PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Ruslan Temirov (ranked 1126 p4p, 76 weight class) and Boyko Kersikov (ranked 2270 p4p, 143 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Temirov
vs
Kersikov

164 cm
30
143 lbs
17 - 7 - 2

167 cm
42
142 lbs
29 - 15 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 7 - 2, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ruslan Temirov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 15 - 2, fighting out of New York, Boyko Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kersikov wants to slow Temirov down by chopping away at his legs.
Kersikov ducks under a wild hook from Temirov.
Nice shot by Temirov.
Kersikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Temirov throws out the jab.
Kersikov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
An attempted straight right counter from Temirov misses the target.
Temirov throws a combination. Kersikov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Kersikov throws out a loose jab but Temirov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kersikov moves out of range of the strikes.
As Temirov backs off Kersikov throws a huge counter combo but Temirov manages to avoid it all.
Kersikov closes the distance and lands a one-two.

It looks like Ruslan Temirov has been cut.
Temirov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
We've been informed that Kersikov has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Boyko Kersikov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kersikov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Temirov throws a jab but it's blocked by Kersikov.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kersikov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Temirov is rocked!
A left lands for Temirov.
Kersikov missing with a left hand there. Temirov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kersikov tries to bum rush Temirov with a series of wild strikes but Temirov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kersikov looks to land a combination but Temirov avoids it well.
Temirov throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Temirov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kersikov throws a hook but Temirov avoids it easily.
Temirov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kersikov. That did some damage!
Kersikov misses with an uppercut. Temirov saw that one coming.
Kersikov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Good work by Temirov as he checks the leg kick.
Kersikov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kersikov slips under a jab.
Kersikov lands with an overhand left.
Kersikov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Temirov.

Kersikov has managed to clinch.
Temirov tries a body shot but Kersikov blocks it.
Kersikov scores with a shot to the side of Temirov's head.
I was talking to Temirov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
A short right from Temirov.
Temirov throws a head punch that misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Temirov blocks an uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Temirov blocking some punches.
Temirov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Temirov working aggressively here.
A head punch on the inside from Temirov fails to land.
Kersikov misses with some punches.
Temirov wants to break free but Kersikov has control.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Temirov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.
Temirov working hard to break the clinch.
Kersikov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Temirov trying to stall but Kersikov improves his position.
Temirov blocks an uppercut.
Temirov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Good body shot from Temirov.
Temirov is trying to stall.
Kersikov is trying to stall.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Temirov is working Kersikov over against the ropes.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Temirov controls the action.
Temirov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Boyko Kersikov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Temirov's cut.
That's time! Temirov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Temirov throws a hook to the side of Kersikov's head but Kersikov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
It seemed like Kersikov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Boyko Kersikov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Temirov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kersikov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kersikov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Temirov in his tracks.
A lazy left from Kersikov finds it's target.
Kersikov throws a nice looking combination but Temirov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kersikov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Temirov.
Some wild striking there from Temirov.
Temirov misses with an uppercut.
Temirov throws an overhand right that lands on Kersikov's shoulder, as Kersikov tries to avoid the shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Good standup being displayed there by Kersikov as he connects with a hook.
Kersikov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Temirov.
Kersikov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A punch lands to the side of Temirov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Oh Temirov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Temirov seems to have got his legs back now.
Temirov cracks Kersikov with a right hand to the side of the head.
Kersikov tries to clinch but Temirov is having none of it.
Temirov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Boyko Kersikov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kersikov throws a predictable looking body shot
letting Temirov counter with a right hand.
A swing and a miss from Temirov.
Temirov sets himself, and Kersikov steps forward looking for the clinch! Temirov avoids it this time.
Temirov misses the shot to the body.
Temirov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kersikov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Temirov.
Kersikov doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
The crowd cheers as Temirov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kersikov doesn't seem phased though.
Kersikov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kersikov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kersikov was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Kersikov feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Temirov's calf.
Temirov keeps the fight on the outside.
Temirov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kersikov misses with a jab, cross combination.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Temirov thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Temirov there.

Kersikov instigates a clinch.
Temirov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kersikov backwards.
Come on Temirov - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Temirov.
Temirov lands with a left to the head.
Temirov lands a shoulder strike.
Kersikov works on Temirov's body with a couple of short punches.
Temirov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Temirov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Temirov wants to break the clinch but can't.
Ruslan Temirov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kersikov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Temirovs head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Temirov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A short left from Kersikov.
Kersikov taking a breather.
Kersikov lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Temirov is trying to push Kersikov away but Kersikov has him pressed against the ropes, so he's going nowhere.
Kersikov misses with a hook from the clinch.
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 Ruslan Temirov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Temirov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Temirov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Temirov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Temirov digs a good hook to Kersikov's body.
Temirov throws a hook but Kersikov blocks it.
Kersikov misses with an uppercut.
Kersikov on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Kersikov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Temirov as he jumps to the side.
Kersikov misses with a series of wild punches.
Kersikov missing with a left hand there. Temirov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kersikov throws a body shot but no joy.
Temirov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Temirov moves out of range as Kersikov strikes.
Temirov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Nice jab there from Temirov.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Temirov lands with an overhand left.
Kersikov throws a sloppy body shot
and Temirov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kersikov thinking.
Kersikov throws a series of punches but Temirov moves out of range.
Kersikov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Temirov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Temirov throwing a counter right hand but Kersikov manages to avoid it.
Temirov jabs at Kersikov's body.
Kersikov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Temirov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Ruslan Temirov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Temirov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Temirov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Temirov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kersikov tries to clinch but Temirov moves out of range.
Temirov blocks a head kick by Kersikov.
Temirov throwing a counter right hand but Kersikov manages to avoid it.
Temirov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Temirov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kersikov fails to land with a series of punches.
Temirov jabs Kersikov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kersikov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Temirov.
Kersikov throws a right and a left that Temirov avoids nicely.
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!
Sloppy strikes from Kersikov. Those never looked like landing.
Temirov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kersikov throws a head kick but Temirov moves out of range.
Temirov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Temirov throws a series of punches but Kersikov moves out of range.
Crunch! Kersikov slams his shin into Temirov's torso.
Temirov misses with a wild body shot.
Kersikov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kersikov misses with a hook.
Kersikov moves out of range as Temirov strikes.
Kersikov wants to counter with a clinch but Temirov pushes him away.
A big left from Kersikov misses.
Kersikov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Kersikov is looking to clinch.
Kersikov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kersikov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Temirov lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Temirov throws a body shot but no joy.
Kersikov was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Temirov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kersikov connects with an inside leg kick.
Temirov misses with a hook. Kersikov ducked under it nicely.
Kersikov wants to counter with a clinch but Temirov pushes him away.
Temirov throws a shot from downtown. Kersikov moves away and avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruslan Temirov clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Temirov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Temirov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Kersikov.
Kersikov staying out of range there.
Temirov throws a big shot that misses.
Kersikov ducks right into an uppercut from Temirov.
A swing and a miss from Temirov.
Kersikov staying out of range there.
Temirov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kersikov tries to bum rush Temirov with a series of wild strikes but Temirov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kersikov blocks a low kick nicely.
Temirov defending well as Kersikov loads up on a big left hand.
A slow jab from Temirov misses its intended target.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Temirov misses with a body punch

and Kersikov counters by moving into the clinch.
Temirov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kersikov.
Temirov throws a head punch that misses.
Temirov is struggling to control the position.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Temirov's elbow.
Kersikov working aggressively here.
Temirov working aggressively here.
Kersikov swings wildly with an uppercut but Temirov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Temirov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov takes a shot to the head.
Kersikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Temirov backwards.
Kersikov tries to stall but Temirov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kersikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kersikov blocks an uppercut.
Kersikov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kersikov throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.
Temirov misses with a punch on the inside.
A nice right hand lands inside from Temirov.
Kersikov misses with a punch on the inside.

Temirov breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Temirov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Temirov misses with a straight left.
Kersikov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nice defenses there by Temirov.
Kersikov throws a series of strikes that have Temirov backpedaling.
Temirov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Temirov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kersikov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Temirov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Temirov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
A swing and a miss from Temirov.
Temirov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kersikov stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kersikov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Temirov.
A shot to the body from Temirov misses
and Kersikov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Temirov scores with a decent looking hook.
Kersikov throws a series of punches but Temirov avoids them all with ease.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ruslan Temirov had his way with Boyko Kersikov in that round.
The cut man is working on Ruslan Temirov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

A punch lands to the side of Kersikov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Kersikov ducks under a wild hook from Temirov.
Kersikov doesn't manage to clinch there - Temirov circles away.
Temirov misses the shot to the body.
Kersikov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Temirov doesn't seem bothered though.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Kersikov - that will leave a mark!
Kersikov misses with a double jab.
A swing and a miss from Temirov.
Temirov looks to land a combination but Kersikov avoids it well.

Kersikov shoots in and gets a takedown into Temirov's guard.
Kersikov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Kersikov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kersikov advances to half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kersikov stalling.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Temirov is not content to let Kersikov control the position.
Kersikov is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Kersikov putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Kersikov working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Kersikov trying to control but Temirov is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov dominating with strikes here.
Kersikov has his opponent pinned against the ropes, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Temirov's face.
Kersikov with good strikes from the mount here!
Kersikov postures up and connects with a big shot that has rocked Temirov badly. He's trying desperately to grab hold of Kersikov around the waist but Kersikov pushes him off and unloads with more strikes, forcing the referee to jump in and save him! Kersikov is the winner by TKO! Kersikov jumps onto the ropes and shouts into the camera. "We did it momma!"

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Boyko Kersikov!
A relieved looking Boyko Kersikov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.