PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Katsu Higashikuni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert Zhirkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Higashikuni
vs
Zhirkov

162 cm
25
146 lbs
10 - 5 - 0

180 cm
35
141 lbs
26 - 13 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

ADCC Champion
World class boxer
Good gas tank

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Brute

Reaper Combatwear
Brute

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 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Katsu Higashikuni!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Robert Zhirkov!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Taro Takaoka and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a takedown. Zhirkov tries to sprawl out of it but Higashikuni keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Zhirkov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Higashikuni fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
A shot to the liver by Zhirkov. Beautiful body shot.
Higashikuni slips a straight right by Zhirkov.
Zhirkov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Higashikuni.
Zhirkov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

Higashikuni shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Higashikuni has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Zhirkov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Zhirkov tries to reverse the position but Higashikuni maintains control.
Higashikuni avoids the attempt from Zhirkov to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zhirkov is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Higashikuni is staying active.
Higashikuni throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Zhirkov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Higashikuni avoids the attempt from Zhirkov to control.
Zhirkov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Higashikuni landing punches.
Higashikuni thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Zhirkov avoids a series of strikes thrown by Higashikuni.
Zhirkov working to try and regain half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Higashikuni trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Zhirkov takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Zhirkov is in all sorts of trouble here.
Higashikuni has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni raining down shots from the mount!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Higashikuni raining down shots from the mount!
The referee warns Zhirkov that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Higashikuni thowing shots but they're missing.
Higashikuni landing strikes from the mount and Zhirkov is in trouble!
Zhirkov tries to hold on but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni with the ground and pound from mount.
Zhirkov tries to reverse the position but Higashikuni maintains control.
Zhirkov taking shots to the head.

Higashikuni is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Zhirkov has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Higashikuni raining down shots from the mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni with good strikes from the mount here!

Zhirkov is rocked!
Higashikuni misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Higashikuni looking to land elbow strikes but Zhirkov uses the position to regain half guard.
Higashikuni trying to control from half guard but Zhirkov is working away.
Zhirkov tries to roll over but Higashikuni keeps him under control.
Zhirkov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni tries to pass to full mount but Zhirkov defends it.
Higashikuni seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Zhirkov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws a strike but Zhirkov avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Zhirkov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Higashikuni's guard.
Higashikuni keeping full guard, as Zhirkov tries to pass.
Higashikuni looking to hit a scissor sweep but Zhirkov is one step ahead there.
Zhirkov is working Higashikuni over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Zhirkov seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Zhirkov trying to control the position from guard on top but Higashikuni is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Higashikuni can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Zhirkov controls the pace.

Robert Zhirkov has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Higashikuni throws a shot from downtown. Zhirkov moves away and avoids it.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Zhirkov. That did some damage!
Higashikuni missing with a left hand there. Zhirkov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Higashikuni misses with a left hand
and Zhirkov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Higashikuni swings for the body but Zhirkov moves out of range.
Higashikuni's corner calls for a 1-2. Higashikuni obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Katsu Higashikuni seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt
and Zhirkov counters with a left to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katsu Higashikuni. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Zhirkov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Higashikuni punishes Zhirkov's body with a nice straight punch.
Zhirkov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Higashikuni on the side of the head.
Higashikuni walks into a left hand.
Higashikuni connects with a good right hand that stumbles Zhirkov. Zhirkov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Zhirkov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Higashikuni moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Zhirkov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Zhirkov connects with a jab.
Higashikuni takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Zhirkov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Higashikuni throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Zhirkov counters with a left and a right that stings Higashikuni.
Zhirkov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Higashikuni fails with a takedown attempt.
Zhirkov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Higashikuni shoots in looking for a takedown but Zhirkov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Higashikuni's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Higashikuni defending well as Zhirkov loads up on a big left hand.
Higashikuni scores with a nice head shot.
Higashikuni loads up on a big right hand but Zhirkov slips the punch.
Higashikuni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zhirkov manages to avoid it.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni cracks the inside of Zhirkov's front leg.
Higashikuni lands a nice leg kick that just misses Zhirkov's sensitive parts.
Zhirkov throws a push kick but Higashikuni slaps the foot to one side.
A jab from Higashikuni misses.
Higashikuni misses with a hook
and Zhirkov counters with a straight right hand.
Higashikuni tries to clinch there but Zhirkov circles away.
Zhirkov misses with an uppercut. Higashikuni saw that one coming.
Higashikuni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zhirkov manages to avoid it.
Higashikuni jabs Zhirkov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Zhirkov staying out of range there.
Zhirkov will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Zhirkov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Zhirkov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni misses with a takedown attempt - Zhirkov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Higashikuni lands a nice leg kick that just misses Zhirkov's sensitive parts.
Higashikuni shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Zhirkov pinned against the cage. Zhirkov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Zhirkov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Higashikuni tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zhirkov was well out of range. Poor timing from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni looks for a takedown but Zhirkov sprawls well.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Higashikuni checks the leg kick nicely there.
Higashikuni misses with a hook. Zhirkov ducked under it nicely.
Zhirkov loads up on a big right hand but Higashikuni slips the punch.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Higashikuni shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Zhirkov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Zhirkov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Higashikuni is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Zhirkov defends it well.
Zhirkov is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Higashikuni wants to advance to full mount but Zhirkov doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.
Zhirkov pulls Higashikuni in to control the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Higashikuni tries to free his leg and advance position but Zhirkov is retaining full guard.
Zhirkov 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.
Zhirkov keeping full guard, as Higashikuni tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katsu Higashikuni dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Higashikuni fails to land the takedown.
Zhirkov scores with a jab.
Zhirkov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Higashikuni. Higashikuni circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Zhirkov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Higashikuni tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Zhirkov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Higashikuni lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Nice body punch from Higashikuni.
A shot to the body from Higashikuni misses
and Zhirkov counters with a nice body shot.
Zhirkov avoids the body shot from Higashikuni.
Zhirkov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Higashikuni.
Zhirkov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Higashikuni.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Higashikuni changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Zhirkov looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Zhirkov gets back to half guard.
Higashikuni is nestled in close to Zhirkov, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Zhirkov tries to roll over but Higashikuni keeps him under control.
Higashikuni has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Zhirkov can't escape the position.
Zhirkov in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov is in all sorts of trouble here.
Zhirkov taking shots to the head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Higashikuni trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Zhirkov in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Higashikuni is trying to control here but Zhirkov has managed to regain half guard.

Higashikuni is working for a kimura but Zhirkov is defending it quite comfortably.
Zhirkov wants to control but Higashikuni is keeping busy.
Higashikuni thows a huge punch but Zhirkov dodges it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov keeping control of the leg, stopping his opponent passing to mount.
Higashikuni not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Higashikuni thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Zhirkov's head.
Higashikuni passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Zhirkov!
Zhirkov taking shots to the head.
Zhirkov tries to reverse the position but Higashikuni maintains control.
Higashikuni in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Zhirkov is desperately trying to improve his position but Higashikuni has a good base and remains in mount.
The referee warns Zhirkov that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Higashikuni can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Zhirkov is looking to escape.
Zhirkov holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Higashikuni tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zhirkov working to try and regain half guard.
Zhirkov wants to control but Higashikuni is having none of it.
Higashikuni landing strikes from the mount.
Zhirkov is wriggling around trying to escape.
Zhirkov manages to work a leg through to get back to half guard here. Good work there by Zhirkov, under a barage of strikes from Higashikuni.
Higashikuni throwing shots but Zhirkov is blocking nicely.
Higashikuni uses his free foot to push down on Zhirkov's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Zhirkov.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Higashikuni working for a guillotine from mount but Zhirkov is in no mood to give up.
Katsu Higashikuni overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Higashikuni throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Higashikuni wants to control but Zhirkov has made it back to half guard. Nice work.
Zhirkov desperately trying to maintain half guard.
Zhirkov regains full guard. Nicely done.
Zhirkov looking for a sweep. Not yet Zhirkov, not yet.
Zhirkov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov is controlling Higashikuni's posture.
Higashikuni might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Zhirkov wants to sweep but no luck.
Higashikuni trying to control but Zhirkov is working from the bottom.
Higashikuni looking to pass the guard.
Higashikuni postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Zhirkov has Higashikuni pulled in close to control his posture.
Higashikuni trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Higashikuni in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zhirkov trying to keep a closed guard but Higashikuni is proving a slippery customer.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Zhirkov looking for a sweep. Not yet Zhirkov, not yet.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Zhirkov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Zhirkov can't keep his opponent in guard - Higashikuni advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Zhirkov trying to control but Higashikuni postures up.
Higashikuni passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Zhirkov!
Higashikuni lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Higashikuni pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Zhirkov is desperately trying to improve his position but Higashikuni has a good base and remains in mount.
Higashikuni is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Zhirkov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Zhirkov is still in real trouble! Can Higashikuni finish him?

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni raining down shots from the mount!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Higashikuni wants to control the pace but Zhirkov is squirming around nicely.
Higashikuni misses with a head shot.
Zhirkov seems to have recovered his senses.
Zhirkov wants to control but Higashikuni is having none of it.
Higashikuni punishing his opponent with strikes.
Zhirkov holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Higashikuni tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
Higashikuni throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Higashikuni with good strikes from the mount here!
Zhirkov tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Higashikuni landing strikes, looking to finish!
Higashikuni breaks from Zhirkov's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Zhirkov tries to hold on but Higashikuni pushes him away.
Zhirkov is breathing heavily.
Higashikuni prevents Zhirkov from getting the reversal.
Zhirkov takes a big shot to the dome and his eyes have rolled back in his head! Higashikuni's killer instinct has kicked in as he finishes the fight with more strikes. Impressive finish.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 9:39 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Katsu Higashikuni!
After winning the bout, Katsu Higashikuni thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.