PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Kuznetsov (ranked 854 p4p, 493 weight class) and Emil Marinov (ranked 133 p4p, 72 weight class). Emil Marinov has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Nikolai Kuznetsov's chin.

Kuznetsov
vs
Marinov

178 cm
38
186
26 - 20 - 0

192 cm
38
195
34 - 19 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Voodoo Nutrition

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 26 - 20 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikolai Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 34 - 19 - 1, fighting out of New York, Emil Marinov!
The judges for this bout are Matheus Silva, Edson Gomes and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Marinov is trying to counter with his kicks.
A slapping leg kick lands for Marinov.
Marinov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kuznetsov throws a left and a right that both miss
and Marinov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A big left from Marinov misses.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Marinov to counter with a crisp jab.
Nice uppercut lands for Marinov. That snapped Kuznetsov's head back.
Kuznetsov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kuznetsov avoids the body shot from Marinov.
Marinov slips under a jab.
Kuznetsov backing away here, and Marinov unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Nikolai Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Marinov counters with a straight right hand.
Kuznetsov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Marinov. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Marinov clobbers Kuznetsov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Marinov throws a jab when Kuznetsov was well out of range.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov checks a leg kick.
Kuznetsov ducks right into an uppercut from Marinov.
Kuznetsov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Marinov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Marinov circles away quickly and effectively.
It seemed like Marinov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Marinov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Marinov.
Marinov misses with a lunging right hand
and Kuznetsov counters with a straight right hand.
Marinov with a nice cross.
Marinov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Marinov has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Kuznetsov tries to land a leg kick but Marinov saw it coming and moves away.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Marinov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Marinov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Marinov scores with a nice right hand.
Marinov throws an overhand right that lands on Kuznetsov's shoulder, as Kuznetsov tries to avoid the shot.
Marinov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Marinov throws a half hearted mid kick.
Good exchange - Marinov coming out on top.
Marinov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Kuznetsov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Marinov moved out of range.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Marinov is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Kuznetsov crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Marinov - the referee stops the clock and Kuznetsov gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Marinov. Kuznetsov manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Marinov is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Kuznetsov had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into mush.
Marinov checks a low kick from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov digs a good hook to Marinov's body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Marinov is out of range.
Marinov scores with a jab. Kuznetsov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kuznetsov lands with a good body shot.
Marinov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kuznetsov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Marinov moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Marinov slips the punch.
Kuznetsov connects with a single shot there.
Marinov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Marinov takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
Kuznetsov misses with a left hand
and Marinov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Marinov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kuznetsov's head backwards.
Kuznetsov checks a leg kick nicely.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that Marinov avoids nicely.
Kuznetsov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Kuznetsov!
Kuznetsov connects with a high kick.
Kuznetsov staying out of range there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov cracks a nice hook into Marinov's ribs.
Marinov scores with a nice body kick.
Marinov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kuznetsov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that Marinov avoids nicely.
Nice uppercut lands for Kuznetsov. That snapped Marinov's head back.
Marinov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznetsov was well out of range. Poor timing from Marinov.
Jab from Marinov.
Marinov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kuznetsov avoids the body shot from Marinov.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Kuznetsov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Marinov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Marinov throws a body shot but no joy.
Marinov lands with an uppercut that bounces Kuznetsov off the cage and back into range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kuznetsov slips a straight right by Marinov.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild combination.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Marinov there.
Marinov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Marinov with the inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut. Marinov saw that one coming.
Kuznetsov is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Marinov's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Marinov misses with an uppercut
and Kuznetsov counters with a stiff right hand.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight left.
Kuznetsov throws an overhand right that lands on Marinov's shoulder, as Marinov tries to avoid the shot.
Marinov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kuznetsov doesn't seem bothered though.
The fighters circle momentarily. Marinov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Marinov's head backwards.
Marinov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kuznetsov misses with a head kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Marinov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Marinov lands a jab.
Marinov punishes Kuznetsov's body with a nice straight punch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Emil Marinov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kuznetsov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Marinov throws a shot from downtown. Kuznetsov moves away and avoids it.
Marinov avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kuznetsov attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Marinov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov moves out of range as Marinov strikes.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Marinov blocks it.
Kuznetsov thows a left - swing and a miss!
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Marinov catches Kuznetsov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Marinov misses with a jab to the body
and Kuznetsov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Marinov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Marinov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Kuznetsov on the side of the head.
Kuznetsov throws a nice looking combination but Marinov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot
and Marinov counters with a body kick that stops Kuznetsov in his tracks momentarily.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Marinov smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Marinov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Marinov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kuznetsov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Marinov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Marinov throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Marinov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Marinov lands a right hook to the body.
Kuznetsov digs a good hook to Marinov's body.
This entire fight has taken place on the feet so far and you wonder whether Kuznetsov might be better served trying to take this one to the ground because he's losing the standup battle so far.
Marinov slips a jab and a cross from Kuznetsov.
Marinov throws a head kick that misses.
Marinov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Marinov moves out of range.
A combination from Kuznetsov does no damage.
Kuznetsov blocks a jab.
Marinov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Marinov throws a hook but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut
and Marinov counters with a body kick that stops Kuznetsov in his tracks momentarily.
Kuznetsov uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Marinov has time to react.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Marinov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
Marinov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab, cross combination.
Marinov throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Marinov lands with a kick to the ribs.
Marinov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy body shot
and Marinov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Marinov moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Kuznetsov moves forwards but Marinov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Marinov avoids the head kick by Kuznetsov.
Marinov with a nice calf kick.
Marinov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
Marinov throws a right hand that misses
and Kuznetsov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Marinov checks a leg kick.
Marinov let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kuznetsov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Marinov counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kuznetsov thinking.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Marinov moved out of range.
Marinov replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Kuznetsov blocks it well.
Kuznetsov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Decent striking displayed by Marinov there.
Marinov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kuznetsov lands a jab.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kuznetsov misses with a left hand
and Marinov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Marinov takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
Marinov avoids the head kick by Kuznetsov.
Marinov lands a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
A little jabbing left from Marinov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Marinov moves away and avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Marinov misses.
Kuznetsov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Marinov checks a leg kick.
Nice uppercut there from Marinov.
A slapping body kick lands there for Marinov.
Marinov missing with a left hand there. Kuznetsov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kuznetsov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Kuznetsov cracks Marinov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut. Marinov saw that one coming.
Marinov blocks a jab.
Kuznetsov throws a push kick but Marinov slaps the foot to one side.
A jab from Kuznetsov misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Marinov defending well as Kuznetsov loads up on a big left hand.
Marinov throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
Marinov scores with a jab.
Marinov throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Emil Marinov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
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. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A jab from Marinov finds it's way through Kuznetsov's defenses.
Marinov jabs Kuznetsov right on the nose. Kuznetsov blinks but takes it well.
Marinov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Marinov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Marinov throws a big shot that misses.
Kuznetsov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Marinov ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut
and Marinov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Emil Marinov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nice straight punches there by Marinov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Marinov.
Marinov fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kuznetsov is out of range.
Marinov cracks Kuznetsov with an open hand slap.
Marinov misses with a wild combination.
It looked like Kuznetsov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Marinov.
Kuznetsov will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A telegraphed right hand from Marinov misses the target.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Marinov throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Marinov moves out of range.
Marinov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kuznetsov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Marinov throws a push kick but Kuznetsov slaps the foot to one side.
Marinov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kuznetsov.
Marinov scores with a nice head shot.
Kuznetsov missing with a left hand there. Marinov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kuznetsov throws a looping overhand right but Marinov ducks down to avoid it.
A nice inside leg kick there by Marinov. That's going to slow Kuznetsov down.
Marinov works Kuznetsov's body with a nice hook.
Kuznetsov throws a big shot that misses.
Kuznetsov shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Kuznetsov throws a body punch but Marinov moves out of range.
Marinov blocks a jab.
Marinov throws a big counter head kick but Kuznetsov avoids it with no problem.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov is looking to land body kicks.
Kuznetsov misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Marinov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Marinov with a hook.
Marinov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kuznetsov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Marinov lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuznetsov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Marinov looks to land a body kick but Kuznetsov moved away.
Kuznetsov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Marinov circles away quickly and effectively.
Marinov blocks a jab.
Marinov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
It looked like Kuznetsov was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Marinov.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Marinov counters with a straight right hand.
Marinov avoids the head kick by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a body kick.
Good leg kick by Marinov.
Marinov swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Marinov lands a lovely overhand right.
Nikolai Kuznetsov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Marinov scores with a head kick.
Marinov scores with a nice right hand.
Marinov looks for the body kick but Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
A quick step to the side and Kuznetsov tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuznetsov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Marinov avoids them all with ease.
Marinov scores with a push kick.
Kuznetsov avoids the head kick by Marinov.
Marinov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Marinov connects with a solid leg kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Marinov lands with a right hand.
A slow jab from Marinov misses its intended target.
Marinov defending well as Kuznetsov loads up on a big left hand.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Marinov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov walks into a stiff left hand from Marinov.
Marinov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Marinov scores with a shot to the body.
Kuznetsov takes one to the chin there.
Marinov connects with a leg kick.
Marinov catches Kuznetsov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kuznetsov lands with an overhand left.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetsov. Marinov does a little dance to reset his feet.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Marinov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Marinov thows a body kick. Kuznetsov tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Marinov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Marinov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kuznetsov's head backwards.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

And that's the end of the fight!
Emil Marinov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Marinov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Matheus Silva scores the fight 27:30
Judge Edson Gomes scores the fight 27:30
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Emil Marinov!
Emil Marinov decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.