PDHC 12 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Randy Liddell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexey Bykov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alexey Bykov told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Liddell
vs
Bykov

185 cm
19
205 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

186 cm
23
199 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Enjoys gardening

▲Steel Penn Fight Gear - As Low As $4

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Randy Liddell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexey Bykov!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Viktor Lagutenko and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bykov blocks a jab.
Bykov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Liddell.
Bykov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Liddell rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Bykov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Liddell misses with a jab, cross combination.
Bykov shoots in looking for a takedown. Liddell tries to sprawl out of it but Bykov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Liddell manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Nice shot lands for Liddell.
The fighters circling - Liddell throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Liddell misses with a hook. Bykov ducked under it nicely.
Liddell lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Liddell avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Liddell misses with an uppercut. Bykov saw that one coming.
Liddell throws a combination. Bykov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Bykov takes one on the button.
Bykov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Bykov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Liddell swivels and escapes.
Bykov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Liddell finds it's way round the side to connect with Bykov's head.
Liddell misses with an uppercut. Bykov saw that one coming.
Liddell throws a big shot that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Liddell, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Liddell misses with a hook. Bykov ducked under it nicely.
Liddell looks to land a left hand but Bykov moved out of range nicely.
Liddell lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Bykov misses with the combination.
Bykov blocks a jab.
Bykov slips a straight right by Liddell.
Liddell swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Bykov counters by moving into the clinch.
Bykov goes for a takedown attempt but Liddell pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Randy Liddell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexey Bykov.
Liddell throws a lazy right hand but Bykov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Liddell throws a hook but Bykov avoids it easily.
Liddell works the jab nicely.
Liddell looks to land a right hand but Bykov moved out of range.

Bykov has managed to clinch.
Liddell is trying to force a seperation but Bykov has the dominant position.
Bykov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Bykov is working for takedown but Liddell is calmly controlling the position for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Liddell is pressed up against the cage. Bykov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Liddell down to the mat. Liddell avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Liddell misses with a looping right.
Bykov swinging wildly here.
Liddell misses the jab.
Liddell throws a series of strikes that have Bykov backpedaling.
A telegraphed right hand from Liddell misses the target.
Liddell connects with a nice looking jab.
Liddell looks to land a combination but Bykov avoids it well.
Randy Liddell is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Liddell gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Bykov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Liddell trying to keep a closed guard but Bykov is proving a slippery customer.
Bykov won't allow Liddell to get back to his feet.
Bykov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Bykov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Bykov wants to control from the top but Liddell keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bykov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Liddell on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Liddell tries to get out of the position.
Liddell wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Bykov wants to control from the top but Liddell keeps moving.
Liddell is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Liddell misses with a hook.

Bykov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Bykov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Liddell is looking to get to half guard.
Liddell wants to control but Bykov is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Liddell tries to reverse the position but Bykov maintains control.
Bykov punishing his opponent with strikes.
Bykov lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Liddell wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Bykov.
Liddell is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Liddell tries to hold on but Bykov pushes him away.
Bykov thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Liddell in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Liddell can't escape the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexey Bykov dominated that round.
That's time! Liddell's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Bykov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Liddell throws an overhand right that lands on Bykov's shoulder, as Bykov tries to avoid the shot.
Bykov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Liddell.
Liddell throws out a loose jab but Bykov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Liddell lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Liddell, as that shot connected.
Bykov shoots in and drives through. Liddell sprawls well.
Bykov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Liddell swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Liddell misses with a double jab.
Liddell throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
The crowd cheers as Liddell lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bykov doesn't seem phased though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Liddell misses with a looping left.
Bykov moves out of range of the strikes.
Liddell is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bykov.
The fighters circling - Liddell throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Liddell is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

Bykov has Liddell up against the cage in a clinch.
Bykov wants a takedown.
Randy Liddell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexey Bykov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liddell tries to pull guard but Bykov holds him up against the cage and eventually Liddell drops back down to his feet.
Liddell wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Liddell looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Bykov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Liddell pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Bykov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Liddell wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Bykov has Liddell pressed against the cage, preventing Liddell from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Liddell is looking to break free of the clinch but Bykov has double underhooks.

Bykov gets control of Liddell's arms and successfully pulls guard. Bykov will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Liddell is looking to stand up but Bykov won't let him.
Bykov trying to control the position.
Liddell throwing strikes from guard but Bykov blocks nicely.

Bykov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Bykov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A slow jab from Liddell misses its intended target.
Some wild striking there from Liddell.
Bykov moves out of range as Liddell strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bykov throws a right hand that Liddell ducks under and follows up with a left that Liddell also avoids with ease.
Liddell misses with the combination.
Liddell moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Bykov fakes the leg kick and cracks Liddell in the body.
Bykov tries to clinch up but Liddell circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice shot lands for Bykov.
Liddell connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Liddell jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Bykov slips under a jab.
Bykov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Bykov tries to clinch but Liddell moves out of range.
A big left from Liddell misses.
Decent striking displayed by Liddell there.
Liddell misses with a straight right.
Liddell throws a lazy right hand but Bykov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Good standup being displayed there by Liddell as he connects with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bykov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Bykov wants to clinch up but Liddell keeps it at a distance.
Bykov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Bykov drops his hands momentarily and Liddell takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Bykov takes one to the chin there.
Liddell throws a right hand that Bykov ducks under and follows up with a left that Bykov also avoids with ease.
Bykov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Liddell swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Bykov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Jab, jab by Liddell - just one landing.
Bykov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Liddell.
Liddell throws a combination. Bykov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Liddell misses with a series of wild punches.
Liddell looks to land a combination. Bykov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Bykov slips under a jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Liddell misses the target.
Nice defenses there by Bykov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bykov slips under a jab.
Bykov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Bykov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Liddell.
Liddell lands with an uppercut that bounces Bykov off the cage and back into rage.

Bykov moves into the clinch.
Bykov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Liddell is looking to break free of the clinch but Bykov has double underhooks.
Bykov wants a takedown.
Liddell is trying to force a seperation but Bykov has the dominant position.
Liddell tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Bykov smiles and moves away.
Randy Liddell seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Liddell throws a jab but it's blocked by Bykov.
Bykov fails to land the takedown.
Bykov shoots in and drives through. Liddell sprawls well.
Bykov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Liddell.
Liddell defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Bykov.
Bykov is breathing heavily.
Liddell throws an overhand right that lands on Bykov's shoulder, as Bykov tries to avoid the shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Randy Liddell dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Liddell misses with a hook. Bykov ducked under it nicely.
Liddell looks to land a left hand but Bykov moved out of range nicely.
Liddell throws a hook to the side of Bykov's head but Bykov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Liddell throws a combination that misses

and Bykov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Bykov.

Bykov drops back looking for a leg! Liddell is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Liddell manages to kick Bykov off! Bykov jumps back into Liddell's guard.
Liddell looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Bykov is standing up over Liddell. Liddell looks to escape but Bykov dives into side control.
Bykov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Liddell is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Liddell can't do much from the bottom here.
Bykov grinds an elbow into Liddell's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Liddell holds on tight, trying to prevent any damage.
Liddell wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!

Bykov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Bykov cracks Liddell with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Bykov working the body and head with strikes.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Liddell avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Bykov.
Bykov cracks Liddell with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Bykov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

Bykov has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Liddell pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Liddell looks to throw the jab but Bykov is out of range.
Liddell throws the left hand but Bykov avoids the punch easily.
Bykov ducks under a wild hook from Liddell.
Liddell misses with a looping right.
Bykov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Bykov shoots in for a takedown but Liddell shows good takedown defense.
Bykov shoots for a double leg takedown but Liddell sprawls well. He's pushed Bykov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Bykov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Liddell.
Liddell throws a jab but it's blocked by Bykov.
Bykov walks into a straight right hand from Liddell.
Liddell misses with an uppercut.
Bykov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Some wild striking there from Liddell.
Liddell smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Alexey Bykov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bykov fails with the takedown.
Randy Liddell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexey Bykov.
Liddell connects with a crisp jab.
Liddell throws an overhand right that lands on Bykov's shoulder, as Bykov tries to avoid the shot.
Liddell misses with a series of wild punches.
Bykov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Liddell misses with an uppercut.
Liddell throws a big shot that misses.
Bykov ducks under a wild hook from Liddell.
Liddell throws a series of punches but Bykov avoids them all with ease.
Liddell stuffs the takedown.
A jab from Liddell misses.
Liddell misses with a hook. Bykov ducked under it nicely.
Liddell throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bykov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Bykov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Bykov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Liddell.
Bykov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Liddell 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.
Bykov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Liddell works the jab nicely.
Liddell swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Liddell misses with a jab, cross combination.
Liddell is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bykov.
Bykov slips under a jab.
Liddell misses with a looping right.
Liddell misses with a wild combination.
A left lands for Liddell.

Bykov forces Liddell back against the cage and clinches.
Liddell tries to break free but Bykov pushes him back against the cage.
Liddell wants to break the clinch but can't.

Bykov manages to break the clinch.
Bykov slips under a jab.
Bykov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexey Bykov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bykov 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 28:29
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexey Bykov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Shane Tanner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Moises Mir (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tanner comes to the cage accompanied by Billy Idol's Rebel Yell. Moises Mir has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Tanner
vs
Mir

170 cm
27
175 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

187 cm
21
170 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shane Tanner!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Moises Mir!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mir fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Tanner sprawls well initially but Mir persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Tanner trying to control from the bottom.
Tanner misses with some strikes from the bottom.

Tanner pushes Mir off and gets back to his feet.
Mir tries to clinch but Tanner moves out of range.
Tanner tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Mir swivels and escapes.

Tanner gets the takedown into side control.
Mir manages to work his way to half guard, despite Tanner's best efforts.
Mir trying to control here.
Mir tries to get to full guard but Tanner has control of the leg.
Tanner not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Mir blocking the ground and pound attempt from Tanner.
Mir makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Mir.
Mir manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Tanner tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
You get the feeling that Tanner really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Tanner is breathing heavily.
The referee warns Tanner that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Mir connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Tanner tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Mir landing strikes from the mount.
Mir postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Tanner looks a forlorn figure.
Mir can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Tanner is looking to escape.
Mir might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Tanner kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Mir lands a big elbow.
Tanner is trying to escape the mount.
Mir working the ground and pound effectively.
Tanner is bucking up trying to escape but Mir cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

Tanner is rocked!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Mir connects with a bit shot that sees Tanner covering up! More strikes from Mir and the referee jumps in to stop the fight! Mir is our winner by TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Moises Mir!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lazar Nimirov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sergei Fedorov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lazar Nimirov has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Nimirov
vs
Fedorov

195 cm
23
211 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

166 cm
19
197 lbs
4 - 6 - 1

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

STEEL PENN NUTRITION - STEEL RESERVE 158+ ONLY$89

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lazar Nimirov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 6 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergei Fedorov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Ivan Kurochkin and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nimirov lands a left and a right that send Fedorov crashing to the mat, dazed. Nimirov thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

It looks like Sergei Fedorov has been cut.
Fedorov looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
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!
A solid leg kick lands there for Nimirov.
Fedorov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Nimirov. Nimirov obviously looking to wear him down.
Nimirov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Ohhhhhhhhhh, brutal head kick from Nimirov! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:14 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Head Kick). Lazar Nimirov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleksander Emelianenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Basil Dixon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Emelianenko might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Soviet March. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Emelianenko
vs
Dixon

199 cm
24
253 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

185 cm
22
225 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Enjoys gardening

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Aleksander Emelianenko!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Basil Dixon!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Vladimir Khabensky and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Emelianenko looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Emelianenko shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Dixon sprawls well. Dixon wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Emelianenko gets slowly back to his feet.
Emelianenko shoots in looking for a takedown. Dixon tries to sprawl out of it but Emelianenko keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Dixon manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Emelianenko scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Emelianenko wants to stand up but Dixon is controlling the position.
Dixon is looking to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Dixon reverses the position - he's now on top in Emelianenko's guard.

Dixon is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Emelianenko is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Emelianenko has escaped and now he's on top!
Emelianenko missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two 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.
Dixon wants to sweep here but Emelianenko controlling him for the moment.
Emelianenko looking to sit in guard and control but Dixon gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Dixon is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Emelianenko is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Emelianenko has escaped and now he's on top!
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Dixon is on top in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Dixon advances to half guard.
Emelianenko wants to control but Dixon is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Emelianenko is trying to stand.
Emelianenko is looking to improve his position.
Emelianenko pushes Dixon off looking to stand but Dixon dives back in and keeps control.

Emelianenko is defending against the submission attempts here by Dixon.
Emelianenko wants to improve his position but Dixon is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Dixon seems to be looking for submissions.

Emelianenko makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

Emelianenko lands a left and a right that send Dixon crashing to the mat, dazed. Emelianenko thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

It looks like Basil Dixon has been cut.
Emelianenko is trying hard to land a takedown here. Dixon sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksander Emelianenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Emelianenko tries to clinch up but Dixon circles away and keeps his distance.
Nice sprawl there from Dixon as Emelianenko shoots in.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A jab from Dixon misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aleksander Emelianenko dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Basil Dixon's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Emelianenko wants to clinch.
Dixon throws a leg kick but Emelianenko sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Emelianenko fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Dixon avoids it really well and circles away.
Emelianenko fails with a takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A jab lands there for Emelianenko.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Dixon as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Aleksander Emelianenko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Emelianenko closes this distance looking for a takedown but Dixon circles away.
Emelianenko shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Dixon pinned against the cage. Dixon gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Emelianenko looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Dixon is fending him off so far but Emelianenko persists. Nope, Dixon circles away and we're back to standing.

That's two 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.
Nice takedown defense from Emelianenko. No joy for Dixon on that attempt.
Emelianenko wants to clinch up but Dixon keeps it at a distance.
Emelianenko misses with a double jab.
Emelianenko tries to clinch up.
Emelianenko with a poor takedown

and Dixon counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Dixon.

Emelianenko had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Dixon defends it easily.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Dixon drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Dixon jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Dixon thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

Dixon drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Emelianenko dives on top into guard.
Emelianenko knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Dixon on the ground.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Emelianenko postures up and lands a big shot to Dixon's brow.
Emelianenko is in close to Dixon's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Dixon utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Emelianenko is looking to stand up but Dixon won't let him.
Emelianenko sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Dixon manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Emelianenko manages to get himself to full guard.

Dixon thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Dixon stands and throws Emelianenko's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Emelianenko struggling a bit here.
Emelianenko on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Emelianenko tries to get out of the position.

Dixon is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Emelianenko is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Basil Dixon showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Basil Dixon's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Emelianenko tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Dixon swivels and escapes.
Emelianenko tries to clinch but Dixon moves away

and Dixon counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.

Dixon drops back looking for a leg! Emelianenko is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Emelianenko manages to kick Dixon off! Dixon jumps back into Emelianenko's guard.
Emelianenko is trying to control the position but Dixon postures up.
Emelianenko is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Emelianenko controls Dixon momentarily but Dixon frees himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Emelianenko manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Dixon manages to get himself to full guard.
Emelianenko working some strikes from top position.
Emelianenko trying to stand up but can't free himself from Dixon's guard.

Dixon is working for submissions here. He's thrown up his legs looking for a tringle but Emelianenko frees his head nicely. Oh but Dixon has switched to an armbar! Emelianenko is tapping furiously! Lovely submission there!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Armbar). Basil Dixon!
Basil Dixon is the new heavyweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
82%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Asterix Njord (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Reilly Bell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Njord comes to the cage accompanied by Everything Will Be Alright. Reilly Bell will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Njord
vs
Bell

156 cm
25
153 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

173 cm
21
150 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Future Pharmaceuticals (144 Recovery for $15)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Asterix Njord!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Reilly Bell!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Igor Prikhodko and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A swing and a miss from Njord.

Njord shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Bell napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Bell tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Bell is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

Njord tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Njord has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Njord wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Bell, who protects the arm well.
Bell is trying to control Njord's posture but Njord avoids it.
Bell is trying to improve his position.
Bell manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Njord is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Bell sees it coming and defends easily.
Bell trying to control from the bottom.

Njord is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Bell has managed to free his arm - good work.
Bell won't allow Njord to pass to mount.
Bell wants to improve his position but Njord is controlling well.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Njord tries to bum rush Bell with a series of wild strikes but Bell uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Njord throws a hook but Bell blocks it.
Bell misses with a takedown attempt - Njord sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Bell attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Bell throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Njord on the side of the head.
Njord tries to bum rush Bell with a series of wild strikes but Bell uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Njord scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Bell is pressing down on Njord's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Bell throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Bell is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Njord trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Bell looking to control.
Njord stops Bell from standing up.
Njord trying to control but Bell is working from the bottom.
Njord tries to free his leg and advance position but Bell is retaining full guard.
Njord looking to sit in guard and control but Bell gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Njord wants to get back to his feet but Bell is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Njord takes a swing at Bell's ribcage but misses.
Bell throws a combination that misses

and Njord counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Njord is breathing heavily.
Bell is trying to stand.
Njord performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Bell gets back to full guard.
Bell looking for a sweep. Not yet Bell, not yet.
Njord wants to control from the top but Bell keeps moving.
Bell looking to hit a scissor sweep but Njord is one step ahead there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Njord wants to stand but Bell has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Njord looking to pass the guard.
Bell is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

Bell is looking for a triangle here but Njord uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.
Bell can't do much from the bottom here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Asterix Njord dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Bell tries to clinch there but Njord circles away.
Bell showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Njord.
Bell misses with a straight right.
Njord wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Njord displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Bell.
Bell fails with the takedown

and Njord counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Bell!

Njord is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Bell is surviving well by controlling Njord's body position as best he can.
Njord tries to control but Bell wriggling away.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bell tries to hold on but Njord pushes him away.
Bell is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Njord lands a big shot there that rocks Bell but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Njord wants to control the pace but Bell is squirming around nicely.

Njord gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
Njord punishes Bell's body with a nice straight punch.

Njord shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Njord showed some decent athleticism there.

Njord is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Bell sees it coming and defends easily.
Njord trying to control from Bell's half guard. Bell has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

Njord postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Bell is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Njord, into his guard.
Njord utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Bell drops back looking for a leg! Njord is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Njord manages to kick Bell off! Bell jumps back into Njord's guard.
Njord has a closed guard, preventing Bell from standing up.

Bell avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Bell wants to stand but Njord has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Njord pushes a forearm under Bell's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Bell is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:05 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Asterix Njord!
Asterix Njord retains his lightweight title!