PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Michael Ehrmantraut (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexandr Nikitin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ehrmantraut comes to the cage accompanied by non existent. Nikitin has chosen Smack My Bitch Up as his entrance music. Alexandr Nikitin has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Michael Ehrmantraut's chin.

Ehrmantraut
vs
Nikitin

178 cm
38
175 lbs
26 - 20 - 1

170 cm
29
171 lbs
15 - 19 - 4

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Very quick

BJJ Red Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 26 - 20 - 1, fighting out of London, Michael Ehrmantraut!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 19 - 4, fighting out of Hilo, Alexandr Nikitin!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, James Glass and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ehrmantraut throws a body punch but Nikitin moves out of range.
Nikitin throws a lazy right hand but Ehrmantraut sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Good standup being displayed there by Ehrmantraut as he connects with a hook.
Nikitin jabs Ehrmantraut to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Ehrmantraut is looking to clinch.
Nikitin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ehrmantraut moves away.
Ehrmantraut with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nikitin shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ehrmantraut sprawls well. Ehrmantraut wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Nikitin gets slowly back to his feet.
Nikitin looks to score with a jab to the body but Ehrmantraut is just out of range.
Ehrmantraut shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Nikitin as he jumps to the side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nikitin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ehrmantraut.
Ehrmantraut goes for a double leg but Nikitin avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Nikitin continues to drive forward.
Nikitin scores with a jab to the body.
Nikitin checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Nikitin fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ehrmantraut is out of range.
A punch combination from Ehrmantraut misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nikitin just misses with a punch to the body.
Nikitin wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Nikitin gets a takedown into half guard.
Nikitin wants to control but Ehrmantraut is keeping him busy.
Ehrmantraut tries to get to full guard but Nikitin has control of the leg.
Nikitin looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Nikitin trying to control from half guard but Ehrmantraut is working away.

Nikitin is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Ehrmantraut sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well, if Nikitin is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
The fighters are battling for position here. Ehrmantraut manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Nikitin throws a big right hand that misses.
Nikitin trying to control but Ehrmantraut is working from the bottom.
Nikitin advances to half guard.
Nikitin controlling the action here.
My spies in SP ICON sucks donkey dick inform me that Nikitin has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Nikitin thows a huge punch but Ehrmantraut dodges it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut is trying to get back to full guard.
Ehrmantraut is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Nikitin's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Nikitin's back!
Ehrmantraut not allowing Nikitin to control his hands.
Ehrmantraut is looking cool and calm here, just waiting for a good opportunity to attack and finish the fight from this dominant position.
Nikitin is in bad spot here.
Can Nikitin hold on?! Ehrmantraut is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.
I really don't envy Nikitin right now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikitin staying busy and making it hard for Ehrmantraut to control.
Ehrmantraut throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Ehrmantraut has his opponent trapped and is landing shots. Not a good position for Nikitin.
Nikitin looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Ehrmantraut throws a big right hand but he misses and hits the mat. Ouch.
Ehrmantraut tries to keep control of the position but Nikitin is staying busy.
Nikitin can't escape the position.
Nikitin has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Ehrmantraut.
Nikitin rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
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!
Ehrmantraut missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ehrmantraut tries to pass to full mount but Nikitin defends it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Michael Ehrmantraut will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Nikitin throws a leg kick but Ehrmantraut checks it.
Ehrmantraut feinted with a counter takedown.
A good leg kick by Nikitin.
The crowd cheers as Ehrmantraut lands an impressive looking overhand right. Nikitin doesn't seem phased though.
Nikitin is looking to clinch.
Ehrmantraut half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nikitin lands a jab to Ehrmantraut's midsection.
Ehrmantraut seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.

Ehrmantraut gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Nikitin lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nikitin tries for a takedown but Ehrmantraut manages to get underhooks.
A short left from Nikitin.

It looks like Michael Ehrmantraut has been cut.
Nikitin looking for a takedown.
Nikitin is working for takedown but Ehrmantraut is calmly controlling the position for now.
Michael Ehrmantraut has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexandr Nikitin.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ehrmantraut.
Ehrmantraut throws a head punch that misses.
Ehrmantraut fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ehrmantraut throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Nikitin presses Ehrmantraut against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Nikitin wants a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Ehrmantraut breaks the clinch.
Nikitin avoids the body shot from Ehrmantraut.
Nikitin is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Ehrmantraut rather than just go for the knockout.
Nikitin tries to clinch up.
Nikitin gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Ehrmantraut.
Ehrmantraut misses with an uppercut
and Nikitin counters with a nice low kick that buckles Ehrmantraut's knee momentarily.
Nikitin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Ehrmantraut scores with a takedown into Nikitin's guard.
Nikitin looking to control.
Nikitin manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Ehrmantraut manages to get himself to full guard.

Nikitin looking to sit in guard and control but Ehrmantraut gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Ehrmantraut looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Ehrmantraut loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
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!
Nikitin is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Ehrmantraut preventing the sweep.

Nikitin is looking for a triangle but Ehrmantraut pushes his legs off easily.
Ehrmantraut throws an elbow that misses. Nikitin uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Ehrmantraut's guard. Nice move by Nikitin!

Ehrmantraut looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Nikitin puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Nikitin throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Nikitin.
Nikitin working some strikes from top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nikitin throws an elbow that misses. Ehrmantraut uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nikitin's guard. Nice move by Ehrmantraut!

Nikitin trying to control the position here.
Ehrmantraut landing with the ground and pound.
Ehrmantraut content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Ehrmantraut stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nikitin swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Nikitin keeping moving, preventing Ehrmantraut from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nikitin working a defensive guard here.
Ehrmantraut working some strikes from top position.
Ehrmantraut wants to control from the top but Nikitin keeps moving.

Nikitin is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Ehrmantraut trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Nikitin working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ehrmantraut doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ehrmantraut manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Nikitin has control of Ehrmantraut's left arm, preventing Ehrmantraut from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Ehrmantraut dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Michael Ehrmantraut's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

The crowd cheers as Nikitin lands an impressive looking overhand right. Ehrmantraut doesn't seem phased though.
Nikitin shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ehrmantraut looks to land a right hand but Nikitin moved out of range.
A countering left hand to the body from Nikitin misses.
Nikitin pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Ehrmantraut sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Nice jab there from Ehrmantraut.
Nikitin lands with an uppercut that bounces Ehrmantraut off the cage and back into range.
Ehrmantraut slips under a jab.
Ehrmantraut attempts a counter takedown but Nikitin avoids it well and moves away.
Nikitin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Nikitin. Ehrmantraut does a little dance to reset his feet.
Alexandr Nikitin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Nikitin closes the distance and clinches.
Ehrmantraut fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ehrmantraut stops a takedown attempt from Nikitin.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Nikitin creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Nikitin tries to work over Ehrmantraut's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nikitin drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Ehrmantraut gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Michael Ehrmantraut has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexandr Nikitin.
Nikitin is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Ehrmantraut tries to work over Nikitin's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ehrmantraut is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Nikitin is looking to take this one to the mat.
Nikitin leaning against his opponent.
Ehrmantraut has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Nikitin avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Ehrmantraut effectively controlling the action here.
Nikitin is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ehrmantraut gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nikitin lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Ehrmantraut.
Ehrmantraut can't find room to land a body shot as Nikitin controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut can't find room to land a body shot as Nikitin controls the action.
Ehrmantraut is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Ehrmantraut gets underhooks to prevent Nikitin's takedown attempt.
Ehrmantraut tries to stall but Nikitin uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Nikitin trying to stall but Ehrmantraut improves his position.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Ehrmantraut creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Nikitin is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Ehrmantraut is defending well.
Nikitin takes a shot to the head.
Ehrmantraut is trying to drag Nikitin to the mat but Nikitin just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Still in the clinch, Nikitin scores with a nice short uppercut.
Ehrmantraut tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Alexandr Nikitin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ehrmantraut prevents a takedown attempt there.
Nikitin doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut is trying to break free.
Nikitin displaying some good clinch control by pressing Ehrmantraut up against the cage.
Nikitin blocking some punches.
Ehrmantraut has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Nikitin is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Ehrmantraut has picked Nikitin up - he's going for a ride! Ehrmantraut dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Ehrmantraut lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
The fighters are battling for position here. Nikitin manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Ehrmantraut working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Nikitin wants to sweep here but Ehrmantraut controlling him for the moment.
Nikitin has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ehrmantraut throws a big elbow that misses.
Ehrmantraut scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ehrmantraut wants to control from the top but Nikitin keeps moving.
Nikitin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Nikitin is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Ehrmantraut defends it well.
Ehrmantraut keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Alexandr Nikitin.
I think Ehrmantraut has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Steven Brown scores the fight 30:28
Judge James Glass scores the fight 29:29
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 28:29

The fight is ruled a draw!