QFC Tournament 9 Round 4 PBP Commentary

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Mareks Stepaneks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Scorpien Rua (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Stepaneks
vs
Rua

176 cm
25
134 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

170 cm
25
140 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Big heart

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Experienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight 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, Mareks Stepaneks!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Scorpien Rua!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Dmitry Maklakov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stepaneks shoots and misses

so Rua counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Stepaneks 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.

Rua stands up and waves to Stepaneks to follow him.
Stepaneks misses with a takedown

and Rua counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Stepaneks's guard now.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Stepaneks has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rua can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Stepaneks has a closed guard, preventing Rua from standing up.

Stepaneks working for a triangle but Rua defends it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stepaneks is looking for a triangle but Rua pushes his legs off easily.
Rua stopping the sweep attempt from Stepaneks.

Stepaneks is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Stepaneks had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Rua defends it easily.

Rua avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Rua stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stepaneks misses with a double jab.

Rua fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Stepaneks sprawls well initially but Rua persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Stepaneks looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Stepaneks looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Stepaneks has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Rua escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Rua!

Rua stands up and beckons Stepaneks to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Stepaneks.
Stepaneks tries for a takedown but Rua circles away easily

and Rua counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mareks Stepaneks. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Stepaneks 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.

Stepaneks has his foot on Rua's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Rua works his way back into a safe position though.

Stepaneks looking for a guillotine here but Rua defends easily.
Rua tries to stand but Stepaneks is controlling from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stepaneks looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Rua wants to get up but he can't break Stepaneks's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Stepaneks working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rua doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rua manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
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!
Rua is looking to stand up but Stepaneks won't let him.
Stepaneks really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Stepaneks is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Rua defends well.
Stepaneks wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Scorpien Rua will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Stepaneks with a lazy takedown attempt

and Rua counters with a shoot takedown. Stepaneks fights it but they end up in guard.

Rua gets to his feet - Stepaneks follows without any prompting.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Stepaneks enables Rua to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Stepaneks manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.

Stepaneks looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rua wants to stand but Stepaneks has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Rua decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Stepaneks, up you get!
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!
Stepaneks has his takedown stuffed

and Rua counters with a nice double leg into side control. Stepaneks won't be happy with that.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stepaneks is looking for a sweep.
Stepaneks gets back to half guard.
Stepaneks tries to get to full guard but Rua has control of the leg.
Rua is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Stepaneks wants to improve his position but Rua is controlling well.
Stepaneks works his way to full guard. Good work.
Stepaneks has a closed guard, preventing Rua from standing up.
Stepaneks bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Rua's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stepaneks trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Scorpien Rua has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rua is looking to stand up but Stepaneks isn't so interested in that idea.
Stepaneks looking to pass the guard.
Rua wants to get back to his feet but Stepaneks is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stepaneks pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rua is keeping the position for now.
Stepaneks passes into half guard.
Stepaneks wants to pass the guard but Rua is defending well.
Stepaneks is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.

Stepaneks postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Rua is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Stepaneks, into his guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stepaneks has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rua can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Rua tries to stand but Stepaneks is controlling from the bottom.

Rua stands up from Stepaneks's guard - Rua perhaps looking for a knockout.

Rua decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Scorpien Rua showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Rua closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Rua wants to stand up but Stepaneks is controlling the position.

Rua decides to stand up.
Stepaneks with a poor takedown

and Rua counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Stepaneks wants to get back to full guard.

Rua stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
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!
Stepaneks with a lazy takedown attempt

so Rua counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Stepaneks manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Rua manages to get himself to full guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Rua can do anything to dispel that myth.
Stepaneks pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Rua is keeping the position for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stepaneks is working hard here to advance position.
Stepaneks sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Rua's guard.
Stepaneks is pressing down on Rua's thigh, looking to free his foot. Rua is holding on for now.
Stepaneks is looking to pass Rua's guard but actually Rua recovers to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stepaneks advances to half guard.

Stepaneks wants to work for an arm triangle but Rua is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Stepaneks passes to side control.
Stepaneks advances to full mount.

Stepaneks is looking to secure an arm. He's managed it! He's pivoting for an armbar - that looks tight! But Rua has managed to get out of it and now he's in a dominant position. Nice work from Rua!
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Stepaneks looking for a guillotine here but Rua defends easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rua decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Stepaneks, up you get!
Stepaneks shoots and misses

and Rua counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mareks Stepaneks. That's going to take a lot out of him.
It looks like Rua is going to stand back up.

Rua decides to return to a standing position.
Stepaneks with a poor takedown

and Rua counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rua.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
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!

Rua gets to his feet - Stepaneks follows without any prompting.
Stepaneks throws a head kick that misses.

Rua shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.

Rua gets to his feet and calls his opponent to stand. Here come the fireworks!
Stepaneks with a lazy takedown attempt

and Rua counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rua.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Rua wants to get up but he can't break Stepaneks's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Rua stands and steps away. Stepaneks gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Mareks Stepaneks has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Stepaneks fails with the takedown.

And that's the end of the fight!
Scorpien Rua comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rua winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight for Scorpien Rua!
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight for Scorpien Rua!
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight for Scorpien Rua!

Scorpien Rua wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between John Daniel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bk bk (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). John Daniel has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Daniel
vs
bk

185 cm
25
140 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

173 cm
25
135 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Brawler
Very strong

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight 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, John Daniel!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Bk bk!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
bk with a poor takedown

and Daniel counters with a shoot takedown. bk fights it but they end up in guard.
Daniel trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Daniel is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! bk is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! bk has escaped and now he's on top!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Daniel controlling bk's posture.

Daniel is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. bk is aware though and is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
bk engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
bk trying to control the position from guard on top but Daniel is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Daniel wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and bk is now in half guard.
bk thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
bk tries to pass the half guard into mount. Daniel knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
bk trying to control from half guard but Daniel is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
bk wants to stand up but Daniel is controlling the position.

Daniel looking for submissions off his back.
Daniel wants to get back to his feet.

Daniel actively working from the bottom here.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Daniel is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but bk pulls his head out easily.
Daniel wants to control but bk is keeping busy and won't allow it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
bk passes to full mount!
bk wants to control the action but instead Daniel gets a body lock and reverses into bk's guard! Nice work!
bk is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
bk might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Daniel kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Daniel tries to free his leg and advance position but bk is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Bk bk has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Daniel dives in and grabs bk's left leg, looking for a takedown. bk pushes down on Daniel's head and hops out.
Daniel shoots in looking for a takedown. bk tries to sprawl out of it but Daniel keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. bk manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Daniel is breathing heavily.
A head kick misses from bk.
bk shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Daniel as he jumps to the side.

Daniel decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. bk manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Daniel really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
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!
Daniel forces his way into half guard.
bk punching from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
bk trying to control but Daniel postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

bk doesn't manage to clinch there - Daniel circles away.
John Daniel is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
bk is looking to clinch.
Daniel tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but bk swivels and escapes.

bk looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Daniel!
Daniel holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as bk tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
John Daniel overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
bk can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Daniel is looking to escape.
Daniel wants to control but bk is having none of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Daniel is trying desperately to improve position.
bk wants to control the pace but Daniel is squirming around nicely.
Daniel wants to control but bk is having none of it.

bk goes for an armbar but Daniel turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Daniel.

Daniel postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! bk is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Daniel, into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
bk in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

bk got a little sloppy there for a moment and Daniel has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, bk has managed to get both his arms back between Daniel's legs - danger averted.
bk wants to control from the top but Daniel keeps moving.

Daniel has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but bk can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Daniel looking for a sweep. Not yet Daniel, not yet.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
bk looking to pass the guard.
bk wants to control from the top but Daniel keeps moving.

Daniel is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Daniel wants to take the fight to the mat but bk manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Daniel is trying to drag bk to the mat but bk just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John Daniel. That's going to take a lot out of him.
bk is stalling here.
Daniel is trying to pull guard but bk turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

bk successfully pulls guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
bk tries to land a sweep but no joy.
bk trying to control the position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Bk bk was stalling too much, according to the referee.
bk throws a quick inside leg kick.
bk shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

bk pushes Daniel up against the cage in a clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Daniel has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. bk avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

bk breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
bk stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and bk wants it to stay on the feet.

bk rushes Daniel and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bk bk showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

bk shoots in but Daniel avoids the takedown attempt easily.

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

Daniel thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
bk wants to sweep here but Daniel controlling him for the moment.
bk throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
bk controls Daniel momentarily but Daniel frees himself.
bk wants to sweep but no luck.
Daniel passes bk's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
bk is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Daniel's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Daniel's back!
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - bk's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Daniel tries to roll but bk sticks to his back.
Daniel trying to control but not successfully.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
bk tries to keep control of the position but Daniel is staying busy.
Daniel looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.
Daniel looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
bk is looking to control Daniel but Daniel is wriggling around and keeping busy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
bk scores with punches and elbows.
bk is trying to stick to Daniel's back but Daniel is turning into bk. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in bk's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Daniel.
bk is looking to stand up but Daniel isn't so interested in that idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Daniel stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. bk swivels though and keeps the full guard.
bk looking to control.

Daniel thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
bk tries to land a sweep but no joy.
bk trying to control the position.
bk thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
Daniel pushes down on bk's leg and manages to get into half guard.
bk is trying to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
bk moves into full guard.
bk throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
bk is trying to control the position but Daniel postures up.
bk keeping full guard, as Daniel tries to pass.
Daniel passes easily into side control. Nice work.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
bk wants to get back to his feet.

Daniel swings around for an armbar but bk sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Daniel's guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Bk bk.
I think bk 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 for Bk bk!
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight for Bk bk!
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight for Bk bk!

Bk bk wins by unanimous decision!