PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Kuznetsov (ranked 844 p4p, 1586 weight class) and Michel Pereira (ranked 119 p4p, 224 weight class). Michel Pereira has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kuznetsov
vs
Pereira

178 cm
36
186
24 - 19 - 0

185 cm
27
195
14 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

PWNAGE

Brooklyn Apothecary
Altitude Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 19 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikolai Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Michel Pereira!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Timothy Bukovac and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Pereira gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kuznetsov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Pereira landing some nice looking knees to the body.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Pereira throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Pereira takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nikolai Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuznetsov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Pereira was well out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A slow jab from Pereira misses its intended target.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a head kick that misses.
Pereira lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kuznetsov at a distance.
Good exchange - Kuznetsov coming out on top.
Pereira connects with a body shot that sends Kuznetsov's belly button to the back.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov takes a kick to the side of the head.
Pereira throws a head kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Pereira uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Pereira under the eye.
Pereira has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Pereira there as he acknowledges the shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pereira uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Pereira in his tracks.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A jab lands there for Kuznetsov.

Pereira moves into range and clinches up with Kuznetsov.
Pereira missing with knees to the body.
Pereira doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov avoiding damage as Pereira throws knees to the body.
Pereira goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov managing to block the knees to the body from Pereira.
Pereira tries to land knees in the clinch but Kuznetsov avoids the damage to the body.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild combination.
Pereira blocks a head kick by Kuznetsov.
Pereira looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Pereira throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Pereira cracks Kuznetsov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pereira has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kuznetsov finds it's way round the side to connect with Pereira's head.
Kuznetsov scores with a head kick. Pereira tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild combination.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
Pereira with the inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov throws a looping overhand right but Pereira ducks down to avoid it.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Pereira! But no joy.
Kuznetsov swats away the attempt to clinch by Pereira.
A chopping leg kick lands by Pereira.
Kuznetsov takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Kuznetsov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Pereira jabs Kuznetsov right on the nose. Kuznetsov blinks but takes it well.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Pereira manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Pereira. Pereira obviously looking to wear him down.
Pereira moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Pereira tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Pereira lands a body shot.
Kuznetsov connects with the punch.
Pereira misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznetsov is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Pereira moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Kuznetsov lands a right hook to the body.
Kuznetsov scores with a punch to the head.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Pereira avoids the punch easily.
Pereira wants to counter the offense by Kuznetsov and move into the clinch position.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Pereira dodges the punch combination from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kuznetsov scores with a sloppy right hand. Pereira should have avoided that one.
Kuznetsov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Pereira moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Pereira scores with a hook to the body. Kuznetsov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Pereira avoids the head kick by Kuznetsov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Pereira misses with a head kick.
Pereira misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pereira connects with a solid leg kick.
Pereira throws a head kick that misses
and Kuznetsov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Pereira throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kuznetsov throws a big counter combination but Pereira scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Pereira looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a jab but it's blocked by Pereira.
A telegraphed right hand from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Good exchange - Pereira coming out on top.
Pereira takes one on the button.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kuznetsov blocks a jab.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping left.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Pereira moves away.
Pereira tries a head kick but it misses.
Pereira ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kuznetsov misses with a series of wild punches.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Nikolai Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kuznetsov steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Pereira. That one must have hurt.
Kuznetsov blocks a head kick by Pereira.
Pereira pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Pereira pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kuznetsov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Pereira sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Pereira blocks it.
Pereira chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kuznetsov can pounce on him.
A combination from Kuznetsov does no damage.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kuznetsov connects with a body shot that sends Pereira's belly button to the back.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight left.
Pereira avoids a punch combination nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pereira throws a quick inside leg kick.
Pereira lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy right hand but Pereira sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Pereira slips the punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pereira throws a low kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Pereira takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Pereira misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pereira throws a hook but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Pereira steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Pereira scores with a jab. Kuznetsov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A telegraphed right hand from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Pereira raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Pereira moved out of range nicely.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the head.
Pereira has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Kuznetsov misses with a left hand
and Pereira counters with a nice body shot.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Pereira.
Pereira throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pereira fails in his attempt to clinch.
Pereira fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kuznetsov.
Pereira jabs at Kuznetsov's body.
Pereira fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Pereira thinks about the counter body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pereira scores with a head kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pereira tries to clinch but Kuznetsov is having none of it.
It looked like Kuznetsov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Jab, jab by Kuznetsov - just one landing.
Kuznetsov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Pereira's head.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Pereira stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kuznetsov.
Pereira is looking to score with low kicks.
Pereira throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Kuznetsov's head.
Kuznetsov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kuznetsov dips to his left and cracks Pereira with an uppercut!
Kuznetsov tries a head kick but it misses.
Pereira looks for the body kick but Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Kuznetsov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kuznetsov throws a combination. Pereira tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.
It seemed like Pereira was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A jab from Kuznetsov finds it's way through Pereira's defenses.
Pereira throws a head kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Pereira displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.
Pereira throws a low kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pereira throws a sloppy head kick and Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Pereira works Kuznetsov's body with a nice hook.
Pereira tries to clinch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kuznetsov missing with a left hand there. Pereira was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Pereira swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Pereira moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Pereira moves out of range.
Pereira takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kuznetsov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kuznetsov misses with the combination.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Pereira ducked under it nicely.
Kuznetsov avoids the head kick by Pereira.
Pereira thows a left - swing and a miss!
Pereira blocks a jab.
Kuznetsov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Kuznetsov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Pereira lands a high kick!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Pereira lands with a kick to the temple. Kuznetsov shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Pereira connects with a high kick.
Pereira moves forwards but Kuznetsov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kuznetsov lands a nice shot to the body.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kuznetsov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Pereira finds it's way round the side to connect with Kuznetsov's head.
Kuznetsov thuds a left hand into Pereira's body.
A shot to the liver by Pereira. Beautiful body shot.
Pereira tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kuznetsov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Pereira slips a jab from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses the shot to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Pereira throws a head kick that misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov scores with a hook to the body. Pereira takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kuznetsov sets himself, and Pereira steps forward looking for the clinch! Kuznetsov avoids it this time.
Kuznetsov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kuznetsov misses with a right hand
and Pereira counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolai Kuznetsov dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Kuznetsov takes one to the chin there.
Pereira fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov swinging wildly here.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kuznetsov.
Pereira closes the distance looking to clinch
enabling Kuznetsov to counter with a crisp jab.
Kuznetsov jabs Pereira to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kuznetsov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Pereira staying out of range there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov misses with a combination

and Pereira counters by clinching up.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kuznetsov.
Pereira can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
Kuznetsov leaning his opponent against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov managing to block the knees to the body from Pereira.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook to the body
and Pereira counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
A big right from Pereira misses.
Pereira connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Pereira goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Pereira with a series of wild strikes but Pereira uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kuznetsov sets himself, and Pereira steps forward looking for the clinch! Kuznetsov avoids it this time.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Pereira.
Kuznetsov blocks a head kick by Pereira.
Pereira has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Pereira moves out of range of the strikes.
Good shot there by Kuznetsov.
Pereira throws a head kick that Kuznetsov semi-blocks.
Pereira closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kuznetsov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pereira uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws an overhand right that lands on Pereira's shoulder, as Pereira tries to avoid the shot.
Pereira throws a head kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov is looking to counter punch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pereira throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kuznetsov misses with a low kick.
Kuznetsov thuds his shin into the meat of Pereira's side.
Pereira misses with a body kick.
Kuznetsov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kuznetsov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Pereira takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kuznetsov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Pereira's head.
Pereira throws the kick towards the body but Kuznetsov avoids it.
Kuznetsov avoids the head kick by Pereira.
Pereira walks into a straight right hand from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov with a jab.
Kuznetsov scores with a body shot.
A left and a right from Kuznetsov both land. Nice combination.
Kuznetsov lands with a cross.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pereira tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuznetsov scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Pereira tries to clinch up.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kuznetsov.
Both fighters circling a little - Kuznetsov finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a combination. Pereira tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Pereira avoids a punch combination nicely.
An inside leg kick lands from Pereira.
Kuznetsov lands a high kick!
Pereira throws a sloppy head kick and Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pereira.
Pereira takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Michel Pereira has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kuznetsov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A right-left combo lands from Kuznetsov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Pereira.
Pereira scores with a sloppy right hand. Kuznetsov should have avoided that one.
Pereira moves out of range of the strikes.
Kuznetsov scores with a hook to the body. Pereira takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Pereira misses with a body shot.
Pereira uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kuznetsov.
A head kick misses from Pereira.
Pereira looks to land a left hand but Kuznetsov moved out of range nicely.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Pereira throws a big counter head kick but Kuznetsov avoids it with no problem.
Kuznetsov tests Pereira's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Kuznetsov lands a nice shot that snaps Pereira's head back.
Nice body kick from Kuznetsov.
Pereira lands a high kick!

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolai Kuznetsov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kuznetsov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolai Kuznetsov!
Nikolai Kuznetsov took to the mic after the fight and begged the organizational hierarchy for a shot at the title.
Michel Pereira spoke after the fight, saying ' maybe its time to retire'.