PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Uladzimir Prokopenko (ranked 2507 p4p, 4192 weight class) and Somsak Saetang (ranked 326 p4p, 490 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Prokopenko
vs
Saetang

185 cm
20
210
4 - 3 - 0

214 cm
26
205
5 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Knockout power

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 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of New York, Uladzimir Prokopenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Somsak Saetang!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Prokopenko feints and as Saetang raises his hands in defense, Prokopenko changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Prokopenko stopping the sweep attempt from Saetang.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Prokopenko throwing strikes from guard but Saetang blocks nicely.
Saetang tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Prokopenko is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Prokopenko with a flurry of punches that miss.
Saetang keeping full guard, as Prokopenko tries to pass.
Saetang avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Prokopenko throwing strikes from guard but Saetang blocks nicely.
Saetang is trying to keep Prokopenko in close.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Prokopenko won't allow Saetang to sweep him here.
Prokopenko stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Saetang swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saetang wants to sweep here but Prokopenko controlling him for the moment.
Prokopenko advances position into side control!
Saetang is looking for a sweep.
Saetang really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Prokopenko. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
You can see the frustration on Saetang's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
The strikes coming from Prokopenko are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Saetang is looking to reverse the position.
Saetang looks to move to half guard but instead Prokopenko has passed into mount! Damn!
Saetang wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Prokopenko.
Prokopenko throws some wild stikes that Saetang manages to avoid easily.
Prokopenko throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Saetang because Prokopenko loaded up on that one.
Prokopenko looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Prokopenko throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Saetang because Prokopenko loaded up on that one.
Prokopenko scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Saetang?
Prokopenko lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saetang blocking the ground and pound.
Saetang is trying to escape the mount.
Saetang is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saetang blocking the ground and pound.
Prokopenko misses with a head shot.

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

Prokopenko wants to finish this one by submission but Saetang is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Prokopenko.
Saetang can't escape the position.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Saetang has given up his back here.

Prokopenko has the rear naked choke here! This is very bad for Saetang! Can he survive? No! He's out! Prokopenko gets to his feet and celebrates with his cornermen. He looks absolutely delighted. In the post fight interviews he takes time to thank his parents and everyone who has believed in him from the start. How sweet.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Uladzimir Prokopenko!