PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kyrylo Lyashenko (ranked 4150 p4p, 4089 weight class) and James Rockefeller (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Lyashenko
vs
Rockefeller

195 cm
25
214
0 - 0 - 0

194 cm
25
205
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Kyrylo Lyashenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, James Rockefeller!
The judges for this bout are Paul Gruel, Colin Fray and Chris Saunders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rockefeller takes one to the side of the head.
Rockefeller scores with a shot to the body.
Lyashenko fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Rockefeller darts in looking for a takedown but Lyashenko gets double underhooks and turns Rockefeller into the cage.
Rockefeller bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Lyashenko throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Rockefeller counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Lyashenko waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Rockefeller.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Lyashenko.

It looks like James Rockefeller has been cut.

Rockefeller scores with a takedown into Lyashenko's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rockefeller lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Rockefeller with a nice head shot there.
Lyashenko utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Rockefeller works over Lyashenko with some ground and pound from guard.
Lyashenko knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rockefeller on the ground.
Rockefeller throws a big right hand that misses.
Rockefeller lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Rockefeller throws a big right hand that misses.
Lyashenko on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Lyashenko tries to get out of the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rockefeller chips away with some ground and pound.
Rockefeller is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rockefeller in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Rockefeller works over Lyashenko with some ground and pound from guard.
Rockefeller throws a strike but Lyashenko rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Rockefeller is looking to stand up but Lyashenko isn't so interested in that idea.
Rockefeller has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Lyashenko would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Rockefeller pushes Lyashenko off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rockefeller closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Lyashenko to the mat! Lyashenko manages to get full guard.
Rockefeller throws a big right hand that misses.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rockefeller distracts Lyashenko with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Rockefeller landing with the ground and pound.
Rockefeller scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Lyashenko preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Rockefeller is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rockefeller won't allow Lyashenko to get back to his feet.

Rockefeller gets to his feet - Lyashenko follows without any prompting.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rockefeller throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Lyashenko's waist but Lyashenko gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Rockefeller off to one side.
Rockefeller shoots for a takedown but Lyashenko saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kyrylo Lyashenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Rockefeller.
A swing and a miss from Lyashenko.

Rockefeller rushes Lyashenko and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Lyashenko lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rockefeller backwards.
Lyashenko works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Rockefeller looks winded!
Rockefeller is looking to take this one to the mat.
Lyashenko leaning his opponent against the cage.
Lyashenko stalls.
The referee is keeping an eye on Lyashenko - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Lyashenko scores with a shot to the side of Rockefeller's head.
Rockefeller can't get the takedown.
Lyashenko lands a hook that snaps the head of Rockefeller backwards.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Lyashenko.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rockefeller drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Lyashenko gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Rockefeller tries to score a body lock takedown but Lyashenko shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A shot in the inside from Lyashenko.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rockefeller is trying to drag Lyashenko to the mat but Lyashenko just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Lyashenko has Rockefeller pushed against the cage.
Lyashenko is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Lyashenko lands a body shot.
Lyashenko scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Lyashenko will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Rockefeller up against the cage.
A body shot lands from Lyashenko.
Lyashenko throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kyrylo Lyashenko dominated that round.
The cut man is working on James Rockefeller's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

A big left from Lyashenko misses.
The fighters circling - Lyashenko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Lyashenko tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rockefeller swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Rockefeller shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Lyashenko as he jumps to the side.
Lyashenko lands a nice looking body shot.
Lyashenko stuffs the takedown attempt from Rockefeller. Rockefeller gets slowly back to his feet.
A quick step to the side and Lyashenko tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Lyashenko scores with a jab to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lyashenko wants to clinch.
Rockefeller is breathing heavily.
Rockefeller uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lyashenko.
Rockefeller moves out of range of the strikes.
Rockefeller walks into a straight right hand from Lyashenko.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lyashenko fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Rockefeller, pushing him back against the cage.
Lyashenko lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Rockefeller backwards.
Lyashenko holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Rockefeller tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kyrylo Lyashenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of James Rockefeller.
A short right from Lyashenko on the inside.
Rockefeller misses with a body punch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Lyashenko has Rockefeller pressed against the cage.
Lyashenko lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A short left from Lyashenko.
Lyashenko's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Lyashenko works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Lyashenko is stalling here.
Lyashenko lands a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lyashenko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A nice left hand lands by Lyashenko.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lyashenko lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rockefeller backwards.
Lyashenko gets through Rockefeller's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Rockefeller is looking for a takedown.
Lyashenko lands a shoulder strike.
Good body shot from Lyashenko.
Lyashenko leaning his opponent against the cage.
Lyashenko lands a shot to the body.
Rockefeller drops down looking for an ankle pick but Lyashenko pulls his leg out and moves away.
Lyashenko throws a jab but it's blocked by Rockefeller.
Lyashenko doesn't manage to clinch there - Rockefeller circles away.
Lyashenko misses with a hook. Rockefeller ducked under it nicely.
Lyashenko scores with a punch to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lyashenko tries to bum rush Rockefeller with a series of wild strikes but Rockefeller uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Rockefeller is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Lyashenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rockefeller was well out of range. Poor timing from Lyashenko.
Lyashenko jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Rockefeller drops his hands momentarily and Lyashenko takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Rockefeller moves out of range as Lyashenko strikes.

Rockefeller drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Rockefeller won't allow Lyashenko to get back to his feet.
Rockefeller is looking to work some ground and pound but Lyashenko has wrist control.
Lyashenko is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lyashenko is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Rockefeller dives into side control.
The strikes coming from Rockefeller are missing the target in this wave of attacks.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rockefeller misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Rockefeller working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Rockefeller working the head and body with strikes.
Lyashenko is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Lyashenko on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Rockefeller throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Lyashenko is pushing Rockefeller's head away, looking to escape. Rockefeller manages to hold on to the position though.
Rockefeller sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Lyashenko is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Rockefeller grinds an elbow into Lyashenko's temple.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kyrylo Lyashenko dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on James Rockefeller's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Rockefeller moves in looking to clinch but Lyashenko pushes him off.
It looked like Lyashenko was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Rockefeller.
Rockefeller has a takedown stuffed.

Rockefeller closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Lyashenko's guard.
Lyashenko wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Rockefeller manages to pass to side control.

Rockefeller thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lyashenko's head.
Rockefeller prevents Lyashenko from standing back up.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Rockefeller lands a nice short elbow.
Rockefeller lands strikes from half guard.
Rockefeller scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Rockefeller throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Rockefeller takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lyashenko blocking the ground and pound attempt from Rockefeller.
Lyashenko wants to get back to his feet.
Lyashenko keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
James Rockefeller has got the better of the ground game so far.
Lyashenko is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Rockefeller scores with a couple of nice shots.
Lyashenko taking some punishment here, with Rockefeller in his half guard.
Rockefeller throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Lyashenko wants to get back to his feet.
Rockefeller scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Nice strikes from Rockefeller there.
Rockefeller working the head and body with strikes.
Lyashenko is trying to stand.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Lyashenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Rockefeller is just out of range.

Rockefeller looking to score a takedown here. Lyashenko is defending well but Rockefeller drives through and ends up in Lyashenko's guard.
Rockefeller won't allow Lyashenko to get back to his feet.
Rockefeller distracts Lyashenko with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Rockefeller working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Rockefeller throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lyashenko works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Rockefeller is looking to work some ground and pound but Lyashenko has wrist control.
Rockefeller scoring with punches to the head and body.
Rockefeller scoring with punches to the head and body.
Rockefeller landing with the ground and pound.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Lyashenko doesn't manage to clinch there - Rockefeller circles away.
Rockefeller avoids the body shot from Lyashenko.
Kyrylo Lyashenko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lyashenko throws a hook but Rockefeller blocks it.
Lyashenko throws a body punch but Rockefeller moves out of range.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Lyashenko enables Rockefeller to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Lyashenko manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Rockefeller chips away with some ground and pound.
Lyashenko is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Rockefeller is controlling him.
Rockefeller is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rockefeller is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Rockefeller loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rockefeller cracks Lyashenko with a solid left hand.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Lyashenko throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Lyashenko misses with a straight left.
Lyashenko checks a low kick from Rockefeller.
Rockefeller ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Lyashenko stuffs the takedown.
James Rockefeller has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kyrylo Lyashenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lyashenko throws a nice looking combination but Rockefeller bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Rockefeller ducks under a wild hook from Lyashenko.

Rockefeller closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Lyashenko's guard.
Rockefeller content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rockefeller lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Lyashenko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Rockefeller can do to turn this around?
Rockefeller working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Lyashenko's head.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Rockefeller comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Lyashenko has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Paul Gruel scores the fight 29:28
Judge Colin Fray scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kyrylo Lyashenko!
Kyrylo Lyashenko tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.