PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Boyko Kersikov (ranked 49 p4p, 189 weight class) and Rodrigo Carioni (ranked 6 p4p, 24 weight class). Kersikov comes to the cage accompanied by Sefa - God's Plan. Boyko Kersikov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Rodrigo Carioni's chin.

Kersikov
vs
Carioni

184 cm
33
189
20 - 7 - 2

188 cm
28
202
15 - 8 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Fast

Kersikov's Vitamin Clinic (160)
NARCOS

NARCOS
Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 7 - 2, fighting out of New York, Boyko Kersikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Rodrigo Carioni!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Don Winkell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kersikov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A telegraphed right hand from Carioni misses the target.
Kersikov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Kersikov tries to move into range but Carioni moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kersikov slips a jab from Carioni.
Carioni misses with a hook
and Kersikov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

It looks like Rodrigo Carioni has been cut.
Kersikov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Carioni throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kersikov counters with a thumping low kick.
Carioni throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kersikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Kersikov misses the target.
Carioni scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Carioni tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Carioni moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kersikov misses with a wild body shot.
Kersikov looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov looks for the body kick but Carioni saw that one coming.
Carioni throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Carioni swings away with a body shot that misses
and Kersikov counters with a straight right hand.
Carioni throws a right hand that misses

and Kersikov counters with a nice right hand that sends Carioni toppling to the canvas! Carioni scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Kersikov finish him?!

Carioni is rocked!
Kersikov is stalking Carioni. Carioni circles to his left. Keeps circling left. Bam! Straight right from Kersikov, and it's lights out! Carioni really payed the price for that rookie mistake.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Boyko Kersikov!
Boyko Kersikov retains his middleweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Boyko Kersikov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.