PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Javier Esposito (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexei Chatzikomninos (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexei Chatzikomninos has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Javier Esposito's chin.

Esposito
vs
Chatzikomninos

186 cm
27
205 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

188 cm
34
211 lbs
23 - 15 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Javier Esposito!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 15 - 0, fighting out of London, Alexei Chatzikomninos!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Chris Downing and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Chatzikomninos tries a head kick but it misses.
Esposito thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Chatzikomninos if he has to take too many more of those.
Esposito misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Chatzikomninos is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Esposito will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Donk. Chatzikomninos catches Esposito right on the button with a cross.
Chatzikomninos misses with a hook. Esposito ducked under it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The fighters circling - Chatzikomninos throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Esposito drops down looking for a counter takedown but Chatzikomninos sprawls and moves away.
Chatzikomninos lands with a kick to the temple. Esposito shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

It looks like Javier Esposito has been cut.
Chatzikomninos tries to bum rush Esposito with a series of wild strikes but Esposito uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Chatzikomninos moves in looking to clinch but Esposito pushes him off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Chatzikomninos takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Alexei Chatzikomninos is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jab, jab by Chatzikomninos - just one landing.
Chatzikomninos swings widly with a right hand

and Esposito counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Esposito.
Esposito throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Chatzikomninos works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Esposito trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Esposito accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Chatzikomninos is on top in guard.

Chatzikomninos is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Esposito keeping full guard, as Chatzikomninos tries to pass.
Esposito is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos blocking the ground and pound attempt from Esposito.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Esposito thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Chatzikomninos's head.
Chatzikomninos is staying active underneath Esposito, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Chatzikomninos is looking to improve his position.
Chatzikomninos holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Chatzikomninos wants to control but Esposito is keeping busy.
Chatzikomninos taking some punishment here, with Esposito in his half guard.
Chatzikomninos is staying active underneath Esposito, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Chatzikomninos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Esposito.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos keeping hold of Esposito's head, controlling as best he can.
Chatzikomninos is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Esposito sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Chatzikomninos avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Esposito.
Chatzikomninos is not content to let Esposito control the position.
Esposito looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Chatzikomninos wants to improve his position but Esposito is controlling well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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.
Esposito wants to pass to mount but Chatzikomninos is defending the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Chatzikomninos misses with a looping right.
Esposito changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Chatzikomninos wants to clinch up but Esposito keeps it at a distance.
Chatzikomninos tries to clinch up but Esposito circles away and keeps his distance.
Chatzikomninos fails in his attempt to clinch.
A punch combination from Chatzikomninos misses.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Chatzikomninos misses with a body punch.
Chatzikomninos throws a head punch that misses.
Chatzikomninos is pressed up against the cage. Esposito has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Chatzikomninos down to the mat. Chatzikomninos 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.

That was a close round but I would say that Javier Esposito will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Javier Esposito's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Chatzikomninos moves into the clinch.
Esposito has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Chatzikomninos is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Chatzikomninos tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Chatzikomninos misses with a punch to the body.
Esposito blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Chatzikomninos stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Chatzikomninos throws a head punch that misses.
Esposito has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Chatzikomninos after a bit of a struggle.
Chatzikomninos blocks an uppercut.
Nice elbow from Chatzikomninos.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Esposito dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Esposito avoids a wild elbow strike from Chatzikomninos.
Esposito can't break the clinch.
Chatzikomninos throws an elbow but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Esposito working aggressively here.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Chatzikomninos misses with a hook from the clinch.
Chatzikomninos misses with a short punch on the inside.
With the fighters up against the cage, Chatzikomninos throws an elbow but misses.
Esposito lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Esposito lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Esposito is looking for a takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Javier Esposito. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Esposito looking to stall.
Chatzikomninos tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Chatzikomninos tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Esposito tries to break the clinch but Chatzikomninos is controlling the position.
Esposito fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos throws a head punch that misses.
Chatzikomninos cracks Esposito with a nice body shot.
Esposito is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Chatzikomninos tries to throw a body punch but Esposito avoids it by throwing Chatzikomninos back against the cage.
Chatzikomninos has Esposito pressed against the cage, preventing Esposito from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Esposito drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Chatzikomninos gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Chatzikomninos creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Esposito misses with a body punch.
Chatzikomninos tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Esposito's elbow.
Esposito dodges an elbow strike from Chatzikomninos.
Esposito tries to score a body lock takedown but Chatzikomninos shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esposito misses with a hook to the ribs.
Chatzikomninos pushes Esposito back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Esposito lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Chatzikomninos backwards.
Chatzikomninos prevents a body shot from Esposito.
Esposito misses with a short punch on the inside.
Chatzikomninos lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A short uppercut from Esposito.
Esposito working aggressively here.
Esposito controlling the action here for a moment.
Chatzikomninos throws a head punch that misses.
Esposito tries for a takedown. No joy.
Chatzikomninos lands a nice elbow.

Javier Esposito's cut is getting worse.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Still in the clinch, Chatzikomninos scores with a nice short uppercut.
Chatzikomninos gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Esposito.
Esposito is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Chatzikomninos creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
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!

Esposito breaks from the clinch.
Alexei Chatzikomninos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Esposito circles away from the clinch attempt.
Chatzikomninos moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Esposito looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Esposito walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Esposito tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Chatzikomninos is able to avoid easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexei Chatzikomninos showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Javier Esposito's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

A slow jab from Chatzikomninos misses its intended target.
Esposito takes a jab right on the kisser.
Chatzikomninos slips under a jab from Esposito.
Esposito loads up on a big right hand but Chatzikomninos slips the punch.
Chatzikomninos tries to clinch there but Esposito circles away.
Chatzikomninos throws a body shot but no joy.
A big left from Chatzikomninos misses.
Esposito pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Esposito throws out a loose jab but Chatzikomninos uses good head movement to avoid it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good shot there by Chatzikomninos.
Chatzikomninos throws a head kick that misses.
Chatzikomninos swings for the body but Esposito moves out of range.
Chatzikomninos tries to clinch but Esposito moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
The fighters circling - Chatzikomninos throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Esposito drops down looking for a counter takedown but Chatzikomninos sprawls and moves away.
Alexei Chatzikomninos seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Esposito misses with a wild body shot.
Chatzikomninos is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Chatzikomninos tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Esposito paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Esposito jabs Chatzikomninos to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Esposito throws a jab but it's blocked by Chatzikomninos.
Chatzikomninos's jab looks to have found its range, popping Esposito under the eye.
Esposito tries to land a leg kick but Chatzikomninos saw it coming and moves away.
Nice uppercut lands for Chatzikomninos. That snapped Esposito's head back.
Sloppy strikes from Chatzikomninos. Those never looked like landing.
Esposito feinted with a counter takedown.
Esposito tries a low kick but Chatzikomninos avoids it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos throws out a loose jab but Esposito uses good head movement to avoid it.
Esposito throws a head kick that misses.
Esposito misses with a body shot.
Esposito throws a hook to the side of Chatzikomninos's head but Chatzikomninos sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Esposito slips a jab from Chatzikomninos.
Chatzikomninos scores with a jab.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Chatzikomninos rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Esposito counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Chatzikomninos thinking.
Chatzikomninos tries to close the distance and clinch up but Esposito swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Chatzikomninos takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Esposito misses with a hook. Chatzikomninos ducked under it nicely.
Esposito tries for a takedown but Chatzikomninos circles away easily
and Chatzikomninos counters with a stiff right hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esposito moves out of range as Chatzikomninos strikes.
A punch lands to the side of Esposito 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Esposito on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Chatzikomninos throws a jab when Esposito was well out of range.
Chatzikomninos misses with a few strikes there.
Esposito drops down looking for a counter takedown but Chatzikomninos sprawls and moves away.
Esposito swings away with a body shot that misses

and Chatzikomninos counters with a big uppercut that knocks Esposito off his feet! Chatzikomninos dives into side control looking to finish!

Esposito is rocked!

Javier Esposito's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Chatzikomninos creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Oh Esposito is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Esposito gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Chatzikomninos lands a nice short elbow.
Esposito wants to sweep but Chatzikomninos has passed to side control!
Esposito seems to have got his legs back now.
Check out the look on Chatzikomninos's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Chatzikomninos misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Javier Esposito overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Esposito tries to buck Chatzikomninos off but Chatzikomninos is having none of it.
Chatzikomninos working away.
Chatzikomninos is putting a hurting on Esposito here, landing some big shots from side control.
Chatzikomninos working away.
Esposito is looking for a sweep.
Chatzikomninos controls the position from side control.
Chatzikomninos working the head with strikes.
Chatzikomninos has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Chatzikomninos wants to lay and pray for a moment but Esposito keeps working.
Esposito wants to control but Chatzikomninos postures up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexei Chatzikomninos comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Chatzikomninos 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexei Chatzikomninos!
Alexei Chatzikomninos decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.