PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rustam Kersikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chief Tappenahomma (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kersikov's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, ЦельРазгроl. Tappenahomma has chosen Tatanka as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kersikov
vs
Tappenahomma

181 cm
37
176 lbs
28 - 11 - 0

180 cm
27
181 lbs
16 - 5 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

MayheM sportswear
Milwaukee's Best 160 (80% laundry)

Hellbent
Invictus

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Rustam Kersikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Chief Tappenahomma!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Paul Tew and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tappenahomma misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kersikov.
Kersikov appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Tappenahomma throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kersikov throws a poor cross that misses
enabling Tappenahomma to counter with a crisp jab.
Tappenahomma swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Tappenahomma tests Kersikov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kersikov throws a body punch but Tappenahomma moves out of range.
A little jabbing left from Tappenahomma on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Kersikov defending well as Tappenahomma loads up on a big left hand.
Kersikov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Tappenahomma to score with a decent uppercut.
Tappenahomma tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Kersikov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Tappenahomma is looking to slow Kersikov down with leg kicks.
Tappenahomma uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kersikov has time to react.
Kersikov misses with a leg kick.
Tappenahomma ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kersikov moves away.
Kersikov attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A shot to the liver by Tappenahomma. Beautiful body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kersikov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kersikov thuds his shin into the meat of Tappenahomma's side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kersikov.
Tappenahomma counters with a body kick.
Kersikov throws a body kick that misses.
Tappenahomma misses with a kick to the body.
Kersikov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Rustam Kersikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kersikov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Tappenahomma's sensitive parts.
Kersikov throws a half hearted mid kick.
Kersikov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kersikov ducks under a wild hook from Tappenahomma.
Kersikov moves out of range of the strikes.
Kersikov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kersikov misses with a leg kick.
Tappenahomma looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kersikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov throws a low kick, looking for Tappenahomma's leg but Tappenahomma calmly moves out of range.
Kersikov throws a jab but it's blocked by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Kersikov throws a solid leg kick but Tappenahomma takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kersikov.
Tappenahomma lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy body kick from Kersikov
and Tappenahomma counters with a stiff right hand.
Kersikov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kersikov throws a lazy head kick
and Tappenahomma counters with a left to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice shot lands for Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Tappenahomma lands with a nice body punch.
Tappenahomma throws a lazy uppercut
and Kersikov counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kersikov misses with a two punch combination.
Tappenahomma throws a series of punches but Kersikov moves out of range.
Kersikov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A big right from Kersikov misses.
Kersikov chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Tappenahomma can pounce on him.
Tappenahomma swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kersikov scores with a nice strike.
Tappenahomma fakes the leg kick and cracks Kersikov in the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tappenahomma.
Kersikov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kersikov takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Tappenahomma tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kersikov was well out of range. Poor timing from Tappenahomma.
Kersikov throws a body kick that misses.
Tappenahomma flicks out a counter leg kick but Kersikov steps away.
Kersikov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Tappenahomma scores with a nice right hand.
A bone on bone clash there as Tappenahomma blocks the leg kick.
Kersikov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kersikov misses with a wild body shot.
A thudding body kick lands there by Kersikov!
Kersikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Kersikov lands a glancing blow to the side of Tappenahomma's head.
Kersikov scores with a body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice leg kick lands there from Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Kersikov had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with a kick to the body.
Kersikov throws a nice looking combination but Tappenahomma bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Tappenahomma tries to counter by closing the distance.
Kersikov throws a lazy right hand but Tappenahomma sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Tappenahomma misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kersikov.
Tappenahomma takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kersikov throws a front kick aimed at Tappenahomma's knee but Tappenahomma avoids it well.
Tappenahomma stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kersikov throws a right hand that misses
and Tappenahomma counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Tappenahomma scores with a spinning back kick!
Tappenahomma checks the leg kick nicely there.
Tappenahomma is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Kersikov with a body shot.
Tappenahomma throws a quick inside leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kersikov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kersikov throws out a leg kick but Tappenahomma moves out of range and Kersikov only half commits.
Kersikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov lands a nice looking body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Chief Tappenahomma will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Kersikov chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Tappenahomma lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Kersikov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Tappenahomma is out of range and Kersikov settles back down.
Kersikov throws a leg kick that is checked
and Tappenahomma counters with a nice leg kick.
A leg kick checked by Tappenahomma.
Chief Tappenahomma seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tappenahomma slips under a jab from Kersikov.
Tappenahomma tries to counter by closing the distance.
Tappenahomma on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kersikov. Kersikov obviously looking to wear him down.
Tappenahomma fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kersikov checks it well.
Kersikov walks into a straight right hand from Tappenahomma.

Tappenahomma clinches up against the cage.
Kersikov scores with a nice hook to the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kersikov digs a right hand underneath Tappenahomma's ribcage. Tappenahomma let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kersikov blocks a body shot from Tappenahomma.
Kersikov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Tappenahomma scores a nice knee to the body.
Kersikov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov blocks an elbow strike from Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Rustam Kersikov has been cut.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tappenahomma tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kersikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kersikov tries a body shot but Tappenahomma blocks it.
A right handed body shot lands from Kersikov.
Tappenahomma tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Stalling in the clinch from Kersikov.
Tappenahomma has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Kersikov seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Tappenahomma can turn it around.
Kersikov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Rustam Kersikov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Tappenahomma controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kersikov pressing his opponent against the cage.
Nice body punch from Kersikov - that landed with a thud.
A short body shot lands from Tappenahomma as the two fighters clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Tappenahomma just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kersikov's brow.
Kersikov just leaning against Tappenahomma, taking a breather.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kersikov blocks an elbow strike.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Tappenahomma controls the action.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Tappenahomma tries to throw a body punch but Kersikov avoids it by throwing Tappenahomma back against the cage.
Tappenahomma lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tappenahomma prevents a body shot from Kersikov.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tappenahomma creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kersikov slowing the pace effectively.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kersikov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tappenahomma blocking some punches.
A short right from Kersikov on the inside.
Tappenahomma pushes off an throws an elbow but Kersikov leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
A right hand to the body from Kersikov.
Kersikov stalling.
Kersikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tappenahomma tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.
Tappenahomma unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Tappenahomma blocks an uppercut.
The referee calls for Kersikov to work.
Kersikov has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Tappenahomma takes a shot to the head.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tappenahomma lands a damaging elbow.
Tappenahomma scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tappenahomma lands a knee to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tappenahomma working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tappenahomma lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Tappenahomma throws a head punch that misses.
Tappenahomma throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Still in the clinch, Kersikov scores with a nice short uppercut.
Tappenahomma blocking some punches.
Tappenahomma lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
The referee calls for Kersikov to work.
Tappenahomma has a couple of punches blocked by Kersikov.
Kersikov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tappenahomma controls his hands.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tappenahomma blocks an uppercut.
Tappenahomma lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
Tappenahomma missing with knees to the body.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tappenahomma.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

That kick from Kersikov tenderised Tappenahomma's leg. Tappenahomma is trying to keep his angry face on.
Tappenahomma is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kersikov tries to score with a low kick but Tappenahomma moves his leg out of the way.
Tappenahomma looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Tappenahomma on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tappenahomma scoring well with a low kick there.
Tappenahomma catches Kersikov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kersikov.
A lazy body kick from Kersikov
enabling Tappenahomma to counter with a crisp jab.
Tappenahomma throws a leg kick but Kersikov moved away.
A slapping leg kick lands for Tappenahomma.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kersikov.
Tappenahomma scores with a nice strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice cross by Tappenahomma.
That kick from Tappenahomma tenderised Kersikov's leg. Kersikov is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kersikov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Tappenahomma counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tappenahomma misses the shot to the body.
Kersikov checks a leg kick.
Kersikov throws a lazy right hand but Tappenahomma sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kersikov walks into a jab.
Kersikov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Tappenahomma's sensitive parts.
Tappenahomma moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Tappenahomma throws a good cross that connects.
Tappenahomma with a nice cross.
Kersikov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kersikov 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.
Kersikov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kersikov misses with the body kick
and Tappenahomma cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kersikov misses with a straight left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov with a hook.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kersikov misses with a low kick.
Kersikov tries to land a body kick

and Tappenahomma counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Kersikov misses with the head strike.
Tappenahomma blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tappenahomma lands a shoulder strike.
Tappenahomma lands a good knee to the midsection. Kersikov won't want to take too many of those.
Tappenahomma lands an elbow just above Kersikov 's eye.
Kersikov blocks the elbow strike.
Kersikov avoids the elbow strike from Tappenahomma, against the cage.
Kersikov on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Tappenahomma tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tappenahomma backwards.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tappenahomma controls his hands.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tappenahomma backwards.
Tappenahomma trying to land knees to the body.
Tappenahomma crunches a lovely knee into Kersikov's ribcage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Tappenahomma throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Tappenahomma tries to land knees in the clinch but Kersikov avoids the damage to the body.
Tappenahomma misses with a punch on the inside.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tappenahomma controls his hands.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tappenahomma lands a right hand.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tappenahomma's elbow.
Tappenahomma blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kersikov.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov lands a hook that snaps the head of Tappenahomma backwards.
A frustrated look appears on Kersikov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Tappenahomma lands an elbow inside.
Tappenahomma lands an elbow inside.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tappenahomma controls his hands.
Kersikov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kersikov blocks a body shot from Tappenahomma.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Tappenahomma uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tappenahomma throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kersikovs head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Tappenahomma lands an elbow inside that Kersikov shrugs off.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Tappenahomma.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Kersikov lands with a light punch inside.
Tappenahomma works on Kersikov's body with a couple of short punches.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kersikov looking to stall.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Chief Tappenahomma really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rustam Kersikov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kersikov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Tappenahomma.
Kersikov lands a nice looking body shot.
The fighters circling - Kersikov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Tappenahomma throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kersikov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kersikov.
Kersikov tests Tappenahomma's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kersikov lands with a kick to the ribs.
Kersikov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tappenahomma throws out the jab.
Tappenahomma misses the shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tappenahomma cracks Kersikov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Tappenahomma digs a good body shot into Kersikov's ribs.
Kersikov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kersikov, right into the meat.
Kersikov throws out a loose jab but Tappenahomma uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tappenahomma now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tappenahomma throws a jab when Kersikov was well out of range.
Kersikov lands a slapping body shot.
Tappenahomma 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.
Kersikov throws a chopping leg kick but Tappenahomma manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kersikov blocks a jab.
Kersikov misses with a wild body shot.
Tappenahomma's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kersikov under the eye.
Tappenahomma takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Tappenahomma avoids a kick to the body.
Kersikov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Nice uppercut there from Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma avoids a kick to the body.
Tappenahomma tries to land a front kick but Kersikov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tappenahomma lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kersikov at a distance.
Tappenahomma checks the leg kick.
Kersikov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tappenahomma slips under a jab from Kersikov.
It seemed like Tappenahomma was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Tappenahomma blocks a jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tappenahomma connects with a right hand. Kersikov shakes it off.
Kersikov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kersikov misses with a hook.

Tappenahomma closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kersikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tappenahomma misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tappenahomma tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.
Kersikov taking a breather.
Tappenahomma misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tappenahomma lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Tappenahomma controls the action.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Tappenahomma lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kersikov trying to stall but Tappenahomma improves his position.
Kersikov lands an uppercut.
Tappenahomma lands an elbow just above Kersikov 's eye.
Kersikov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Tappenahomma blocking some punches.
Kersikov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tappenahomma misses with the head strike.
Kersikov is trying to maintain a safe position but Tappenahomma gets an underhook and turns Kersikov into the cage.
Tappenahomma throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov misses with a body punch.
Kersikov taking a breather.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
A short body shot lands from Kersikov as the two fighters clinch.
Tappenahomma misses with a knee to the head.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Tappenahomma pushes Kersikov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kersikov lands with a left to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
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!
Kersikov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Tappenahommas head.
Tappenahomma blocks an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Tappenahomma is leaning against Kersikov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Kersikov cracks Tappenahomma with a nice body shot.
Kersikov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov misses with the head strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Rustam Kersikov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Rustam Kersikov's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Kersikov looks to land a right hand but Tappenahomma moved out of range.
Tappenahomma follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Tappenahomma chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kersikov can pounce on him.
Kersikov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tappenahomma throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tappenahomma stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kersikov.
Kersikov wants to land a leg kick but Tappenahomma is out of range.
A thudding body kick lands there by Tappenahomma!
A nice inside leg kick there by Kersikov. That's going to slow Tappenahomma down.
Kersikov misses with a low kick.
Kersikov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kersikov wants to land a leg kick but Tappenahomma is out of range.
Kersikov checks a low kick from Tappenahomma.
A lazy left from Tappenahomma finds it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tappenahomma lands a shoulder strike.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Tappenahomma just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kersikov's brow.
Tappenahomma lands an elbow just above Kersikov 's eye.
Tappenahomma blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Tappenahomma misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov managing to block the knees to the body from Tappenahomma.
Good body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov lands a nice uppercut.
Come on Kersikov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tappenahomma's elbow.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kersikov.
Tappenahomma misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Tappenahomma.
Kersikov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Tappenahomma controls the action.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tappenahomma struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tappenahomma backwards.
Tappenahomma misses with a punch on the inside.
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!
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Tappenahomma as Kersikov tries to tie him up.
Tappenahomma makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Tappenahomma uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tappenahomma backwards.
Kersikov lands with a left to the head.
Tappenahomma looking to throw knees to the head but Kersikov is blocking nicely.
Kersikov manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tappenahomma.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tappenahomma lands a damaging elbow.
Kersikov dodges an elbow strike from Tappenahomma.
Tappenahomma digs a right hand underneath Kersikov's ribcage. Kersikov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Tappenahomma lands with a left to the head.
Kersikov stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Tappenahomma just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kersikov's brow.
Kersikov throws a punch but it's blocked by Tappenahomma.
Kersikov avoids a wild elbow strike from Tappenahomma.
Kersikov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tappenahomma blocking some punches.
Tappenahomma struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Tappenahomma misses with a body punch.
Kersikov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the body.
A right hand to the body from Kersikov.
Kersikov lands a shoulder strike.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Tappenahomma.
A short left from Kersikov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kersikov lands with a light punch inside.
Tappenahomma pushes Kersikov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tappenahomma struggles to land a body shot inside as Kersikov controls his hands.
Kersikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Tappenahomma controls his hands.
Tappenahomma doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Tappenahomma uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Rustam Kersikov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Tappenahomma blocks an uppercut.

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 Rustam Kersikov.
Well Tappenahomma has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 47:48
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 47:48
Judge William Gold scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Chief Tappenahomma!
Chief Tappenahomma is the new welterweight champion!
An out of breath Chief Tappenahomma thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.