PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Zoran Markovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Titan Rain (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rain has chosen Die for Metal as his entrance music. Titan Rain is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Markovic
vs
Rain

168 cm
26
139 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

166 cm
27
143 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Perkele!

Bullet Proof System

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 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Zoran Markovic!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Titan Rain!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Paul Aken and Wagner Zegers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Markovic uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Rain.
Markovic lands a nice hook to Rain's body. Rain takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rain with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A leg kick checked by Rain.
Rain changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Zoran Markovic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice uppercut lands for Rain. That snapped Markovic's head back.
We've been told by Markovic's head coaches at KO Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Markovic takes a shot to the body in his stride.
A nice leg kick lands there from Rain.
Rain takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Rain digs a good body shot into Markovic's ribs.
Jab from Markovic.
Markovic misses with a low kick as Rain jumps back.
Markovic connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
A slow jab from Markovic misses its intended target.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rain keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Markovic misses with a body shot.
Rain misses with a hook.

Rain closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Rain lands in his opponent's guard.
Rain is looking to work some ground and pound but Markovic has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Markovic is trying to keep Rain in close.
Markovic 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.
Rain is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rain looking to pass the guard.
Rain loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Rain in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Rain throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Markovic works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rain in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's two 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.
Rain being controlled here momentarily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rain cracks Markovic with a solid left hand.
Rain won't allow Markovic to sweep him here.
Rain tries to free his leg and advance position but Markovic is retaining full guard.
Rain has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Markovic looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Rain throws a strike but Markovic rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Markovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Rain is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Markovic has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Rain has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Markovic can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rain working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Markovic doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Markovic manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Markovic got a little sloppy there for a moment and Rain has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Markovic has managed to get both his arms back between Rain's legs - danger averted.
Rain has a closed guard, preventing Markovic from standing up.

Rain has his foot on Markovic's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Markovic works his way back into a safe position though.
Markovic trying to control the position from guard on top but Rain is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Markovic tries to stand but Rain is controlling from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Nice defenses there by Rain.
Markovic throws a series of punches but Rain moves out of range.
Rain throws a half hearted mid kick.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Markovic - that will leave a mark!
Markovic thows a body kick. Rain tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Markovic lands a right hook to the body.
Markovic misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Markovic misses with a hook. Rain ducked under it nicely.
Rain connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Markovic throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Markovic connects with a leg kick. Rain looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Rain lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Rain connects with a nice looking jab.
A swing and a miss from Markovic.
Rain lands with a good body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Titan Rain will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A nice leg kick lands there from Markovic.
Nice shot lands for Markovic.
Rain throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Rain is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Markovic.
Markovic walks into a stiff left hand from Rain.
Markovic tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rain swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Markovic throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
A leg kick checked by Rain.
Rain is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rain scoring well with a low kick there.
Rain lands a leg kick that knocks Markovic off balance momentarily.
Markovic checks a low kick from Rain.
Markovic throws a leg kick but Rain moved away.
Markovic loads up on a big right hand but Rain slips the punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Rain takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Markovic avoids the head kick by Rain.
A leg kick checked by Rain.
Rain throws a lazy right hand but Markovic sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Rain throws a leg kick which misses Markovic's front leg but catches the back leg as Markovic tries to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rain blocks a jab.
Zoran Markovic is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Markovic misses with a body punch
and Markovic takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Rain checks a leg kick.
Nice shot lands for Markovic.
Markovic cracks Rain with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Markovic with a nice cross.
Rain throws a big shot that misses.
Markovic throws a push kick but Rain slaps the foot to one side.
Rain connects with a looping right hand.
Markovic moves out of range as Rain strikes.
Markovic swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Rain drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Markovic defends it well.
Markovic looks for the body kick but Rain saw that one coming.
Markovic fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Rain.
Rain throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Markovic gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Rain.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rain lands a nice hook to Markovic's body. Markovic takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Rain throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Markovic steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rain.
Rain takes one on the chin but seems OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Markovic blocks a leg kick.
Rain scores with the left hand. Markovic knows he should have avoided that one.
Markovic misses with a low kick.
Markovic throws a leg kick that misses.
Markovic throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Rain throws a low kick but Markovic moves out of range easily.
Markovic throws a hook to the side of Rain's head but Rain sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Rain lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Rain.
Markovic sizes up Rain with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Rain moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Markovic stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rain.
Rain looks to land a left hand but Markovic moved out of range nicely.
Markovic throws a head kick that half lands.
Markovic tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rain was well out of range. Poor timing from Markovic.
Rain throws a fast counter high kick but Markovic manages to duck under it in time.
Rain connects with a solid leg kick.
A head kick misses from Rain.
Rain misses with a looping right.
Zoran Markovic is winning the standup battle so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markovic throws a half hearted mid kick.
Markovic with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Rain to score with a decent uppercut.
The fighters circle momentarily. Markovic darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Rain plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Markovic throws out a loose jab but Rain uses good head movement to avoid it.
Markovic 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.
A looping hook to the body misses from Markovic. Rain does a little dance to reset his feet.
Markovic throws a wild body kick that Rain sees coming a mile off.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Rain.
Rain bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Markovic's head.
Markovic slips under a jab from Rain.
Rain will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Markovic loads up on a big right hand but Rain slips the punch.
Markovic connects with a good right hand that stumbles Rain. Rain circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rain throws a solid leg kick but Markovic takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Rain.
Markovic connects with an inside leg kick.
Rain checks the leg kick nicely there.
Markovic scoring well with a low kick there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rain takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Markovic crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Rain - the referee stops the clock and Markovic gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Rain. Markovic manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Rain works Markovic's body with a nice hook.
Rain shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Markovic but Markovic pushes him off and we're back to square one.
A slapping body kick lands there for Markovic.
Markovic takes a swing at Rain's ribcage but misses.
Rain blocks a jab.
Markovic just misses with a punch to the body.
And Rain tries to counter it with a takedown but Markovic pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Rain moves into range and connects with a jab.
Nice uppercut there from Markovic.
Markovic throws a body shot but no joy.
Rain with the counter takedown but Markovic avoids it easily.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rain moves out of range as Markovic strikes.
Rain with the counter takedown but Markovic avoids it easily.
Markovic takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Markovic slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Markovic missing with a left hand there. Rain was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Rain throws out a leg kick but Markovic moves out of range and Rain only half commits.
Markovic lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Zoran Markovic will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

A chopping leg kick lands by Rain.
Rain checks a leg kick.
Rain keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Rain scores with a leg kick.
Rain looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Markovic lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Markovic lands a front kick.
Rain has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Markovic.
Rain cracks the inside of Markovic's front leg.
Markovic throws a body punch but Rain moves out of range.
Markovic stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rain.
Markovic just misses with a punch to the body.
Rain uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Markovic.
Rain ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Rain blocks the body kick.
Rain has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Markovic.
Nice cross by Markovic.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Markovic scores with a hook to the body. Rain takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Rain moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rain lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Rain misses with some punches.
Rain tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Rain misses with a body punch.
Markovic can't find room to land a body shot as Rain controls the action.
Markovic is trying to break the clinch but Rain has him pressed against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Rain throws an elbow but misses.
Markovic misses with a punch on the inside.
Markovic makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Markovic throws a head punch that misses.
Rain misses with a punch to the body.
Rain stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Rain jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Markovic walks away with a smile on his face. Rain gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Markovic checks a leg kick.
Rain connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good shot there by Markovic.
Markovic throws out a leg kick but Rain moves out of range and Markovic only half commits.
Rain finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Markovic misses with a straight left.
Markovic moves out of range of the strikes.
Markovic tries to move into range but Rain moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Markovic is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Markovic lands a really nice looking cross but Rain seems unphased.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Rain pushes Markovic up against the cage in a clinch.
Markovic has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Rain lands a shot to the body.
Rain has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Markovic seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Rain can turn it around.
Rain looking to stall.
Markovic has a couple of punches blocked by Rain.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Rain.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Rain blocks an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Markovic fails to land.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

Rain jumps into guard, dragging Markovic to the mat.
Markovic is stalling in the full guard.

Rain is looking for a triangle but Markovic pushes his legs off easily.
Rain wants to sweep here but Markovic controlling him for the moment.
Markovic trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rain escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Markovic gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Rain looking to hit a scissor sweep but Markovic is one step ahead there.

Rain looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Markovic passes into half guard.
Rain tries to get to full guard but Markovic has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Zoran Markovic did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Markovic swings for the body but Rain moves out of range.
A big left from Markovic misses.
Markovic throws a body kick that misses.
Rain feints the counter takedown.
Rain displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Markovic throws out the jab.
Rain scores with a jab.
Rain moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Markovic dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rain moves out of range as Markovic throws a body kick.
Rain appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
A solid leg kick lands there for Rain.
Markovic ducks under a wild hook from Rain.
Markovic throws a series of strikes that have Rain backpedaling.
Rain fails to land with a series of punches.
Markovic throws a hook but Rain avoids it easily.
Markovic scores with a nice strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Rain blocks a jab.
Rain looks to score with a jab to the body but Markovic is just out of range.
Rain takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Markovic throws a low kick but Rain moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Markovic misses with a body shot.
Markovic is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Rain.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Rain looking to stall.
Markovic lands with a light punch inside.
Markovic misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rain goes for a takedown in the clinch but Markovic prevents it.
Markovic lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Markovic working aggressively here.
Rain scores with a shot to the side of Markovic's head.
Markovic misses with a short punch on the inside.
Rain jumps guard but Markovic stands there with Rain around his waist. Rain gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rain tries to work over Markovic's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Titan Rain seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Rain misses with a hook from the clinch.
Markovic misses with a hook to the ribs.
Markovic misses with a punch on the inside.
Rain tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Markovic's elbow.
Markovic misses with a punch on the inside.

Markovic breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Markovic tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Markovic staying out of range there.
Rain misses with a low kick.
Rain avoids the body shot from Markovic.
Rain tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A slapping leg kick lands for Markovic.
Rain scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rain darts in looking for a takedown but Markovic gets double underhooks and turns Rain into the cage.
Zoran Markovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Titan Rain.
Markovic is looking to chop away at Rain's legs.
Rain scoring well with a low kick there.
Markovic throws a big shot that misses.
Rain with the counter takedown but Markovic avoids it easily.
Markovic tries to land a leg kick but Rain saw it coming and moves away.
Rain changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Rain tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Markovic paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Markovic throws a low kick, looking for Rain's leg but Rain calmly moves out of range.
Rain looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Rain looks to land a right hand but Markovic moved out of range.
Rain cracks Markovic with an open hand slap.
A head kick misses from Rain.
Markovic throws out a leg kick but Rain moves out of range and Markovic only half commits.
Rain throws a quick inside leg kick.
Markovic pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rain cracks the inside of Markovic's front leg.
Markovic throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Markovic scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Markovic throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
and Rain counters with a three punch combo that has Markovic backing up. Markovic nods at Rain to acknowledge the strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!
Rain wants to land a leg kick but Markovic is out of range.
Markovic scores with a shot to the body.
Markovic scores with a kick to the body.
Markovic staying out of range there.
Rain pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Rain, right into the meat.
A solid body kick from Markovic.
Rain on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Rain has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Rain moves away from the strike by Markovic.
Rain throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Markovic thumps Rain with a low kick.
Rain defending well as Markovic loads up on a big left hand.
Markovic throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rain misses with a low kick.
Markovic ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rain moves away.
Rain lands with an overhand left.
Markovic is looking to land body kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zoran Markovic had his way with Titan Rain 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!

Rain ducks under a wild hook from Markovic.
Markovic misses the shot to the body.
Rain gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Markovic doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Markovic bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Markovic wants to slow Rain down by chopping away at his legs.
Markovic scores with a decent looking hook.
Markovic tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Rain is able to avoid easily.
Markovic throws a solid leg kick but Rain takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Markovic.
Rain paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Markovic throws a leg kick that is checked

so Rain counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rain postures up.
Rain throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rain content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Rain passes easily into side control. Nice work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes there by Rain.
Rain is working Markovic over with some ground and pound from side control.
Markovic avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Rain.
Titan Rain has got the better of the ground game so far.
The ground and pound from Rain seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Rain grinds an elbow into Markovic's temple.
Rain is working Markovic over with some ground and pound from side control.
Markovic tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Rain wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
You can see the frustration on Markovic's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rain in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Rain is chipping away with strikes.
Rain is working Markovic over with some ground and pound from side control.
Markovic is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Rain asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Rain throwing strikes but Markovic manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Titan Rain has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rain is trying to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Markovic wants to stand but Rain has his arm trapped.
Rain is looking to reverse the position.
Rain is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Markovic wants to stand but Rain has his arm trapped.
Rain is looking to regain half guard here but Markovic keeps moving and retains side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Markovic stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Rain misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rain uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Markovic.
Markovic with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Rain to score with a decent uppercut.
Rain avoids a kick to the body.
Rain throws a jab when Markovic was well out of range.
Markovic connects with a good right hand that stumbles Rain. Rain circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Markovic throws a half hearted mid kick.
Markovic scores with a crisp jab that stopped Rain in his tracks.
Rain throws a body shot but no joy.
Zoran Markovic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Markovic avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Markovic misses with a hook.
Rain dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rain scores with a crisp jab that stopped Markovic in his tracks.

And that's the end of the fight!
Titan Rain comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Markovic 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 48:47
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 48:48
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 47:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Zoran Markovic retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!