PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Laurens Van Der Sluijs (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vlad Kersikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Van Der Sluijs comes to the cage accompanied by Shutterbugg - Big Boi Feat. Cutty. Kersikov has chosen Skillet - Hero as his entrance music. 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.

Van Der Sluijs
vs
Kersikov

178 cm
23
176 lbs
11 - 0 - 0

186 cm
23
182 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Dangerous knees
Granite chin

Biofuel (Weight Gain + Loss)
STEEL PENN'S 160 OF STEEL $50 Rio

TFP Graphics - Pit Inc
Conviction

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 11 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Laurens Van Der Sluijs!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Vlad Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, Andrew Berry and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Van Der Sluijs fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Van Der Sluijs lands a right hook to the body.
Van Der Sluijs shoots in but no luck this time.
Van Der Sluijs takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kersikov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Van Der Sluijs.
Kersikov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Nice shot lands for Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs misses the shot to the body.

Kersikov darts in and clinches Van Der Sluijs up against the cage.
Kersikov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Van Der Sluijs.
Kersikov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kersikov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Van Der Sluijs tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.

Van Der Sluijs manages to break the clinch.
Van Der Sluijs with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov connects with a looping right hand.
Vlad Kersikov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kersikov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Van Der Sluijs sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Van Der Sluijs's corner calls for a 1-2. Van Der Sluijs obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Kersikov throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Van Der Sluijs's head.
Van Der Sluijs throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Van Der Sluijs throws a right and a left that Kersikov avoids nicely.
Kersikov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Laurens Van Der Sluijs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kersikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Kersikov fakes the leg kick and cracks Van Der Sluijs in the body.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kersikov.
Kersikov looks for the body kick but Van Der Sluijs saw that one coming.
Kersikov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Van Der Sluijs.
Kersikov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a right hand
and Kersikov counters with a slapping leg kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kersikov staying out of range there.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Van Der Sluijs, as that shot connected.
Van Der Sluijs shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kersikov as he avoids it easily.
Van Der Sluijs throws the left hand but Kersikov avoids the punch easily.
Kersikov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kersikov throws a leg kick but Van Der Sluijs moved away.
Van Der Sluijs on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Van Der Sluijs throws an off balance right hand

and Kersikov counters by clinching up.
A short right from Kersikov on the inside.
Van Der Sluijs swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A nice right hand lands inside from Van Der Sluijs.
A short uppercut from Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs misses with some punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov has a couple of punches blocked by Van Der Sluijs.
Kersikov digs a right hand underneath Van Der Sluijs's ribcage. Van Der Sluijs let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Van Der Sluijs is trying to break the clinch but Kersikov has him pressed against the cage.
Kersikov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Van Der Sluijs's efforts to push away.

Van Der Sluijs breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Van Der Sluijs checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kersikov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Van Der Sluijs throws a wild body kick that Kersikov sees coming a mile off.
Van Der Sluijs bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kersikov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kersikov lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Kersikov feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Van Der Sluijs's calf.
Kersikov connects with an inside leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a wild body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kersikov circles away quickly and effectively.
Kersikov wants to clinch up but Van Der Sluijs keeps it at a distance.
Van Der Sluijs thows a body shot but no joy.
Kersikov falls off balance throwing a combination
letting Van Der Sluijs counter with a right hand.
Kersikov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Kersikov throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kersikov throws a looping overhand right but Van Der Sluijs ducks down to avoid it.
A thudding body kick lands there by Kersikov!

Kersikov has Van Der Sluijs up against the cage in a clinch.
Kersikov blocks the elbow strike.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Good body shot from Kersikov.
A head punch on the inside from Kersikov fails to land.
Kersikov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vlad Kersikov dominated that round.
That's time! Van Der Sluijs's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A thudding body kick lands there by Kersikov!

Kersikov clinches up against the cage.
Van Der Sluijs tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kersikov's elbow.
Kersikov pushes Van Der Sluijs back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Van Der Sluijs prevents a body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Van Der Sluijs controls the action.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov struggles to land a body shot inside as Van Der Sluijs controls his hands.
Van Der Sluijs blocks a body shot from Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Van Der Sluijs throws a head punch that misses.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Van Der Sluijs's elbow.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kersikov wants to stall.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A left hand lands to the body for Kersikov.
Kersikov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kersikov stalling in the clinch.
Van Der Sluijs scores with a shoulder strike.
Kersikov blocks the elbow strike.
Kersikov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Van Der Sluijs blocks it with crossed arms.
Van Der Sluijs throws an elbow that misses.
Van Der Sluijs throws a punch but it's blocked by Kersikov.
Kersikov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Kersikov blocking some punches.
Kersikov can't find room to land a body shot as Van Der Sluijs controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kersikov tries to throw a body punch but Van Der Sluijs avoids it by throwing Kersikov back against the cage.
Kersikov tries to work over Van Der Sluijs's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nice body punch from Kersikov - that landed with a thud.
Kersikov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Van Der Sluijs wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kersikov has him pressed against the cage.
Van Der Sluijs takes a knee to the side of the body.
Knees to the body from Kersikov.
Kersikov blocks a body shot from Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs tries to circle away but Kersikov has him pinned against the cage.
Kersikov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Van Der Sluijss head.
Kersikov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Van Der Sluijs backwards.
Kersikov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov lands a body shot in the clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Van Der Sluijs looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kersikov scores with a shoulder strike.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Van Der Sluijs backwards.
Van Der Sluijs lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Van Der Sluijs swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Van Der Sluijs tries to work over Kersikov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Van Der Sluijs wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Van Der Sluijs working aggressively here.
Kersikov tries to land knees in the clinch but Van Der Sluijs avoids the damage to the body.
Kersikov misses with a knee to the head.
Van Der Sluijs swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Van Der Sluijs missing with knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs digs a right hand into Kersikov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kersikov's gas tank.
Kersikov is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov crunches a lovely knee into Van Der Sluijs's ribcage.
Vlad Kersikov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Van Der Sluijs goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kersikov prevents it.
Kersikov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kersikov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Van Der Sluijs prevents a body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Van Der Sluijs's elbow.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kersikov lands a knee to the body.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Van Der Sluijs backwards.
Van Der Sluijs has a couple of punches blocked by Kersikov.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Van Der Sluijs.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vlad Kersikov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Nice body punch from Kersikov.
Kersikov defending well as Van Der Sluijs loads up on a big left hand.
Van Der Sluijs chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kersikov can pounce on him.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a wild body shot.
Kersikov lands with a shot to the body.

Van Der Sluijs gets tackled into the cage by Kersikov. Kersikov maintains the clinch.
Van Der Sluijs takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kersikov lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Van Der Sluijs blocks a body shot from Kersikov.
Kersikov scores with a nice hook to the head.
A knee to the head by Kersikov.

It looks like Laurens Van Der Sluijs has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kersikov has Van Der Sluijs pressed against the cage, preventing Van Der Sluijs from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Van Der Sluijs avoiding damage as Kersikov throws knees to the body.
Kersikov landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Kersikov lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov tries to work over Van Der Sluijs's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Van Der Sluijs manages to break the clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Van Der Sluijs shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kersikov as he jumps to the side.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Kersikov.
Kersikov lands with a straight right. Van Der Sluijs didn't see that one coming.
Kersikov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kersikov fakes the leg kick and cracks Van Der Sluijs in the body.
Laurens Van Der Sluijs is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Nice cross by Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kersikov scoring well with a low kick there.

Kersikov clinches up with Van Der Sluijs and pushes him back against the cage.
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!
Kersikov working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Van Der Sluijs avoids the elbow strike from Kersikov, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov prevents Van Der Sluijs from breaking the clinch.
Kersikov misses with a body punch.
Van Der Sluijs wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Kersikov stalling.
Van Der Sluijs takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kersikov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Van Der Sluijs's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Van Der Sluijs is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Kersikov lands a good knee to the midsection. Van Der Sluijs won't want to take too many of those.
Kersikov lands a left hand that snaps the head of Van Der Sluijs backwards.
Kersikov scores with a knee to the head.
Kersikov dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Kersikov continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.
Kersikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov leaning against his opponent.
A body shot lands from Kersikov.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Kersikov tries a knee to the head but Van Der Sluijs blocks it.
Van Der Sluijs will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kersikov.
Kersikov looking to throw knees to the head but Van Der Sluijs is blocking nicely.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a punch on the inside.
Van Der Sluijs throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Kersikov lands a damaging elbow.
Kersikov blocks a body shot from Van Der Sluijs.
Kersikov using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the body.
Van Der Sluijs swings wildly with an uppercut but Kersikov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Good body shot from Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs avoiding damage as Kersikov throws knees to the body.
Kersikov cracks Van Der Sluijs with a nice body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kersikov scores a nice knee to the body.
Kersikov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kersikov lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Van Der Sluijs being controlled against the cage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Van Der Sluijs tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vlad Kersikov really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Laurens Van Der Sluijs's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Kersikov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kersikov scores with a shot to the body.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kersikov's corner calls for a 1-2. Kersikov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Kersikov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Van Der Sluijs momentarily.
Kersikov misses with a leg kick.
Van Der Sluijs fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Van Der Sluijs takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Vlad Kersikov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Van Der Sluijs tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kersikov swivels and escapes.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Van Der Sluijs takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov works over Van Der Sluijs's head and body with a nice combination.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kersikov.
Laurens Van Der Sluijs seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov tries to clinch up.
Nice straight punches there by Kersikov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kersikov.

Van Der Sluijs is rocked!
Van Der Sluijs misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Kersikov counters with a low kick, right behind Van Der Sluijs 's knee.
Kersikov throws a leg kick but Van Der Sluijs sees it coming and moves out of range.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kersikov defending well as Van Der Sluijs loads up on a big left hand.
Van Der Sluijs swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kersikov lands a leg kick that knocks Van Der Sluijs off balance momentarily.
Van Der Sluijs tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kersikov is looking to clinch but Van Der Sluijs is avoiding it.
Van Der Sluijs fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kersikov is out of range.
Van Der Sluijs on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Van Der Sluijs tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Van Der Sluijs takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kersikov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Van Der Sluijs misses the shot to the body.
Van Der Sluijs takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Van Der Sluijs loads up on a big right hand but Kersikov slips the punch.
Kersikov throws a leg kick which misses Van Der Sluijs's front leg but catches the back leg as Van Der Sluijs tries to avoid it.
Kersikov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kersikov tries to clinch up but Van Der Sluijs circles away and keeps his distance.
Kersikov tries to clinch there but Van Der Sluijs circles away.
Van Der Sluijs takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Van Der Sluijs avoids the body shot from Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs throws a series of punches but Kersikov moves out of range.
Kersikov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a looping left.
Kersikov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Van Der Sluijs. That did some damage!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov tests Van Der Sluijs's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a straight left.
Kersikov lands a body shot.
Van Der Sluijs takes a swing at Kersikov's ribcage but misses.
Van Der Sluijs takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kersikov misses with a kick to the body.
Van Der Sluijs throws a right and a left that both miss.
Van Der Sluijs digs a good hook to Kersikov's body.
Van Der Sluijs looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Laurens Van Der Sluijs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kersikov moves out of range of the strikes.
Kersikov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Van Der Sluijs shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kersikov as he avoids it easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs throws an overhand right that lands on Kersikov's shoulder, as Kersikov tries to avoid the shot.
A jab from Van Der Sluijs misses.
Kersikov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Good exchange - Kersikov coming out on top.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kersikov. That's going to slow Van Der Sluijs down.

Kersikov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee is keeping an eye on Kersikov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kersikov scores with a knee to the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kersikov content to slow the pace in the clinch.
This is turning into a torrid day at the office for Van Der Sluijs. He's trying desperately to land a takedown but he's failing miserably and getting slapped silly on the feet to compound his misery.
With the fighters up against the cage, Van Der Sluijs throws an elbow but misses.
Kersikov lands a shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vlad Kersikov dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Laurens Van Der Sluijs's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Van Der Sluijs scores with a jab to the body.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a jab, cross combination.
Van Der Sluijs misses with an uppercut. Kersikov saw that one coming.
Kersikov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Van Der Sluijs finds it's way round the side to connect with Kersikov's head.
Kersikov throws a leg kick but Van Der Sluijs moved away.
Kersikov slips a jab and a cross from Van Der Sluijs.
A telegraphed right hand from Van Der Sluijs misses the target.
Van Der Sluijs avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kersikov avoids the body shot from Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs fails to land the takedown.
Kersikov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Van Der Sluijs has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Van Der Sluijs throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Van Der Sluijs throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kersikov lands a head kick. Van Der Sluijs smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov dodges the punch combination from Van Der Sluijs.
Van Der Sluijs closes the distance and clinches up with Kersikov, looking for a takedown. Van Der Sluijs pushes Kersikov against the cage but Kersikov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Kersikov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Van Der Sluijs.
Kersikov avoids the body shot from Van Der Sluijs.
Nice defenses there by Kersikov.
Van Der Sluijs throws a combination that misses
and Kersikov counters with a thumping low kick.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a wild body shot.
Van Der Sluijs on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kersikov. Kersikov obviously looking to wear him down.
Kersikov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kersikov delivers a nice body kick.
Van Der Sluijs circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kersikov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Van Der Sluijs if he has to take too many more of those.
Kersikov scores with a kick to the midsection.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov lands the left hand.
The fighters circling - Van Der Sluijs throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kersikov takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Kersikov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Van Der Sluijs takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kersikov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Van Der Sluijs has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kersikov scoring well with a low kick there.
That kick from Kersikov tenderised Van Der Sluijs's leg. Van Der Sluijs is trying to keep his angry face on.
Van Der Sluijs connects with a looping right hand.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a series of wild punches.
Kersikov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Laurens Van Der Sluijs has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Van Der Sluijs shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Laurens Van Der Sluijs. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Van Der Sluijs tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Van Der Sluijs shoots in for a double leg but Kersikov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Van Der Sluijs takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Van Der Sluijs takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kersikov scores with a hook.

Kersikov moves into the clinch.
Kersikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Van Der Sluijs misses with a punch on the inside.
The referee is keeping an eye on Kersikov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kersikov misses with a punch to the body.
Kersikov blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Van Der Sluijs fails to land.
Van Der Sluijs tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A shot in the inside from Kersikov.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kersikov landing knees to the body.
Kersikov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Van Der Sluijs goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kersikov prevents it.
Van Der Sluijs working aggressively here.
Kersikov lands a nice uppercut.
Kersikov lands a left hand.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Van Der Sluijs softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Van Der Sluijs fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kersikov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Van Der Sluijs tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vlad Kersikov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kersikov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 45:50
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 45:50
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Vlad Kersikov!
Vlad Kersikov is the new welterweight champion!
Vlad Kersikov seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.