PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mustafa Graf (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michal Iksinski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Iksinski has chosen Skyrim Theme as his entrance music. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Michal Iksinski was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Graf
vs
Iksinski

175 cm
19
180 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

189 cm
19
178 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Cuts easily

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Knockout power

Chemical Gameness
Condemned

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mustafa Graf!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Michal Iksinski!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Konstantin Menshow and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Iksinski swings away with a leg kick that misses.
No joy there for Iksinski, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Iksinski lands a nice hook to Graf's body. Graf takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Graf throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Iksinski's waist but Iksinski gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Graf off to one side.
Iksinski keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
A looping hook to the body misses from Iksinski. Graf does a little dance to reset his feet.
Iksinski throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Graf sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Iksinski lands a glancing blow to the side of Graf's head.
Iksinski ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Graf moves away.
Graf shoots in for a takedown but Iksinski shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mustafa Graf. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Iksinski throws a body punch but Graf moves out of range.

Graf throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Iksinski was covering up waiting for the punch and Graf finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Iksinski keeping moving, preventing Graf from controlling successfully.

Iksinski looking for subs off his back but Graf has passed one foot through into half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graf not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Iksinski has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Graf is working away from the top position though.
Graf controlling the action here.

Iksinski looking for submissions off his back.

Iksinski looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Iksinski looking for submissions off his back.
Graf frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Graf controlling his opponent.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Graf sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Iksinski is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Graf thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Iksinski swinging wildly from the bottom but he's not landing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Graf has control of Iksinski's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Iksinski regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Graf thowing shots but they're missing.
Graf thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Iksinski is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Iksinski keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Graf trying to control but Iksinski is having none of it.
Iksinski wants to control but Graf is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Graf controlling his opponent.
Iksinski sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Iksinski is trying to control but can't.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Iksinski throws out a leg kick but Graf moves out of range and Iksinski only half commits.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Graf tries to score a power double leg takedown but Iksinski sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Graf somewhat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Graf looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Graf shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Iksinski but Iksinski pushes him off and we're back to square one.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mustafa Graf dominated that round.
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.

Iksinski looks to land a combination but Graf avoids it well.

Graf closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Iksinski quickly recovers to half guard.
Mustafa Graf overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Graf is looking for a kimura here.
Graf sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Graf seems to be working for a kimura but Iksinski defends the submission attempt.
Iksinski is trying to maintain the position but Graf is very close to passing his half guard.
Graf 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.

Iksinski with the active half guard here but Graf passes nicely into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Graf is trying to get an arm triangle but Iksinski is defending well.
Iksinski parries the strikes from Graf easily there. Graf is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Iksinski to escape.
Graf wants to control but Iksinski is keeping him busy.
You can see the frustration on Iksinski's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Iksinski manages to work his way to half guard, despite Graf's best efforts.
Iksinski is looking to escape.
Iksinski is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Graf wants to take a breather but Iksinski is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Iksinski avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Graf.
Iksinski is refusing to be controlled, as Graf sits in half guard.

Graf is working for a kimura but Iksinski is defending it quite comfortably.
Graf is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Iksinski is not content to let Graf control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Graf thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Iksinski's head.

Graf is looking for a kimura here.
Graf trying to mount his opponent but Iksinski defends it.

Graf is trying to work for a kimura but Iksinski is defending well.
Graf is controlling the pace.
Graf is trying to control the action in half guard but Iksinski is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Iksinski is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Graf pulls his head out easily.

Graf is working for a kimura but Iksinski is defending it quite comfortably.

Graf is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Iksinski defends it well.
Graf is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Graf is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Iksinski wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mustafa Graf dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Iksinski looks to score with a jab to the body but Graf is just out of range.
Graf fails with the takedown
and Iksinski counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Iksinski lands with a nice body punch.
Iksinski swings for the body but Graf moves out of range.
Graf shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Iksinski counters with a straight right hand.
Iksinski looks to score with a jab to the body but Graf is just out of range.
Graf uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Iksinski.
Graf takes a jab right on the kisser.
Iksinski swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Graf with a lazy takedown attempt
and Iksinski counters with a nice body shot.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mustafa Graf. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Iksinski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Graf.
Graf shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Iksinski sprawls well. Iksinski wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Graf gets slowly back to his feet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Iksinski. Graf does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Iksinski throws a combination. Graf tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Iksinski misses with a body shot.
Iksinski works the jab nicely.
Mustafa Graf is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Graf feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Graf throwing strikes from guard but Iksinski blocks nicely.

Iksinski is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Graf is aware though and is defending well.
Iksinski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Graf is looking to work some ground and pound but Iksinski has wrist control.
Graf showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Graf wants to pass the guard but Iksinski is keeping the position.

Iksinski has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Graf can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graf trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Iksinski keeping moving, preventing Graf from controlling successfully.
Iksinski trying to keep a closed guard but Graf is proving a slippery customer.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Graf slips nicely into half guard.
Iksinski wants to get back to his feet.
Graf controlling the action here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graf throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Graf lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Graf wants to pass the guard but Iksinski is defending well.
Iksinski trying to control here.
Graf controlling the pace.
Graf trying to control from half guard but Iksinski is working away.
Iksinski is looking for a sweep. Graf is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Iksinski actively working from the bottom here.

Iksinski is defending against the submission attempts here by Graf.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Graf seems to be working for a kimura but Iksinski defends the submission attempt.

Graf is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Iksinski defends it well.
Graf trying to control from half guard but Iksinski is working away.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Iksinski trying to control from the bottom.
Graf throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mustafa Graf clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Iksinski waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Graf.
Iksinski takes a swing at Graf's ribcage but misses.
Graf takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Iksinski throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Graf checks the leg kick nicely there.
Graf shoots in looking for a takedown but Iksinski manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Graf's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Graf closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
An elbow from Graf crashes against the mat.
Graf creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Iksinski sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

Graf goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Iksinski rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Graf's guard! Nice work there by Iksinski!
Iksinski wants to get up but he can't break Graf's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Graf not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Graf is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Iksinski has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Graf is working away from the top position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Graf is looking to take a break and control but Iksinski is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Graf not landing any meaningful shots this time.

Graf is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Iksinski still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Iksinski has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Iksinski wants to stand but Graf is controlling his arm.
Iksinski working away.
Graf sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Iksinski seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.
Iksinski is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Graf gets full guard.

Iksinski stands up from Graf's guard - Iksinski perhaps looking for a knockout.
Iksinski has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Graf misses with a takedown attempt - Iksinski sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Graf fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mustafa Graf. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Graf slips under a jab from Iksinski.
Graf ducks under a wild hook from Iksinski.
Iksinski missing with a left hand there. Graf was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Iksinski lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Graf changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Iksinski looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Iksinski sneaks back into half guard.
Still in half guard, Graf seems content to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Graf throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Graf seems to be looking for submissions.
Iksinski wants to get back to his feet.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Graf in particular looking to stall.

Iksinski looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Graf content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Graf's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Graf has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Graf unloading with bombs!
Iksinski working to try and regain half guard.

Graf working for a guillotine from mount but Iksinski is in no mood to give up.
Graf controlling from mount.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Graf looking to finish with strikes here!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mustafa Graf had his way with Michal Iksinski in that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Graf misses with a takedown attempt - Iksinski sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Graf takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Iksinski bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Graf's head.
Donk. Iksinski catches Graf right on the button with a cross.
Iksinski wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A jab from Iksinski finds it's way through Graf's defenses.
Iksinski misses with a straight left.
Iksinski looks to throw the jab but Graf is out of range.
Iksinski throws a body punch but Graf moves out of range.
Graf with a lazy takedown attempt
and Iksinski counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Iksinski scores with a one two! Graf had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Iksinski lands a nice hook to Graf's body. Graf takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Iksinski scores with a body shot.
Iksinski is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Iksinski throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Jab, jab by Iksinski - just one landing.
A jab from Iksinski misses.
Iksinski closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Iksinski fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Graf bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Iksinski seems a little lost for a moment, as Graf dominates the positioning.

Graf is trying to get an arm triangle but Iksinski is defending well.

Graf is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Iksinski is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Graf tries for a kimura but Iksinski is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Graf working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Iksinski gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Iksinski has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Graf is working away from the top position though.

Iksinski is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Graf pulls his head out easily.
Graf is figuring out what he wants to do next.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Graf is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Iksinski defends it well.

Iksinski actively working from the bottom here.
Graf is looking to take a break and control but Iksinski is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Graf is trying to work for a kimura but Iksinski is defending well.
Iksinski is trying to maintain the position but Graf is very close to passing his half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Graf seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Iksinski does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Iksinski keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Iksinski is trying to control but can't.

Graf is working for a submission of some sort.
Iksinski is trying to maintain the position but Graf is very close to passing his half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Graf seems to be looking for submissions.
Michal Iksinski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Iksinski tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Mustafa Graf.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Graf, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 50:45
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 50:45
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 50:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mustafa Graf!
Mustafa Graf retains his welterweight title!