PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Thomas Krakow (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sal Bernito (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Krakow
vs
Bernito

180 cm
26
160 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

196 cm
26
159 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Tends to cut

Amped Performance

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Thomas Krakow!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sal Bernito!
The judges for this bout are Reed Andrews, Franklyn Lucas and David Schapiro.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Horrible takedown attempt by Krakow or perhaps it was just good defense by Bernito, which made it look bad.
Bernito let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Krakow misses with a wild body shot.
Bernito shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Krakow but Krakow pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Krakow takes the fight into the clinch.

Bernito's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Krakow throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Bernito tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Krakow is in Bernito's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krakow trying to control the position from guard on top but Bernito is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Bernito is adopting a defensive guard.
Krakow's corner is telling him to maintain position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krakow trying to control but Bernito is working from the bottom.
Krakow looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Bernito wants to sweep but no luck.
Krakow lands a couple of elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Bernito has an active guard here but Krakow has managed to pass into half guard.
Krakow is thwarting Bernito's attempts to control the position.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Krakow seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Bernito does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bernito throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Krakow's waist but Krakow gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Bernito off to one side.

Krakow moves into range and clinches up with Bernito.

Bernito manages to break the clinch.

Krakow forces Bernito back against the cage and clinches.
Stalling in the clinch from Krakow.
Bernito is trying to drag Krakow to the mat but Krakow just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Thomas Krakow has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sal Bernito.
Bernito is working for takedown but Krakow is calmly controlling the position for now.
Krakow manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Krakow gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Bernito.
A bit of stalling here from Krakow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krakow looking to throw knees to the head but Bernito is blocking nicely.
Krakow wants to get back to striking at distance but Bernito won't allow it.
Krakow is trying to pull guard but Bernito turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Krakow gets control of Bernito's arms and successfully pulls guard. Krakow will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Bernito wants to control from the top but Krakow keeps moving.
Bernito postures up in Krakow's guard and throws a big left but Krakow blocks it.
Krakow might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Krakow is scooting his butt against the cage and has managed to get back to his feet. Bernito presses him back against the cage, presumably looking to take the fight back to the mat.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Bernito jumps guard but Krakow turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Krakow has Bernito pushed against the cage.
Krakow blocks a punch to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Bernito is trying hard to land a takedown here. Krakow sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Bernito lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

Krakow closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Bernito quickly recovers to half guard.
Krakow controlling the pace.
Krakow wants to pass the guard but Bernito is defending well.
Krakow is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bernito can do to turn this around?
Krakow not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Krakow takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Krakow lands with a punch from half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Krakow's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Krakow trying to control the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krakow passes the guard and advances to mount!
Bernito's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Krakow controlling the pace for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Krakow dominating with strikes here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Krakow lands a big elbow.
Krakow with good strikes from the mount here!

Bernito is rocked!

Krakow get's back to his feet.
Bernito is still on wobbly legs! Can Krakow finish him?

Krakow drives through with a takedown into Bernito's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Bernito pushes Krakow off and gets back to his feet.
Krakow darts in and lands a big hook, right on the button! Bernito's legs crumble underneath him as he falls to the canvas! The ref tackles Krakow before he gets to land any more shots to his stricken foe.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:44 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Thomas Krakow!