Crouching down, Zharkov awaited Shah-Nahul. His arms were held in front of his face, forearms ready to block incoming attacks. As Shah-Nahul closed the distance, Zharkov torqued his shoulder forward, blocking the claw by the wrist using Zharkov's elbows just before the arm could reach his stomach. Stepping forward, Zharkov advanced with his elbow, sliding up the elephant-man's arms to close the distance even more.

Almost too close for comfort, Zharkov attempted to land an elbow strike on Shah-Nahul's left tusk.