Round 1 Mark Whelan blocks a strong high kick from Markov Petrov and counters with a devastating left hook. The fighters circle one another hopping in and out trying to find their range. Mark Whelan hits a hook to the body and follows with a power straight that misses. Whelan is staggered by a jab to the chin. The fighters circle one another hopping in and out trying to find their range. Markov Petrov winds up a heavy straight but is countered by a hard counter knee to the body. Round 1 comes to a close.
Round 2 Whelan hits an uppercut to the head of Markov followed by a hard hook. Markov takes a punch while shooting but executes the takedown and ends up in Marks guard. Petrov drops some good punches while being caught in the guard. Mark Whelan works for a triangle but Markov throws Mark Whelans straight leg over his head and makes it to half guard. Petrov attempts to sink a neck crank from half guard. It does not appear to be tight enough as Mark gives a thumbs up to the referee until he finally struggles out. "The Soviet Superstar" attempts to sink a neck crank from half guard. It does not appear to be tight enough as Mark gives a thumbs up to the referee until he finally struggles out. Markov Petrov attempts to sink a neck crank from half guard. It does not appear to be tight enough as Whelan gives a thumbs up to the referee until he finally struggles out. Round 2 is over.
Round 3 Markov throws a flurry connecting with the final punch. Mark is rocked and stumbles to the ground but quickly shakes it off. Mark gets hit with a strong punch, putting him to the mat, but he recovers just in time to give up his back. "The Real Deal" carefully protects himself from "The Soviet Superstars" strikes. Mark starts to wiggle out of back control, "The Soviet Superstar" lets him escape putting them both on their feet. "The Soviet Superstar" parries a jab but is caught by a strong leg kick. Markov hits a hook to the body and follows with a power straight that misses. Petrov moves in to press the action, but Mark lands a heavy back kick. The bell signals the end of round 3.
Round 4 "The Real Deal" pushes away from Markov Petrov and lands a strong chopping kick to the lead leg. The fighters circle each other. Mark dodges a jab-cross combo from Markov and connects with a front snap kick, sending Markov stumbling backwards. Mark Whelan connects with jab cross combination. The bell signals the end of round 4.
Round 5 "The Real Deal" takes a heavy kick to the arm attempting to block his head. Markov attempts to press in on Whelan but is met with powerful inside-leg kicks. Markov takes a heavy kick to the arm attempting to block his head. Mark Whelan lands a strong outside leg kick and follows it up with a jab-cross combo. A wild hook from Markov is ducked by "The Real Deal" who lands a cross-hook to the body before backing away. The ref stops the fight as the round comes to an end.
Mark "The Real Deal" Whelan wins by Split Decision
