PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Fou Rthihovsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khalil Zidane (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rthihovsky's entrance music is That Smell - Lynyrd Skynyrd. A fine choice. Zidane has chosen Tool - Jimmy as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rthihovsky
vs
Zidane

165 cm
28
135 lbs
13 - 3 - 1

178 cm
27
143 lbs
13 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Black Hand Fight Gear & Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Fou Rthihovsky!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Khalil Zidane!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Damien Edna and Donatello Bradman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rthihovsky swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rthihovsky tries to land a leg kick but Zidane saw it coming and moves away.
Rthihovsky on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Zidane loads up on a big right hand but Rthihovsky slips the punch.
Rthihovsky gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

Rthihovsky throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Zidane tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Rthihovsky is in Zidane's guard.
Rthihovsky trying to control but Zidane is working from the bottom.
Rthihovsky is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Zidane is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Rthihovsky throwing strikes from guard but Zidane blocks nicely.
Rthihovsky not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rthihovsky prevents Zidane from getting back to his feet.
Zidane can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Rthihovsky controls the pace.

We're going to have a standup here because Fou Rthihovsky wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Rthihovsky ducks under a wild hook from Zidane.

Rthihovsky instigates a clinch.
Rthihovsky tries to pull guard but Zidane holds him up against the cage and eventually Rthihovsky drops back down to his feet.
Rthihovsky fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A frustrated look appears on Zidane's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Zidane can't break the clinch.
Rthihovsky tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zidane's elbow.
Rthihovsky misses with a punch to the body.
Zidane is trying to break the clinch but Rthihovsky is controlling him.
Rthihovsky lands an uppercut.
Rthihovsky misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zidane wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Rthihovsky has him pressed against the cage.
Rthihovsky tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky scores with a hook to the body.
Rthihovsky lands a left hand that snaps the head of Zidane backwards.
Rthihovsky fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Rthihovsky misses with a hook from the clinch.
Zidane blocks an uppercut.
Zidane prevents a body shot from Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky is working Zidane over against the cage.
Rthihovsky misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rthihovsky pushes Zidane back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Rthihovsky tries to throw a body punch but Zidane avoids it by throwing Rthihovsky back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Rthihovsky lands with a right to the head.
Rthihovsky throws a head punch that misses.
Rthihovsky tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zidane's elbow.
Zidane prevents a body shot from Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Rthihovsky lands a body shot in the clinch.
Rthihovsky tries a body shot but Zidane blocks it.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rthihovsky tries to work over Zidane's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Rthihovsky jumps guard and drags Zidane to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rthihovsky is trying to hold Zidane in close to prevent damage but Zidane has managed to pass into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Rthihovsky drives through and clinches with Zidane against the cage.
Rthihovsky tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Zidane's elbow.
Rthihovsky tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zidane wants to get back to striking at distance but Rthihovsky won't allow it.
Rthihovsky tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Rthihovsky tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Zidane tries to break free but Rthihovsky pushes him back against the cage.
Zidane is trying to force a seperation but Rthihovsky has the dominant position.
Rthihovsky can't find room to land a body shot as Zidane controls the action.
Rthihovsky lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rthihovsky misses with a body punch.

Rthihovsky gets control of Zidane's arms and successfully pulls guard. Rthihovsky will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Rthihovsky looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Zidane passes into half guard.
Rthihovsky manages to get to full guard.

Rthihovsky looking for subs off his back but Zidane has passed one foot through into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky trying to control from the bottom.

Rthihovsky looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Rthihovsky trying to control but Zidane postures up.
Zidane prevents Rthihovsky from improving his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky is trying is best to control the position here.

Rthihovsky looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Rthihovsky looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Rthihovsky is doing well to control the position and prevent Zidane from advancing to side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zidane is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.

Rthihovsky looking for submissions off his back.
Rthihovsky is looking to improve his position.
Zidane is thwarting Rthihovsky's attempts to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Rthihovsky displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Zidane throws out the jab.
Rthihovsky scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Zidane looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Zidane throws a sloppy body shot
and Rthihovsky counters with a good low kick that Zidane was not able to check.
Rthihovsky looks to score with a jab to the body but Zidane is just out of range.
Rthihovsky misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Rthihovsky on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Zidane misses with a low kick.
Zidane takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Zidane attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Zidane is looking to chop away at Rthihovsky's legs.
Zidane turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Zidane motions for Rthihovsky to come forward. Zidane throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

Rthihovsky feints and as Zidane raises his hands in defense, Rthihovsky changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rthihovsky looking to sit in guard and control but Zidane gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Fou Rthihovsky overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rthihovsky working for submissions but it's allowed Zidane to get to half guard.
Rthihovsky is trying to get back to full guard.
Zidane is keen to just control but Rthihovsky is a slippery customer.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rthihovsky looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Rthihovsky gets back to full guard.

Rthihovsky had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zidane defends it easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Rthihovsky working for a triangle but Zidane defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky working a defensive guard here.

Rthihovsky is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Zidane is aware though and is defending well.

Rthihovsky working for a triangle but Zidane defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky pulls Zidane in to control the position.

Rthihovsky looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Rthihovsky is adopting a defensive guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Rthihovsky looking for a guillotine here but Zidane defends easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky clearly takes that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Zidane ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rthihovsky moves away.
Rthihovsky checks the leg kick nicely there.
Rthihovsky takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Nice uppercut lands for Zidane. That snapped Rthihovsky's head back.
Rthihovsky connects with a single shot there.
Zidane is looking to chop away at Rthihovsky's legs.
Zidane thows a left - swing and a miss!
Zidane scores with a leg kick.
Rthihovsky throws a front kick aimed at Zidane's knee but Zidane avoids it well.
Rthihovsky avoids the body shot from Zidane.
Rthihovsky fails with a takedown attempt.
Rthihovsky throws out a loose jab but Zidane uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rthihovsky throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Zidane lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Rthihovsky misses the shot to the body.
Khalil Zidane seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rthihovsky misses the shot to the body.
Zidane throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Zidane thows a body kick. Rthihovsky tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Rthihovsky just misses with a punch to the body.
Rthihovsky misses the shot to the body.
A low kick from Zidane misses

and Rthihovsky counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Rthihovsky scores with a shoulder strike.
Rthihovsky goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Zidane wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Rthihovsky tries a body shot but Zidane blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Zidane has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rthihovsky misses with a shot to the kidneys.

Rthihovsky has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Zidane uses from the top position.

Rthihovsky had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zidane defends it easily.
Rthihovsky is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rthihovsky had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Zidane defends it easily.
Zidane postures up.
Rthihovsky is pulling down on Zidane's head. It's preventing any offense from Zidane, at least for the moment.

Rthihovsky working for a triangle but Zidane defends it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rthihovsky is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Zidane defends well.
Zidane must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Rthihovsky trying to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fou Rthihovsky had his way with Khalil Zidane in that round.
That's time! Rthihovsky's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. And we move into the final round!

Rthihovsky takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Zidane swings for the body but Rthihovsky moves out of range.
Rthihovsky cracks Zidane with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Rthihovsky chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zidane can pounce on him.
Zidane swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rthihovsky throws a body punch but Zidane moves out of range.
Khalil Zidane seems to be getting the better of the standup.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
A shot in the inside from Rthihovsky.
Rthihovsky scores with a shot to the side of Zidane's head.
Zidane is trying to break the clinch but Rthihovsky is controlling him.
Rthihovsky swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zidane blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Rthihovsky pulls guard successfully.

Rthihovsky isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Zidane stacks Rthihovsky on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Zidane!
Zidane tries to stand but Rthihovsky is controlling his head.
Rthihovsky is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Zidane off and has taken his back!
Khalil Zidane has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Fou Rthihovsky is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rthihovsky has good solid back control here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Fou Rthihovsky just wasn't active enough.

Rthihovsky manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Zidane on his heels. He'll look to pass Zidane's guard now, I'm sure.
Rthihovsky stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Zidane swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rthihovsky sitting in guard, not really doing much.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Rthihovsky looking to pass the guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Fou Rthihovsky wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Zidane tries to bum rush Rthihovsky with a series of wild strikes but Rthihovsky uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

And that's the end of the fight!
Fou Rthihovsky showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Rthihovsky, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge John Mangel scores the fight 50:45
Judge Damien Edna scores the fight 50:45
Judge Donatello Bradman scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fou Rthihovsky!
Fou Rthihovsky retains his bantamweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Fou Rthihovsky thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.