PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Selimkhan Rasnov (ranked 5900 p4p, 4145 weight class) and Andrei Aphelion (ranked 594 p4p, 485 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rasnov
vs
Aphelion

185 cm
24
155
5 - 4 - 0

181 cm
21
154
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Tends to cut

EFC Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 4 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Selimkhan Rasnov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Andrei Aphelion!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Chris Edwards and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rasnov closes the distance and pushes Aphelion back into the cage.
Aphelion lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Aphelion throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Rasnovs head.
Rasnov jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Aphelion walks away with a smile on his face. Rasnov gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Aphelion lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Rasnov at a distance.
Danga de danga de dang - Aphelion scores with a four punch combination!
Rasnov avoids the head kick by Aphelion.
Rasnov appears to be looking for a big counter.
Aphelion fakes the leg kick and cracks Rasnov in the body.
Aphelion thows a body kick. Rasnov tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Aphelion throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Rasnov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rasnov fails with a takedown attempt.
Aphelion throws a counter combo.

Aphelion gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Aphelion pushes Rasnov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Rasnov is trying to break the clinch but Aphelion has him pressed against the cage.

Aphelion breaks the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasnov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

Aphelion pushes Rasnov up against the cage in a clinch.

Rasnov pulls Aphelion into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Aphelion wanted to stand there but Rasnov had control of the position.
Rasnov throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Aphelion 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 wants to improve his position but instead Aphelion has moved into half guard.

Aphelion escapes and gets back to his feet.
Aphelion scores with a nice body kick.
Aphelion throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Rasnov shoots in and drives through. Aphelion sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Selimkhan Rasnov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rasnov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Aphelion swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Aphelion throws a counter combo.
Aphelion avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Rasnov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Good shot there by Aphelion.
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!

Aphelion clinches with his opponent.
Aphelion with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Aphelion lands with a light punch inside.
Aphelion lands an uppercut.

Aphelion breaks from the clinch.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Aphelion slows down the pace here.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Aphelion.
Aphelion continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion lands a right hand.
Rasnov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Aphelion lands a hook to the side of the head.
Rasnov takes an elbow to the temple.
We've been informed that Aphelion has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
A right handed body shot lands from Aphelion.
Aphelion gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Rasnov is looking to take this one to the mat.
Nice elbow from Aphelion.

Rasnov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Aphelion scores with a jab to the body.

Rasnov gets tackled into the cage by Aphelion. Aphelion maintains the clinch.

Aphelion breaks from the clinch.
Aphelion paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Andrei Aphelion is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aphelion feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Rasnovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Rasnov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Aphelion.

Aphelion moves into the clinch successfully.

Aphelion breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Aphelion throws a front kick that sends Rasnov stumbling back into the cage.
The fight stays on the outside here - Rasnov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Aphelion cracks Rasnov with a right hand to the side of the head.
Rasnov is looking to clinch.
Rasnov blocks a head kick by Aphelion.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Andrei Aphelion dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Rasnov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Aphelion.

Rasnov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Aphelion just misses with a elbow thrown towards Rasnov's brow.
Rasnov lands an elbow that stopped Aphelion in his tracks for a moment.
Rasnov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Aphelion leaning his opponent against the cage.

Aphelion breaks the clinch.
Andrei Aphelion seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Rasnov is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Aphelion's half guard.
Aphelion controlling the position for now.
Aphelion is trying to maintain the position but Rasnov is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aphelion taking some punishment here, with Rasnov in his half guard.
Rasnov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Rasnov 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.
Aphelion is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Aphelion is controlling Rasnov's trapped leg to prevent Rasnov from advancing to side control.
Rasnov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Aphelion defending well though.

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.
Aphelion is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Rasnov connects with a nice short shot to Aphelion's temple.
Rasnov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Aphelion wants to control but Rasnov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Rasnov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Rasnov is trying to control. Aphelion wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Rasnov dives in for a single leg takedown but Aphelion sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion misses with a double jab
and Rasnov counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
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.
Aphelion misses with a body kick.
Selimkhan Rasnov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Aphelion throws a sloppy head kick and Rasnov moves out of range easily.
Aphelion throws a one two combo.
A head kick by Aphelion misses

and Rasnov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Aphelion breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Aphelion throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rasnov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rasnov fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Selimkhan Rasnov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Aphelion takes a swing at Rasnov's ribcage but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion lands with a good body shot.
Rasnov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Aphelion avoids the head kick by Rasnov.
Aphelion connects with a body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Aphelion has closed the distance and engaged Rasnov in a clinch.
Rasnov is trying to break the clinch but Aphelion is controlling him.
Aphelion lands an elbow that stopped Rasnov in his tracks for a moment.
Aphelion trying to land knees to the body.
Aphelion has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Aphelion makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Aphelion lands a left hand.
A short uppercut from Aphelion.

Rasnov lands a takedown into guard.

Aphelion pushes Rasnov off and scrambles back to his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Andrei Aphelion showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Aphelion moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
The referee calls for Aphelion to work.
Aphelion is pressed up against the cage. Rasnov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Aphelion down to the mat. Aphelion avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
A slapping body kick lands there for Aphelion.
Rasnov walks into a stiff left hand from Aphelion.
Aphelion keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Aphelion throws a good cross that connects.

Aphelion takes the fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rasnov tries to break free but Aphelion pushes him back against the cage.

Aphelion breaks from the clinch.
Rasnov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Sloppy strikes from Aphelion. Those never looked like landing.
Aphelion's jab looks to have found its range, popping Rasnov under the eye.
A lazy left from Aphelion finds it's target.

Rasnov gets tackled into the cage by Aphelion. Aphelion maintains the clinch.

Rasnov breaks from the clinch.
No joy there for Aphelion, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Rasnov shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Selimkhan Rasnov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rasnov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Rasnov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
enabling Aphelion to counter with a crisp jab.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Rasnov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Aphelion clinches up with Rasnov and pushes him back against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aphelion dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Rasnov jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Aphelion walks away with a smile on his face. Rasnov gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Aphelion fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rasnov, pushing him back against the cage.
Rasnov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Aphelion pulls his leg out and moves away.
No joy there for Aphelion, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Aphelion fails in his attempt to clinch.
Rasnov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion throws a sloppy head kick and Rasnov moves out of range easily.

Aphelion closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Aphelion putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Rasnov in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Aphelion works on Rasnov's body with a couple of short punches.
Rasnov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Aphelion lands with a left to the head.
Aphelion using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Rasnov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Rasnov jumps guard but Aphelion turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Aphelion connects with a nasty looking knee right to Rasnov's face.
Aphelion lands an uppercut.
Rasnov letting Aphelion take a breather here.

Aphelion escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Aphelion has Rasnov up against the cage in a clinch.
Aphelion lands an elbow inside that Rasnov shrugs off.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A right hook to the body lands for Aphelion.
Aphelion lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Andrei Aphelion seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Aphelion pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Aphelion misses with a head kick.

Rasnov moves into the clinch.
Aphelion lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rasnov backwards.
Aphelion misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rasnov jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Aphelion walks away with a smile on his face. Rasnov gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Aphelion lands a jab-cross combination.
Rasnov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Andrei Aphelion really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Aphelion throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Rasnov.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Rasnov manages to pull guard.
Rasnov is looking to stand up but Aphelion isn't so interested in that idea.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Aphelion would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Rasnov is working an open guard so Aphelion takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aphelion thumps Rasnov with a low kick.
Aphelion misses with a two punch combination.
Rasnov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Aphelion as he jumps to the side.
Rasnov shoots in for a takedown but Aphelion shows good takedown defense.
Andrei Aphelion seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Aphelion explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.

Aphelion clinches with his opponent.
Rasnov is trying to push Aphelion away but Aphelion has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Rasnov is trying to break free.
Aphelion gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Aphelion struggles to land a body shot inside as Rasnov controls his hands.
Aphelion taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

Rasnov lands a takedown into guard.

Aphelion pushes Rasnov off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Aphelion dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Aphelion lets loose with a powerful body kick. Rasnov will feel that in the morning.
Aphelion scores with a body shot.
Aphelion lets loose with a powerful body kick. Rasnov will feel that in the morning.
Rasnov drops his hands momentarily and Aphelion takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

Aphelion gets a clinch.
Aphelion lands a nice shot to the body.
Aphelion working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Aphelion lands with a right to the head.
Rasnov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Aphelion to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Selimkhan Rasnov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Well,Rasnov is on his way to losing a decision here. Can he use his experience to pull something off in the closing minutes?
Aphelion lands a nice elbow.
Rasnov fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Aphelion throws a knee to the head but misses.
Aphelion with a knee to the head.
Aphelion lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Rasnov is trying to pull guard but Aphelion turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Rasnov wants a takedown but no success here.

Aphelion breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Aphelion.
Rasnov takes one on the button.
No joy there for Aphelion, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Rasnov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Aphelion sprawls and moves away.
Rasnov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Aphelion pushes Rasnov away with a front kick.
Aphelion misses with a head kick.
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!
Aphelion goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

Aphelion has closed the distance and engaged Rasnov in a clinch.
Aphelion misses with a punch to the body.
Rasnov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Rasnov taking a breather.
Aphelion stalls.
Aphelion pushes Rasnov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Aphelion is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Aphelion tries to land a knee to the head but Rasnov blocks with his arms.
Selimkhan Rasnov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rasnov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
Andrei Aphelion comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Aphelion 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 4 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge James Atkins scores the fight for Andrei Aphelion!
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Andrei Aphelion!
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight for Andrei Aphelion!

Andrei Aphelion wins by unanimous decision!
A less than humble Andrei Aphelion misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.