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WP 72 PBP Commentary |
This TWGC bout is 1 fifteen minute round in the super heavyweight division. Introducing today's competitors. In the red corner, competing out of New York, with a TWGC record of 43 wins and 58 losses; Boris Balkan! And in the blue corner, fighting out of New York, with a TWGC record of 76 wins and 47 losses; Bogdan Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, William Gold and Paul Tew.
The fighters connect hands in the middle of the mat and we are under way.
Kersikov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat. Score +2 for takedown into guard / half guard: Balkan (0) vs (2) Kersikov
Kersikov won't allow Balkan to sweep him here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Balkan looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Balkan had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kersikov defends it easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kersikov 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.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Balkan is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Kersikov trying to control but Balkan is working from the bottom.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov won't allow Balkan to sweep him here.
Balkan controls Kersikov momentarily but Kersikov frees himself.
Balkan being controlled here, momentarily.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Balkan is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Balkan trying to control the position here.
Balkan wants to sweep here but Kersikov controlling him for the moment.
Balkan is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Balkan is trying to hold Kersikov in close to prevent damage but Kersikov has managed to pass into half guard.
Balkan looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Balkan trying to control here.
Kersikov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Balkan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov moves nicely into side control. Score +3 for passing guard: Balkan (0) vs (5) Kersikov
Balkan is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kersikov's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
We've been hearing good reports from Balkan's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Balkan wants to control but Kersikov is keeping busy.
Balkan is looking for a sweep. Kersikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Balkan is not content to let Kersikov control the position.
That's six minutes gone in the round.
Balkan is trying to control but can't.
My spies in KFA inform me that Kersikov has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Balkan is trying to control but Kersikov manages to pass to mount!
Score +3 for passing guard: Balkan (0) vs (8) Kersikov
Balkan tries to reverse the position but Kersikov maintains control.
That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov avoids the attempt from Balkan to control.
Balkan wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back. Score +3 for taking back: Balkan (0) vs (11) Kersikov
Kersikov has the hooks in. Balkan is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Balkan is working hard here to advance position.
Good control from Kersikov.
That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov controlling well, preventing Balkan from escaping the position.
Kersikov wants to control but Balkan is keeping busy.
Balkan is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
A lull in the action here.
That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Balkan is trying to break free.
Balkan trying to control but not successfully.
You can see the frustration on Balkan's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Balkan tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
That's ten minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov moves to back control. Score +3 for taking back: Balkan (0) vs (14) Kersikov
Kersikov controls the position.
Balkan tries to escape but he's let his defenses down in doing so and Kersikov has slipped in the rear naked choke! Oh, that's tiiiiiiiiight! Balkan is tapping! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!
Ladies and gentlemen, after 10:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Bogdan Kersikov!
A relieved looking Bogdan Kersikov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it. |
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