PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alexei Chernokov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Morgan Wade (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chernokov comes to the cage accompanied by Disaster strikes - Mushroom cloud. Wade comes into a darkened arena with his song building. The Bleeding kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Morgan Wade acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Chernokov
vs
Wade

174 cm
23
159 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

175 cm
23
163 lbs
6 - 5 - 1

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Perkele!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexei Chernokov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 1, fighting out of New York, Morgan Wade!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Franklyn Lucas and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wade fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Chernokov manages to avoid it.
Some wild striking there from Chernokov.
Chernokov misses with a straight right.
Wade is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Chernokov.
Chernokov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wade.
Alexei Chernokov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Wade ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Chernokov moves away.
Chernokov shoots in for a takedown but Wade shows good takedown defense.
A big right from Chernokov misses.
Good standup being displayed there by Chernokov as he connects with a hook.
Wade has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wade slips a jab from Chernokov.
Chernokov thuds a left hand into Wade's body.
Wade just misses with a punch to the body.
Wade on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Chernokov misses the shot to the body.
Wade is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Chernokov with a body shot.
Morgan Wade is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wade avoids the body shot from Chernokov.
Wade swings for the body but Chernokov moves out of range.
Chernokov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Wade sprawls and moves away.
Chernokov throws a body shot but no joy.
Wade slips under a jab from Chernokov.
Chernokov connects with a crisp jab.
A slow jab from Chernokov misses its intended target.
Wade blocks a jab.
Wade takes a swing at Chernokov's ribcage but misses.
Chernokov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Wade stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Chernokov missing with a left hand there. Wade was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Wade throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Chernokov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Chernokov is looking to counter punch.
Chernokov misses with an uppercut.
Wade connects with a nice looking jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Chernokov. Wade does a little dance to reset his feet.
Wade now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Chernokov. Those never looked like landing.
Wade swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Wade lands with a nice body punch.
Chernokov misses with a body shot
and Wade counters with a left to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Chernokov!
Wade lands a jab to the nose.
Wade lands a right hook to the body.
Chernokov throws a hook but Wade blocks it.
Chernokov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Wade scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Chernokov closes the distance and clinches up with Wade, looking for a takedown. Chernokov pushes Wade against the cage but Wade circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Wade chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Wade looks for the body kick but Chernokov saw that one coming.
Wade uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Chernokov.
Chernokov throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Wade moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wade blocks a body shot from Chernokov.

Wade breaks the clinch.
A jab from Chernokov misses.
Wade throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wade connects with a leg kick. Chernokov looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Wade scores with the left hand. Chernokov knows he should have avoided that one.
Chernokov misses with a jab to the body
and Wade counters with a right hand to the body.
Wade throws a head kick that half lands.
Chernokov throws a body punch but Wade moves out of range.
Chernokov connects with a right hand. Wade shakes it off.
Chernokov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Wade swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Wade looks to land a right hand but Chernokov moved out of range.
A looping hook to the body misses from Chernokov. Wade does a little dance to reset his feet.
It seemed like Wade was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Wade stuffs the takedown attempt from Chernokov. Chernokov gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Chernokov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wade gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

Chernokov moves into the clinch successfully.
Good body shot from Wade.
Wade looking to slow down the pace here.

Wade escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Chernokov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Chernokov blocks a jab.
Chernokov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Wade scores with a body shot.
Nice defenses there by Wade.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Morgan Wade will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Wade bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Chernokov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Wade throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Wade throws a body shot but no joy.
A swing and a miss from Chernokov.
Chernokov misses with a looping left.
Wade throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Chernokov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Nice defenses there by Wade.
Wade misses with an attempted mid kick.
Chernokov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Chernokov shoots for a takedown but Wade saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chernokov misses with a looping left.
Wade walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
No joy there for Chernokov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Wade misses with a double jab.
Chernokov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wade tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Chernokov was well out of range. Poor timing from Wade.
A nice inside leg kick there by Wade. That's going to slow Chernokov down.
Morgan Wade seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Chernokov throws a hook to the side of Wade's head but Wade sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Chernokov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Wade circles away quickly and effectively.
Chernokov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Wade counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Chernokov throws a body punch but Wade moves out of range.
Wade throws a body shot but no joy.
Wade ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Wade with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Wade scores with a three punch combo!
Chernokov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Wade throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
An inside leg kick from Wade misses.
Wade is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Chernokov rather than just go for the knockout.
Wade throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Chernokov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wade moves away.
Chernokov throws a hook but Wade blocks it.
Chernokov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Chernokov wants to clinch.
Wade takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Wade lets loose with a powerful body kick. Chernokov will feel that in the morning.
Wade swings for the body but Chernokov moves out of range.
Chernokov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wade pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Wade lands a leg kick that knocks Chernokov off balance momentarily.
Wade misses with a body shot.
Wade throws a sloppy body shot

and Chernokov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Chernokov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Wade.
Wade tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wade missing with knees to the body.
Chernokov throws a head punch that misses.
Wade with a knee to the head.
Chernokov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Chernokov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Chernokov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Wade pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Chernokov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Wade tries a body shot but Chernokov blocks it.
Chernokov tries to pull guard but Wade won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Chernokov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Wade tries to land knees in the clinch but Chernokov avoids the damage to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Wade.
Chernokov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Chernokov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Wade trying to stall but Chernokov improves his position.
Chernokov misses with a punch to the body.
Wade blocks a body shot from Chernokov.
I was talking to Chernokov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Chernokov tries to work over Wade's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Wade tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Wade misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Come on Wade - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Wade trying to land knees to the body.
Wade gets underhooks to prevent Chernokov's takedown attempt.
Wade lands a body punch in the clinch.
Chernokov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Wade tries to stall but Chernokov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Wade is pressed up against the cage. Chernokov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Wade down to the mat. Wade avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Morgan Wade showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Wade moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Chernokov misses with a left hand
and Wade counters with a body kick.
Chernokov throws a hook but Wade blocks it.
Wade lands with a good body shot.
Chernokov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Wade. Wade circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Wade avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Chernokov looks to score with a jab to the body but Wade is just out of range.
Wade appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Chernokov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Wade swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Chernokov avoids the body shot from Wade.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chernokov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wade takes a swing at Chernokov's ribcage but misses.
Wade displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Chernokov throws out the jab.
Wade swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Wade has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Chernokov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Chernokov looks to score with a jab to the body but Wade is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wade throws a body punch but Chernokov moves out of range.
Chernokov throws a shot from downtown. Wade moves away and avoids it.
Chernokov misses with an uppercut. Wade saw that one coming.
Chernokov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Wade slips a jab from Chernokov.
Wade throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wade bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Chernokov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Chernokov misses with a few strikes there.
Wade looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Wade lands a nice hook to Chernokov's body. Chernokov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Wade steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Chernokov.
Wade uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Chernokov.
Some wild striking there from Wade.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov throws a hook but Wade avoids it easily.
Wade throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Chernokov looks to land a right hand but Wade moved out of range.
Wade misses with a body shot.
Wade takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Wade moves out of range as Chernokov strikes.
Wade ducks under a wild hook from Chernokov.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Chernokov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Chernokov lands in his opponent's guard.
Wade has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Chernokov is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Chernokov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Chernokov postures up in Wade's guard and throws a big left but Wade blocks it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Wade wants to sweep but no luck.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Chernokov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Chernokov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Wade swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Chernokov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Chernokov throws a hook but Wade avoids it easily.
Wade swings for the body but Chernokov moves out of range.
Wade ducks under a wild hook from Chernokov.
Chernokov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
A shot to the body from Wade misses
and Chernokov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Chernokov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Chernokov feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Wades jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

Chernokov moves into the clinch successfully.
Chernokov jumps guard but Wade turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Chernokov tries to work over Wade's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Chernokov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Chernokov misses with a body punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexei Chernokov clearly takes that round.
That's time! Chernokov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Chernokov misses with a looping right.
Wade moves out of range as Chernokov strikes.
A countering left hand to the body from Wade misses.
Wade fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Chernokov manages to avoid it.
Wade scores with a jab to the jaw.
Chernokov throws a big shot that misses.
A big left from Chernokov misses.
Wade scores with a shot to the body.
Chernokov loads up on a big right hand but Wade slips the punch.
Wade now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Chernokov cracks Wade with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chernokov throws a body shot but no joy.
Wade now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Wade tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Chernokov was well out of range. Poor timing from Wade.
A punch lands to the side of Wade 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Wade moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wade throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Wade thows a left - swing and a miss!
Chernokov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Chernokov misses with a looping left.
Wade keeps the fight on the outside.
Chernokov throws a sloppy body shot
and Wade connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A shot to the body from Wade misses
and Chernokov counters with a stiff right hand.
Wade takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Chernokov checks a leg kick.
Chernokov avoids the body shot from Wade.
The fighters circling - Wade throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wade lands a jab to Chernokov's midsection.
Chernokov throws a big shot that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wade scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Chernokov cracks Wade with an open hand slap.
A telegraphed right hand from Chernokov misses the target.
Chernokov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The fighters circling - Chernokov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Chernokov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Wade lands a nice elbow.

Wade manages to break the clinch.
Wade dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Chernokov. That did some damage!
Chernokov throws a nice looking combination but Wade bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Wade gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Chernokov wants to control from the top but Wade keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Wade avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Wade is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Chernokov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Wade swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Wade preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Chernokov throws a big elbow that misses.
Chernokov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Wade defending well as Chernokov loads up on a big left hand.
Chernokov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Wade takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Chernokov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wade has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Chernokov misses with a combination
and Wade counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Wade uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Chernokov.
Wade let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Wade throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Chernokov's head.
Chernokov misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Wade counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
A punch combination from Wade misses.
Chernokov fails with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Alexei Chernokov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Chernokov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wade doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Chernokov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wade lands a nice looking body shot.
Nice sprawl there from Wade as Chernokov shoots in.
Wade doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Wade swats away the attempt to clinch by Chernokov.
Chernokov dives in and grabs Wade's left leg, looking for a takedown. Wade pushes down on Chernokov's head and hops out.
Wade lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Wade misses with a wild body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Chernokov throws a jab when Wade was well out of range.
Wade is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
A jab from Chernokov misses.
Chernokov misses with a hook
and Wade connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Chernokov fails in his attempt to clinch.
A countering left hand to the body from Wade misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chernokov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Wade as he avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Chernokov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Chernokov throws a jab but it's blocked by Wade.
A countering left hand to the body from Wade misses.
Wade rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Chernokov moves into the clinch.
Chernokov tries to work over Wade's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Chernokov tries to throw a body punch but Wade avoids it by throwing Chernokov back against the cage.
Wade stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

Wade breaks the clinch.
Wade misses the shot to the body.
Wade lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Chernokov at a distance.
Chernokov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Wade.
Wade drops his hands momentarily and Chernokov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Chernokov misses with an uppercut.
Chernokov misses with a jab to the body

and Wade holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Wade doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov misses with a hook to the ribs.

Chernokov is trying to trip Wade. He has hold of a leg but Wade is hopping around, keeping his balance for the moment. Chernokov persists though and gets the takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Chernokov trying to control the position from guard on top but Wade is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Chernokov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Wade's head.
Chernokov trying to control but Wade is working from the bottom.
Chernokov stands and throws Wade's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Wade defending against the ground and pound.
Chernokov in side control, throwing shots but Wade defends.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chernokov wants to control but Wade is keeping him busy.
Chernokov with the ground and pound but Wade regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Wade tries to roll over but Chernokov keeps him under control.
Wade avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Chernokov.
Chernokov looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Wade is looking to control Chernokov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Wade avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Wade is staying active underneath Chernokov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Chernokov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Chernokov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Chernokov is trying to control. Wade wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Chernokov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
A swing and a miss from Chernokov.
A jab from Chernokov does it's job there.
Chernokov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Chernokov misses with an uppercut. Wade saw that one coming.
Chernokov throws a poor cross that misses
and Wade counters with a nice body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Wade. Chernokov does a little dance to reset his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Alexei Chernokov.
I think Chernokov 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dean Styles scores the fight 48:47
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 48:47
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexei Chernokov!
A victorious Alexei Chernokov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.