PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Maxim Kharlamov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Erik Bennett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bennett has chosen Illusions as his entrance music. Maxim Kharlamov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kharlamov
vs
Bennett

174 cm
24
180 lbs
6 - 2 - 1

183 cm
24
182 lbs
13 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ganja's Warehouse (Laundering)

Legion of Pain Nutrition

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 6 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Maxim Kharlamov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Erik Bennett!
The judges for this bout are Joseph Jones, John Kavanagh and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A looping hook to the body misses from Kharlamov. Bennett does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kharlamov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Bennett looks to land a combination but Kharlamov avoids it well.
Bennett looks to throw the jab but Kharlamov is out of range.
Bennett throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Bennett lands a head kick!

It looks like Maxim Kharlamov has been cut.
Bennett shoots in for a takedown but Kharlamov shows good takedown defense.
A shot to the liver by Kharlamov. Beautiful body shot.
Kharlamov lands a jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bennett looks to score with a jab to the body but Kharlamov is just out of range.
Kharlamov swings for the body but Bennett moves out of range.
Bennett misses with a right hand
and Kharlamov counters with a nice leg kick.
Bennett throws a head kick that misses.
Bennett scores with the left hand. Kharlamov knows he should have avoided that one.
A shot to the liver by Kharlamov. Beautiful body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bennett scores with a jab to the body.
Kharlamov does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

Kharlamov drives through with a takedown into Bennett's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Kharlamov engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Kharlamov wants to pass the guard but Bennett is keeping the position.
Bennett pulls Kharlamov in close to prevent any damage.
Bennett lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kharlamov!
Kharlamov is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kharlamov tries to lock up and control but Bennett gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Bennett tries to control but Kharlamov wriggling away.
Kharlamov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kharlamov is looking to get to half guard.
Bennett controlling from mount.
Kharlamov wants to hold on but Bennett pushes him away.
Kharlamov is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bennett controlling from the full mount.
Bennett is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Kharlamov can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
Kharlamov avoids a series of strikes thrown by Bennett.
Kharlamov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Bennett looking to control and managing it successfully.
Bennett lands with some strikes.
Bennett lands a big elbow.
Kharlamov tries to lock up and control but Bennett gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Bennett punishing his opponent with strikes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kharlamov manages to regain half guard. Good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kharlamov is not content to let Bennett control the position.
Bennett thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bennett thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bennett wants to control but Kharlamov is keeping him busy.
Bennett thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kharlamov's head.
Kharlamov trying to control but Bennett postures up.

Bennett is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kharlamov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Bennett.
Kharlamov wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erik Bennett dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Maxim Kharlamov'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.

Bennett lands a slapping body shot.
Kharlamov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Maxim Kharlamov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Bennett closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Kharlamov quickly recovers to half guard.

Bennett is trying to work for a kimura but Kharlamov is defending well.
Bennett is looking to take a break and control but Kharlamov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kharlamov is trying to maintain the position but Bennett is very close to passing his half guard.
Bennett prevents Kharlamov from improving his position.
Bennett is looking to take a break and control but Kharlamov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Bennett wants to work for an arm triangle but Kharlamov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bennett lands strikes from half guard.
Bennett wants to free his trapped foot but Kharlamov is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Bennett wants to stand up but Kharlamov manages to regain full guard.
Kharlamov trying to control the position.
Bennett must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Kharlamov is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Bennett throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kharlamov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kharlamov is trying to control the position but Bennett postures up.
Bennett controls from within his opponent's guard.
Kharlamov is trying to control the position but Bennett postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Maxim Kharlamov wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Bennett misses with a takedown attempt - Kharlamov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Bennett connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kharlamov's hands.
Bennett scores with a jab. Kharlamov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Bennett fails with a takedown attempt.
A low kick from Bennett misses
and Bennett takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Bennett has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kharlamov ducks under a wild hook from Bennett.
Kharlamov throws a leg kick but Bennett sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Bennett tries to land a front kick but Kharlamov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kharlamov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nice straight punches there by Kharlamov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kharlamov.
Nice defenses there by Kharlamov.
Bennett throws a hook but Kharlamov blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kharlamov looks to land a left hand but Bennett moved out of range nicely.
Nice defenses there by Kharlamov.
Kharlamov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kharlamov misses with a low kick.
Maxim Kharlamov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Bennett swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A lazy body kick from Kharlamov
and Bennett counters with an inside leg kick.
Bennett digs a good body shot into Kharlamov's ribs.
Kharlamov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Bennett lands a nice shot to the body.
Kharlamov is looking to wear down Bennett with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Bennett scores with a sloppy right hand. Kharlamov should have avoided that one.
Kharlamov wants to land a leg kick but Bennett is out of range.
Bennett takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kharlamov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Bennett lands a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bennett throws a body kick that misses
and Kharlamov counters with a thumping low kick.
Bennett misses with a straight left.
Bennett throws a hook but Kharlamov avoids it easily.
Kharlamov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Kharlamov.
Bennett is looking for a sweep.
Bennett is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Kharlamov controlling the position from side mount.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Kharlamov working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erik Bennett showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Maxim Kharlamov's cut.
That's time! Kharlamov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Kharlamov throws a leg kick which misses Bennett's front leg but catches the back leg as Bennett tries to avoid it.
Bennett shoots in and drives through. Kharlamov sprawls well.
Kharlamov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Kharlamov pushes Bennett away with a front kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Bennett misses the target.
Bennett throws a hook but Kharlamov blocks it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Bennett.
Kharlamov chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Erik Bennett seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kharlamov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Bennett throws a head kick but Kharlamov moves out of range.
Kharlamov scores with a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bennett throws a push kick but Kharlamov slaps the foot to one side.
Kharlamov lands a leg kick that knocks Bennett off balance momentarily.
Kharlamov slips a jab from Bennett.
Kharlamov misses with a right hand
enabling Bennett to counter with a crisp jab.
Kharlamov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Kharlamov lands with a kick to the ribs.
Bennett takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kharlamov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Bennett misses with a two punch combination.
Bennett throws a big shot that misses.
Kharlamov misses with a body shot.
Bennett uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kharlamov.
Bennett finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Kharlamov looks to land a body kick but Bennett moved away.
Bennett misses with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kharlamov moves away from the strike by Bennett.
Kharlamov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kharlamov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bennett.
Bennett takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
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!
Bennett comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Bennett shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kharlamov as he jumps to the side.
Maxim Kharlamov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Erik Bennett.
Bennett tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Both fighters circling a little - Kharlamov finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Bennett avoids a kick to the body.
Kharlamov misses with an uppercut. Bennett saw that one coming.
Bennett looks to score with a jab to the body but Kharlamov is just out of range.
Kharlamov throws out a loose jab but Bennett uses good head movement to avoid it.
No joy there for Kharlamov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bennett tries a head kick but it misses.
Kharlamov takes a swing at Bennett's ribcage but misses.
Kharlamov looks to land a combination but Bennett avoids it well.
Bennett on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
A big left from Bennett misses.
Bennett blocks the body kick.
Bennett looks to land a combination but Kharlamov avoids it well.
Bennett throws a series of punches but Kharlamov avoids them all with ease.
Kharlamov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Bennett.
Bennett uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kharlamov.
Kharlamov misses with a leg kick.
Bennett tries to clinch there but Kharlamov circles away.
Kharlamov works Bennett's body with a nice hook.
Kharlamov keeps Bennett at a distance using the push kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bennett misses with a straight right.
Kharlamov scores with a jab to the head.
A swing and a miss from Bennett.
Bennett is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kharlamov.
Kharlamov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kharlamov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Bennett.
A solid body kick from Kharlamov.
Kharlamov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bennett.
Kharlamov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Bennett.
Bennett avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kharlamov attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Bennett ducks under a wild hook from Kharlamov.
Bennett loads up on a big right hand but Kharlamov slips the punch.

Bennett fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kharlamov to the ground. Bennett is now in Kharlamov's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maxim Kharlamov clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Maxim Kharlamov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Bennett tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kharlamov avoids a punch combination nicely.
The fighters circling - Kharlamov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bennett misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kharlamov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kharlamov wants to slow Bennett down by chopping away at his legs.
Bennett changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kharlamov tries to avoid it but Bennett manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kharlamov to the ground. Kharlamov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Kharlamov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kharlamov is looking to slow Bennett down with leg kicks.
Bennett's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Bennett fails in his attempt to clinch.
The fighters circling - Bennett throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Bennett gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Bennett on the wrong end of a nice jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bennett is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kharlamov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kharlamov misses with a body kick.
Nice uppercut lands for Kharlamov. That snapped Bennett's head back.
A head kick misses from Kharlamov.
Bennett steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kharlamov.
Bennett thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bennett misses with a takedown attempt - Kharlamov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Bennett scores with a takedown into Kharlamov's guard.
Bennett is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Kharlamov trying to control the position.
Bennett preventing the sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kharlamov is working hard here to advance position.
Bennett throwing strikes but missing.
Kharlamov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kharlamov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Bennett is one step ahead there.
Bennett is looking to work some ground and pound but Kharlamov has wrist control.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bennett throws an elbow that misses. Kharlamov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Bennett's guard. Nice move by Kharlamov!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bennett is looking to stand up but Kharlamov isn't so interested in that idea.
Bennett looking for a sweep. Not yet Bennett, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kharlamov trying to control the position from guard on top but Bennett is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bennett can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kharlamov controls the pace.
Bennett pulls Kharlamov in to control the position.
Bennett is trying to control the position but Kharlamov postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Maxim Kharlamov just wasn't active enough.
Kharlamov tries to move into range but Bennett moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Bennett throws a shot from downtown. Kharlamov moves away and avoids it.
Bennett shoots for a double leg takedown but Kharlamov sprawls well. He's pushed Bennett's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Maxim Kharlamov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Erik Bennett.
Kharlamov dips to his left and cracks Bennett with an uppercut!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kharlamov. Bennett shrugs it off though.
Sloppy strikes from Kharlamov. Those never looked like landing.
Kharlamov throws a body kick that misses.
A swing and a miss from Bennett.
Kharlamov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Kharlamov slips a straight right by Bennett.
Kharlamov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Bennett was well out of range. Poor timing from Kharlamov.
Bennett thows a body shot but no joy.
Kharlamov throws a leg kick but Bennett sees it coming and moves out of range.
Kharlamov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Bennett throws a hook but Kharlamov blocks it.
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!
Bennett walks into a stiff left hand from Kharlamov.
Kharlamov throws a leg kick but Bennett checks it.
Kharlamov lands with a kick to the temple. Bennett shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maxim Kharlamov had his way with Erik Bennett in that round.
The cut man is working on Maxim Kharlamov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Bennett takes one to the chin there.
Bennett misses the shot to the body.
Bennett misses with the combination.
Bennett keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kharlamov.
Kharlamov lands a right hook to the body.
Donk. Kharlamov catches Bennett right on the button with a cross.
Kharlamov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Bennett tries to bum rush Kharlamov with a series of wild strikes but Kharlamov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Bennett misses with a body shot.
Kharlamov throws a body kick that misses.
Kharlamov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kharlamov.
Bennett stuffs the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kharlamov is looking to score with low kicks.

Bennett closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Kharlamov moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Bennett trying to control the position from guard on top but Kharlamov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bennett postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Erik Bennett has got the better of the ground game so far.

Bennett is trying to tuck his arms in to keep them safe but Kharlamov has managed to isolate one of them and has got a loose triangle. Bennett is looking to defend but Kharlamov has done well to lock his legs together - this could be big trouble for Bennett! Kharlamov pulls down on the head and a little smile comes across his face - he knows he's got it. Yep, Bennett taps out and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:53 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Maxim Kharlamov!
Maxim Kharlamov retains his welterweight title!
A victorious Maxim Kharlamov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.