PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Antetokounmpo (ranked 4799 p4p, 0 weight class) and Saifulla Rakhmonov (ranked 4116 p4p, 0 weight class). Saifulla Rakhmonov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Antetokounmpo
vs
Rakhmonov

183 cm
26
155 lbs
6 - 9 - 0

168 cm
26
155 lbs
5 - 12 - 1

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ryan Antetokounmpo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 12 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Saifulla Rakhmonov!
The judges for this bout are Chris Downing, Frank Dennis and Daniel Franklin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rakhmonov slaps away a takedown attempt from Antetokounmpo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Rakhmonov changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Antetokounmpo chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rakhmonov can pounce on him.

Rakhmonov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Antetokounmpo wants to stand back up but Rakhmonov manages to pass into side control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Antetokounmpo is trying to escape the position but Rakhmonov is controlling the position.

Rakhmonov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Antetokounmpo, who protects the arm well.
Antetokounmpo is looking for a sweep.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Antetokounmpo is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Rakhmonov is controlling him well.
Rakhmonov is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Antetokounmpo is looking for a sweep.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rakhmonov decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Antetokounmpo fails with a takedown attempt.
Antetokounmpo goes for a double leg but Rakhmonov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Rakhmonov continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Antetokounmpo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rakhmonov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

Rakhmonov dives in and scores a takedown into Antetokounmpo's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Rakhmonov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Rakhmonov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Antetokounmpo swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Rakhmonov wants to get up but he can't break Antetokounmpo's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmonov passes Antetokounmpo's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Rakhmonov not doing much here.
Antetokounmpo wants to improve his position but Rakhmonov is controlling well.
Rakhmonov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Antetokounmpo. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Antetokounmpo moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Rakhmonov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Rakhmonov throws an elbow that misses. Antetokounmpo uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Rakhmonov's guard. Nice move by Antetokounmpo!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmonov pulls Antetokounmpo in to control the position.
Rakhmonov is looking to sweep but instead, Antetokounmpo has passed into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Rakhmonov is defending against the submission attempts here by Antetokounmpo.

Antetokounmpo decides to return to a standing position.
Rakhmonov slaps away a takedown attempt from Antetokounmpo, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Antetokounmpo misses with a takedown attempt

and Rakhmonov counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Rakhmonov dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Antetokounmpo is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Rakhmonov is defending well.
Rakhmonov looking to throw knees to the head but Antetokounmpo is blocking nicely.
Rakhmonov jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Antetokounmpo walks away with a smile on his face. Rakhmonov gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Antetokounmpo closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Rakhmonov's guard.
Antetokounmpo stopping the sweep attempt from Rakhmonov.
Rakhmonov trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Antetokounmpo works a leg free and moves into half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Rakhmonov can do anything to dispel that myth.
Antetokounmpo slips a nice elbow through Rakhmonov's hands, connecting with Rakhmonov's forehead.

Antetokounmpo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Antetokounmpo tries to pass to full mount but Rakhmonov defends it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Antetokounmpo is breathing heavily.
Rakhmonov flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Saifulla Rakhmonov will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Good exchange - Antetokounmpo coming out on top.
Rakhmonov shoots in for a takedown but Antetokounmpo shows good takedown defense.
Ryan Antetokounmpo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Antetokounmpo tries to clinch up but Rakhmonov circles away and keeps his distance.
Rakhmonov wants to counter with a clinch but Antetokounmpo pushes him away.
Antetokounmpo throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Antetokounmpo gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Rakhmonov counters by clinching up.
Rakhmonov's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

Rakhmonov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rakhmonov scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Rakhmonov keeps the fight on the outside.
Rakhmonov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Antetokounmpo.
Despite the aggression on Rakhmonov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Rakhmonov swats away the attempt to clinch by Antetokounmpo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Antetokounmpo throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Antetokounmpo leaves Rakhmonov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Antetokounmpo has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Antetokounmpo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Rakhmonov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Antetokounmpo as he jumps to the side.
No luck for Antetokounmpo with that takedown attempt.
Rakhmonov closes the distance and clinches up with Antetokounmpo, looking for a takedown. Rakhmonov pushes Antetokounmpo against the cage but Antetokounmpo circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Rakhmonov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Rakhmonov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Antetokounmpo to keep the fight standing.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Rakhmonov.
Rakhmonov misses with a body punch.
Rakhmonov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Antetokounmpo just stands there and leans against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rakhmonov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Rakhmonov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Antetokounmpo gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Rakhmonov can't get the takedown.
Rakhmonov tries to pull guard but Antetokounmpo forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Antetokounmpo wants a takedown.
Rakhmonov tries to pull guard but Antetokounmpo holds him up against the cage and eventually Rakhmonov drops back down to his feet.
Antetokounmpo taking a breather.
Antetokounmpo can't find room to land a body shot as Rakhmonov controls the action.

Antetokounmpo pulls guard successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Antetokounmpo looking for a sweep. Not yet Antetokounmpo, not yet.
Rakhmonov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Antetokounmpo being controlled here, momentarily.
Rakhmonov is continuing to stall.
Rakhmonov won't allow Antetokounmpo to sweep him here.

Rakhmonov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Antetokounmpo takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Antetokounmpo changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rakhmonov tries to avoid it but Antetokounmpo manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rakhmonov to the ground. Rakhmonov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rakhmonov shapes to counter with a head kick.
Antetokounmpo misses with a jab, cross combination.
Rakhmonov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.

Rakhmonov fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Antetokounmpo sprawls well initially but Rakhmonov persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Rakhmonov controlling the action here.
Rakhmonov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Antetokounmpo defending well though.

Antetokounmpo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Rakhmonov pulls his head out easily.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Rakhmonov stands up from half guard.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Saifulla Rakhmonov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Rakhmonov shoots in and bounces Antetokounmpo off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Antetokounmpo keeping moving, preventing Rakhmonov from controlling successfully.
Antetokounmpo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Antetokounmpo is trying to control the position but Rakhmonov postures up.

Antetokounmpo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rakhmonov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rakhmonov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Antetokounmpo looking to control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Antetokounmpo is looking for a triangle but Rakhmonov pushes his legs off easily.
Rakhmonov throwing strikes from guard but Antetokounmpo blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rakhmonov works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Rakhmonov is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Antetokounmpo doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Rakhmonov.
Antetokounmpo is trying to get back to full guard.

Rakhmonov is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Antetokounmpo sees it coming and defends easily.

Rakhmonov is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Antetokounmpo tries to kick Rakhmonov off but Rakhmonov keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Rakhmonov controlling the action here.
Rakhmonov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Rakhmonov prevents Antetokounmpo from improving his position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Antetokounmpo gets back to full guard.
Antetokounmpo tries to strike from the bottom.

Antetokounmpo is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Rakhmonov is aware though and is defending well.

Antetokounmpo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Rakhmonov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Rakhmonov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Antetokounmpo looking for a sweep. Not yet Antetokounmpo, not yet.
Rakhmonov sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Rakhmonov won't allow Antetokounmpo to sweep him here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rakhmonov stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Antetokounmpo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Rakhmonov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Ryan Antetokounmpo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Rakhmonov dives in and grabs Antetokounmpo's left leg, looking for a takedown. Antetokounmpo pushes down on Rakhmonov's head and hops out.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Rakhmonov.

Rakhmonov moves into the clinch.
Antetokounmpo has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Rakhmonov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ryan Antetokounmpo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Antetokounmpo has had enough of the clinch but Rakhmonov keeps him there for the moment.

Rakhmonov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Antetokounmpo tries to keep at a distance but Rakhmonov has taken the fight into the clinch.

Rakhmonov gets a trip takedown into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Saifulla Rakhmonov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Rakhmonov winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Chris Downing scores the fight 27:30
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 27:30
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Saifulla Rakhmonov!