PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Connor MacManus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dmitry Muratov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

MacManus
vs
Muratov

178 cm
19
156 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

180 cm
26
146 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Cardio machine

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Connor MacManus!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Dmitry Muratov!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Sergei Dronov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacManus throws a low kick but Muratov moves out of range easily.
MacManus avoids the head kick by Muratov.
MacManus tries to land a front kick but Muratov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
MacManus definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Muratov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Muratov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

MacManus dives in and scores a takedown into Muratov's guard.
MacManus slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Muratov told us pre-fight that he has been working on his escapes in training. Let's see if he can call on some of his new skills to get back to his feet.
Muratov tries to escape but MacManus is in control.
Muratov prevents MacManus from improving position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
MacManus prevents Muratov from escaping the position.
MacManus wants to lay and pray for a moment but Muratov keeps working.
Muratov is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muratov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
MacManus is looking to take a break and control but Muratov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
A lull in the action here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Muratov tries to bench press MacManus off him but MacManus keeps the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Muratov prevents MacManus from improving position.
Check out the look on MacManus's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
MacManus trying to control the position but Muratov is working away.
MacManus working away.
MacManus scores with punches from side control.
MacManus scores with punches from side control.
Muratov is looking for a sweep.
Muratov prevents MacManus from moving into mount.
MacManus wants to lay and pray for a moment but Muratov keeps working.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacManus is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Muratov's shoulder. That is not cool.
Muratov pushes MacManus away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, MacManus gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
MacManus working the head and body with strikes.
MacManus wants to control for a moment but Muratov uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
MacManus is trying to control the action in half guard but Muratov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Muratov is trying to defend against the ground and pound but MacManus scores with a couple of nice shots.
Muratov pushes MacManus off looking to stand but MacManus dives back in and keeps control.
MacManus prevents Muratov from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Muratov pushes MacManus off but MacManus dives into side control.
Muratov takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
MacManus working away.
MacManus is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
MacManus has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Muratov!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
MacManus landing punches.
MacManus raining down shots from the mount!
MacManus won't let Muratov get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Muratov misses the jab.

Muratov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Muratov showed some decent athleticism there.
Muratov is thwarting MacManus's attempts to control the position.
Muratov is looking to stall here but MacManus recovers full guard.
Muratov postures up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
MacManus is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Muratov is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Muratov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of MacManus is proving hard to escape from.

That's one minute gone in the round.

MacManus working for a triangle but Muratov defends it easily.
Muratov wanted to stand there but MacManus had control of the position.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Muratov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
MacManus throws a solid leg kick but Muratov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at MacManus.
Muratov throws a sloppy head kick and MacManus moves out of range easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

MacManus closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
MacManus wants to take the fight to the mat but Muratov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Muratov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
MacManus is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Muratov can do to turn this around?
A combination from MacManus does no damage.
MacManus fails to land with a series of punches.
Muratov throws a low kick but MacManus moves out of range easily.
Muratov misses with a double jab.
Muratov tries to clinch but MacManus is having none of it.
Muratov avoids the head kick by MacManus.
Muratov misses with a takedown attempt - MacManus sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
MacManus changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Muratov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Muratov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and MacManus counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

MacManus moves into range and clinches up with Muratov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Muratov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A looping hook to the body misses from MacManus. Muratov does a little dance to reset his feet.
MacManus slaps away a takedown attempt from Muratov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
MacManus appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Connor MacManus has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Dmitry Muratov.
A jab lands there for MacManus.
Muratov dives in and grabs MacManus's left leg, looking for a takedown. MacManus pushes down on Muratov's head and hops out.
Muratov is breathing heavily.

Muratov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Muratov showed some decent athleticism there.

MacManus kicks off Muratov and gets to his feet.
The fighters circle momentarily. MacManus darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Dmitry Muratov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nice sprawl there from MacManus as Muratov shoots in.
Muratov avoids a kick to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacManus lands a jab to Muratov's midsection.
Muratov walks into a straight right hand from MacManus.
Connor MacManus is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
MacManus goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Jab by MacManus.
MacManus lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by MacManus.
Muratov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around MacManus's waist but MacManus gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Muratov off to one side.

MacManus gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Muratov can't break the clinch.
MacManus goes for a takedown in the clinch but Muratov prevents it.

MacManus pulls Muratov into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Muratov postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Connor MacManus dominated that second round.
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.

Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from MacManus.
MacManus blocks a head kick by Muratov.
Muratov circles away from the clinch attempt.
MacManus misses with a two punch combination.
MacManus has a takedown stuffed.

Muratov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Muratov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Muratov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
MacManus tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Muratov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muratov postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
You can see the frustration on MacManus's face as Muratov controls the position.
MacManus is looking to regain half guard here but Muratov keeps moving and retains side control.
Muratov landing strikes.
Muratov wants to lay and pray for a moment but MacManus keeps working.

Muratov stands up and beckons MacManus to his feet.
MacManus misses with a low kick.
Muratov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says MacManus as he avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lazy body kick from MacManus

and Muratov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Muratov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
MacManus tries to get to full guard but Muratov has control of the leg.
MacManus is trying to control but can't.
Muratov prevents MacManus from standing back up.
MacManus wants to control but Muratov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Muratov with the ground and pound but MacManus uses the opportunity to regain guard.
MacManus keeping full guard, as Muratov tries to pass.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacManus trying to keep a closed guard but Muratov is proving a slippery customer.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
MacManus lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

MacManus shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Muratov's guard.
Muratov wants to get back to his feet but MacManus is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
MacManus wants to control from the top but Muratov keeps moving.
MacManus makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
MacManus wants to control from the top but Muratov keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
MacManus postures up and lands a big shot to Muratov's brow.
Muratov working a defensive guard but MacManus manages to pass into side control anyway.
MacManus tries to move to mount but Muratov blocks the move with his legs.

MacManus is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Muratov is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
MacManus prevents Muratov from escaping the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Connor MacManus did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

MacManus swings away with a leg kick that misses.
And Muratov tries to counter it with a takedown but MacManus pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Muratov throws a head kick but MacManus moves out of range.

MacManus gets a clinch.
MacManus is trying to pull guard but Muratov has him pressed against the cage.

Muratov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
MacManus tries to clinch up.
Muratov shoots in for a takedown but MacManus shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Muratov clinches up with MacManus and pushes him back against the cage.

MacManus is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Muratov can't fight it off and eventually MacManus manages to take the fight to the floor. Muratov looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Muratov is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. MacManus presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
MacManus fails to pull guard.
A frustrated look appears on MacManus's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Muratov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
MacManus throws a front kick aimed at Muratov's knee but Muratov avoids it well.
A combination from MacManus does no damage.

MacManus shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Connor MacManus overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
MacManus trying to control the action but Muratov is working from the bottom.
Muratov looks like he's trying to stand up.
Muratov regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
MacManus tries to free his leg and advance position but Muratov is retaining full guard.
MacManus lands a couple of digs.
MacManus landing with the ground and pound.
MacManus postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
MacManus trying to control the position from guard on top but Muratov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacManus distracts Muratov with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Muratov keeping moving, preventing MacManus from controlling successfully.
Muratov looking for a sweep. Not yet Muratov, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muratov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. MacManus manages to get himself to full guard.

MacManus is looking for a triangle but Muratov pushes his legs off easily.
Muratov wanted to stand there but MacManus had control of the position.
MacManus is trying to control the position but Muratov postures up.
MacManus keeping moving, preventing Muratov from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Muratov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Muratov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches MacManus napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Muratov controlling from side mount.
Muratov is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Muratov scores with punches from side control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
MacManus tries to bench press Muratov off him but Muratov keeps the position.
You can see the frustration on MacManus's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Dmitry Muratov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Muratov shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. MacManus is trying to defend but Muratov finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Muratov throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing MacManus to regain full guard.

MacManus manages to escape and get back to his feet.

MacManus scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Muratov tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

MacManus working for a submission but Muratov is keeping him at bay.

MacManus goes for an armbar but Muratov turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Muratov.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
MacManus keeping full guard, as Muratov tries to pass.
Muratov wants to stand and escape but instead MacManus has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

MacManus trying to control the position from guard on top but Muratov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacManus being controlled here momentarily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
MacManus working some strikes from top position.

Muratov had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. MacManus defends it easily.
Muratov has momentary wrist control but MacManus slips an elbow through the middle.
Muratov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
MacManus landing some decent shots from guard.
MacManus tries to free his leg and advance position but Muratov is retaining full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
MacManus won't allow Muratov to sweep him here.
Muratov looking to control.
MacManus trying to control the position from guard on top but Muratov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
MacManus sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Muratov can't keep his opponent in guard - MacManus advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
MacManus stops Muratov from getting back to his feet.

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.

MacManus is trying to work for a kimura but Muratov is defending well.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
MacManus with a jab.
The crowd cheers as MacManus lands an impressive looking overhand right. Muratov doesn't seem phased though.

Muratov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging MacManus to the ground. Muratov is now in MacManus's guard.

MacManus looking for a guillotine here but Muratov defends easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Muratov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as MacManus works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Connor MacManus showed his dominance in that final round.
Well MacManus has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 49:46
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 49:46
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Connor MacManus!
Connor MacManus retains his featherweight title!