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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Rakhmanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Linkin Portier (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rakhmanov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Russian national anthem. There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.
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| 179 cm
28
174 lbs
15 - 8 - 0 |
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185 cm
30
186 lbs
15 - 11 - 1 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
15 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mikhail Rakhmanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
15 - 11 - 1, fighting out of New York, Linkin Portier!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Steven Brown and James Glass.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Portier fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Rakhmanov manages to avoid it.
Portier misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Nice defenses there by Portier.
Portier throws a shot from downtown. Rakhmanov moves away and avoids it.
A jab lands there for Portier.
A swing and a miss from Portier.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Portier lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Rakhmanov has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Rakhmanov and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Rakhmanov walks into a left hand.
Portier looks to score with a jab to the body but Rakhmanov is just out of range.
Portier checks a leg kick.
Rakhmanov cracks Portier with an open hand slap.
Portier has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Rakhmanov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Portier on the side of the head.
Portier stalks Rakhmanov and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Rakhmanov's face. Rakhmanov staggers backwards, shaken.
Portier connects with a solid leg kick.
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!
Rakhmanov looks to land a left hand but Portier moved out of range nicely.
Portier throws a series of punches but Rakhmanov moves out of range.
Rakhmanov throws a looping overhand right but Portier ducks down to avoid it.
Nice shot lands for Portier.
Rakhmanov throws a series of punches but Portier avoids them all with ease.
Portier keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Portier throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rakhmanov throws a hook but Portier avoids it easily.
Rakhmanov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Elite MMA Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Linkin Portier seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Portier fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Rakhmanov.
Portier lunges at Rakhmanov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Rakhmanov's hand.
Portier swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov misses the jab.
Portier scores with a leg kick.
Portier throws a leg kick but Rakhmanov moved away.
Rakhmanov lands with an uppercut that bounces Portier off the cage and back into range.
Portier is looking to clinch but Rakhmanov is avoiding it.
Rakhmanov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Portier stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Portier misses with a low kick.
Portier pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Jab, jab by Portier - just one landing.
Portier attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Portier misses with a body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Portier lands a body shot.
Portier lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Portier rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Rakhmanov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Portier tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rakhmanov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov connects with a crisp jab.
Portier slips a jab from Rakhmanov.
Portier throws a wild body kick that Rakhmanov sees coming a mile off.
Portier moves out of range as Rakhmanov strikes.
Portier throws a hook to the side of Rakhmanov's head but Rakhmanov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Portier takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Portier slips under a jab.
Rakhmanov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Portier throws a body shot but no joy.
Portier throws a right and a left that Rakhmanov avoids nicely.
A big right from Portier misses.
Rakhmanov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
A big left from Rakhmanov misses.
Rakhmanov keeps the fight on the outside.
Portier throws a hook to the side of Rakhmanov's head but Rakhmanov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Portier is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Rakhmanov had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Portier dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rakhmanov takes a swing at Portier's ribcage but misses.
Rakhmanov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rakhmanov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Portier avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Rakhmanov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Portier.
Portier tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rakhmanov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Portier.
Rakhmanov moves away from the strike by Portier.
Portier wants to land a leg kick but Rakhmanov is out of range.
Portier stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Rakhmanov throws a jab when Portier was well out of range.
Portier throws a looping overhand right but Rakhmanov ducks down to avoid it.
Portier ducks under a wild hook from Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov throws a body punch but Portier moves out of range.
A jab from Portier misses.
Rakhmanov looks to land a body kick but Portier moved away.
Rakhmanov lands a leg kick that knocks Portier off balance momentarily.
Rakhmanov keeps the fight on the outside.
Portier lands with a nice combination. Rakhmanov backs away looking to recover.
Rakhmanov lands with an overhand left.
Portier scores with a hook to the body. Rakhmanov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Portier defending well as Rakhmanov loads up on a big left hand.
Portier tries to bum rush Rakhmanov with a series of wild strikes but Rakhmanov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rakhmanov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Portier.
Rakhmanov throws a hook but Portier avoids it easily.
Rakhmanov moves out of range of the strikes.
A jab from Rakhmanov misses.
Portier tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rakhmanov was well out of range. Poor timing from Portier.
Rakhmanov thows a left - swing and a miss!
A combination from Portier does no damage.
Rakhmanov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Portier.
Rakhmanov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Portier. Portier circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Rakhmanov misses with a jab, cross combination.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rakhmanov misses with an uppercut. Portier saw that one coming.
Portier tries to bum rush Rakhmanov with a series of wild strikes but Rakhmanov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Portier bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rakhmanov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Portier tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Rakhmanov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Linkin Portier dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Nice defenses there by Portier.
A chopping leg kick lands by Portier.
Rakhmanov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Portier swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rakhmanov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Good shot there by Portier.
Portier connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
A solid leg kick lands there for Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov wants to slow Portier down by chopping away at his legs.
Rakhmanov missing with a left hand there. Portier was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Good standup being displayed there by Rakhmanov as he connects with a hook.
Rakhmanov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
A big left from Rakhmanov misses.
Rakhmanov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Portier was well out of range. Poor timing from Rakhmanov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Portier ducks under a wild hook from Rakhmanov.
Portier staying out of range there.
Portier looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Rakhmanov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Portier.
No joy there for Portier, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Portier blocks a head kick by Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov punishes Portier's body with a nice straight punch.
Nice body punch from Rakhmanov.
Portier throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
A decent looking cross lands there for Rakhmanov.
Portier lands a jab to the head.
Portier connects with a crisp jab.
Portier rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Rakhmanov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Portier's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Portier avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Portier looking for a sweep. Not yet Portier, not yet.
Rakhmanov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rakhmanov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Portier's head.
Rakhmanov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Portier is adopting a defensive guard.
Portier bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Rakhmanov's guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmanov trying to control the position.
Rakhmanov 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.
Rakhmanov is working hard here to advance position.
Rakhmanov is pulling down on Portier's head to control his posture.
Portier must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
The ref stands the fighters back up. Mikhail Rakhmanov wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Rakhmanov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Nice uppercut there from Portier.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Portier uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Rakhmanov.
Portier takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Rakhmanov misses with the combination.
Rakhmanov cracks Portier with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Portier's corner calls for a 1-2. Portier obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Portier throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Rakhmanov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Portier misses with a hook
and Rakhmanov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
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!
Rakhmanov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Rakhmanov working some strikes from top position.
Portier utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rakhmanov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Rakhmanov trying to control the position from guard on top but Portier is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rakhmanov lands a couple of elbows.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Portier trying to control the position here.
Rakhmanov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Rakhmanov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Portier is keeping the position for now.
Rakhmanov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Portier pulls Rakhmanov in close to his closed guard and prevents Rakhmanov from doing any damage or advancing position.
Mikhail Rakhmanov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Rakhmanov postures up and lands a big shot to Portier's brow.
Rakhmanov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Portier utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rakhmanov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Portier is trying to keep Rakhmanov in close.
Rakhmanov throwing strikes from guard but Portier blocks nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Mikhail Rakhmanov will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!
Portier stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Portier lands a really nice looking cross but Rakhmanov seems unphased.
Rakhmanov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A punch combination from Portier misses.
Portier fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Portier lands a jab to the head.
Portier lands with a right hand.
Portier tries to score with a low kick but Rakhmanov moves his leg out of the way.
Portier clinches.
Portier escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rakhmanov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Linkin Portier is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rakhmanov slips under a jab.
Rakhmanov swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Rakhmanov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Rakhmanov throws a right hand that Portier ducks under and follows up with a left that Portier also avoids with ease.
A jab lands there for Rakhmanov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Portier moves forwards but Rakhmanov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Portier lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Portier dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Rakhmanov. That did some damage!
Nice uppercut there from Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov misses with an uppercut. Portier saw that one coming.
Rakhmanov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Rakhmanov misses with the combination.
Portier is looking to clinch but Rakhmanov is avoiding it.
Rakhmanov tries a head kick but it misses.
Nice uppercut lands for Portier. That snapped Rakhmanov's head back.
Portier misses with a leg kick
and Rakhmanov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Portier has his hands clasped together around Rakhmanov's back. He's all about the action.
Nice strikes from Rakhmanov there.
Portier trying to control but Rakhmanov postures up.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Rakhmanov connects with a nice short shot to Portier's temple.
Rakhmanov 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.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Portier is trying to get back to full guard.
Portier is controlling Rakhmanov's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Rakhmanov is keen to just control but Portier is a slippery customer.
Rakhmanov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Rakhmanov trying to control the action but Portier is working from the bottom.
Rakhmanov prevents Portier from improving his position.
Portier wants to control but Rakhmanov is keeping busy.
Rakhmanov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Portier won't allow Rakhmanov to pass to mount.
It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Rakhmanov misses with a low kick.
Portier connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Portier throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A punch combination from Rakhmanov misses.
Rakhmanov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Rakhmanov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Portier sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Portier walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Rakhmanov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A big left from Rakhmanov misses.
Rakhmanov misses with a looping right.
Rakhmanov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Rakhmanov misses with a hook.
Jab, jab by Portier - just one landing.
Rakhmanov dodges the punch combination from Portier.
Portier slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Portier misses with a wild body shot.
Portier is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Portier lands with a shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rakhmanov misses with a two punch combination.
Rakhmanov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Portier misses the jab.
Portier cracks Rakhmanov with an open hand slap.
Rakhmanov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Portier sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Portier buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Portier is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Rakhmanov.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Portier.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rakhmanov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Portier's elbow.
Portier blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Rakhmanov tries for a takedown but Portier manages to get underhooks.
Portier blocks a body shot from Rakhmanov.
Rakhmanov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Portier avoids it.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Linkin Portier.
I think Portier 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 Phil Schofield scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 28:29
Judge James Glass scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Linkin Portier!
An out of breath Linkin Portier thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
100% |
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