throws a series of punches but Kersikov avoids them all with ease.
Kersikov cracks Rizzo with a good jab.
Kersikov lands a right hook to the body.
Nice straight punches there by Kersikov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kersikov.
Rizzo tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Kersikov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kersikov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Rizzo takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Kersikov takes a swing at Rizzo's ribcage but misses.
Kersikov throws a leg kick which misses Rizzo's front leg but catches the back leg as Rizzo tries to avoid it.
Rizzo wants to clinch up but Kersikov keeps it at a distance.
Kersikov was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Rizzo chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kersikov can pounce on him.
Kersikov misses with a straight right.
Kersikov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Kersikov checks a leg kick nicely.
Decent striking displayed by Kersikov there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rizzo dives in for a single leg takedown but Kersikov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Kersikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Rizzo throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kersikov counters with a nice low kick that buckles Rizzo's knee momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov tries to land a leg kick but Rizzo saw it coming and moves away.
Rizzo takes a swing at Kersikov's ribcage but misses.
Kersikov staying out of range there.
Rizzo takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Marko Kersikov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kersikov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
A shot to the liver by Rizzo. Beautiful body shot.
Kersikov is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

Rizzo closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Kersikov's guard.
Kersikov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rizzo trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Kersikov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rizzo is aware though and is defending well.
Rizzo throwing strikes from guard but Kersikov blocks nicely.
Kersikov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo tries to free his leg and advance position but Kersikov is retaining full guard.
Rizzo is looking to work some ground and pound but Kersikov has wrist control.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Rizzo in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kersikov motions for Rizzo to come forward. Kersikov throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kersikov throws a front kick that sends Rizzo stumbling back into the cage.
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!
Kersikov misses with a body kick.
Rizzo unleashes a big counter combination but Kersikov bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Rizzo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kersikov.
Rizzo tries to counter with a clinch but Kersikov shakes him off and moves away.
Rizzo checks a low kick from Kersikov.
Kersikov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rizzo was well out of range. Poor timing from Kersikov.
Rizzo checks a leg kick.
Kersikov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Frank Rizzo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo throws a leg kick
and Kersikov counters with a solid body kick.
Rizzo misses with a double jab
and Kersikov counters with a leg kick.
Rizzo moves forwards but Kersikov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rizzo. Kersikov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rizzo closes the distance and clinches up with Kersikov, looking for a takedown. Rizzo pushes Kersikov against the cage but Kersikov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rizzo swings widly with a right hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Kersikov connects with a crisp jab.
Rizzo throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kersikov makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Kersikov throws a hook but Rizzo blocks it.
Rizzo throws a counter combo.
Rizzo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kersikov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Rizzo closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kersikov counters with a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Rizzo misses.
Kersikov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.

Kersikov gets caught napping as Rizzo dives in and scores a takedown. Kersikov manages to retain guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rizzo throws a big elbow that misses.
Kersikov trying to control the position here.
Rizzo throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kersikov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rizzo throws an elbow that misses. Kersikov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Rizzo's guard. Nice move by Kersikov!

There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rizzo is on top in guard.

Rizzo throwing strikes but missing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Rizzo drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kersikov is pulling down on Rizzo's head. It's preventing any offense from Rizzo, at least for the moment.
Kersikov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kersikov is trying to keep Rizzo in close.
Kersikov pulls Rizzo in close to prevent any damage.
Rizzo has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at ubergym. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rizzo scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Kersikov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rizzo can do to turn this around?
Rizzo throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rizzo won't allow Kersikov to sweep him here.
Kersikov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Rizzo.
Rizzo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kersikov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Rizzo's guard.

A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Rizzo holds on and takes a little breather.
Kersikov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Kersikov is looking to stand up but Rizzo won't let him.
Kersikov tries to free his leg and advance position but Rizzo is retaining full guard.
Kersikov trying to control but Rizzo is working from the bottom.
Kersikov wants to pass the guard but Rizzo is keeping the position.
Frank Rizzo has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kersikov wants to control from the top but Rizzo keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sloppy strikes from Kersikov. Those never looked like landing.
Kersikov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Rizzo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kersikov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Kersikov throws a leg kick which misses Rizzo's front leg but catches the back leg as Rizzo tries to avoid it.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kersikov.
Rizzo fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kersikov is out of range.
Rizzo jabs at Kersikov's body.
Kersikov throws a jab when Rizzo was well out of range.
Kersikov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rizzo throws a low kick, looking for Kersikov's leg but Kersikov calmly moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Kersikov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Rizzo's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Rizzo jabs at Kersikov's body.
Rizzo misses with a body punch
and Kersikov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kersikov with the inside leg kick.
Rizzo misses the jab.
Kersikov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kersikov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kersikov misses with a hook.
Kersikov thumps Rizzo with a low kick.
Kersikov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Rizzo looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A thudding body kick lands there by Kersikov!
Kersikov stuns Rizzo with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kersikov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rizzo moves away.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov with a nice cross.
Rizzo looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rizzo darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kersikov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Rizzo's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Rizzo's back!
Kersikov has the hooks in. Rizzo is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Kersikov is looking to control Rizzo but Rizzo is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Rizzo trying to control the position but Kersikov manages to sink in the hooks.
Kersikov throwing wild punches that miss their target.
Kersikov controlling from the back.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Marko Kersikov dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kersikov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Rizzo punishes Kersikov's body with a nice straight punch.
Rizzo takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Kersikov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Rizzo throws out a counter right but Kersikov avoids it with no problem.
Rizzo with a jab.
Decent striking displayed by Rizzo there.
Rizzo lands a nice hook to Kersikov's body. Kersikov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rizzo scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Rizzo misses with a jab to the body
enabling Kersikov to counter with a crisp jab.
Kersikov avoids a punch combination nicely.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rizzo wants to clinch
and Kersikov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rizzo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kersikov manages to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rizzo walks into a straight right hand from Kersikov.
Kersikov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Kersikov misses with a straight right.
Kersikov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kersikov connects with a body shot that sends Rizzo's belly button to the back.
Rizzo misses with a low kick.
Kersikov tries to land a front kick but Rizzo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kersikov lands the left hand.
Rizzo throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kersikov misses with a looping right.
Rizzo avoids the body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rizzo.
A jab from Kersikov does it's job there.
Rizzo has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Kersikov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A telegraphed right hand from Rizzo misses the target.
Kersikov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Marko Kersikov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kersikov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Rizzo is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Kersikov misses with a hook. Rizzo ducked under it nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kersikov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kersikov tries a low kick but Rizzo avoids it.
Kersikov lands with a good body shot.
Rizzo scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Kersikov misses with a shot to the body
enabling Rizzo to counter with a crisp jab.
Kersikov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rizzo throws a body shot but no joy.
Rizzo scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kersikov misses with an attempted mid kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov scores with a jab to the head.
Rizzo throws a shot to the body.
Rizzo tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kersikov was well out of range. Poor timing from Rizzo.
Kersikov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Rizzo misses with a double jab.
Rizzo misses with a left hand
enabling Kersikov to counter with a crisp jab.
Rizzo gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Rizzo swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Rizzo fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kersikov to the ground. Rizzo is now in Kersikov's guard.
Kersikov wants to control the position but Rizzo says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kersikov desperately trying to maintain half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo wants to pass the guard but Kersikov is defending well.

Rizzo is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Kersikov still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Kersikov has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Kersikov tries to advance to mount but Rizzo instead regains half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Frank Rizzo just about did enough to take it.
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.

Rizzo takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kersikov blocks a low kick nicely.
Kersikov throws a body punch but Rizzo moves out of range.
Kersikov shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Rizzo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kersikov.
Rizzo is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Kersikov with a body shot.
Nice uppercut there from Kersikov.
Kersikov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A clash of legs there as Rizzo blocks the low kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rizzo misses with a wild body shot.
A head kick misses from Kersikov.
Rizzo fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rizzo takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rizzo dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kersikov. That did some damage!
Rizzo has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kersikov misses with a wild body shot.
Rizzo doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
A left lands for Kersikov.
Rizzo clobbers Kersikov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kersikov fails to land with a series of punches.
Kersikov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Rizzo checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Rizzo misses with a low kick.
Rizzo on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Rizzo misses with a hook
and Kersikov counters with a slapping leg kick.
Rizzo checks a leg kick.
Kersikov throws a nice inside leg kick.
Nice shot lands for Kersikov.
Kersikov throws a looping overhand right but Rizzo ducks down to avoid it.
Rizzo fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with an attempted mid kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kersikov misses with a body kick.
Nice defenses there by Kersikov.
Rizzo throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kersikov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kersikov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Rizzo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kersikov.
Rizzo with a nice calf kick.
Rizzo throws a right hand that misses
and Kersikov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kersikov swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Rizzo let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Rizzo misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov swings widly with a right hand

and Rizzo moves into the clinch.
Rizzo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rizzo misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Stalling in the clinch from Kersikov.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.

Kersikov manages to break the clinch.
Kersikov needs to keep his hands up - Rizzo had a free shot at his head there.
Rizzo motions for Kersikov to come forward. Rizzo throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rizzo wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Rizzo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kersikov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Kersikov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

Rizzo forces Kersikov back against the cage and clinches.
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!
Kersikov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rizzo lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Rizzo blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rizzo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

Kersikov manages to break the clinch.
Kersikov circles away from the clinch attempt
and Kersikov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Rizzo stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kersikov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Marko Kersikov had his way with Frank Rizzo in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Kersikov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Kersikov works Rizzo's body with a nice hook.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kersikov.
Kersikov missing with a left hand there. Rizzo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kersikov lands with a hook. Rizzo tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Kersikov pushes Rizzo away with a front kick.

Rizzo fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kersikov, pushing him back against the cage.
Rizzo struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Rizzo working aggressively here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rizzo tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.
Rizzo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
Kersikov pushes Rizzo back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kersikov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rizzo misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kersikov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A short body shot lands from Rizzo as the two fighters clinch.
Kersikov lands with a left to the head.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Kersikov tries to work over Rizzo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Kersikov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rizzo dodges the punch combination from Kersikov.
Kersikov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Rizzo lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Kersikov misses with a left hand
and Rizzo counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Rizzo has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Rizzo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kersikov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Kersikov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kersikov throws a wild body kick that Rizzo sees coming a mile off.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Kersikov enables Rizzo to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Kersikov manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Kersikov manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Kersikov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Rizzo tries to clinch there but Kersikov circles away.
Kersikov throwing a counter right hand but Rizzo manages to avoid it.
Kersikov throws a low kick, looking for Rizzo's leg but Rizzo calmly moves out of range.
Rizzo was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Kersikov throws a head kick but Rizzo moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo misses with a body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Rizzo. Kersikov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rizzo closes the distance but Kersikov moves to the side
and Kersikov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Rizzo tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kersikov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kersikov throws a body punch but Rizzo moves out of range.
As Kersikov backs off Rizzo throws a huge counter combo but Kersikov manages to avoid it all.
Frank Rizzo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rizzo moves out of range as Kersikov throws a body kick.

Rizzo fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kersikov, pushing him back against the cage.
Kersikov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Rizzo fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov is trying to push Rizzo away but Rizzo has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A frustrated look appears on Kersikov's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rizzo.
Rizzo lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Kersikov is trying to push Rizzo away but Rizzo has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Rizzo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kersikov working hard to break the clinch.
Kersikov tries to stall but Rizzo uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kersikov wants to break the clinch but can't.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
Rizzo lands a nice uppercut.

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 Marko Kersikov.
I think Kersikov 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 Nard Betker scores the fight 49:46
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 48:47
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marko Kersikov!
Marko Kersikov retains his bantamweight title!
Marko Kersikov decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.