PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aslanbek Akhtankhanov (ranked 537 p4p, 365 weight class) and Frank Rizzo (ranked 36 p4p, 24 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.

Akhtankhanov
vs
Rizzo

178 cm
30
145
15 - 9 - 0

150 cm
30
140
16 - 9 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

NARCOS
Bondi MMA 🏝️

Sakura Style
30th Century Beer Store

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Aslanbek Akhtankhanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 9 - 2, fighting out of St Petersburg, Frank Rizzo!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Percy O'Donnell and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rizzo wants to slow Akhtankhanov down by chopping away at his legs.
Rizzo misses with a lunging right hand
and Akhtankhanov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
The fighters circling - Akhtankhanov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Akhtankhanov shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Akhtankhanov throws a combination that misses
and Rizzo counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Akhtankhanov misses with a leg kick.
Some bone on bone action there as Rizzo checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A clash of legs there as Akhtankhanov blocks the low kick.
Akhtankhanov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Akhtankhanov connects with a right hand. Rizzo shakes it off.
Rizzo ducks under a wild hook from Akhtankhanov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Rizzo, as that shot connected.
Decent striking displayed by Akhtankhanov there.
Rizzo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Akhtankhanov is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Rizzo pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Akhtankhanov misses with a hook
and Rizzo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rizzo moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Rizzo slips under a jab.
Rizzo fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Akhtankhanov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Rizzo misses with a body shot.
Akhtankhanov just misses with a punch to the body.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Akhtankhanov 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 Rizzo has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Rizzo and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Rizzo with the counter takedown but Akhtankhanov avoids it easily.
Akhtankhanov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Rizzo checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Akhtankhanov throws out a powerful jab.
Akhtankhanov throws a combination that misses
and Akhtankhanov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Rizzo swings for the body but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
It looked like Akhtankhanov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Rizzo counters with a straight right hand.
Rizzo throws a low kick but Akhtankhanov avoids it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Rizzo scores with the left hand. Akhtankhanov knows he should have avoided that one.
Akhtankhanov throws a jab but it's blocked by Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rizzo.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akhtankhanov lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Rizzo backs up against the cage.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akhtankhanov misses with a low kick.
A combination from Akhtankhanov does no damage.
Rizzo misses with a jab, cross combination.
A slow jab from Akhtankhanov misses its intended target.
Akhtankhanov tries to score with a low kick but Rizzo moves his leg out of the way.
Akhtankhanov lands a really nice looking cross but Rizzo seems unphased.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov loads up on a big right hand but Rizzo slips the punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akhtankhanov looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Rizzo connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Good leg kick by Akhtankhanov.
Rizzo misses the jab.
Akhtankhanov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rizzo.
Rizzo now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
That kick from Akhtankhanov tenderised Rizzo's leg. Rizzo is trying to keep his angry face on.
Rizzo defending well as Akhtankhanov loads up on a big left hand.
Akhtankhanov misses with an uppercut.
Akhtankhanov throws a low kick but Rizzo moves out of range easily.
Rizzo misses with a low kick.
Nice defenses there by Rizzo.
Rizzo works Akhtankhanov's body with a nice hook.
Akhtankhanov is looking to score with low kicks.
Akhtankhanov throws a poor cross that misses
and Akhtankhanov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A leg kick checked by Rizzo.
Rizzo slips under a jab.
Rizzo takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Akhtankhanov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rizzo checks the leg kick nicely there.
Akhtankhanov misses with a low kick as Rizzo jumps back.
Rizzo swings for the body but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akhtankhanov. Rizzo does a little dance to reset his feet.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook but Rizzo blocks it.
Akhtankhanov lands a two punch combo.
Akhtankhanov thows a leg kick but Rizzo checks it
and Rizzo counters with a straight right hand.
Rizzo attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Akhtankhanov seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Rizzo throws a body punch but Akhtankhanov moves out of range.
Akhtankhanov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aslanbek Akhtankhanov dominated that round.
That's time! Akhtankhanov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rizzo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Akhtankhanov.
Rizzo misses the shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov throws a combination. Rizzo tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Akhtankhanov tries to work over Rizzo's front leg with a kick but Rizzo checks it.
Rizzo shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Akhtankhanov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Rizzo fails with the takedown
and Akhtankhanov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Akhtankhanov tries to bum rush Rizzo with a series of wild strikes but Rizzo uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Rizzo might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Akhtankhanov has got the better of the exchanges.
Akhtankhanov throws a one two combo.
Akhtankhanov lands a leg kick that knocks Rizzo off balance momentarily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice uppercut lands for Akhtankhanov. That snapped Rizzo's head back.
Rizzo misses with a jab to the body
and Akhtankhanov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A leg kick checked by Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov throws a right hand that misses
and Rizzo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good work by Rizzo as he checks the leg kick.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick
and Rizzo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
An inside leg kick lands from Akhtankhanov.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Akhtankhanov misses with a left hand
enabling Rizzo to counter with a crisp jab.
Akhtankhanov scores with a jab to the body.
Akhtankhanov checks a leg kick.
Akhtankhanov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rizzo can do to turn this around?
A big right from Rizzo misses.
Akhtankhanov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Rizzo checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A low kick from Akhtankhanov misses
and Rizzo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Akhtankhanov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov slips under a jab.
Akhtankhanov throws out a leg kick but Rizzo moves out of range and Akhtankhanov only half commits.
Rizzo feints the counter takedown.
Rizzo displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Akhtankhanov throws out the jab.
Rizzo looks to land a right hand but Akhtankhanov moved out of range.
Akhtankhanov throwing a counter right hand but Rizzo manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Akhtankhanov, as that shot connected.
Rizzo scores with a sloppy right hand. Akhtankhanov should have avoided that one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Akhtankhanov throws a jab but it's blocked by Rizzo.
Rizzo throws a hook to the side of Akhtankhanov's head but Akhtankhanov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Akhtankhanov works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Nice straight punches there by Akhtankhanov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws out a powerful jab.
Rizzo has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Akhtankhanov.
Rizzo staying out of range there.
Akhtankhanov with a jab.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Akhtankhanov!
Akhtankhanov moves out of range of the strikes.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov is winning the standup battle so far.
Akhtankhanov misses with a wild body shot.
Rizzo waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Akhtankhanov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov misses with a body shot
and Rizzo counters with a nice uppercut.
Akhtankhanov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rizzo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov cracks Rizzo with a right hand to the side of the head.
Akhtankhanov swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Rizzo is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rizzo misses with a wild body shot.
Rizzo connects with a nice looking jab.
Rizzo takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Rizzo connects with a nice looking jab.
Akhtankhanov misses with a combination
and Rizzo counters with a straight right hand.
Akhtankhanov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Akhtankhanov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Rizzo doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Rizzo tries to bum rush Akhtankhanov with a series of wild strikes but Akhtankhanov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rizzo thows a leg kick but Akhtankhanov checks it
and Akhtankhanov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Akhtankhanov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Rizzo's sensitive parts.
Rizzo lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

Rizzo gets a takedown into half guard.
Akhtankhanov tries to kick Rizzo off in order to stand up. Rizzo Avoids the leg push though and dives into side control.
Rizzo in side control lands a decent elbow.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Rizzo is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Akhtankhanov has escaped the position, nice work there.
Akhtankhanov prevents Rizzo from moving into mount.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aslanbek Akhtankhanov dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds 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.

Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick but Rizzo checks it.
The fighters circling - Akhtankhanov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Rizzo fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Akhtankhanov avoids the body shot from Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Akhtankhanov lands a head shot.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Akhtankhanov!
Akhtankhanov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rizzo.
No luck for Rizzo with that takedown attempt.
Rizzo has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Akhtankhanov.
Rizzo dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rizzo misses with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov lands a really nice looking cross but Rizzo seems unphased.
Rizzo moves forwards but Akhtankhanov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Akhtankhanov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Rizzo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Rizzo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rizzo ducks under a wild hook from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov lands a lovely overhand right.
Akhtankhanov lands a nice shot to the body.
Rizzo takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Akhtankhanov looks to score with a jab to the body but Rizzo is just out of range.
Rizzo throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
No luck for Rizzo with that takedown attempt.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Rizzo defending well as Akhtankhanov loads up on a big left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Rizzo shoots in looking for a takedown. Akhtankhanov tries to sprawl out of it but Rizzo keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Akhtankhanov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Akhtankhanov misses with a looping right.
Akhtankhanov throws a leg kick that is checked

and Rizzo counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Akhtankhanov controls Rizzo momentarily but Rizzo frees himself.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rizzo works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Rizzo is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Akhtankhanov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rizzo is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Akhtankhanov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Rizzo.
Frank Rizzo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rizzo trying to control the pace.

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.
Rizzo not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Rizzo is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Rizzo thows a huge punch but Akhtankhanov dodges it nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rizzo thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Akhtankhanov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aslanbek Akhtankhanov!
An out of breath Aslanbek Akhtankhanov thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.