PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fedor Emelianenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ivan Sebbrennikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Emelianenko
vs
Sebbrennikov

184 cm
18
230 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

195 cm
22
255 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Fedor Emelianenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ivan Sebbrennikov!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Emelianenko shoots in and bounces Sebbrennikov off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Sebbrennikov looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Emelianenko wants to control from the top but Sebbrennikov keeps moving.
Emelianenko with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Emelianenko wants to control from the top but Sebbrennikov keeps moving.
Emelianenko postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Emelianenko scoring with punches to the head and body.
Emelianenko looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Emelianenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Sebbrennikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Emelianenko with a nice head shot there.
Emelianenko might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Emelianenko wants to control from the top but Sebbrennikov keeps moving.
Emelianenko has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Emelianenko is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko wants to control from the top but Sebbrennikov keeps moving.
Emelianenko is looking to work some ground and pound but Sebbrennikov has wrist control.
Emelianenko not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Emelianenko prevents Sebbrennikov from getting back to his feet.
Emelianenko is looking to work some ground and pound but Sebbrennikov has wrist control.
Emelianenko trying to control the position from guard on top but Sebbrennikov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Sebbrennikov moves into the clinch.
Emelianenko misses with a knee to the head.
The referee calls for Emelianenko to work.

Emelianenko breaks the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Some wild striking there from Emelianenko.
An inside leg kick lands from Sebbrennikov.
Emelianenko tries to clinch but Sebbrennikov is having none of it.
Sebbrennikov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Ivan Sebbrennikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Emelianenko has a takedown stuffed.
Sebbrennikov throws a combination that misses
and Emelianenko counters with a two punch combo.
Emelianenko shoots in but Sebbrennikov avoids the takedown attempt easily.

Emelianenko feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Sebbrennikov 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.

Emelianenko drops back looking for a leg! Sebbrennikov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Sebbrennikov manages to kick Emelianenko off! Emelianenko jumps back into Sebbrennikov's guard.
Emelianenko missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sebbrennikov strikes from his own guard.
Sebbrennikov controlling the position.
Sebbrennikov 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.
Emelianenko is in close to Sebbrennikov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Sebbrennikov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Emelianenko manages to get himself to full guard.
Emelianenko manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sebbrennikov manages to get himself to full guard.
Emelianenko won't allow Sebbrennikov to sweep him here.

Sebbrennikov kicks Emelianenko off and gets to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sebbrennikov looks to land a combination but Emelianenko avoids it well.
Emelianenko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sebbrennikov's waist but Sebbrennikov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Emelianenko off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fedor Emelianenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sebbrennikov tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Emelianenko makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Sebbrennikov tries to clinch but Emelianenko moves out of range.
Emelianenko fakes the leg kick and cracks Sebbrennikov in the body.

Emelianenko gets a clinch.

Sebbrennikov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Emelianenko is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Sebbrennikov slips a jab and a cross from Emelianenko.
Sebbrennikov has his takedown stuffed

and Emelianenko counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fedor Emelianenko dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Sebbrennikov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Nice takedown defense from Sebbrennikov. No joy for Emelianenko on that attempt.

Emelianenko scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Sebbrennikov struggling a bit here.
Emelianenko is looking to take a break and control but Sebbrennikov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Emelianenko working the ground and pound.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Emelianenko scores with a couple of short elbows.
Sebbrennikov is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Emelianenko's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Emelianenko wants to take a breather but Sebbrennikov is having none of it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sebbrennikov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Emelianenko throws a big right hand that misses.
Sebbrennikov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Emelianenko.
Emelianenko postures up and lands a big shot to Sebbrennikov's brow.
Sebbrennikov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Emelianenko wants to control from the top but Sebbrennikov keeps moving.
Sebbrennikov is striking from the bottom but Emelianenko uses the opportunity to pass into half guard.
Emelianenko slows the pace down in half guard.
Sebbrennikov is staying active underneath Emelianenko, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Emelianenko has managed to clinch.

Sebbrennikov gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Sebbrennikov is nestled in close to Emelianenko, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Sebbrennikov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Sebbrennikov is thwarting Emelianenko's attempts to control the position.
Emelianenko keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Emelianenko could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Emelianenko is looking for a sweep. Sebbrennikov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Emelianenko is pressing down on Sebbrennikov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Fedor Emelianenko overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sebbrennikov postures up in Emelianenko's guard and throws a big left but Emelianenko blocks it.
Sebbrennikov wants to stand and escape but instead Emelianenko has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Emelianenko passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.
Sebbrennikov punching from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sebbrennikov is trying to get back to full guard.
Emelianenko seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Sebbrennikov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Emelianenko lands with a punch from half guard.
Emelianenko is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Sebbrennikov is looking to improve his position.

Sebbrennikov kicks off Emelianenko and gets to his feet.
Sebbrennikov falls off balance throwing a combination

and Emelianenko counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Emelianenko.
Sebbrennikov jumps guard but Emelianenko stands there with Sebbrennikov around his waist. Sebbrennikov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Sebbrennikov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Emelianenko fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Horrible takedown by Emelianenko or perhaps it was just good defense by Sebbrennikov which made him look bad.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Emelianenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Sebbrennikov darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Sebbrennikov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Sebbrennikov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Emelianenko is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Ivan Sebbrennikov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Sebbrennikov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

Emelianenko closes the distance and clinches.
Emelianenko using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sebbrennikov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Emelianenko looking to slow down the pace here.
Sebbrennikov gets underhooks to prevent Emelianenko's takedown attempt.
Emelianenko content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Emelianenko jumps guard.
Emelianenko wants to sweep but no luck.
Sebbrennikov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Emelianenko's head.
Emelianenko wants to sweep here but Sebbrennikov controlling him for the moment.
Sebbrennikov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Emelianenko has momentary wrist control but Sebbrennikov slips an elbow through the middle.
Sebbrennikov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Sebbrennikov is looking to work some ground and pound but Emelianenko has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sebbrennikov throws a big right hand that misses.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Emelianenko misses with a takedown attempt - Sebbrennikov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Sebbrennikov looks to land a combination but Emelianenko avoids it well.
Sebbrennikov looks to land a combination but Emelianenko avoids it well.
Sebbrennikov misses with a combination

and Emelianenko decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Sebbrennikov's guard.
Sebbrennikov strikes from his own guard.

Emelianenko drops back looking for a leg! Sebbrennikov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Sebbrennikov manages to kick Emelianenko off! Emelianenko jumps back into Sebbrennikov's guard.
Emelianenko working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Sebbrennikov's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko forces his way into half guard.
Emelianenko prevents Sebbrennikov from improving his position.
Emelianenko with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Sebbrennikov regains full guard. Nicely done.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Emelianenko drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Emelianenko jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Emelianenko scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Emelianenko makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Sebbrennikov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Emelianenko stops Sebbrennikov from standing up.
Sebbrennikov keeping moving, preventing Emelianenko from controlling successfully.
Sebbrennikov trying to strike off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sebbrennikov keeping full guard, as Emelianenko tries to pass.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Sebbrennikov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sebbrennikov throws a left and a right that both miss
and Emelianenko counters with a leg kick.

Sebbrennikov scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Sebbrennikov stands up.
Sebbrennikov wants to clinch

and Emelianenko counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Emelianenko.
Emelianenko taking a breather.
Sebbrennikov tries to pull guard but Emelianenko won't allow it.
Sebbrennikov is trying to break the clinch but Emelianenko has him pressed against the cage.

Sebbrennikov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Sebbrennikov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Emelianenko circles away.
Sebbrennikov scores with a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Emelianenko shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Emelianenko was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Emelianenko working the ground and pound effectively.
Emelianenko raining down shots from the mount!
Sebbrennikov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Emelianenko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sebbrennikov is looking to escape.
Emelianenko with good strikes from the mount here!

And that's the end of the fight!
Fedor Emelianenko showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Emelianenko 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 29:28
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 29:28
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fedor Emelianenko!