PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Artem Irhin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mickey Doyle (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Mickey Doyle is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Irhin
vs
Doyle

180 cm
22
200 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

187 cm
23
200 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

BJJ White Belt
World class boxer
Fast

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Artem Irhin!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Mickey Doyle!
The judges for this bout are Radbod Blank, Wagner Zegers and Paul Aken.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Irhin scores with a jab to the jaw.
We've been hearing reports that Irhin has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
The crowd cheers as Doyle lands an impressive looking overhand right. Irhin doesn't seem phased though.
Nice defenses there by Doyle.
Doyle looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Doyle takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Irhin throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Doyle tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Irhin is in Doyle's guard.
Doyle can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Irhin controls the pace.

Irhin thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Doyle looking to control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Irhin sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Irhin seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Doyle for as long as he can get away with.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Irhin drops back looking for a leg! Doyle is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Doyle manages to kick Irhin off! Irhin jumps back into Doyle's guard.

Irhin drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Irhin jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Irhin won't allow Doyle to get back to his feet.
Irhin slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Doyle trying to keep a closed guard but Irhin is proving a slippery customer.
Doyle is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
A head kick misses from Irhin.
Doyle swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Irhin connects with a high kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Irhin clinches with his opponent.

Irhin turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Doyle is trying to escape the position but Irhin is controlling the position.
You can see the frustration on Doyle's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
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.
Irhin continues to stall.

Irhin tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Irhin staying calm.

Irhin has hold of Doyle's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Doyle seems comfortable defending it but Irhin has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Doyle is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Doyle is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Irhin couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Artem Irhin!
A relieved looking Artem Irhin thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated Mickey Doyle had this to say: 'You can beat me around but you won't get rid of me. I'll be dancing on my enemies' bones long after they've all eaten the dirt sandwich.'.