IP XXXVIII PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Florin Chernat (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Berry Nicolas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Berry Nicolas will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Chernat
vs
Nicolas

180 cm
27
265 lbs
1 - 6 - 0

196 cm
26
285 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Florin Chernat!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Berry Nicolas!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Illya Tyunina and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nicolas gets a clinch.
Nicolas tries a knee to the head but Chernat blocks it.
Chernat is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Nicolas to keep the fight standing.
Chernat is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Nicolas to keep the fight standing.
Nicolas blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

Nicolas breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nicolas throws a series of punches but Chernat moves out of range.
Chernat shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Nicolas defends it nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Florin Chernat. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Nicolas closes the distance and clinches.
Chernat jumps guard but Nicolas stands there with Chernat around his waist. Chernat gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Chernat's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Chernat lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Nicolas has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Nicolas and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Chernat shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Nicolas sprawls well. Nicolas wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Chernat gets slowly back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nicolas throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Chernat avoids the head kick by Nicolas.

Nicolas has managed to clinch.

Nicolas pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nicolas's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Chernat connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Nicolas scrambles back to his feet.

Nicolas closes the distance and pushes Chernat back into the cage.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

Nicolas pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Chernat looks for a takedown but Nicolas sprawls well.
The fight stays on the outside here - Nicolas looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Chernat shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Nicolas pinned against the cage. Nicolas gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Nicolas forces Chernat back against the cage and clinches.
Nicolas landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Chernat is breathing heavily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Nicolas breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nicolas listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.

It looks like Florin Chernat has been cut.
Chernat switches off momentarily and Nicolas cracks him with a monster right hand! Chernat topples backwards and makes a semi conscious attempt to cover up, as Nicolas dives in to land one more shot, before the referee has time to call the fight. What a finish by Nicolas!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:45 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Berry Nicolas!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Michael Schreider (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Harry Kean (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Michael Schreider has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Michael Schreider seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Schreider
vs
Kean

165 cm
19
213 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

191 cm
26
205 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

Good takedowns
Decent boxing
Enjoys gardening

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Michael Schreider!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Harry Kean!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Viktor Lagutenko and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Schreider dives in and scores a takedown into Kean's guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Schreider stopping the sweep attempt from Kean.

Schreider drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Schreider jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Schreider is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Schreider trying to control but Kean is working from the bottom.
Schreider postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Schreider is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Schreider stopping the sweep attempt from Kean.
Schreider pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kean is keeping the position for now.
Kean is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schreider trying to control but Kean is working from the bottom.

Schreider drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Schreider jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Kean keeping moving, preventing Schreider from controlling successfully.

Schreider thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schreider trying to control but Kean is working from the bottom.
Kean 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.
Schreider with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kean looking to control.
Schreider won't allow Kean to get back to his feet.
Kean looking for a sweep. Not yet Kean, not yet.
Schreider won't allow Kean to get back to his feet.

Schreider is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schreider wants to control from the top but Kean keeps moving.
Kean utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Schreider advances to half guard.
Schreider trying to control the action but Kean is working from the bottom.

Schreider is working for a kimura but Kean is defending it quite comfortably.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Schreider is looking for a kimura here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Schreider dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

No luck with that takedown attempt from Kean.
Kean shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Schreider pinned against the cage. Schreider gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Kean drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Schreider manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kean's best efforts.
Schreider slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

Schreider is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Kean has his hands clasped together but Schreider extends an breaks Kean's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Schreider.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Michael Schreider!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
85%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between George Kobra (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tom Highway (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Kobra might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Original Kobra. Fuck Yeah.. Highway has chosen Gunnery Sgt Highway as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. George Kobra could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Tom Highway's chin.

Kobra
vs
Highway

185 cm
26
215 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

193 cm
25
210 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
Determined

Bushido Clothing

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, George Kobra!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Tom Highway!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Valeri Chadov and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kobra has taken the fight to the clinch.
Highway lands with a left to the head.

Highway manages to break the clinch.
Highway shoots for a takedown but Kobra saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Kobra gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Kobra keeping full guard, as Highway tries to pass.
Highway wants to stand but Kobra is controlling his posture from full guard.
Kobra keeping moving, preventing Highway from controlling successfully.
Highway makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Highway won't allow Kobra to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobra is working hard here to advance position.
Highway is looking to work some ground and pound but Kobra has wrist control.
Highway throwing strikes from guard but Kobra blocks nicely.
Highway throws a big right hand that misses.
Highway is looking to work some ground and pound but Kobra has wrist control.
Kobra working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Highway.
Highway throws an elbow that misses. Kobra uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Highway's guard. Nice move by Kobra!
Kobra slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Highway is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Highway can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kobra controls the pace.
Kobra stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Highway swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Highway manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kobra manages to get himself to full guard.
Kobra working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Highway.
Highway throws a big elbow that misses.
Highway won't allow Kobra to sweep him here.
Highway loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kobra wants to sweep here but Highway controlling him for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Highway throws a big elbow that misses.
Kobra working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Highway.
Highway is looking to work some ground and pound but Kobra has wrist control.
Highway trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Highway accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Highway gets to his feet - Kobra follows without any prompting.

Highway takes the fight into the clinch.

Highway escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kobra misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Highway.
Highway tries to clinch there but Kobra circles away.
Highway takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Highway misses with a takedown attempt - Kobra sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Highway keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Highway tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kobra swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Highway shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Kobra napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kobra defending against the ground and pound.
Highway throws a strike aimed at the side of Kobra's head but Kobra avoids it well.
Kobra taking a bit of punishment here - Highway scoring with strikes.
Highway in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kobra is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Highway's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Highway wants to pass the guard but Kobra is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Tom Highway dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Highway shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kobra defends it nicely.
Kobra moves in looking to clinch but Highway pushes him off.

Highway changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kobra looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

Highway goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Kobra rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Highway's guard! Nice work there by Kobra!
Kobra won't allow Highway to sweep him here.
Kobra pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Highway is keeping the position for now.
Highway is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kobra is controlling him.
Kobra is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Kobra trying to control but Highway is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Highway wants to sweep here but Kobra controlling him for the moment.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of George Kobra.
Kobra misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Highway.
Highway fails with a takedown attempt.
Kobra misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Highway.
A jab from Highway misses.
Tom Highway seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Highway tries to clinch up but Kobra circles away and keeps his distance.
Kobra misses with a wild body shot.

Highway clinches up with Kobra and pushes him back against the cage.
A short left from Kobra.
Kobra lands an uppercut.

Highway's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kobra digs a good body shot into Highway's ribs.
Kobra sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Highway moves forwards but Kobra connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kobra scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Highway doesn't seem bothered though.
The fight stays on the outside here - Highway looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Horrible takedown by Highway or perhaps it was just good defense by Kobra which made him look bad.
George Kobra has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Tom Highway.
Kobra throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Highway.
Highway throws a hook to the side of Kobra's head but Kobra sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kobra with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kobra scores with a body shot.
Donk. Highway catches Kobra right on the button with a cross.
Kobra throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Highway tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Kobra manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Highway.
Kobra swinging wildly here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kobra tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kobra lands a jab-cross combination.
Kobra thows a body shot but no joy.
Kobra thows a body shot but no joy.
Kobra throws a right and a left that both miss.
Highway takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kobra tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Highway manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Highway takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Highway shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Highway wants to pass to mount but Kobra is defending the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Highway thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Highway is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kobra regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Highway.
Highway throwing strikes from guard but Kobra blocks nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kobra keeping full guard, as Highway tries to pass.
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 George Kobra 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. This is the final round!

Highway keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kobra is looking to wear down Highway with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Some wild striking there from Kobra.
Kobra blocks a head kick by Highway.
Highway takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Highway lands a head kick. Kobra smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Highway uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kobra.
George Kobra is winning the standup battle so far.
Kobra tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Highway counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kobra thinking.
Highway tries to clinch there but Kobra circles away.
Kobra scores with a jab to the body.
Highway blocks a head kick by Kobra.
Nice body kick from Highway.

Kobra moves into the clinch successfully.

Highway escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kobra fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Highway manages to avoid it.
Highway tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Kobra manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kobra steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Highway. That one must have hurt.
Kobra thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kobra throws out a loose jab but Highway uses good head movement to avoid it.
Highway tries to clinch up but Kobra circles away and keeps his distance.
Kobra lands a body shot.

Highway scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Highway is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kobra knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Highway postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kobra takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kobra taking a bit of punishment here - Highway scoring with strikes.
Highway with the ground and pound but Kobra regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Highway wants to control but Kobra is keeping him busy.
Highway missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Highway wants to take a breather but Kobra is having none of it.
Kobra blocking the ground and pound attempt from Highway.
Kobra keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Highway not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Highway trying to control from Kobra's half guard. Kobra has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Highway working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kobra's head.
Highway throws an elbow that misses. Kobra uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Highway's guard. Nice move by Kobra!
Highway is looking to stand up but Kobra isn't so interested in that idea.
Highway wants to sweep but no luck.
Kobra slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

Highway kicks Kobra off and gets to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Highway connects with a high kick.
George Kobra is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kobra looks to score with a jab to the body but Highway is just out of range.
Kobra tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kobra lands a right hook to the body.
Highway tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kobra paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Highway avoids the body shot from Kobra.
Kobra pulls out of a head kick attempt.
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!
Kobra slips under a jab from Highway.
Kobra dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Highway drives through and clinches with Kobra against the cage.
Highway drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kobra pulls his leg out and moves away.
Highway wants to clinch up but Kobra keeps it at a distance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Tom Highway comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Highway has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 28:29
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 28:30
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Tom Highway!
Tom Highway decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
75%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sergey Malov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Piter FM (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Malov's entrance music is 2Pac - Changes. A fine choice. Piter FM has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Sergey Malov's chin.

Malov
vs
FM

190 cm
26
214 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

185 cm
26
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergey Malov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Piter FM!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Aleksandr Martynov and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

FM has closed the distance and engaged Malov in a clinch.
A nice left hand lands by FM.
Malov prevents FM from breaking the clinch.
FM lands a body shot in the clinch.
FM lands an uppercut.
Malov tries for a takedown but FM manages to get underhooks.
FM misses with a knee to the head.
FM tries to land knees in the clinch but Malov avoids the damage to the body.
Malov prevents a body shot from FM.
FM is trying to break the clinch but Malov is controlling him.
FM keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Malov's efforts to push away.
FM tries to work over Malov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
FM lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Malov backwards.
Malov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but FM pulls him back up using the underhooks.

FM pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

FM lands a left and a right that send Malov crashing to the mat, dazed. FM thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Malov is rocked!

It looks like Sergey Malov has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Both fighters circle each other, looking for something big. FM moves in and throws an overhand right. That hurt Malov! FM continues to tee off on Malov, landing with a left and a right! FM connects with a right hand that leaves Malov sleeping against the cage! What a finish by FM!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Piter FM!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Hercules Strongarm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Menoza Torres (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Strongarm
vs
Torres

195 cm
23
281 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

196 cm
26
245 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Prefers standup

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Hercules Strongarm!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Menoza Torres!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Illya Tyunina and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Strongarm slips under a jab.
Torres misses with the combination.
Strongarm on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Torres slaps away a takedown attempt from Strongarm, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Torres smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Torres looks to land a left hand but Strongarm moved out of range nicely.
Strongarm closes this distance looking for a takedown but Torres circles away.
Strongarm fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Hercules Strongarm. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Torres slaps away a takedown attempt from Strongarm, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Torres swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Strongarm closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Torres to the mat! Torres manages to get full guard.
Strongarm won't allow Torres to get back to his feet.
Strongarm with a flurry of punches that miss.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Torres keeping moving, preventing Strongarm from controlling successfully.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Torres is looking to stand back up but Strongarm counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Torres.
Torres really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Strongarm. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Torres pushes Strongarm off looking to stand but Strongarm dives back in and keeps control.
Strongarm wants to pass to mount but Torres is defending the position.
Strongarm working over Torres with some ground and pound. Torres looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Strongarm is looking to take a break and control but Torres is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Torres is trying to stand back up but Strongarm is controlling him

Strongarm is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Torres is just riding it out for now. Strongarm eventually gives up the hold.
Strongarm trying to control from half guard but Torres is working away.

Torres is defending against the submission attempts here by Strongarm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Strongarm throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Strongarm moves into full mount! Torres won't be happy about that!
Strongarm landing punches.
Strongarm has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
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!
Torres wants to get back to his feet.
Strongarm working the ground and pound effectively.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Torres is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.

Strongarm is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Torres can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Strongarm with good strikes from the mount here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Strongarm with some aggressive grappling here. He's looking for submissions here, rather than waiting for the opportunity to counter.
Strongarm putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Strongarm looking to finish Torres with some ground and pound. This is bad for Torres!
Torres wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Strongarm unloading with bombs!

Torres is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Strongarm quickly switches position and commits to an armbar! It's a big risk for Strongarm but it's paid off an Torres is forced to tap! Nice work by Strongarm.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Hercules Strongarm!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Erlan Baltabekov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Elbrys Gora (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gora has chosen Cadillac Records - Howlin' Wolf Sings 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.

Baltabekov
vs
Gora

176 cm
20
240 lbs
5 - 9 - 0

184 cm
20
272 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Experienced

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Fast

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 9 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Erlan Baltabekov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Elbrys Gora!
The judges for this bout are Ivan Kurochkin, Igor Prikhodko and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Baltabekov fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Gora to the ground. Baltabekov is now in Gora's guard.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

Gora pushes a forearm under Baltabekov's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Baltabekov is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Elbrys Gora!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
26%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mark Chernov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marva Kuebler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Chernov
vs
Kuebler

178 cm
19
160 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

176 cm
27
165 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
KO power

Powerful takedowns
Counter striker
Powerful

SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mark Chernov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Marva Kuebler!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Aleksandr Martynov and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Chernov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

Kuebler looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Chernov working Kuebler over with strikes.

Kuebler looking for submissions off his back.

Kuebler actively working from the bottom here.

Kuebler looking for submissions off his back.

Kuebler looking for submissions off his back.
Chernov throwing shots but Kuebler is blocking nicely.
Chernov working the head and body with strikes.

Kuebler looking for submissions off his back.

Kuebler is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! Chernov is tapping! Great win for Kuebler!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Marva Kuebler!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
72%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jonathan Desjardins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Sanchez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Desjardins's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Bob Marley - I Shot The Sheriff. Sanchez has chosen Written in the stars as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Desjardins
vs
Sanchez

181 cm
21
160 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

180 cm
21
150 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Brawler
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI
SPARTA FIGHTWARE-GTI

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jonathan Desjardins!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ricardo Sanchez!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Dmitry Maklakov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Desjardins tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Sanchez is able to avoid easily.
Desjardins misses with a body kick.
Desjardins fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sanchez manages to avoid it.
Desjardins slaps away a takedown attempt from Sanchez, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Desjardins has managed to clinch.
Sanchez can't break the clinch.
Desjardins controlling the action here for a moment.
Desjardins lands with a right to the head.

Sanchez jumps into guard, dragging Desjardins to the mat.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Desjardins looking to pass the guard.

Desjardins thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Sanchez is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Desjardins defends well.
Desjardins's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Desjardins scoring with some ground and pound.
Desjardins controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Desjardins lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Desjardins pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sanchez is keeping the position for now.
Desjardins preventing the sweep.
Desjardins pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sanchez is keeping the position for now.
Desjardins controlling from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Jonathan Desjardins has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Sanchez moves in looking to clinch but Desjardins pushes him off.
Desjardins buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Desjardins fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sanchez manages to avoid it.
Desjardins fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Sanchez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

Desjardins takes the fight into the clinch.
Desjardins tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Desjardins works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Desjardins gets to his feet - Sanchez follows without any prompting.
A nice leg kick lands there from Desjardins.

Desjardins bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Desjardins wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sanchez, who protects the arm well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Desjardins working the head with strikes.

Desjardins has worked his way into a potential kimura here. Sanchez is trying to get out of the position but his squirming has just got him deeper into trouble. Desjardins yanks on the arm and Sanchez is forced to tap due to a very painful looking submission! Nice work by Desjardins.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Jonathan Desjardins!
Jonathan Desjardins retains his lightweight title!
Jonathan Desjardins decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.