QFC Tournament 1046 Round 3 PBP Commentary

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Stephane Ouellet (ranked 4771 p4p, 4612 weight class) and Selimkhan Rasnov (ranked 0 p4p, 492 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Ouellet
vs
Rasnov

180 cm
20
178
2 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
155
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Stephane Ouellet!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Selimkhan Rasnov!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Percy O'Donnell and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rasnov tries a head kick but it misses.
Ouellet fails with the takedown.
Rasnov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

Ouellet takes the fight into the clinch.
Ouellet wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Rasnov avoiding damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rasnov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ouellet is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Ouellet has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Rasnov after a bit of a struggle.

Ouellet breaks from the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasnov fails to land the takedown.
Ouellet closes the distance and clinches up with Rasnov, looking for a takedown. Ouellet pushes Rasnov against the cage but Rasnov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephane Ouellet. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ouellet swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Ouellet is looking to clinch.
Ouellet fails with the takedown

and Rasnov moves into the clinch.
Rasnov prevents a body shot from Ouellet.

Rasnov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ouellet shoots in and drives through. Rasnov sprawls well.
A leg kick checked by Rasnov.
Ouellet tries to clinch but Rasnov moves out of range.
Ouellet wants to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ouellet gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Ouellet wants to hit a sweep here but Rasnov passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Ouellet there!
Rasnov controlling the position easily from mount.
Ouellet wants to hold on but Rasnov pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Ouellet can't escape the position.
Ouellet taking shots to the head.
Ouellet is looking to improve his position but Rasnov isn't that keen on the idea.
Rasnov lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.

Rasnov stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Ouellet pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov slaps away a takedown attempt from Ouellet, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Rasnov looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Ouellet!
Ouellet wants to get back to his feet but Rasnov is dominant here and he's now got Ouellet's back!
Ouellet is breathing heavily.
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!
Rasnov tries to get the hooks in deep but Ouellet pushed the leg off.
Ouellet knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rasnov on the ground.
Ouellet tries to roll but Rasnov sticks to his back.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Ouellet just trying to survive but Rasnov is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Selimkhan Rasnov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Ouellet tries to clinch but Rasnov moves out of range.
Rasnov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Ouellet defends well and Rasnov ends up having to push Ouellet into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Rasnov takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ouellet misses with a head kick.
Rasnov is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rasnov shoots for a double leg takedown but Ouellet sprawls well. He's pushed Rasnov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Rasnov. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.

Rasnov has closed the distance and engaged Ouellet in a clinch.

Rasnov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ouellet shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Rasnov counters by moving into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ouellet blocks an elbow strike.

Rasnov breaks from the clinch.
Rasnov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Ouellet.
Rasnov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Ouellet swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ouellet seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasnov leaves Ouellet with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephane Ouellet. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Rasnov gets a clinch.
Ouellet goes for a takedown in the clinch but Rasnov prevents it.
Rasnov wants to take the fight to the mat but Ouellet manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Rasnov fails to pull guard.
Ouellet is trying to force a seperation but Rasnov has the dominant position.

Rasnov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Nice takedown defense from Rasnov. No joy for Ouellet on that attempt.
Rasnov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Ouellet sprawls well. Ouellet wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rasnov gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ouellet fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Rasnov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Ouellet scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Rasnov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
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!
Ouellet shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rasnov as he avoids it easily.
Rasnov throws a series of punches but Ouellet avoids them all with ease.
Ouellet throws an off balance right hand

and Rasnov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rasnov.
Ouellet is looking to stand back up but Rasnov counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Ouellet.

Ouellet tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Rasnov manages to move to mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Ouellet can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Rasnov controlling his opponent.

Rasnov is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Selimkhan Rasnov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Rasnov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Ouellet's guard.
Ouellet is looking to stand back up but Rasnov counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Ouellet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rasnov is trying to control the action in half guard but Ouellet is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Rasnov passes to full mount!
Ouellet gets back to half guard.
Rasnov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Ouellet does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Rasnov controlling the pace.
Ouellet trying to control here.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Selimkhan Rasnov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Rasnov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ouellet stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Ouellet wants it to stay on the feet.
Ouellet drops down looking for a counter takedown but Rasnov sprawls and moves away.
Rasnov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Rasnov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Rasnov scores with a head kick.

It looks like Stephane Ouellet has been cut.
Rasnov avoids a kick to the body.
Ouellet tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Rasnov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Stephane Ouellet is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Rasnov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Ouellet displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Rasnov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ouellet shoots in but no luck this time.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ouellet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Stephane Ouellet. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ouellet slaps away a takedown attempt from Rasnov, before circling back to the center of the mat.

Ouellet has taken the fight to the clinch.

Rasnov ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Rasnov no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Ouellet has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Ouellet gets to his feet - Rasnov follows without any prompting.
Nice body kick there by Rasnov.

Rasnov closes the distance and clinches.
Ouellet is looking to break free of the clinch but Rasnov has double underhooks.

Rasnov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Rasnov clinches with his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rasnov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rasnov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Ouellet counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Ouellet looking to stall.
Ouellet tries for a takedown. No joy.
Ouellet tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Rasnov smiles and moves away.
Rasnov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ouellet.
Rasnov tries to clinch but Ouellet is having none of it.
Rasnov goes for a double leg but Ouellet avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ouellet continues to drive forward.
Ouellet seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rasnov has his takedown stuffed

and Ouellet counters by moving into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ouellet pulls Rasnov into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Ouellet is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Ouellet being controlled here, momentarily.
Ouellet working a defensive guard but Rasnov passes into half guard.
Nice strikes from Rasnov there.
Ouellet wants to improve his position but Rasnov is controlling well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rasnov is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Ouellet has managed to free his arm - good work.
Rasnov wants to get back to his feet.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Rasnov lands a nice short elbow.
Stephane Ouellet has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Selimkhan Rasnov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rasnov takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Selimkhan Rasnov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Rasnov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Don Winkell scores the fight for Selimkhan Rasnov!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Selimkhan Rasnov!
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Selimkhan Rasnov!

Selimkhan Rasnov wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Michail Rasnov (ranked 4642 p4p, 4649 weight class) and James Cronix (ranked 497 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Rasnov
vs
Cronix

185 cm
21
155
2 - 0 - 0

175 cm
21
155
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Michail Rasnov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, James Cronix!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cronix shoots in for a takedown but Rasnov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Rasnov defending well as Cronix loads up on a big left hand.

Cronix forces Rasnov back against the cage and clinches.

Cronix gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Rasnov wants to get back to his feet.
Cronix throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Cronix is controlling the pace.
Let's hope that Cronix has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rasnov flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cronix controlling the action here.
Rasnov wants to improve his position but Cronix is controlling well.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Cronix is looking to advance position but Rasnov won't allow it.
Cronix is figuring out what he wants to do next.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Rasnov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cronix.
It looked like Rasnov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

That's two 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.
Rasnov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Cronix throws a counter combo.
Rasnov tries to land a front kick but Cronix steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
As Rasnov backs off Cronix throws a huge counter combo but Rasnov manages to avoid it all.

Rasnov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Rasnov trying to control the position from guard on top but Cronix is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rasnov won't allow Cronix to sweep him here.
Cronix keeping moving, preventing Rasnov from controlling successfully.
Rasnov preventing the sweep.
Rasnov wants to control from the top but Cronix keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Cronix looking to control.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
No luck for Cronix with that takedown attempt.
Michail Rasnov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Cronix.
Nice takedown defense from Rasnov. No joy for Cronix on that attempt.
Cronix looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Rasnov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Cronix fails with the takedown
and Rasnov counters with a series of strikes. Cronix will be more careful next time no doubt.
Cronix looks winded!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cronix throws a head kick but Rasnov moves out of range.

Cronix rushes Rasnov and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Rasnov goes for a takedown in the clinch but Cronix prevents it.

Cronix drags the fight down to the ground.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Cronix can do anything to dispel that myth.
Rasnov wants to stand but Cronix has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Cronix is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Rasnov wants to control from the top but Cronix keeps moving.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Cronix has a closed guard, preventing Rasnov from standing up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but James Cronix will probably get the nod.
That's time! Rasnov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Cronix pushes Rasnov up against the cage in a clinch.

Rasnov works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
James Cronix has got the better of the ground game so far.
Rasnov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Cronix pulls Rasnov in close to prevent any damage.
Rasnov wanted to stand there but Cronix had control of the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rasnov advances position into side control!
Cronix really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rasnov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Rasnov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Cronix has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cronix is trying to improve his position.
An elbow from Rasnov crashes against the mat.
Cronix tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Rasnov trying to control the position but Cronix is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Cronix trying to remain calm as Rasnov controls from the top position.
Cronix tries to bench press Rasnov off him but Rasnov keeps the position.
Rasnov is working Cronix over with some ground and pound from side control.
Cronix tries to bench press Rasnov off him but Rasnov keeps the position.
Rasnov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cronix keeps working.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rasnov taking a breather here.
Cronix is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cronix clinches.
A bit of stalling here from Cronix.

Rasnov breaks from the clinch.
Cronix misses with a takedown attempt - Rasnov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Cronix circles away from the clinch attempt.
Rasnov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rasnov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Rasnov wants it to stay on the feet.
Cronix is breathing heavily.

Rasnov looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Cronix!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov trying to control the position but Cronix is working away.

Rasnov tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Rasnov has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Rasnov happy to just control the position for now.
Rasnov trying to control the action but Cronix is working from the bottom.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Michail Rasnov dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Cronix closes the distance and clinches.
Rasnov is looking to control Cronix's arms but Cronix gets an underhook and turns him. Now Rasnov has his back to the cage.

Cronix lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Cronix wants to stand up but Rasnov is controlling the position.
Rasnov trying to control from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cronix controlling the action here.
Cronix thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Cronix lands a nice short elbow.
Rasnov is positioning himself well to prevent Cronix advancing to mount.
Cronix is thwarting Rasnov's attempts to control the position.
Rasnov regains full guard. Nicely done.
Rasnov is trying to control the position but Cronix postures up.

Rasnov is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Cronix is aware though and is defending well.
Cronix controls from within his opponent's guard.
Rasnov keeping moving, preventing Cronix from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Cronix wants to stand and escape but instead Rasnov has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.

Rasnov stops Cronix from standing up.
Cronix preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rasnov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Rasnov advances position into side control!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Rasnov really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Cronix can't do much from the bottom here.
Rasnov tries to stand but Cronix is controlling his head.
Cronix stuck in half guard on the bottom here.
Cronix tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Rasnov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Cronix drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Cronix takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Rasnov is looking to reverse the position.
Cronix working away.
Cronix taking a breather here.
Cronix sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Rasnov is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Rasnov wants to control but Cronix postures up.
Rasnov is not content to let Cronix control the position.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to James Cronix.
I think Cronix 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight for Michail Rasnov!
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight for Michail Rasnov!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Michail Rasnov!

Michail Rasnov wins by unanimous decision!