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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Stevie Hanselman (ranked 373 p4p, 216 weight class) and Volodymyr Kersikov (ranked 27 p4p, 16 weight class). Kersikov is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by DEF LEPPARD - Pour Some Sugar On Me. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!
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| 167 cm
22
141
9 - 4 - 0 |
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170 cm
28
140
8 - 3 - 1 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine |
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Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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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 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Stevie Hanselman!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 1, fighting out of New York, Volodymyr Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Trevor Gratis, Elvis Blanc and Ian Loll.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hanselman cracks Kersikov with a right hand to the side of the head.
Hanselman shoots in looking for a takedown. Kersikov tries to sprawl out of it but Hanselman keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kersikov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hanselman misses with a two punch combination.
Hanselman misses with a body shot.
Kersikov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hanselman shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Kersikov looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kersikov wants to control but Hanselman is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hanselman pulls his head out easily.
Hanselman not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Kersikov felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Kersikov controlling the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanselman is pressing down on Kersikov's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kersikov is holding on for now.
Kersikov is pressing down on Hanselman's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Hanselman works over Kersikov with some ground and pound from guard.
We've been hearing that Hanselman has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Kersikov keeping moving, preventing Hanselman from controlling successfully.
Kersikov looking to control.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kersikov is on top in guard.
Kersikov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Kersikov throwing strikes but missing.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov stands up over Hanselman, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kersikov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Hanselman wants to sweep but no luck.
Hanselman is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Kersikov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Hanselman is thwarting Kersikov's attempts to control the position.
Kersikov manages to get to full guard.
Kersikov has his hands on Hanselman's head, controlling the position.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Let's hope that Kersikov has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Hanselman throws a strike but Kersikov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kersikov distracts Hanselman with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Hanselman lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
Hanselman preventing the sweep.
Hanselman working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kersikov's head.
Hanselman postures up in Kersikov's guard and throws a big left but Kersikov blocks it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov controls Hanselman momentarily but Hanselman frees himself.
Kersikov is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Hanselman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kersikov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hanselman throws an elbow that misses. Kersikov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hanselman's guard. Nice move by Kersikov!
Hanselman 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.
Kersikov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hanselman preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Hanselman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hanselman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kersikov is one step ahead there.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Stevie Hanselman dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Hanselman thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hanselman misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kersikov.
Hanselman looks to score with a jab to the body but Kersikov is just out of range.
Kersikov tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Hanselman moves out of range as Kersikov strikes.
Hanselman throws a body shot but no joy.
Kersikov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hanselman.
Kersikov feints the counter takedown.
Hanselman misses with a body shot.
And Kersikov tries to counter it with a takedown but Hanselman pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A telegraphed right hand from Kersikov misses the target.
Hanselman throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hanselman throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kersikov slips a jab from Hanselman.
Kersikov tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Kersikov lands with an overhand left.
Kersikov slips a jab from Hanselman.
Kersikov misses the jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanselman scores with a nice head shot.
Stevie Hanselman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kersikov throws a big shot that misses.
Kersikov scores with a punch to the head.
Hanselman looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
The fighters circle momentarily. Hanselman darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kersikov connects with a body shot that sends Hanselman's belly button to the back.
Hanselman tries to clinch up but Kersikov circles away and keeps his distance.
Hanselman takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Hanselman misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hanselman fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Hanselman misses the shot to the body.
Kersikov with the counter takedown but Hanselman avoids it easily.
Stevie Hanselman is winning the standup battle so far.
Kersikov misses with a left hand
and Hanselman counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Kersikov!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov sneaks back into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov wants to control but Hanselman is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kersikov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hanselman's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hanselman's back!
Kersikov keeps control of the position as Hanselman tries to break free.
Kersikov lands a shot to the head.
Hanselman is covering up but some of the strikes from Kersikov are getting through and doing damage.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Kersikov's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Hanselman rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov is nestled in close to Hanselman, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Kersikov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kersikov uses his free foot to push down on Hanselman's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Hanselman.
A nice elbow there by Kersikov.
Kersikov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Kersikov prevents Hanselman from getting the reversal.
Kersikov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Hanselman is looking to escape.
Kersikov dominating with strikes here.
Hanselman taking shots to the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman working to try and regain half guard.
Hanselman is in a horrible position here. Kersikov smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Hanselman is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
A nice elbow there by Kersikov.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kersikov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Hanselman is looking to escape.
BOOM! Kersikov connects with a massive shot to the dome!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hanselman really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Volodymyr Kersikov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Hanselman pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hanselman misses the shot to the body.
Hanselman misses with a looping right.
Kersikov lands with a shot to the body.
Kersikov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kersikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov avoids the body shot from Hanselman.
Hanselman missing with a left hand there. Kersikov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hanselman throws a series of punches but Kersikov avoids them all with ease.
Kersikov with the counter takedown but Hanselman avoids it easily.
Hanselman misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hanselman misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hanselman throws a body punch but Kersikov moves out of range.
Hanselman takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Kersikov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov moves out of range as Hanselman strikes.
Kersikov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Kersikov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kersikov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Kersikov lands a couple of elbows.
Kersikov lands a couple of digs.
Hanselman tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kersikov is stalling in the full guard.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Hanselman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kersikov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Kersikov sitting in guard here, content to control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kersikov is one step ahead there.
Kersikov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Kersikov stopping the sweep attempt from Hanselman.
Hanselman keeping full guard, as Kersikov tries to pass.
Kersikov scoring with some ground and pound.
Kersikov stopping the sweep attempt from Hanselman.
Hanselman looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Kersikov puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman wants to get back to full guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Kersikov lands strikes from half guard.
Kersikov trying to control the pace.
Hanselman wants to get back to full guard but Kersikov has mounted him!
Kersikov lands a big elbow.
Hanselman tries to reverse the position but Kersikov maintains control.
Kersikov landing strikes from the mount.
Hanselman tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kersikov lands a heavy elbow.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Kersikov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hanselman is just riding it out for now. Kersikov eventually gives up the hold.
Hanselman taking some punishment here, with Kersikov in his half guard.
Kersikov controlling the action here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kersikov lands with a punch from half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Volodymyr Kersikov really dominated that round.
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.
Hanselman moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Hanselman keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kersikov.
Hanselman slips under a jab from Kersikov.
Hanselman seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Hanselman throws a right hand that Kersikov ducks under and follows up with a left that Kersikov also avoids with ease.
Hanselman throws a body punch but Kersikov moves out of range.
Kersikov slips under a jab from Hanselman.
Kersikov lands an overhand right.
Hanselman swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kersikov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hanselman throws out the jab.
Hanselman is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kersikov throws a jab when Hanselman was well out of range.
Hanselman feinted with a counter takedown.
Hanselman rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kersikov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kersikov wants to control from the top but Hanselman keeps moving.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hanselman is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Hanselman is trying to control the action in half guard but Kersikov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kersikov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kersikov is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Kersikov trying to hold on to Hanselman's head to control him but Hanselman postures up.
Kersikov trying to control here but he's found himself mounted! Oh no!
Hanselman prevents Kersikov from getting the reversal.
Hanselman is landing with some decent strikes but Kersikov is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Volodymyr Kersikov has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kersikov prevents any damage by holding on tight.
Kersikov regains half guard.
Kersikov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Hanselman lands a nice short elbow.
Hanselman wants to pass the guard but Kersikov is defending well.
Hanselman not landing any meaningful shots this time.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hanselman looks to land a strike but Kersikov avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Kersikov has his foot on Hanselman's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hanselman works his way back into a safe position though.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman scoring with punches to the head and body.
Kersikov is trying to keep Hanselman in close.
Kersikov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hanselman manages to get himself to full guard.
Kersikov with a nice head shot there.
Hanselman is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Hanselman is thwarting Kersikov's attempts to control the position.
Kersikov wants to improve his position but Hanselman is controlling well.
Kersikov is still trying to improve position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Hanselman lands a couple of elbows.
Hanselman chips away with some ground and pound.
Hanselman working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Hanselman throws an elbow that misses. Kersikov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hanselman's guard. Nice move by Kersikov!
Kersikov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Kersikov postures up.
Hanselman wants to sweep here but Kersikov controlling him for the moment.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Stevie Hanselman had his way with Volodymyr Kersikov in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!
Kersikov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Kersikov looks to land a left hand but Hanselman moved out of range nicely.
Hanselman appears to be looking for a big counter.
Hanselman ducks right into an uppercut from Kersikov.
Kersikov stuns Hanselman with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kersikov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hanselman throws out the jab.
Hanselman drives through and clinches with Kersikov against the cage.
Kersikov prevents the takedown attempt.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Hanselman goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov tries to stall but Hanselman uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kersikov is pressed up against the cage. Hanselman has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kersikov down to the mat. Kersikov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Hanselman moves away from the strike by Kersikov.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kersikov. Hanselman does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kersikov drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov working the head and body with strikes.
Kersikov scoring with punches and elbows.
Kersikov landing strikes.
Hanselman is trying to improve his position.
Kersikov scores with punches from side control.
Hanselman is looking to regain half guard here but Kersikov keeps moving and retains side control.
Hanselman is trying to control Kersikov's posture but Kersikov avoids it.
Hanselman is working to avoid the ground and pound but Kersikov connects with a decent elbow.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Hanselman is looking for a sweep.
Kersikov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Hanselman knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Hanselman tries to buck Kersikov off but Kersikov is having none of it.
Hanselman is working to avoid the ground and pound but Kersikov connects with a decent elbow.
Kersikov wants to control for a moment but Hanselman uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hanselman is trying to get back to full guard.
Hanselman is working hard here to advance position.
Hanselman taking some punishment here, with Kersikov in his half guard.
Kersikov is trying to control. Hanselman wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kersikov working Hanselman over with strikes.
Kersikov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Kersikov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Hanselman is refusing to be controlled, as Kersikov sits in half guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Kersikov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Kersikov drops an elbow to the side of Hanselman's head.
Hanselman manages to get to full guard.
Kersikov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hanselman keeping moving, preventing Kersikov from controlling successfully.
Hanselman wants to sweep here but Kersikov controlling him for the moment.
And that's the end of the fight!
Volodymyr Kersikov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kersikov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Trevor Gratis scores the fight 47:48
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 47:48
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Volodymyr Kersikov! Volodymyr Kersikov retains his bantamweight title!
A very excited looking Volodymyr Kersikov made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
45% |
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