PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Evgeni Novikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thierry NemLi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Novikov
vs
NemLi

190 cm
22
287 lbs
9 - 10 - 0

200 cm
19
260 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Decent elbows
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 10 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Evgeni Novikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Thierry NemLi!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Ivan Kurochkin and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
NemLi fails with a takedown attempt.
NemLi looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
NemLi throws a wild body kick that Novikov sees coming a mile off.
NemLi is looking to clinch.
NemLi tries to clinch but Novikov moves out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - NemLi scores with a four punch combination!
NemLi fails with the takedown.
Evgeni Novikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Thierry NemLi.
NemLi throws a sloppy head kick and Novikov moves out of range easily.

NemLi throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Novikov was covering up waiting for the punch and NemLi finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Novikov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. NemLi manages to get himself to full guard.
Novikov postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
NemLi looking for a sweep. Not yet NemLi, not yet.
Novikov slips nicely into half guard.

Novikov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
NemLi has a hand on Novikov's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Novikov takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Novikov trying to control but NemLi is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
NemLi is trying to stand but he's just given Novikov his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Novikov working for the choke.
NemLi is really stuck here.

Novikov working for the rear naked choke here. He's got one arm under but NemLi is defending well. A couple of punches soften him up though and Novikov has tightened the hold! This one could be all over! It is! NemLi taps out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Evgeni Novikov!