PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Peter Taphorn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vitali Kersikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kersikov has chosen Dj Nosferatu - When Angels Cry as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Taphorn
vs
Kersikov

170 cm
25
172 lbs
12 - 6 - 0

189 cm
25
209 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Dangerous knees
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Reaper Combatwear

Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Peter Taphorn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vitali Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, James Atkins and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kersikov drops his hands momentarily and Taphorn takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Taphorn scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Taphorn definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Taphorn uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kersikov.
Taphorn throws a leg kick that is checked
and Kersikov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kersikov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Taphorn scores with a nice head shot.
Kersikov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Taphorn is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kersikov. Taphorn does a little dance to reset his feet.
Taphorn loads up on a big right hand but Kersikov slips the punch.
Taphorn tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Kersikov defends well and Taphorn ends up having to push Kersikov into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Taphorn blocking some punches.
Taphorn misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kersikov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov wants to stall.
Kersikov taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Kersikov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kersikov wants to break the clinch but can't.

Kersikov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Taphorn throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Kersikov tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Taphorn is in Kersikov's guard.
Taphorn is looking to work some ground and pound but Kersikov has wrist control.
Taphorn passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Kersikov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kersikov tries to control the position but he's not in luck - Taphorn easily slips into full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Taphorn looking to ground and pound but Kersikov is blocking nicely.

Taphorn swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Kersikov is now in Taphorn's guard. A big mistake from Taphorn there, giving up the dominant position!
Kersikov looking to pass the guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kersikov cracks Taphorn with a solid left hand.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kersikov controlling from the top position.

Taphorn has managed to work for a loose triangle. I think Kersikov should be able to defend this one pretty easily though. Oh, Taphorn has tightened it up now! Kersikov should have reacted faster there - he's in big trouble and yes, he's tapped out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Peter Taphorn!
In his post fight interview, Peter Taphorn gave a big smile as he said 'I dedicate this win to Duphus. You are not allowed to die.'.