PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Rustam Shakhbulatov (ranked 3495 p4p, 371 weight class) and Jesse Point (ranked 1669 p4p, 198 weight class). Shakhbulatov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Sabina Saidova - Dagestan. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Shakhbulatov
vs
Point

178 cm
31
170 lbs
13 - 9 - 0

170 cm
25
162 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rustam Shakhbulatov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Jesse Point!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Matti Vanhoillinen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Shakhbulatov looks for a takedown but Point sprawls well.
Shakhbulatov walks into a straight right hand from Point.

It looks like Rustam Shakhbulatov has been cut.
Point throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Shakhbulatov fails with a takedown attempt.
Point replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Shakhbulatov blocks it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Point scores with a one two! Shakhbulatov had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Shakhbulatov shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rustam Shakhbulatov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Shakhbulatov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Shakhbulatov dives in and scores a takedown into Point's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Point keeping full guard, as Shakhbulatov tries to pass.
Shakhbulatov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Shakhbulatov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Point tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Shakhbulatov tries to free his leg and advance position but Point is retaining full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Point keeping moving, preventing Shakhbulatov from controlling successfully.
Shakhbulatov passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Shakhbulatov is trying to get an arm triangle but Point is defending well.
Point felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.
Point is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Shakhbulatov off and has taken his back!
Shakhbulatov wants to control his opponent's hands but Point gets his hands free.
Point keeps control of the position as Shakhbulatov tries to break free.
Good control from Point.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Shakhbulatov breaks Point's hooks off and manages to turn into his guard.
Point 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.
Shakhbulatov wants to control from the top but Point keeps moving.
Shakhbulatov throws a strike but Point rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Shakhbulatov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Point can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Point preventing the sweep.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Point controlling from the top position.
Point stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Shakhbulatov swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Point controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse Point dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rustam Shakhbulatov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Shakhbulatov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Point 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.
Point has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Shakhbulatov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Point tries to avoid it but Shakhbulatov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Point to the ground. Point escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Point only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Shakhbulatov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Point swivels and escapes.
Shakhbulatov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Point sizes up Shakhbulatov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Point connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shakhbulatov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Point counters with a stiff right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rustam Shakhbulatov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Point throws a shot to the body.
Shakhbulatov tries for a takedown but Point sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Point scores with a body shot.
Shakhbulatov tries for a takedown but Point sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Point looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Shakhbulatov doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Point counters with a nice right hand that sends Shakhbulatov toppling to the canvas! Shakhbulatov scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Point finish him?!

Shakhbulatov is rocked!

Rustam Shakhbulatov's cut is getting worse.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Shakhbulatov misses with a takedown
and Point scores with a counter punch that sends Shakhbulatov to the canvas! Point smells blood - he's punishing Shakhbulatov with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Shakhbulatov has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:37 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jesse Point!