PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rufus McTearson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Artem Bessmertin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tired and clearly flustered, he entered the arena late and after a little discussion it was decided that the bout should take place.
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rufus McTearson and Artem Bessmertin. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

McTearson
vs
Bessmertin

193 cm
27
188 lbs
17 - 5 - 2

189 cm
28
183 lbs
18 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best Nutrition

GREEN!160
Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 5 - 2, fighting out of New York, Rufus McTearson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Artem Bessmertin!
The judges for this bout are , Frank Antenori and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bessmertin slips under a jab.
McTearson throws a head kick but Bessmertin moves out of range.
McTearson thows a left - swing and a miss!

Bessmertin has taken the fight to the clinch.
McTearson misses with the head strike.
Bessmertin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
McTearson throws an elbow but it misses.
Bessmertin scores with a shot to the side of McTearson's head.
McTearson lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Bessmertin pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bessmertin misses with a right hand
letting McTearson counter with a right hand.
McTearson throws a nice looking combination but Bessmertin bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McTearson goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Bessmertin throws a looping overhand right but McTearson ducks down to avoid it.
McTearson misses with a series of wild punches.
McTearson throws a right and a left that Bessmertin avoids nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Bessmertin as McTearson shoots in.
Bessmertin shoots for a takedown but McTearson saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Bessmertin blocks a head kick by McTearson.
Bessmertin throws an ugly left hook that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Bessmertin misses with a wild body shot.
Bessmertin missing with a left hand there. McTearson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from McTearson.
Bessmertin cracks McTearson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Bessmertin attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
McTearson stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Bessmertin connects with a single shot there.
McTearson fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Bessmertin has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Bessmertin slips a jab from McTearson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McTearson slips a jab from Bessmertin.
McTearson misses the body punch

and Bessmertin decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in McTearson's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McTearson is pulling down on Bessmertin's head. It's preventing any offense from Bessmertin, at least for the moment.
My spies in Gym Beam inform me that Bessmertin has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Bessmertin wants to control from the top but McTearson keeps moving.
Bessmertin wants to pass the guard but McTearson is keeping the position.
Bessmertin throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Bessmertin stopping the sweep attempt from McTearson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McTearson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
McTearson controls Bessmertin momentarily but Bessmertin frees himself.
Bessmertin pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. McTearson is keeping the position for now.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bessmertin lands a nice shot that snaps McTearson's head back.
McTearson throws a lazy body kick

and Bessmertin counters with a shoot takedown. McTearson fights it but they end up in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bessmertin is looking to work some ground and pound but McTearson has wrist control.
Bessmertin is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Bessmertin scoring with punches to the head and body.
Bessmertin stands and throws McTearson's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Bessmertin seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Bessmertin creates some space and throws a big elbow, but McTearson sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Check out the look on Bessmertin's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Bessmertin working the head with strikes.
Bessmertin working the ground and pound but McTearson is defending the strikes.
Bessmertin looks up at the clock and then as McTearson takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Bessmertin smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
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!
Bessmertin wants to lay and pray for a moment but McTearson keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Bessmertin is putting a hurting on McTearson here, landing some big shots from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Bessmertin dominated that round.
That's time! McTearson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Bessmertin feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits McTearsons jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
A big right from McTearson misses.
McTearson slaps away a takedown attempt from Bessmertin, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Bessmertin defending well as McTearson loads up on a big left hand.
McTearson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bessmertin looks to score with a jab to the body but McTearson is just out of range.
Bessmertin lands a right hook to the body.
McTearson ducks under a wild hook from Bessmertin.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bessmertin lands with a nice body punch.
McTearson motions for Bessmertin to come forward. McTearson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Bessmertin throws a lazy right hand but McTearson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McTearson throws a leg kick but Bessmertin moved away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from McTearson. Those never looked like landing.
Bessmertin jabs McTearson right on the nose. McTearson blinks but takes it well.
McTearson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McTearson throws a jab but it's blocked by Bessmertin.
Bessmertin throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck McTearson on the side of the head.
Bessmertin throws a front kick aimed at McTearson's knee but McTearson avoids it well.
Jab by Bessmertin.
McTearson throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Bessmertin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bessmertin shoots in for a takedown but McTearson shows good takedown defense.
Rufus McTearson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Bessmertin circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bessmertin changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. McTearson tries to avoid it but Bessmertin manages to keep hold of a leg and drag McTearson to the ground. McTearson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rufus McTearson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Artem Bessmertin.
A left lands for McTearson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McTearson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
McTearson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
McTearson misses with the combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bessmertin uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before McTearson has time to react.
Bessmertin jabs McTearson to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Bessmertin avoids a kick to the body.
McTearson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Bessmertin swings for the body but McTearson moves out of range.
McTearson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Bessmertin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rufus McTearson is winning the standup battle so far.
Bessmertin lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but McTearson circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bessmertin swats away the attempt to clinch by McTearson.
Rufus McTearson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bessmertin takes a kick to the side of the head.
McTearson tries a head kick but it misses.
Bessmertin takes one on the chin but seems OK.
McTearson stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Bessmertin.

Bessmertin shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Bessmertin throwing strikes from guard but McTearson blocks nicely.
Bessmertin trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Bessmertin wants to control from the top but McTearson keeps moving.
Bessmertin postures up and lands a big shot to McTearson's brow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bessmertin throwing strikes but missing.
Bessmertin working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McTearson's head.
Bessmertin landing some decent shots from guard.
Bessmertin distracts McTearson with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Bessmertin lands a couple of digs.
Bessmertin scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Artem Bessmertin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

McTearson throws a big shot that misses.
Bessmertin tries to move into range but McTearson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
McTearson tries to clinch there but Bessmertin circles away.
Bessmertin swats away the attempt to clinch by McTearson.
McTearson misses with a hook.
McTearson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Bessmertin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Bessmertin ducks under a wild hook from McTearson.
McTearson lands with a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bessmertin moves into range and connects with a jab.
McTearson misses with a double jab.
Bessmertin 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.
McTearson looks to land a body kick but Bessmertin moved away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McTearson thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bessmertin lands a slapping body shot.
Bessmertin loads up on a big right hand but McTearson slips the punch.
Bessmertin dodges the punch combination from McTearson.
McTearson misses with a kick to the body

so Bessmertin counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Bessmertin preventing the sweep.
McTearson working a defensive guard here.
Bessmertin lands a couple of elbows.
Bessmertin looking to sit in guard and control but McTearson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Bessmertin preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Bessmertin has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bessmertin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Bessmertin winds up and cracks McTearson with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Bessmertin thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed McTearson's head.
Bessmertin is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
McTearson tries to roll over but Bessmertin keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bessmertin scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Bessmertin working the head and body with strikes.
McTearson is looking to control Bessmertin's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can McTearson avoid being mounted?
McTearson is refusing to be controlled, as Bessmertin sits in half guard.
Bessmertin missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bessmertin working over McTearson with some ground and pound. McTearson looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Artem Bessmertin has got the better of the ground game so far.
Bessmertin throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Bessmertin takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
McTearson gets back to full guard.

McTearson is looking for a triangle but Bessmertin pushes his legs off easily.
Bessmertin working some strikes from top position.
Bessmertin stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. McTearson swivels though and keeps the full guard.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Bessmertin shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with McTearson but McTearson pushes him off and we're back to square one.
McTearson throws a leg kick but Bessmertin moved away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Artem Bessmertin just about did enough to take it.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A bone on bone clash there as Bessmertin blocks the leg kick.
McTearson looking to land some kicks to the body here.
McTearson loads up on a big right hand but Bessmertin slips the punch.
Bessmertin moves away from the strike by McTearson.
Bessmertin connects with a leg kick. McTearson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Bessmertin tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
McTearson throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
McTearson throws a push kick but Bessmertin slaps the foot to one side.
McTearson throws a sloppy head kick and Bessmertin moves out of range easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McTearson throws a hook to the side of Bessmertin's head but Bessmertin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
The crowd cheers as Bessmertin lands an impressive looking overhand right. McTearson doesn't seem phased though.
Bessmertin throws a hook to the side of McTearson's head but McTearson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
McTearson on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bessmertin misses the shot to the body.
Bessmertin takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

Bessmertin fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. McTearson sprawls well initially but Bessmertin persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Bessmertin working McTearson over with strikes.
Bessmertin stops McTearson from getting back to his feet.
Bessmertin lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Bessmertin is pressing down on McTearson's thigh, looking to free his foot. McTearson is holding on for now.
McTearson desperately trying to maintain half guard.
McTearson won't allow Bessmertin to pass to mount.
Artem Bessmertin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McTearson wants to control but Bessmertin is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Bessmertin keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Bessmertin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McTearson throws out the jab.
Bessmertin misses with a body shot.
McTearson lands with a good body shot.
A slow jab from McTearson misses its intended target.
McTearson tries to clinch but Bessmertin moves out of range.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Bessmertin, right into the meat.
McTearson's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and McTearson duly obliges.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Bessmertin throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McTearson throws a push kick but Bessmertin slaps the foot to one side.
Bessmertin fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A bone on bone clash there as McTearson blocks the leg kick.
Bessmertin avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
McTearson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A telegraphed right hand from Bessmertin misses the target.
McTearson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Nice shot by McTearson.
McTearson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
McTearson swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McTearson throws a leg kick

and Bessmertin counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McTearson is trying to maintain the position but Bessmertin is very close to passing his half guard.
McTearson is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Bessmertin is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Bessmertin trying to control the pace.
Rufus McTearson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bessmertin is continuing to stall.
Let's hope that Bessmertin has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

And that's the end of the fight!
Artem Bessmertin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Bessmertin 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 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 36:40
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 36:40
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 36:40

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Artem Bessmertin!
Artem Bessmertin decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.