PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Zeke Titus (ranked 28 p4p, 32 weight class) and Vladimir Skurwysynowski (ranked 3 p4p, 4 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Titus
vs
Skurwysynowski

190 cm
30
210
21 - 8 - 1

193 cm
30
205
23 - 8 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Conviction
© Trap House

Conviction
Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 8 - 1, fighting out of London, Zeke Titus!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vladimir Skurwysynowski!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Percy O'Donnell and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Skurwysynowski scores with a body shot.
Titus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Skurwysynowski.
Titus half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Titus displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Skurwysynowski throws out the jab.
Skurwysynowski wants to slow Titus down by chopping away at his legs.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Titus is defended easily by Skurwysynowski.
A low kick from Skurwysynowski misses

and Titus counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Titus throwing strikes but missing.
Titus wants to control from the top but Skurwysynowski keeps moving.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Titus in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Skurwysynowski avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Titus controlling from the top position.
Skurwysynowski is controlling Titus's posture.
Titus 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.
Titus controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Titus wants to control from the top but Skurwysynowski keeps moving.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Skurwysynowski bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Titus uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Skurwysynowski.
Titus appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Titus ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Titus drops down looking for a counter takedown but Skurwysynowski sprawls and moves away.
Skurwysynowski connects with a solid leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Skurwysynowski misses with a body kick.
Titus tries to counter with a takedown but Skurwysynowski is quick to defend against it.
Skurwysynowski misses with a hook.
Titus changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Titus misses with a hook.
The fighters circling - Skurwysynowski throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Jab by Skurwysynowski.
Skurwysynowski doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
A swing and a miss from Skurwysynowski.
Skurwysynowski misses with an uppercut

and Titus counters with a nice double leg into side control. Skurwysynowski won't be happy with that.
Titus scoring with punches from side control.
Titus throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Skurwysynowski wants to control but Titus postures up.
Titus fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Titus tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Titus throws a strike aimed at the side of Skurwysynowski's head but Skurwysynowski avoids it well.
Titus throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Skurwysynowski works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
Titus prevents Skurwysynowski from improving his position.
Skurwysynowski gets full guard.
Titus is looking to work some ground and pound but Skurwysynowski has wrist control.
Titus postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Skurwysynowski avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

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.

Titus thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Titus wants to pass the guard but Skurwysynowski is keeping the position.
Titus slips nicely into half guard.
Titus missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Titus sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Titus looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Skurwysynowski with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Zeke Titus dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Skurwysynowski throws a big shot that misses.
Titus half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Skurwysynowski throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Titus drops down looking for a counter takedown but Skurwysynowski sprawls and moves away.
Titus swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Skurwysynowski misses with a low kick.
Skurwysynowski takes one to the chin there.
Skurwysynowski throws a jab when Titus was well out of range.
Skurwysynowski with a hook.
Skurwysynowski throws a hook to the side of Titus's head but Titus sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Jab from Skurwysynowski.
Titus ducks under a wild hook from Skurwysynowski.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Titus connects with a body shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Titus misses the target.
Titus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Skurwysynowski.
Titus ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Skurwysynowski moves away.
A chopping leg kick lands by Skurwysynowski.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Titus misses the jab.
Titus displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Skurwysynowski throws out the jab.
Titus feinted with a counter takedown.
Skurwysynowski lands the left hand.
Skurwysynowski throws a leg kick which misses Titus's front leg but catches the back leg as Titus tries to avoid it.
Skurwysynowski swings for the body but Titus moves out of range.
Titus attempts a counter takedown but Skurwysynowski avoids it well and moves away.
Titus misses with an uppercut.
Skurwysynowski throws out a counter right but Titus avoids it with no problem.
Skurwysynowski swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Skurwysynowski misses with an uppercut

and Titus counters with a single leg into guard. Skurwysynowski didn't expect that.
Titus wants to control from the top but Skurwysynowski keeps moving.
Titus throws a big right hand that misses.
Titus trying to control but Skurwysynowski is working from the bottom.
Titus lands a couple of elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Titus slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Skurwysynowski can do anything to dispel that myth.
Skurwysynowski keeping full guard, as Titus tries to pass.
Titus is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Titus looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Titus trying to control the position from guard on top but Skurwysynowski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Skurwysynowski looking to control.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Zeke Titus overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Titus postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Skurwysynowski tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Titus is able to avoid easily.
Titus drops down looking for a counter takedown but Skurwysynowski sprawls and moves away.
Skurwysynowski ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Titus is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Skurwysynowski can do to turn this around?
Skurwysynowski throws the left hand but Titus avoids the punch easily.
Skurwysynowski looks to land a left hand but Titus moved out of range nicely.
Titus is trying hard to land a takedown here. Skurwysynowski sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Titus pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Vladimir Skurwysynowski is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Titus throws the left hand but Skurwysynowski avoids the punch easily.
Titus slips under a jab.
A left lands for Titus.
Skurwysynowski thuds his right hand into Titus's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Titus steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Skurwysynowski.
Skurwysynowski thows a left - swing and a miss!
Titus takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Titus throws a shot from downtown. Skurwysynowski moves away and avoids it.
Titus moves out of range of the strikes.

Titus throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Skurwysynowski tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Titus is in Skurwysynowski's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Titus stays in close to Skurwysynowski's body and controls the position.
Titus is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Zeke Titus will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Titus ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Titus slips a jab from Skurwysynowski.
Skurwysynowski wants to land a leg kick but Titus is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Titus.
Vladimir Skurwysynowski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fighters circling - Skurwysynowski throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Skurwysynowski avoids the body shot from Titus.
Skurwysynowski takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Skurwysynowski defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Titus.
Titus has a takedown stuffed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skurwysynowski misses with a looping right.
Skurwysynowski looks to land a right hand but Titus moved out of range.
A big left from Skurwysynowski misses.
Skurwysynowski misses the shot to the body.
Skurwysynowski lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Titus at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Skurwysynowski throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Skurwysynowski misses with a hook. Titus ducked under it nicely.
Titus feinted with a counter takedown.
Skurwysynowski throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Titus sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Good exchange - Skurwysynowski coming out on top.
Skurwysynowski throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A left lands for Titus.
Skurwysynowski loads up on a big right hand but Titus slips the punch.
Skurwysynowski needs to keep his hands up - Titus had a free shot at his head there.
Skurwysynowski throws a jab when Titus was well out of range.
Skurwysynowski connects with a solid leg kick.
Skurwysynowski throws out a leg kick but Titus moves out of range and Skurwysynowski only half commits.
A looping hook to the body misses from Skurwysynowski. Titus does a little dance to reset his feet.
Skurwysynowski steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Titus.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jab from Titus.
Titus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Skurwysynowski.
Titus uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Skurwysynowski.
Titus takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Titus keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Titus walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Skurwysynowski misses with a left hand

and Titus counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Titus.
Titus throwing strikes but missing.
Titus postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Titus passes Skurwysynowski's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Titus sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Titus throwing shots but Skurwysynowski is blocking nicely.
Titus thows a huge punch but Skurwysynowski dodges it nicely.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Titus missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Skurwysynowski is not content to let Titus control the position.
Skurwysynowski has hold of Titus's hands but Titus slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

That's four 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.
Titus not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Titus is pressing down on Skurwysynowski's thigh, looking to free his foot. Skurwysynowski is holding on for now.
Titus wants to take a breather but Skurwysynowski is having none of it.
Titus not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Titus trying to mount his opponent but Skurwysynowski defends it.
Skurwysynowski keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Vladimir Skurwysynowski seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Skurwysynowski misses with an uppercut.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Zeke Titus did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Skurwysynowski tried to score with a low kick but Titus checks it.
Skurwysynowski jabs Titus right on the nose. Titus blinks but takes it well.
Skurwysynowski throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Titus sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Skurwysynowski connects with a looping right hand.
Titus cracks Skurwysynowski with a right hand to the side of the head.
Titus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Skurwysynowski.
Nice defenses there by Titus.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Titus.
Titus looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Skurwysynowski throws a body punch but Titus moves out of range.
A decent looking cross lands there for Skurwysynowski.
Good shot there by Titus.
Titus staying out of range there.
Titus appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Titus moves away from the strike by Skurwysynowski.
Titus tries to counter with a takedown but Skurwysynowski is quick to defend against it.
Nice defenses there by Skurwysynowski.
Skurwysynowski missing with a left hand there. Titus was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Skurwysynowski misses with a straight left.
Titus misses the shot to the body.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Skurwysynowski! But no joy.
Skurwysynowski throws a right hand that misses

and Titus counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Titus.
Titus wants to control from the top but Skurwysynowski keeps moving.
Titus stands up over Skurwysynowski, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Titus postures up in Skurwysynowski's guard and throws a big left but Skurwysynowski blocks it.
We've been hearing that Titus has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Titus throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Skurwysynowski works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Titus wants to control from the top but Skurwysynowski keeps moving.
Titus is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Skurwysynowski is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Titus content to stall in guard here.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Titus loads up on a big right hand but Skurwysynowski slips the punch.
Skurwysynowski misses with a hook. Titus ducked under it nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Skurwysynowski. Titus does a little dance to reset his feet.
Titus appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Titus connects with a body shot that sends Skurwysynowski's belly button to the back.
A swing and a miss from Skurwysynowski.
Titus takes one on the chin but seems OK.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Titus looks to land a right hand but Skurwysynowski moved out of range.
Skurwysynowski takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Titus uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Skurwysynowski.
Titus attempts a counter takedown but Skurwysynowski avoids it well and moves away.
Skurwysynowski misses with a straight left.
Titus drops down looking for a counter takedown but Skurwysynowski sprawls and moves away.
Skurwysynowski lands a glancing blow to the side of Titus's head.
Titus uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Skurwysynowski.
Skurwysynowski rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Titus counters with a takedown into side control.
Titus staying calm.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Titus grinds an elbow into Skurwysynowski's temple.
Titus trying to control the action but Skurwysynowski is working from the bottom.
Skurwysynowski really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Titus. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Titus taking a breather here.

Titus in side control, working for a kimura. He's got hold of an arm and he's torquing it... Skurwysynowski is tapping! That's the end of the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Zeke Titus!
Zeke Titus retains his light heavyweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Zeke Titus thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.