PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Zapp Brannigan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikolai Kartov (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.

Brannigan
vs
Kartov

170 cm
22
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Self confident

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Enjoys gardening

Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Zapp Brannigan!
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, Nikolai Kartov!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Vladimir Khabensky and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kartov swinging wildly here.

Kartov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Brannigan looking for submissions off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kartov wants to pass to mount but Brannigan is defending the position.
Kartov trying to control the pace.
Brannigan regains full guard. Nicely done.
Kartov wants to control from the top but Brannigan keeps moving.

Brannigan is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Kartov is looking to work some ground and pound but Brannigan has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brannigan working a defensive guard here.
Brannigan has his hands on Kartov's head, controlling the position.
Kartov trying to control but Brannigan is working from the bottom.
Kartov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Brannigan. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kartov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Nikolai Kartov hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kartov.
Brannigan wants to clinch up but Kartov keeps it at a distance.
Brannigan shoots in but no luck this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Brannigan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kartov.
Brannigan misses with a takedown attempt - Kartov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kartov throws out a powerful jab.
Kartov dives in and grabs Brannigan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Brannigan pushes down on Kartov's head and hops out.
Nikolai Kartov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kartov shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
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!

Brannigan looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Brannigan is pressing down on Kartov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Brannigan working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kartov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kartov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kartov is looking to work some ground and pound but Brannigan has wrist control.
Kartov wants to control from the top but Brannigan keeps moving.

Brannigan is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Kartov wants to control from the top but Brannigan keeps moving.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.

Brannigan has his foot on Kartov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kartov works his way back into a safe position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brannigan keeping moving, preventing Kartov from controlling successfully.
Brannigan manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Brannigan takes Kartov's back.

Kartov fending off the submission attempt from Brannigan.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Kartov defending nicely against the rear naked choke attempt.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Brannigan is working for the choke. It looks like he might have got it... has he...? Yes! Kartov is tapping out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Zapp Brannigan!