PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Diego Russell (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Khru Maokhamphiou (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Russell
vs
Maokhamphiou

186 cm
29
205 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

193 cm
25
210 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Diego Russell!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Khru Maokhamphiou!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Alan Glass and Chris Downing.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Russell shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Maokhamphiou sprawls well. Maokhamphiou wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Russell gets slowly back to his feet.
Russell will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Russell shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Maokhamphiou but Maokhamphiou pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Russell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Russell dives in and grabs Maokhamphiou's left leg, looking for a takedown. Maokhamphiou pushes down on Russell's head and hops out.
Maokhamphiou throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Maokhamphiou has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Russell is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Russell fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Maokhamphiou avoids it really well and circles away.
Russell shoots in but Maokhamphiou avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Russell shoots in but no luck this time.
Russell fails with the takedown.
Maokhamphiou keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russell misses with a takedown attempt - Maokhamphiou sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Russell.
Maokhamphiou stuffs the takedown attempt from Russell. Russell gets slowly back to his feet.
Russell is breathing heavily.
Russell tries to score a power double leg takedown but Maokhamphiou sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Russell somewhat.
No luck for Russell with that takedown attempt.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Maokhamphiou.
Russell tries to score a power double leg takedown but Maokhamphiou sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Russell somewhat.
Maokhamphiou explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou scoring well with a low kick there.
Maokhamphiou is looking to clinch.
Russell fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Maokhamphiou throws a quick inside leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Maokhamphiou throws a nice inside leg kick.
Maokhamphiou throws a leg kick which misses Russell's front leg but catches the back leg as Russell tries to avoid it.
Maokhamphiou lands a front kick.
Maokhamphiou connects with a solid leg kick.
Maokhamphiou connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Russell 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.
Maokhamphiou fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Maokhamphiou lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Russell. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
Maokhamphiou buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Maokhamphiou lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Maokhamphiou fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Maokhamphiou connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A slapping body kick lands there for Maokhamphiou.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Maokhamphiou lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Maokhamphiou throws a quick inside leg kick.
Maokhamphiou delivers a nice body kick.
Maokhamphiou connects with a solid leg kick.
Maokhamphiou fails in his attempt to clinch.
Maokhamphiou scoring well with a low kick there.
Diego Russell seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Maokhamphiou scoring well with a low kick there.
Maokhamphiou with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A nice leg kick lands there from Maokhamphiou.
Russell takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Maokhamphiou tries to close the distance and clinch but Russell swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Russell shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Maokhamphiou as he avoids it easily.
Maokhamphiou connects with a solid leg kick.
Russell is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.

Maokhamphiou instigates a clinch.

Maokhamphiou breaks from the clinch.
Maokhamphiou connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

Maokhamphiou moves into the clinch successfully.

Maokhamphiou manages to break the clinch.
Maokhamphiou bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Maokhamphiou defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Russell.
Maokhamphiou moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Maokhamphiou scores with a kick to the midsection.
Russell shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Maokhamphiou as he jumps to the side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khru Maokhamphiou dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Maokhamphiou can't find room to land a body shot as Russell controls the action.
Maokhamphiou lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Maokhamphiou goes for a takedown in the clinch but Russell prevents it.
Maokhamphiou lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Russell or not.
Russell will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Maokhamphiou lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Russell.
Maokhamphiou misses with a body punch.

Maokhamphiou breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Russell tries for a takedown but Maokhamphiou sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Russell 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.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A chopping leg kick lands by Maokhamphiou.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Maokhamphiou moves into range and clinches up with Russell.
Maokhamphiou tries to score a body lock takedown but Russell shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Maokhamphiou breaks the clinch.
Maokhamphiou throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Russell on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Maokhamphiou. Maokhamphiou obviously looking to wear him down.
Maokhamphiou scoring well with a low kick there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Maokhamphiou scores with a kick to the body.
Maokhamphiou lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Maokhamphiou tries to clinch up but Russell circles away and keeps his distance.
Maokhamphiou scores with a kick to the midsection.

Maokhamphiou clinches with his opponent.
Maokhamphiou can't find room to land a body shot as Russell controls the action.
Maokhamphiou goes for a takedown attempt but Russell pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Diego Russell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Khru Maokhamphiou.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou scoring well with a low kick there.
Khru Maokhamphiou seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Maokhamphiou scoring well with a low kick there.
Maokhamphiou lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Maokhamphiou has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Maokhamphiou connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Maokhamphiou dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Russell. That did some damage!
Russell takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
A solid leg kick lands there for Maokhamphiou.

Maokhamphiou clinches with his opponent.
Maokhamphiou drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Russell prevents a body shot from Maokhamphiou.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Russell avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Maokhamphiou.
Maokhamphiou lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Russell or not.
Maokhamphiou tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Russell's elbow.
Maokhamphiou lands a shot to the body.
Maokhamphiou lands a left hand.
Maokhamphiou is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Russell gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Maokhamphiou is looking for a takedown.
Maokhamphiou scores with a shoulder strike.
I was talking to Russell's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

Maokhamphiou breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Maokhamphiou displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Russell.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Russell takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Khru Maokhamphiou is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Maokhamphiou connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Russell tries for a takedown but Maokhamphiou sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Maokhamphiou closes the distance and clinches.
Maokhamphiou tries to throw a body punch but Russell avoids it by throwing Maokhamphiou back against the cage.

Maokhamphiou escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Russell fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Maokhamphiou displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Russell.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Maokhamphiou throws a leg kick which misses Russell's front leg but catches the back leg as Russell tries to avoid it.
Maokhamphiou fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Khru Maokhamphiou showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Maokhamphiou with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Russell closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Russell lands in his opponent's guard.
Maokhamphiou is trying to keep Russell in close.
Russell loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Maokhamphiou can do anything to dispel that myth.
Russell postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Russell working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Russell throws a big right hand that misses.
Russell stands and throws Maokhamphiou's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Maokhamphiou is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Russell content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
Sloppy strikes there by Russell.
Russell lands a few punches from side control.

Russell looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Maokhamphiou is not content to let Russell control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russell advances to mount.
Russell thowing shots but they're missing.
Russell in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Maokhamphiou really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Russell. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Russell is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Maokhamphiou can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russell trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Russell controlling the pace for now.

Russell is working for a guillotine from mount but Maokhamphiou frees his head quite easily.
Maokhamphiou avoids a series of strikes thrown by Russell.
Russell looking to ground and pound but Maokhamphiou is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou blocking the ground and pound.
Russell landing punches.
Russell controlling the position easily from mount.
Russell wants to control the pace but Maokhamphiou is squirming around nicely.
Russell tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Russell wants to control the pace but Maokhamphiou is squirming around nicely.
Russell lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Maokhamphiou hang on?
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Russell clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Russell shoots in for a takedown but Maokhamphiou shows good takedown defense.
Russell dives in and grabs Maokhamphiou's left leg, looking for a takedown. Maokhamphiou pushes down on Russell's head and hops out.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Russell is defended easily by Maokhamphiou.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Diego Russell. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Russell dives in for a single leg takedown but Maokhamphiou sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
A short uppercut from Maokhamphiou.
Russell takes a shot to the head.
Russell blocks a body shot from Maokhamphiou.
Maokhamphiou goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Maokhamphiou's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Russell fails with a takedown attempt.

Russell looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Maokhamphiou!
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maokhamphiou wants to get back to his feet.

Russell thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Russell in side control, throwing shots but Maokhamphiou defends.

Russell wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Maokhamphiou, who protects the arm well.
Maokhamphiou wants to control but Russell postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russell trying to control the position but Maokhamphiou is working away.
Maokhamphiou avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Russell.

Russell tries for a kimura but Maokhamphiou is defending well.
Maokhamphiou dodges the ground and pound from Russell.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russell is looking to take a break and control but Maokhamphiou is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Russell wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Maokhamphiou, who protects the arm well.
Russell tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

Russell is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Maokhamphiou knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Russell tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Russell looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Russell wants to lay and pray for a moment but Maokhamphiou keeps working.
Russell is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Maokhamphiou is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Diego Russell had his way with Khru Maokhamphiou in 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. This is the final round!

Russell closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Maokhamphiou to the mat! Maokhamphiou manages to get full guard.
Russell stands up over Maokhamphiou, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Russell trying to control but Maokhamphiou is working from the bottom.
Russell passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Russell trying to control the position but Maokhamphiou is working away.
Diego Russell overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Maokhamphiou takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

Russell is trying to get an arm triangle but Maokhamphiou is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Russell looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Russell working the ground and pound but Maokhamphiou is defending the strikes.
Russell controls the position from side control.
Russell tries to advance to mount but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Russell looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Maokhamphiou is avoiding damage well.
Sloppy strikes there by Russell.
Maokhamphiou stops Russell from passing to mount.

Russell is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Maokhamphiou has escaped the position, nice work there.
Russell is looking to take a break and control but Maokhamphiou is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Russell throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Russell wants to lay and pray for a moment but Maokhamphiou keeps working.
Russell throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Russell passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Maokhamphiou!
Russell in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Russell 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.
Russell controlling from mount.
Russell trying to control but Maokhamphiou is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Poor strikes thrown by Russell there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Maokhamphiou defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Russell.
Russell can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Maokhamphiou is looking to escape.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Russell throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.

And that's the end of the fight!
Diego Russell showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Russell 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 46:46
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 46:46
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 46:46

The fight is ruled a draw!
Oh dear, what a disastrous situation! The belt remains unclaimed and both fighters go home unhappy!