PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Manny Kumsaloti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark Kermodian (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kermodian has chosen Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kumsaloti
vs
Kermodian

194 cm
31
220 lbs
10 - 1 - 0

185 cm
38
215 lbs
29 - 31 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Zombie Nutrition - LOD

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Manny Kumsaloti!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 31 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mark Kermodian!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Alexandre Firmino and Seu Braga.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kermodian throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kermodian tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kumsaloti swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kumsaloti displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kermodian.
Kumsaloti swats away the attempt to clinch by Kermodian.
Kumsaloti avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Kumsaloti takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kermodian takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kermodian misses with a takedown attempt - Kumsaloti sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Kumsaloti with a nice cross.
Kermodian just misses with a punch to the body.
Kumsaloti blocks a low kick nicely.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kermodian.
Kumsaloti lands a two punch combo.
Mark Kermodian seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kermodian shoots in looking for a takedown but Kumsaloti manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kermodian's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Manny Kumsaloti has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mark Kermodian.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kermodian pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kermodian motions for Kumsaloti to come forward. Kermodian throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

Kermodian moves into range and clinches up with Kumsaloti.
Kermodian misses with a knee to the head.

Kumsaloti breaks the clinch.
Kermodian misses with a takedown
letting Kumsaloti counter with a right hand.
Kumsaloti misses with a few strikes there.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Kumsaloti crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Kermodian - the referee stops the clock and Kumsaloti gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Kermodian. Kumsaloti manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Good work by Kermodian as he checks the leg kick.
Kermodian is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Kumsaloti.
Kermodian moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kermodian has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kumsaloti.
Kumsaloti checks a leg kick nicely.
Kumsaloti changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kermodian uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti throws a combination that misses
and Kermodian counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kumsaloti misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A big left from Kumsaloti misses.
Kumsaloti has a takedown stuffed.
Kermodian shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Kumsaloti slips a jab and a cross from Kermodian.
Nice shot lands for Kermodian.
Kumsaloti shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kermodian but Kermodian pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A head kick misses from Kermodian.
Kermodian misses with the body kick
and Kumsaloti counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kumsaloti avoids the head kick by Kermodian.
Kumsaloti misses with a wild body shot.
Kermodian misses with a low kick as Kumsaloti jumps back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti connects with a nice looking jab.
Kermodian fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kumsaloti lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kumsaloti fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kermodian darts in looking for a takedown but Kumsaloti gets double underhooks and turns Kermodian into the cage.
Kermodian tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kermodian lands a knee to the head.

It looks like Manny Kumsaloti has been cut.
A bit of stalling here from Kermodian.
Kermodian wants to stall.
Kumsaloti changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kermodian fights it off and pushes away nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kermodian throws out the jab.
An inside leg kick from Kermodian misses.
Kermodian doesn't manage to clinch there - Kumsaloti circles away.
Kermodian misses with a head kick.
Kermodian thows a body kick. Kumsaloti tries to catch it but that hurt him.
A cross from Kumsaloti lands.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kermodian throws a sloppy head kick and Kumsaloti moves out of range easily.

Kumsaloti closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Kermodian quickly recovers to half guard.
Kermodian wants to control but Kumsaloti is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kermodian manages to get to full guard.
Kermodian wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mark Kermodian will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Manny Kumsaloti's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kermodian's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kumsaloti connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kermodian scrambles back to his feet.
Kermodian plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Kumsaloti jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
Kumsaloti lands a jab to Kermodian's midsection.
Kermodian swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Manny Kumsaloti is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kermodian throws a head kick that half lands.
Kumsaloti tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kermodian feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kumsaloti's calf.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kumsaloti misses with a double jab.
Kermodian walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kumsaloti checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Good exchange - Kermodian coming out on top.
Kermodian takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kermodian looks to land a right hand but Kumsaloti moved out of range.
Kermodian uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kumsaloti.
Kumsaloti keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Kumsaloti does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumsaloti avoids a kick to the body.
An inside leg kick lands from Kermodian.
An inside leg kick lands from Kermodian.
Kermodian moves in looking to clinch but Kumsaloti pushes him off.
Kumsaloti rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kermodian moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kermodian rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kumsaloti moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kermodian misses with a hook.
Kermodian dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kumsaloti. That did some damage!
Mark Kermodian seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kumsaloti keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kermodian tries to land a leg kick but Kumsaloti saw it coming and moves away.
Kumsaloti with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kumsaloti bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kermodian walks into a left hand.
Kermodian throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A telegraphed right hand from Kermodian misses the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kermodian tries to land a leg kick but Kumsaloti saw it coming and moves away.
Kermodian throws a chopping leg kick but Kumsaloti manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kermodian scores with a jab to the jaw.
Kermodian throws a hook but Kumsaloti blocks it.
Horrible takedown by Kermodian or perhaps it was just good defense by Kumsaloti which made him look bad.
Kermodian connects with a high kick.
Kermodian tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kumsaloti paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kermodian takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kumsaloti is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Kumsaloti misses with a few strikes there.
Kermodian tries to close the distance and clinch but Kumsaloti swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kumsaloti lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kumsaloti moves out of range of the leg kick from Kermodian.
Kermodian looks to land a right hand but Kumsaloti moved out of range.
Kumsaloti punishes Kermodian's body with a nice straight punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti scores with a jab to the body.
Kumsaloti throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kermodian throws a low kick but Kumsaloti avoids it.
Kermodian wants to clinch.
Kermodian wants to slow Kumsaloti down by chopping away at his legs.
Kermodian throws a solid leg kick but Kumsaloti takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kermodian.
Kumsaloti scores with a jab to the body.
A head kick misses from Kumsaloti.
Kermodian checks the leg kick.
Kermodian with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kumsaloti keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Kumsaloti misses the shot to the body.
Kumsaloti misses with a head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kermodian throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kumsaloti throws a combination that misses
and Kermodian counters with a nice body shot.
Kermodian throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kermodian looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kermodian jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kumsaloti will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Kumsaloti gets a takedown into half guard.
Kermodian tries to roll over but Kumsaloti keeps him under control.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kumsaloti keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Mark Kermodian will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Manny Kumsaloti's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kumsaloti blocks a head kick by Kermodian.
Kermodian doesn't manage to clinch there - Kumsaloti circles away.
Kumsaloti scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kumsaloti fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kumsaloti misses with the combination.
Kermodian just misses with a punch to the body.
Kumsaloti connects with a jab.
Kermodian misses with a head kick.
Kumsaloti connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Donk. Kumsaloti catches Kermodian right on the button with a cross.

Kumsaloti takes the fight into the clinch.
Come on Kermodian - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kermodian is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kumsaloti is keeping busy.
Kermodian stalling against the cage.
Kermodian looking to slow down the pace here.
Kermodian holding his opponent close, against the cage.

That's two 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.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Mark Kermodian.
Kermodian shoots in for a takedown but Kumsaloti shows good takedown defense.
Kumsaloti checks a leg kick.
Kumsaloti fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Kumsaloti shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Kumsaloti throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kumsaloti wants to free his trapped foot but Kermodian is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kumsaloti trying to control from Kermodian's half guard. Kermodian has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Kumsaloti landing some decent shots from guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kermodian keeping full guard, as Kumsaloti tries to pass.
Kumsaloti throws a big elbow that misses.
Kermodian is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kumsaloti preventing the sweep.
Kumsaloti throws a big elbow that misses.
Kumsaloti postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Kermodian is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Kumsaloti with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti preventing the sweep.
Kumsaloti with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kumsaloti postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kermodian tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kermodian takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kumsaloti trying to control the position from guard on top but Kermodian is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kumsaloti tries to free his leg and advance position but Kermodian is retaining full guard.
Kumsaloti stands and throws Kermodian's legs to the side, diving into side control.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kumsaloti working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Kermodian is not content to let Kumsaloti control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Kumsaloti clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Manny Kumsaloti's cut.
That's time! Kumsaloti's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kermodian shoots in looking for a takedown. Kumsaloti tries to sprawl out of it but Kermodian keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kumsaloti manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kermodian throws a head kick that misses.
Kermodian misses with a low kick.
Kumsaloti lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kermodian throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kermodian misses with a body shot.
Kumsaloti throws a right and a left that Kermodian avoids nicely.
Kumsaloti blocks a jab.
A clash of legs there as Kumsaloti blocks the low kick.
Kermodian throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A big left from Kermodian misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumsaloti scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kumsaloti moves out of range of the strikes.
Kumsaloti scores with a nice strike.
Kermodian throws a chopping leg kick but Kumsaloti manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kumsaloti blocks a head kick by Kermodian.
Kermodian is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Kermodian misses with a hook. Kumsaloti ducked under it nicely.
Kumsaloti with a hook.
Kumsaloti tests Kermodian's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kumsaloti checks a low kick from Kermodian.
Kumsaloti throws a series of strikes that have Kermodian backpedaling.
Kermodian misses with a low kick.
Kumsaloti throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kermodian.
Kermodian looks to score with a jab to the body but Kumsaloti is just out of range.
Kermodian has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Kumsaloti.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kermodian is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kumsaloti's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Kermodian wants to improve his position but Kumsaloti is controlling well.
Kumsaloti scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kumsaloti wants to take a breather but Kermodian is having none of it.
Kumsaloti thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kumsaloti takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

Kumsaloti looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Kermodian is pressing down on Kumsaloti's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kermodian keeping moving, preventing Kumsaloti from controlling successfully.

Kermodian working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kumsaloti doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kumsaloti manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kermodian working a defensive guard here.
Manny Kumsaloti overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kermodian keeping full guard, as Kumsaloti tries to pass.
Kumsaloti trying to control the position from guard on top but Kermodian is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kumsaloti postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kumsaloti throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kermodian works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kumsaloti tries to free his leg and advance position but Kermodian is retaining full guard.
Kumsaloti scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Kermodian not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Manny Kumsaloti had his way with Mark Kermodian in that round.
The cut man is working on Manny Kumsaloti's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Kumsaloti connects with a body shot.
Kumsaloti is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kumsaloti connects with a leg kick. Kermodian looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Kermodian throws a low kick but Kumsaloti avoids it.
A good leg kick by Kermodian.
Kermodian walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Kumsaloti uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kermodian.
Kermodian scores with a jab to the body.
Kumsaloti avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kumsaloti wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kermodian shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kumsaloti sprawls well. Kumsaloti wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kermodian gets slowly back to his feet.
Sloppy strikes from Kumsaloti. Those never looked like landing.
Kumsaloti lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An inside leg kick lands from Kumsaloti.
Kumsaloti stuffs the takedown.
A right-left combo lands from Kermodian.
Kermodian is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Kermodian fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kermodian tries a head kick but it misses.
Kermodian lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Kermodian throws a head kick that misses.
Kermodian is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kumsaloti lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Kermodian takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kumsaloti misses with a body shot.
Kermodian throws a head kick that misses
and Kumsaloti connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kumsaloti bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kumsaloti lands the left hand.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sloppy strikes from Kumsaloti. Those never looked like landing.
Kermodian throws a jab when Kumsaloti was well out of range.
Kermodian thows a leg kick but Kumsaloti checks it
and Kumsaloti counters with a series of strikes. Kermodian will be more careful next time no doubt.
Kumsaloti pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kermodian scores with a shot to the body.

Kumsaloti closes the distance and clinches.
Kumsaloti can't break the clinch.
Kermodian avoiding damage.
Kermodian lands an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kermodian looking to throw knees to the head but Kumsaloti is blocking nicely.
Nice body punch from Kumsaloti - that landed with a thud.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Kumsaloti misses with a punch to the body.
Kermodian will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Kumsaloti up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kermodian with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kumsaloti is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Kermodian is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Kermodian tries a knee to the head but Kumsaloti blocks it.
Kermodian lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kermodian content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Kermodian misses with a hook to the ribs.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Manny Kumsaloti.
I think Kumsaloti has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 48:47
Judge Seu Braga scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Manny Kumsaloti!