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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Aslanbek Akhtankhanov (ranked 999 p4p, 1005 weight class) and Frank Rizzo (ranked 89 p4p, 90 weight class). Aslanbek Akhtankhanov has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.
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| 178 cm
36
145
23 - 17 - 0 |
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150 cm
35
140
21 - 15 - 2 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin |
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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 23 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Aslanbek Akhtankhanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 15 - 2, fighting out of St Petersburg, Frank Rizzo!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Ian Loll and Trevor Gratis.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big left from Akhtankhanov misses.
Rizzo's coach down at St Petersburg MMA Gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Rizzo's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Akhtankhanov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Rizzo misses the shot to the body.
Akhtankhanov misses with an uppercut
and Rizzo counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Akhtankhanov!
You can see the frustration on Akhtankhanov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Akhtankhanov is trying to get back to half guard.
Akhtankhanov is working hard here to advance position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Akhtankhanov looks to move to half guard but instead Rizzo has passed into mount! Damn!
Akhtankhanov working to try and regain half guard.
Rizzo working away from the top, dropping strikes.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov is desperately trying to improve his position but Rizzo has a good base and remains in mount.
Rizzo dominating with strikes here.
Akhtankhanov can't escape the position.
Akhtankhanov wants to control but Rizzo is having none of it.
Akhtankhanov is working to get back to half guard.
Akhtankhanov 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.
Rizzo cracks Akhtankhanov with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Rizzo has control of Akhtankhanov's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Akhtankhanov regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Rizzo with shots to the head and body - Akhtankhanov looks very uncomfortable down there.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Rizzo can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Akhtankhanov is looking to escape.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Akhtankhanov keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
A nice elbow there by Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov is trying to escape the mount.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
BOOM! Rizzo connects with a massive shot to the dome!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo avoids the attempt from Akhtankhanov to control.
Akhtankhanov is wriggling around trying to escape.
Akhtankhanov manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Akhtankhanov is trying to get back to full guard.
Akhtankhanov trying to get back to full guard but Rizzo takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Rizzo lands a big shot there that rocks Akhtankhanov but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Rizzo trying to control but Akhtankhanov is having none of it.
Rizzo lands a big shot there that rocks Akhtankhanov but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Akhtankhanov tries to reverse the position but Rizzo maintains control.
Akhtankhanov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rizzo on the ground.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo raining down shots from the mount!
Akhtankhanov is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Rizzo lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Akhtankhanov hang on?
Akhtankhanov wants to hold on but Rizzo pushes him away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akhtankhanov is working to get back to half guard.
Rizzo wants to control the pace but Akhtankhanov is squirming around nicely.
Akhtankhanov working to try and regain half guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Frank Rizzo dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Rizzo bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Rizzo controlling the position.
You can see the frustration on Akhtankhanov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Rizzo scores with a couple of short elbows.
Frank Rizzo has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rizzo landing strikes.
Rizzo is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Akhtankhanov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Akhtankhanov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Rizzo off and has taken his back!
Rizzo tries to roll but Akhtankhanov sticks to his back.
Rizzo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov somehow managing to miss with a strike from the back.
Akhtankhanov misses with punches from the back.
Akhtankhanov throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Akhtankhanov is persistently looking for the submission but Rizzo is defending it well.
Akhtankhanov misses with a punch to the head.
Rizzo is trying to break free.
Akhtankhanov trying to control.
Rizzo can't escape the position.
Akhtankhanov misses with an elbow to the head.
Akhtankhanov doesn't have the hooks in and Rizzo manages to turn into his guard.
Akhtankhanov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Akhtankhanov tries to get out of the position.
Rizzo throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Akhtankhanov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Akhtankhanov working a defensive guard but Rizzo manages to pass into side control anyway.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo working away.
Akhtankhanov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Rizzo off and has taken his back!
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!
Akhtankhanov is working hard for the rear naked choke here.
Akhtankhanov looking for the RNC.
Rizzo has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Akhtankhanov missing with punches from the back.
Akhtankhanov keeps control of the position as Rizzo tries to break free.
Rizzo tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Akhtankhanov misses with a head shot.
Akhtankhanov looking to ground and pound but Rizzo is blocking nicely.
Rizzo is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo is looking to get to half guard.
Akhtankhanov misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Akhtankhanov can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Rizzo is looking to escape.
Rizzo regains half guard.
Rizzo avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Akhtankhanov.
Rizzo regains full guard. Nicely done.
Rizzo looking for a sweep. Not yet Rizzo, not yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Akhtankhanov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Akhtankhanov is looking to work some ground and pound but Rizzo has wrist control.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo managing to control the position.
Akhtankhanov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Rizzo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rizzo working a defensive guard here.
Akhtankhanov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Rizzo is on top in guard.
Akhtankhanov keeping full guard, as Rizzo tries to pass.
Rizzo is standing up over Akhtankhanov. Akhtankhanov looks to escape but Rizzo dives into side control.
Rizzo tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Rizzo has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Frank Rizzo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
Rizzo throws a low kick, looking for Akhtankhanov's leg but Akhtankhanov calmly moves out of range.
Rizzo connects with a body shot that sends Akhtankhanov's belly button to the back.
Nice uppercut lands for Rizzo. That snapped Akhtankhanov's head back.
Akhtankhanov throws a shot from downtown. Rizzo moves away and avoids it.
Rizzo slips a straight right by Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov throws a nice looking combination but Rizzo bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Nice body punch from Akhtankhanov.
Akhtankhanov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akhtankhanov has closed the distance and engaged Rizzo in a clinch.
Akhtankhanov swings wildly with an uppercut but Rizzo uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rizzo wants a takedown.
Rizzo blocks an uppercut.
Akhtankhanov has a couple of punches blocked by Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov throws a punch but it's blocked by Rizzo.
Akhtankhanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rizzo's elbow.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Rizzo manages to break the clinch.
Akhtankhanov swings widly with a right hand
enabling Rizzo to counter with a crisp jab.
Rizzo with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Rizzo lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Akhtankhanov backs up against the cage.
Akhtankhanov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a combination but Rizzo avoids it well.
Akhtankhanov throws a shot from downtown. Rizzo moves away and avoids it.
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rizzo digs a good hook to Akhtankhanov's body.
Akhtankhanov throws a lazy uppercut
and Rizzo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Akhtankhanov scores with a sloppy right hand. Rizzo should have avoided that one.
Frank Rizzo seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Rizzo will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Rizzo throws a leg kick but Akhtankhanov checks it.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Decent striking displayed by Akhtankhanov there.
Rizzo is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Akhtankhanov rather than just go for the knockout.
Akhtankhanov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Akhtankhanov looks to land a right hand but Rizzo moved out of range.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akhtankhanov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Akhtankhanov misses with an uppercut
and Rizzo connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A punch combination from Akhtankhanov misses.
Rizzo is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Akhtankhanov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Rizzo uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Akhtankhanov.
Rizzo unleashes a big counter combination but Akhtankhanov bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Akhtankhanov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Rizzo shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Akhtankhanov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Rizzo working the head and body with strikes.
Rizzo moves into full mount!
Akhtankhanov is working to get back to half guard.
Rizzo landing strikes, looking to finish!
Aslanbek Akhtankhanov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo with the ground and pound from mount.
Rizzo prevents Akhtankhanov from getting the reversal.
Rizzo has control of Akhtankhanov's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Akhtankhanov regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Akhtankhanov tries to reverse the position but Rizzo maintains control.
Rizzo connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Akhtankhanov is in all sorts of trouble here.
Rizzo trying to control but Akhtankhanov is having none of it.
Akhtankhanov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Rizzo scores with a couple of good head shots there.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rizzo looking to control but Akhtankhanov is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Akhtankhanov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Frank Rizzo is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The referee warns Akhtankhanov that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Akhtankhanov is squirming around, avoiding Rizzo's attempts to control the action.
Akhtankhanov is in all sorts of trouble here.
BOOM! Rizzo connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Akhtankhanov throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Akhtankhanov is wriggling around trying to escape.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rizzo raining down hammerfists from mount.
Rizzo controlling from mount.
And that's the end of the fight!
Frank Rizzo comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rizzo winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:30
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 28:30
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frank Rizzo!
Frank Rizzo was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
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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
54% |
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