PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Robert Zhirkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jesh Masilungan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Masilungan is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Heaven Hell. Jesh Masilungan has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Zhirkov
vs
Masilungan

180 cm
28
141 lbs
11 - 8 - 1

167 cm
26
142 lbs
17 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Conviction
Conviction

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 11 - 8 - 1, 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 17 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Jesh Masilungan!
The judges for this bout are Thiago Cunha, Edson Gomes and Leandro Rodrigues.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A big left from Zhirkov misses.
Zhirkov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
A jab from Zhirkov misses.
Zhirkov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Masilungan manages to avoid it.
Masilungan moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Zhirkov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Masilungan throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Zhirkov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Masilungan takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Masilungan throws a right and a left that both miss.
Zhirkov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Masilungan pinned against the cage. Masilungan gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Masilungan displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zhirkov throws out the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Masilungan is looking to clinch but Zhirkov is avoiding it.
Zhirkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Masilungan scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Masilungan uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Zhirkov.
Zhirkov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Masilungan moves away from the strike by Zhirkov.
A swing and a miss from Zhirkov.
Zhirkov dives in and grabs Masilungan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Masilungan pushes down on Zhirkov's head and hops out.
Masilungan displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zhirkov throws out the jab.
Zhirkov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Robert Zhirkov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zhirkov misses with a wild combination.

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 thows a leg kick but Masilungan checks it

and Masilungan holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Zhirkov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Masilungan prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Robert Zhirkov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zhirkov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Masilungan's efforts to push away.
Zhirkov is trying to break the clinch but Masilungan is controlling him.
Zhirkov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Masilungan scores with a hook to the body.

Masilungan manages to break the clinch.
Masilungan cracks Zhirkov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Masilungan ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zhirkov takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.

Masilungan moves into range and clinches up with Zhirkov.

Masilungan pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Masilungan staying out of range there.
Masilungan buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov fails with the takedown
and Masilungan counters with a nice body shot.
Zhirkov throws a leg kick
and Masilungan counters with a low kick, right behind Zhirkov 's knee.
Masilungan lands a leg kick that knocks Zhirkov off balance momentarily.
Zhirkov thows a body shot but no joy.
Masilungan misses with a head kick.
Masilungan uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Zhirkov.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Zhirkov crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Masilungan - the referee stops the clock and Zhirkov gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Masilungan. Zhirkov manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Zhirkov with a nice cross.
Zhirkov misses with a shot to the body
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Masilungan lands a lovely overhand right.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov throws an overhand right that lands on Masilungan's shoulder, as Masilungan tries to avoid the shot.
Masilungan slips under a jab from Zhirkov.
Nice defenses there by Masilungan.
Masilungan is looking to slow Zhirkov down with leg kicks.
Zhirkov throws a series of punches but Masilungan moves out of range.
Zhirkov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Masilungan sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A slow jab from Zhirkov misses its intended target.

Masilungan clinches with his opponent.
Masilungan blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Masilungan pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Masilungan staying out of range there.
A big right from Zhirkov misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jesh Masilungan dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A low kick from Zhirkov is predictable there
and Masilungan connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Zhirkov throws a shot from downtown. Masilungan moves away and avoids it.
Zhirkov scores with a hook.
Zhirkov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
The fighters circling - Zhirkov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Masilungan moves out of range as Zhirkov strikes.
Masilungan just misses with a punch to the body.
Zhirkov looks to throw the jab but Masilungan is out of range.
Zhirkov shoots in and drives through. Masilungan sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zhirkov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A jab lands there for Zhirkov.
Masilungan feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Zhirkov's calf.

Masilungan gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Zhirkov fails to land.
Zhirkov is trying to break free.

Masilungan pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Zhirkov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Masilungan.
Zhirkov throws a jab when Masilungan was well out of range.
Zhirkov throws a jab but it's blocked by Masilungan.
Zhirkov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

Zhirkov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Masilungan is looking to stand up but Zhirkov isn't so interested in that idea.
Masilungan 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.
Zhirkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Masilungan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Masilungan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Zhirkov.
Masilungan is looking to stand up but Zhirkov isn't so interested in that idea.
Masilungan tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Zhirkov advances to half guard.
Zhirkov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Masilungan is trying to stand back up but Zhirkov is controlling him
Zhirkov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Masilungan wants to get back to full guard.
Zhirkov will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Zhirkov is nestled in close to Masilungan, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Zhirkov stops Masilungan from getting back to his feet.
Zhirkov throwing shots but Masilungan is blocking nicely.
Masilungan looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Masilungan has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Zhirkov is working away from the top position though.
Zhirkov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Masilungan does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Zhirkov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Zhirkov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Zhirkov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Zhirkov wants to control but Masilungan is keeping him busy.
Masilungan wants to get back to his feet.
Masilungan makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Masilungan.
Zhirkov landing with the ground and pound.
Zhirkov postures up in Masilungan's guard and throws a big left but Masilungan blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Zhirkov is controlling him.
Zhirkov lands a couple of elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Masilungan wants to hit a switch here but Zhirkov passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Masilungan there!
Zhirkov working away from the top, dropping strikes.
You get the feeling that Masilungan really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Masilungan is looking to get to half guard.
A nice elbow there by Zhirkov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Robert Zhirkov dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Zhirkov just misses with a punch to the body.
Masilungan ducks under a wild hook from Zhirkov.
Zhirkov throws a lazy head kick
and Masilungan counters with a nice body kick.
Zhirkov lands a lovely overhand right.
Zhirkov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Masilungan ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Masilungan doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Zhirkov misses with a combination
enabling Masilungan to counter with a crisp jab.
Masilungan moves forwards but Zhirkov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Masilungan uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zhirkov.
Masilungan scores with a jab. Zhirkov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Good shot there by Masilungan.
Masilungan slips under a jab.
Zhirkov gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Masilungan counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Zhirkov misses with a looping left.
Masilungan throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Zhirkov.
Masilungan throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Zhirkov misses with a straight right.
Zhirkov misses with a combination
and Masilungan counters with a left and a right that stings Zhirkov.
Masilungan staying out of range there.

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.
Masilungan uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zhirkov.
Masilungan swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
enabling Zhirkov to counter with a crisp jab.
Zhirkov dives in and grabs Masilungan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Masilungan pushes down on Zhirkov's head and hops out.
Zhirkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Masilungan.
Zhirkov throws a hook but Masilungan blocks it.
Zhirkov throws a predictable looking body shot
and Zhirkov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Masilungan throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A right-left combo lands from Masilungan.
Zhirkov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Masilungan slips a jab from Zhirkov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Masilungan sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Masilungan moves away from the strike by Zhirkov.
Zhirkov throws a leg kick
and Masilungan counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Zhirkov thinking.
A punch lands to the side of Zhirkov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Masilungan ducks under a wild hook from Zhirkov.

Zhirkov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Masilungan is trying to stand up.
BOOM! Zhirkov connects with a massive shot to the dome!

Masilungan bucks Zhirkov off and manages to get back to his feet!
Zhirkov tries to bum rush Masilungan with a series of wild strikes but Masilungan uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Zhirkov throws a big shot that misses.
An inside leg kick from Zhirkov misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Masilungan lands with a shot to the body.

Zhirkov tries to keep at a distance but Masilungan has taken the fight into the clinch.
Masilungan blocks an uppercut.
Zhirkov trying to control the position but instead, Masilungan has worked for underhooks and has pushed Zhirkov into the cage.
Zhirkov swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Masilungan's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Zhirkov throws a body kick the misses
and Masilungan counters with a head kick. That will keep Zhirkov thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Masilungan uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Zhirkov.
Zhirkov throws a jab when Masilungan was well out of range.
Jesh Masilungan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Masilungan!

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesh Masilungan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Masilungan 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Thiago Cunha scores the fight 28:29
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 28:29
Judge Leandro Rodrigues scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesh Masilungan!