PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Robert Zhirkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rick Salomon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Zhirkov
vs
Salomon

180 cm
22
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
22
130 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Very confident

Russian Experiments

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Robert Zhirkov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rick Salomon!
The judges for this bout are Emerson Jorge, Matheus Silva and Felipe Paraventi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zhirkov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Salomon paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Salomon connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Zhirkov lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Salomon backs up against the cage.
Salomon tries to close the distance and clinch up but Zhirkov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Salomon moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Salomon stuffs the takedown.
Zhirkov throws a right and a left that Salomon avoids nicely.
Zhirkov throws a nice looking combination but Salomon bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Salomon is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Zhirkov.
Salomon throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

Zhirkov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zhirkov wants to pass the guard but Salomon is keeping the position.

Zhirkov drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Salomon dives on top into guard.
Salomon wanted to stand there but Zhirkov had control of the position.

Zhirkov looking for a guillotine here but Salomon defends easily.
Zhirkov is breathing heavily.

Zhirkov had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Salomon is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Zhirkov Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Salomon's back instead.

That's one minute gone in the round.
I really don't envy Salomon right now.
Salomon has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.

Zhirkov looking for the choke but no joy.
Salomon tries to break free.
Salomon looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Salomon is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Zhirkov is throwing strikes by Salomon counters by rolling into a better position. After a scramble, Salomon regains half guard.
Salomon on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Zhirkov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Salomon is trying to maintain the position but Zhirkov is very close to passing his half guard.

Salomon is defending against the submission attempts here by Zhirkov.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Salomon wants to get back to his feet.
Zhirkov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

Zhirkov is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Salomon is just riding it out for now. Zhirkov eventually gives up the hold.
Salomon wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Salomon is in trouble now - Zhirkov has advanced to mount!
Zhirkov in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.

Salomon is rocked!

Salomon is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Zhirkov locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Salomon is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Robert Zhirkov!