PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Wladimir Antalajev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ryan McCarthy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McCarthy has chosen False Pretense as his entrance music. Ryan McCarthy will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Antalajev
vs
McCarthy

185 cm
18
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

225 cm
18
130 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Wladimir Antalajev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Ryan McCarthy!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Antalajev shoots in but McCarthy avoids the takedown attempt easily.
McCarthy swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Antalajev.

It looks like Wladimir Antalajev has been cut.
A head kick misses from Antalajev.
Antalajev walks into a straight right hand from McCarthy.
McCarthy shoots in for a takedown but Antalajev shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Antalajev fails to land the takedown.
Antalajev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Antalajev scores a takedown into full mount!
McCarthy tries to lock up and control but Antalajev gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
McCarthy takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Antalajev trying to control but McCarthy is having none of it.
McCarthy working to try and regain half guard.
Antalajev knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for McCarthy on the ground.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Antalajev throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Antalajev throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McCarthy is looking to get to half guard.
McCarthy is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Antalajev looking to control and managing it successfully.
McCarthy sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
McCarthy is trying to stand back up but Antalajev is controlling him
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McCarthy missing with punches from the bottom.
Antalajev wants to stand up but McCarthy has a hold of him and won't allow it.
Antalajev is breathing heavily.
The fighters are battling for position here. McCarthy manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
McCarthy 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.
Antalajev passes McCarthy's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
McCarthy moves into full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Antalajev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Antalajev stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McCarthy swivels though and keeps the full guard.
McCarthy tries to land a sweep but no joy.
McCarthy is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Antalajev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
McCarthy throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Antalajev trying to control the position from guard on top but McCarthy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Antalajev takes a jab right on the kisser.
A right-left combo lands from McCarthy.
Antalajev slips a jab and a cross from McCarthy.
McCarthy scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
McCarthy stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and McCarthy wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wladimir Antalajev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McCarthy comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Antalajev throws a right and a left that McCarthy avoids nicely.
McCarthy swings for the body but Antalajev moves out of range.
McCarthy dives in and grabs Antalajev's left leg, looking for a takedown. Antalajev pushes down on McCarthy's head and hops out.
McCarthy throws a series of strikes that have Antalajev backpedaling.
Antalajev tries to close the distance and clinch but McCarthy swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ryan McCarthy seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Antalajev takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
A thudding body kick lands there by Antalajev!
McCarthy tries for a takedown but Antalajev sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Antalajev really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
McCarthy changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Antalajev shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McCarthy but McCarthy pushes him off and we're back to square one.
McCarthy blocks a head kick by Antalajev.

Antalajev shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Antalajev was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Antalajev lands with some strikes.
Antalajev looking to control but McCarthy is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
McCarthy regains half guard.
McCarthy throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan McCarthy dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Wladimir Antalajev's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Antalajev fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with McCarthy, pushing him back against the cage.
McCarthy tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
McCarthy tries to break the clinch but Antalajev is controlling the position.
Antalajev tries to pull guard but McCarthy won't allow it.

Antalajev's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Antalajev fails to land the takedown.
McCarthy throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
McCarthy stuffs the takedown attempt from Antalajev. Antalajev gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wladimir Antalajev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McCarthy lands a nice shot to the body.
McCarthy lands with a good body shot.
Wladimir Antalajev is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

McCarthy rushes Antalajev and presses him up against the cage.
McCarthy has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

McCarthy jumps guard.
Antalajev preventing the sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Antalajev trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Antalajev wants to control from the top but McCarthy keeps moving.
McCarthy is trying to control the position but Antalajev postures up.
Antalajev trying to control the position from guard on top but McCarthy is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Antalajev wants to stand but McCarthy is controlling his posture from full guard.
Antalajev trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McCarthy lands a slapping body shot.
Antalajev misses with a low kick.
A punch combination from McCarthy misses.

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

Antalajev closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Antalajev pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Antalajev dodges the punch combination from McCarthy.
Antalajev slips a jab and a cross from McCarthy.
Left hook, right uppercut from McCarthy.
McCarthy throws a left and a right that both miss
and Antalajev counters with a nice kick to the body.
Antalajev fails with a takedown attempt.
McCarthy throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Antalajev takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Antalajev drives through and clinches with McCarthy against the cage.
Antalajev can't get the takedown.

Antalajev manages to break the clinch.
Antalajev tries for a takedown but McCarthy sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy throws a leg kick

and Antalajev counters by clinching up.

Antalajev breaks the clinch.
Antalajev closes this distance looking for a takedown but McCarthy circles away.
Antalajev throws a hook to the side of McCarthy's head but McCarthy sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McCarthy cracks a nice hook into Antalajev's ribs.
McCarthy misses with a head kick.
No luck for Antalajev with that takedown attempt.
McCarthy stuffs the takedown attempt from Antalajev. Antalajev gets slowly back to his feet.
The fight stays on the outside here - Antalajev looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
McCarthy avoids the head kick by Antalajev.
McCarthy throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Antalajev.

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.
McCarthy closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Antalajev misses with a double jab
and McCarthy counters with a two punch combo.
Antalajev scores with a kick to the midsection.

Antalajev drives through and clinches with McCarthy against the cage.
Antalajev has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. McCarthy avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
McCarthy prevents the takedown attempt.
Antalajev drops down looking for an ankle pick but McCarthy pulls his leg out and moves away.
Good standup being displayed there by McCarthy as he connects with a hook.
Antalajev shoots for a takedown but McCarthy saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Antalajev fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Antalajev takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ryan McCarthy showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Wladimir Antalajev's cut.
That's time! Antalajev's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

No luck with that takedown attempt from Antalajev.
McCarthy blocks a head kick by Antalajev.
McCarthy is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Antalajev rather than just go for the knockout.
Antalajev keeps the fight on the outside.
McCarthy falls off balance throwing a combination
and Antalajev counters with a left and a right that stings McCarthy.
McCarthy is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
McCarthy scores with a one two! Antalajev had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Antalajev takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Nice shot by McCarthy.

McCarthy clinches with his opponent.
McCarthy wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

Antalajev breaks from the clinch.
Antalajev avoids the head kick by McCarthy.
No luck for Antalajev with that takedown attempt.
Antalajev closes this distance looking for a takedown but McCarthy circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wladimir Antalajev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for McCarthy.
McCarthy misses with a low kick as Antalajev jumps back.
McCarthy throws a sloppy head kick and Antalajev moves out of range easily.
McCarthy shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Antalajev as he avoids it easily.
McCarthy misses with a body kick.
McCarthy throws a shot to the body.
McCarthy lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Antalajev circles away quickly and effectively.
Antalajev drops his hands momentarily and McCarthy takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A nice combination there by McCarthy.
McCarthy throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
McCarthy has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Antalajev wants to clinch.

Antalajev has closed the distance and engaged McCarthy in a clinch.

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.
Antalajev fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Antalajev manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Antalajev tries for a takedown. No joy.
McCarthy tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Antalajev fails to pull guard.
McCarthy is looking to break free of the clinch but Antalajev has double underhooks.

Antalajev's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
McCarthy tries to close the distance and clinch but Antalajev swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
McCarthy tries to bum rush Antalajev with a series of wild strikes but Antalajev uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
McCarthy doesn't manage to clinch there - Antalajev circles away.
Antalajev throws a combination. McCarthy tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
McCarthy scores with a jab to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McCarthy lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
McCarthy rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Antalajev moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Decent striking displayed by McCarthy there.
Antalajev shoots for a double leg takedown but McCarthy sprawls well. He's pushed Antalajev's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
McCarthy is trying to break free.

McCarthy jumps guard and drags Antalajev to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
McCarthy throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

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

McCarthy working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Antalajev doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Antalajev manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
McCarthy tries to strike from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

McCarthy is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Antalajev with a nice head shot there.
Antalajev wants to control from the top but McCarthy keeps moving.
Antalajev looking to pass the guard.
McCarthy is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Wladimir Antalajev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Antalajev might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
McCarthy landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ryan McCarthy comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got McCarthy winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Andi Peters scores the fight 27:30
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ryan McCarthy!