PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Andrei Kersikov (ranked 12 p4p, 145 weight class) and Alexus Argento (ranked 3 p4p, 25 weight class). Kersikov comes to the cage accompanied by Head of the Table. Argento comes into a darkened arena with his song building. For Heavy Metal we will die! kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kersikov
vs
Argento

201 cm
33
269
28 - 10 - 0

190 cm
31
243
14 - 4 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

NARCOS
Kersikov's Vitamin Clinic (160)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Andrei Kersikov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Alexus Argento!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Paul Tew and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kersikov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Argento fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kersikov checks it well.
Argento shoots in for a double leg but Kersikov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Kersikov moves out of range of the body kick from Argento.
Argento ducks under a wild hook from Kersikov.
Argento misses the shot to the body.
It looked like Kersikov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Argento has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Kersikov throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kersikov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Argento changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Argento uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kersikov.
Kersikov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Alexus Argento seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Argento scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov throws a jab but it's blocked by Argento.
Argento throws a series of punches but Kersikov moves out of range.
Kersikov swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Argento fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kersikov avoids it really well and circles away.
A little feinted left hand from Kersikov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Argento throws a jab when Kersikov was well out of range.
Kersikov quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Kersikov gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Argento takes a swing at Kersikov's ribcage but misses.
Kersikov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Argento.
Argento counters with a body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Argento has closed the distance and engaged Kersikov in a clinch.
Argento throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov tries to land knees in the clinch but Argento avoids the damage to the body.

Argento pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Argento misses with a hook to the body
and Kersikov counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Argento is lucky that one didn't land flush.
Kersikov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Argento looks for the body kick but Kersikov saw that one coming.
A nice leg kick lands there from Argento.
Kersikov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Argento bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Argento feints the counter takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov connects with a looping right hand.

It looks like Alexus Argento has been cut.
Kersikov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Argento lands a slapping body shot.
Kersikov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kersikov is looking to land body kicks.
Argento misses with a combination
and Kersikov counters with a thumping low kick.
Argento tries a head kick but it misses.
Kersikov appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Argento scores with a hook to the body. Kersikov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with a hook.
Kersikov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Argento throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Some wild striking there from Kersikov.

Argento darts in and clinches Kersikov up against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Argento.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kersikov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alexus Argento will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Alexus Argento's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kersikov on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Argento shoots in but Kersikov avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Kersikov looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Argento lands a nice hook to Kersikov's body. Kersikov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Donk. Argento catches Kersikov right on the button with a cross.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Argento moves into the clinch successfully.
Kersikov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kersikov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kersikov connects with a knee to the head.
Kersikov lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Argento.
Argento tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.
Kersikov prevents a body shot from Argento.
Kersikov'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.
Argento blocks a body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov tries to throw a body punch but Argento avoids it by throwing Kersikov back against the cage.

Kersikov breaks the clinch.
Argento throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Argento throws a series of punches but Kersikov avoids them all with ease.
Kersikov wants to slow Argento down by chopping away at his legs.
A nice leg kick from Argento, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kersikov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov throws a sloppy head kick and Argento moves out of range easily.
Argento is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Kersikov with a body shot.
Kersikov lands with a kick to the ribs.
Kersikov misses with an uppercut
and Argento counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Andrei Kersikov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kersikov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kersikov misses with a double jab
and Argento counters with a three punch combo that has Kersikov backing up. Kersikov nods at Argento to acknowledge the strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice defenses there by Argento.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kersikov.
Argento is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Kersikov with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Argento misses with a wild combination.
Kersikov jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.

Argento closes the distance and pushes Kersikov back into the cage.
Argento lands with a left to the head.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Argento. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Kersikov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short uppercut from Kersikov.

Argento lands a takedown into guard.
Kersikov wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Argento manages to pass to side control.

Argento wants to take a breather but Kersikov is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Argento is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Argento looks to land a strike but Kersikov avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
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!
Argento throws a big elbow that misses.
Argento postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Argento throws a strike but Kersikov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Argento is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Kersikov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kersikov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexus Argento will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Alexus Argento's cut.
That's time! Kersikov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Argento tries to clinch but Kersikov is having none of it.
Argento just misses with a punch to the body.
It looked like Kersikov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Argento lands a body shot.
Argento wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kersikov throws a half hearted mid kick.
Argento lets loose with a powerful body kick. Kersikov will feel that in the morning.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice cross by Argento.
Argento misses with a double jab.
Kersikov is looking to land body kicks.
Argento only half commits to the counter leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Argento steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Kersikov. That one must have hurt.
Argento shoots in and drives through. Kersikov sprawls well.
Argento takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kersikov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Kersikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Argento checks a leg kick nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Argento. Kersikov does a little dance to reset his feet.
As Argento looks to move away, Kersikov throws a big counter combo but Argento just gets out of the way.
Kersikov throws a body punch but Argento moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Good exchange - Kersikov coming out on top.
Argento moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Kersikov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Argento appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Kersikov blocks a head kick by Argento.
Kersikov appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Argento fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kersikov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Argento throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Argento connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kersikov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Argento.
Argento looks to score with a jab to the body but Kersikov is just out of range.
Argento doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Kersikov counters with a straight right hand.

That has opened up Alexus Argento's cut even more.
A good leg kick by Kersikov.
Argento will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Andrei Kersikov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alexus Argento.
Argento on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kersikov lands a big right hand that sends Argento crashing to the mat! Kersikov stays standing though and waves Argento back to his feet!

The cut above Alexus Argento's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kersikov is looking to slow Argento down with leg kicks.
Argento takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kersikov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Argento is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kersikov rather than just go for the knockout.
Argento shoots in but no luck this time.
Andrei Kersikov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kersikov throws an overhand right that lands on Argento's shoulder, as Argento tries to avoid the shot.
Argento misses with a two punch combination.
Argento swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Kersikov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Andrei Kersikov clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Alexus Argento's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Argento throws a body kick that misses.
Argento digs a good body shot into Kersikov's ribs.
Argento shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kersikov as he avoids it easily.
It looked like Kersikov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Argento.
Argento moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Argento misses with a wild body shot.
Kersikov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Argento keeps Kersikov at a distance using the push kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Argento walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Argento tries to score with a low kick but Kersikov moves his leg out of the way.
Kersikov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kersikov avoids a kick to the body.
A little feinted left hand from Kersikov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
letting Argento counter with a right hand.
Kersikov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Nice takedown defense from Kersikov. No joy for Argento on that attempt.
Argento tries to clinch there but Kersikov circles away.
Kersikov thinks about countering with a head kick.
Kersikov throws an overhand right that lands on Argento's shoulder, as Argento tries to avoid the shot.
Argento let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kersikov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kersikov throws a push kick but Argento slaps the foot to one side.
Kersikov lands the left hand.

Alexus Argento's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov tries to land a front kick but Argento steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kersikov drops Argento with a huge uppercut! Argento drops to the floor like a sack of potatoes. Kersikov is raining down punches and the ref stops the fight! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:26 of round 4, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Andrei Kersikov!
Andrei Kersikov retains his heavyweight title!
An out of breath Andrei Kersikov thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.