PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mac Jackson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Roman Kersikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kersikov is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Iron Maiden - The Wicker Man. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Jackson
vs
Kersikov

184 cm
25
154 lbs
16 - 5 - 0

173 cm
24
149 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Divinity 160Q for $150

Conquer
KO Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Mac Jackson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Roman Kersikov!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Jonathan Paton and Russell Pearce.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kersikov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A good leg kick by Jackson.
Jackson throws a leg kick that misses.
Jackson really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
An inside leg kick from Jackson misses.
Jackson pivots, looking for a leg kick but Kersikov is out of range and Jackson settles back down.
Jackson throws a hook to the side of Kersikov's head but Kersikov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Jackson throws a solid leg kick but Kersikov takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Jackson.
Kersikov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Jackson lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Jackson throws a leg kick

and Kersikov counters with a shoot takedown. Jackson fights it but they end up in guard.
Jackson lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kersikov!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kersikov really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Jackson is looking to stand but Jackson has his arms wrapped tightly around him, looking to prevent the damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jackson is standing up out of mount! Strange tactic there - he must really want this one on the feet!
Jackson jabs at Kersikov's body.
Kersikov scoring well with a low kick there.
Kersikov misses with a body kick.
Kersikov shoots in looking for a takedown but Jackson manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kersikov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Jackson wants to clinch up but Kersikov keeps it at a distance.
Jackson throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Mac Jackson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kersikov dips to his left and cracks Jackson with an uppercut!
Jackson waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kersikov.
Kersikov misses with a kick to the body.

Jackson forces Kersikov back against the cage and clinches.
Jackson is struggling to control the position.
Kersikov is trying to maintain a safe position but Jackson gets an underhook and turns Kersikov into the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson wants to stall.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Kersikov looking to slow down the pace here.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Jackson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kersikov's brow.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kersikov scores with a nice hook to the head.
A shot in the inside from Jackson.

Jackson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Kersikov looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Jackson is refusing to be controlled, as Kersikov sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kersikov trying to control from half guard but Jackson is working away.
Kersikov controlling the action here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Jackson is controlling Kersikov's trapped leg to prevent Kersikov from advancing to side control.

Roman Kersikov has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Jackson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kersikov throws a low kick, looking for Jackson's leg but Jackson calmly moves out of range.
Jackson connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson tries to clinch there but Kersikov circles away.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kersikov.
Jackson scores with a jab to the body.
Jackson throws a head kick but Kersikov moves out of range.
Kersikov has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Jackson is looking to clinch.
Jackson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kersikov looks to land a right hand but Jackson moved out of range.
Nice shot lands for Jackson.
Kersikov connects with a solid leg kick.
Kersikov moves out of range as Jackson strikes.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jackson fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Good standup being displayed there by Kersikov as he connects with a hook.
Kersikov throws a good cross that connects.
Jackson misses with an uppercut. Kersikov saw that one coming.
Jackson throws a hook but Kersikov avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Mac Jackson will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Jackson tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Jackson throws out a leg kick but Kersikov moves out of range and Jackson only half commits.
Jackson cracks a nice hook into Kersikov's ribs.
Kersikov wants to land a leg kick but Jackson is out of range.
Jackson tries to score with a low kick but Kersikov moves his leg out of the way.
Kersikov misses with a body kick.
Jackson connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Jackson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kersikov.
Kersikov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Jackson misses with a left hand

The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
and Kersikov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Jackson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kersikov tries to free his leg and advance position but Jackson is retaining full guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kersikov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Jackson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kersikov trying to control but Jackson is working from the bottom.
Kersikov postures up in Jackson's guard and throws a big left but Jackson blocks it.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Jackson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Jackson managing to control the position.
Kersikov forces his way into half guard.
Kersikov is looking to stall here but Jackson recovers full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jackson looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Jackson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kersikov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kersikov throws a big right hand that misses.
Kersikov tries to free his leg and advance position but Jackson is retaining full guard.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Jackson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov throws a big elbow that misses.
Kersikov trying to control the position from guard on top but Jackson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kersikov is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Jackson working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kersikov.
Kersikov is looking to work some ground and pound but Jackson has wrist control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Jackson managing to control the position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Jackson needs to keep his hands up - Kersikov had a free shot at his head there.
Mac Jackson is winning the standup battle so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson motions for Kersikov to come forward. Jackson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Jackson attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Jackson's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kersikov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Jackson scrambles back to his feet.
Jackson scores with a punch to the head.
Jackson throws a leg kick

and Kersikov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Jackson has control of Kersikov's left arm, preventing Kersikov from doing any damage.
Kersikov wants to pass the guard but Jackson is keeping the position.
Kersikov content to stall in guard here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kersikov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Roman 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!

A jab from Kersikov does it's job there.
Kersikov darts in looking for a takedown but Jackson gets double underhooks and turns Kersikov into the cage.
Our sources have told us that Jackson has been working on his elbows in the gym.

Jackson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Kersikov shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Jackson's guard.
Jackson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Jackson is controlling Kersikov's posture.
Kersikov is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Kersikov throws an elbow that misses. Jackson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kersikov's guard. Nice move by Jackson!
Kersikov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Jackson is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov trying to control the position.
Jackson would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Kersikov is working an open guard so Jackson takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Jackson is looking to clinch.
Kersikov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Jackson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kersikov scoring well with a low kick there.
Jackson misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Kersikov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Jackson is not content to let Kersikov control the position.
Kersikov working the head and body with strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kersikov is trying to control. Jackson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kersikov is looking to advance position but Jackson won't allow it.

Kersikov is looking for a kimura here.
Kersikov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kersikov trying to pass the guard but Jackson defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jackson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Jackson preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Jackson has hold of Kersikov's hands but Kersikov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Kersikov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kersikov lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Kersikov wants to pass to mount but Jackson is defending the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Kersikov connects with a nice short shot to Jackson's temple.
Jackson keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kersikov drops an elbow to the side of Jackson's head.
Kersikov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Jackson's head.
Jackson wants to get back to his feet.
Kersikov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kersikov is trying to control. Jackson wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kersikov is pressing down on Jackson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Jackson is holding on for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Roman Kersikov really dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kersikov lands with a cross.
Jackson takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Jackson moves in looking to clinch but Kersikov pushes him off.
Jackson throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Jackson tries to move into range but Kersikov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Jackson clobbers Kersikov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kersikov blocks the body kick.
A jab lands there for Jackson.
Jackson motions for Kersikov to come forward. Jackson throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kersikov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Jackson doesn't seem bothered though.
A nice inside leg kick there by Jackson. That's going to slow Kersikov down.
Kersikov scores with a nice strike.
Kersikov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Jackson. Jackson circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Jackson, right into the meat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Jackson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Jackson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Kersikov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Jackson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kersikov somewhat.
Jackson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kersikov doesn't seem bothered though.
Jackson swinging wildly here.
Jackson throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Jackson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kersikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jackson smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
An inside leg kick from Jackson misses.
A left lands for Kersikov.
Mac Jackson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kersikov 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov throwing strikes from guard but Jackson blocks nicely.
Jackson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kersikov looking to pass the guard.
Kersikov preventing the sweep.
Jackson manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kersikov gets back to half guard.
Jackson is looking to stand up but he'll have to free his leg first. Instead, Kersikov manages to get to full guard.

Jackson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kersikov has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Jackson has managed to get both his arms back between Kersikov's legs - danger averted.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov is trying to keep Jackson in close.
Jackson wants to get up but he can't break Kersikov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Kersikov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Jackson wants to stand but Kersikov is controlling his posture from full guard.

Jackson decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Kersikov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Jackson.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jackson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kersikov.
Jackson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kersikov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Jackson throws a body punch but Kersikov moves out of range.
Kersikov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Jackson checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Jackson throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kersikov.
Kersikov misses with a low kick.
Kersikov thumps Jackson with a low kick.
Jackson throws out a leg kick but Kersikov moves out of range and Jackson only half commits.
Jackson buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Jackson walks into a left hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice defenses there by Jackson.
Jackson tries a head kick but it misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Roman Kersikov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Jackson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. 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.

Good work by Kersikov as he checks the leg kick.
Kersikov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Jackson counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Jackson walks into a left hand.
Kersikov takes one on the button.
Jackson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Nice straight punches there by Kersikov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kersikov.
Kersikov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Jackson.
A big right from Kersikov misses.
Kersikov throws a leg kick but Jackson sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Jackson has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Jackson there as he acknowledges the shot.
Jackson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kersikov.
Jackson is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kersikov missing with a left hand there. Jackson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Jackson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kersikov moves out of range of the body kick.
Jackson throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jackson on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Jackson is looking to clinch.
Kersikov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Jackson connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kersikov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kersikov misses with a wild body shot.
Jackson chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kersikov can pounce on him.
Kersikov misses with an uppercut.
Jackson tries to clinch there but Kersikov circles away.
Jackson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Jackson connects with a looping right hand.
Kersikov feints and then cracks Jackson's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Jackson down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Jackson has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kersikov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Jackson's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Jackson throws a head kick that misses.
Kersikov misses with a wild body shot.
Kersikov throws the left hand but Jackson avoids the punch easily.
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 buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kersikov tries to land a leg kick but Jackson saw it coming and moves away.
Good leg kick by Jackson there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kersikov throws a leg kick which misses Jackson's front leg but catches the back leg as Jackson tries to avoid it.

Kersikov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Kersikov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Jackson has escaped the position, nice work there.
Kersikov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Kersikov in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov trying to control the action but Jackson is working from the bottom.
Kersikov happy to just control the position for now.
Mac Jackson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kersikov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Jackson is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Kersikov off and has taken his back!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kersikov covering up well under a barage of strikes.

Jackson has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.

Jackson working for the choke.
Kersikov manages to reverse the position and now he's in Jackson's guard. Nice work there by Kersikov.

Jackson is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kersikov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Roman Kersikov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kersikov has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Reed Andrews scores the fight 46:49
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 46:49
Judge Russell Pearce scores the fight 45:50

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