Kostya Zhyvanov enters three consecutive cross-style rounds at 74 kg. His opponents are Anton Bereda, a 72 kg BJJ purple belt; Stanislav Kiriupin, an 85 kg brown belt; and Oleksandr Oliinyk, a 75 kg black belt. Every BJJ athlete enters fresh, while Kostya receives five minutes of recovery between fights.
The agreed format gives Kostya access to Combat Sambo strikes, throws and submissions. The BJJ athletes work through the techniques permitted for their side of the challenge. That difference is the core of the film: one athlete must manage striking range and fatigue, while each fresh grappler has to close distance and impose a submission game.
What to watch for
- The BJJ opposition rises from purple to brown to black belt, with every opponent entering fresh.
- Combat Sambo striking changes the distance problem before a clinch or takedown can begin.
- Kostya receives a five-minute break, but accumulated fatigue remains part of the gauntlet.
- The bouts were filmed with trained adults in a controlled gym under agreed rules.