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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Kuznetsov (ranked 2222 p4p, 1871 weight class) and Trond Asmundsen (ranked 296 p4p, 263 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 178 cm
41
186
31 - 24 - 0 |
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188 cm
35
190
23 - 21 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Very quick |
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Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 31 - 24 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikolai Kuznetsov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Trond Asmundsen!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Franklin, Frank Dennis and Cecil Peabody.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Asmundsen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
It looks like Trond Asmundsen has been cut.
Kuznetsov connects with a right hand. Asmundsen shakes it off.
Kuznetsov throws a right hand that Asmundsen ducks under and follows up with a left that Asmundsen also avoids with ease.
Asmundsen moves out of range of the body kick from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen cracks Kuznetsov with a good jab.
A looping hook to the body misses from Asmundsen. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Asmundsen is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen avoids the body shot from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Asmundsen misses with a body shot.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
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!
Asmundsen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Asmundsen.
Nikolai Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov works over Asmundsen's head and body with a nice combination.
Asmundsen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Asmundsen dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Asmundsen lands with a nice body punch.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy right hand but Asmundsen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Asmundsen changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Asmundsen slips a jab from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov swinging wildly here.
A big right from Asmundsen misses.
Asmundsen connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Asmundsen is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kuznetsov rather than just go for the knockout.
Asmundsen works the jab nicely.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick which misses Asmundsen's front leg but catches the back leg as Asmundsen tries to avoid it.
Kuznetsov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Good leg kick by Asmundsen.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov misses with a straight left.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.
Asmundsen with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen drives through with a takedown into Kuznetsov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Asmundsen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kuznetsov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kuznetsov wants to stand but Asmundsen is controlling the position.
Asmundsen looking to sit in guard and control but Kuznetsov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Asmundsen has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kuznetsov stands up from Asmundsen's guard - Kuznetsov perhaps looking for a knockout.
Kuznetsov lands a head shot.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Asmundsen moves away and avoids it.
Asmundsen scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kuznetsov scores with a shot to the body.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen checks a leg kick.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the jaw.
Asmundsen throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kuznetsov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Asmundsen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the side of Asmundsen's head but Asmundsen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Asmundsen fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kuznetsov to the ground. Asmundsen is now in Kuznetsov's guard.
Kuznetsov wriggles free and stands up.
Kuznetsov slaps away a takedown attempt from Asmundsen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Asmundsen takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
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!
Asmundsen scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kuznetsov checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kuznetsov punishes Asmundsen's body with a nice straight punch.
Kuznetsov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Asmundsen has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Asmundsen lands a right hook to the body.
Kuznetsov sizes up Asmundsen with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kuznetsov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Asmundsen finds it's way round the side to connect with Kuznetsov's head.
Asmundsen lands a head shot.
Kuznetsov misses with a head kick.
Asmundsen misses with a body shot.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
Asmundsen uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Asmundsen scores with a sloppy right hand. Kuznetsov should have avoided that one.
Asmundsen misses with a hook. Kuznetsov ducked under it nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy right hand but Asmundsen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Asmundsen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Nikolai Kuznetsov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Trond Asmundsen's cut.
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 blocks a leg kick.
Asmundsen scores with a leg kick.
Asmundsen takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kuznetsov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Asmundsen was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov dodges the punch combination from Asmundsen.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Asmundsen ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen lands a jab.
Asmundsen misses with a two punch combination.
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.
Asmundsen blocks a head kick by Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Kuznetsov defends it well.
Kuznetsov takes a swing at Asmundsen's ribcage but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good leg kick by Asmundsen.
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.
Asmundsen slips a jab and a cross from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Asmundsen just misses with a punch to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Asmundsen lands a nice shot to the body.
Kuznetsov stuns Asmundsen with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Asmundsen scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Kuznetsov kicks Asmundsen off and gets back to his feet.
Asmundsen lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A cross from Kuznetsov lands.
Asmundsen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kuznetsov lands with a good body shot.
Asmundsen throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Kuznetsov throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Asmundsen takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Asmundsen feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Asmundsen won't allow Kuznetsov to get back to his feet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen controls from within his opponent's guard.
Kuznetsov keeping moving, preventing Asmundsen from controlling successfully.
Asmundsen lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Kuznetsov wants to stand but Asmundsen is controlling the position.
Nikolai Kuznetsov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Asmundsen looking to pass the guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuznetsov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kuznetsov throws an ugly left hook that misses
so Asmundsen counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Asmundsen sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Asmundsen prevents Kuznetsov from getting back to his feet.
Asmundsen trying to control but Kuznetsov is working from the bottom.
Kuznetsov has his feet on Asmundsen's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Asmundsen connects with an inside leg kick.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov thuds his shin into the meat of Asmundsen's side.
Kuznetsov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
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!
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Asmundsen ducked under it nicely.
Asmundsen thumps Kuznetsov with a low kick.
Horrible takedown attempt by Asmundsen or perhaps it was just good defense by Kuznetsov, which made it look bad.
Asmundsen takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
Decent striking displayed by Kuznetsov there.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick which misses Asmundsen's front leg but catches the back leg as Asmundsen tries to avoid it.
Kuznetsov misses with a leg kick
and Asmundsen counters with a straight right hand.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is winning the standup battle so far.
Asmundsen lands a nice shot to the body.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Nikolai Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Trond Asmundsen's cut.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Asmundsen blocks a head kick by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznetsov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Asmundsen tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Asmundsen throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A punch lands to the side of Kuznetsov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Kuznetsov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Asmundsen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kuznetsov on the side of the head.
Asmundsen with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kuznetsov to score with a decent uppercut.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Asmundsen moved out of range.
Asmundsen uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Asmundsen.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Asmundsen moves out of range as Kuznetsov throws a body kick.
Kuznetsov throws a right hand that Asmundsen ducks under and follows up with a left that Asmundsen also avoids with ease.
Asmundsen feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
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!
Kuznetsov wants to stand and escape but Asmundsen is having none of it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Asmundsen seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Asmundsen trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuznetsov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Asmundsen engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Kuznetsov is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Asmundsen tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Asmundsen back against the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen swings wildly with an uppercut but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A head punch on the inside from Asmundsen fails to land.
Asmundsen is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Kuznetsov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kuznetsov misses with a right hand
and Asmundsen counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kuznetsov keeping full guard, as Asmundsen tries to pass.
Asmundsen seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Asmundsen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov keeping moving, preventing Asmundsen from controlling successfully.
Kuznetsov pushes Asmundsen off and scrambles back to his feet.
Kuznetsov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Asmundsen misses with a body shot.
Asmundsen with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Asmundsen ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen lands a jab to the head.
Kuznetsov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Jab from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Asmundsen getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kuznetsov scores with a head kick. Asmundsen tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Asmundsen ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen connects with a leg kick.
Kuznetsov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Asmundsen scores with a punch to the head.
A big right from Asmundsen misses.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy head kick and Asmundsen moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Asmundsen.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Nikolai Kuznetsov did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Trond Asmundsen's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!
A chopping leg kick lands by Kuznetsov.
Nice sprawl there from Kuznetsov as Asmundsen shoots in.
Asmundsen misses with a wild body shot.
Asmundsen throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Asmundsen takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Asmundsen misses with a takedown attempt - Kuznetsov sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Asmundsen misses with a wild body shot.
Asmundsen throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
Asmundsen with a body punch. A glancing blow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov swinging wildly here.
Asmundsen with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Asmundsen scores with a jab. Kuznetsov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Asmundsen throws a front kick aimed at Kuznetsov's knee but Kuznetsov avoids it well.
Kuznetsov throws a head kick that Asmundsen semi-blocks.
Asmundsen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznetsov was well out of range. Poor timing from Asmundsen.
Asmundsen takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Asmundsen. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Asmundsen scores with a jab to the head.
Asmundsen misses with a straight right.
Asmundsen swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Asmundsen on the side of the head.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Asmundsen avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kuznetsov wants it to stay on the feet.
Nikolai Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Trond Asmundsen.
Decent striking displayed by Kuznetsov there.
Asmundsen misses with a two punch combination.
Asmundsen slips a jab from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws out a loose jab but Asmundsen uses good head movement to avoid it.
Asmundsen getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Asmundsen throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Asmundsen connects with a body shot that sends Kuznetsov's belly button to the back.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Asmundsen.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Asmundsen.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Asmundsen.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
Kuznetsov throws a right hand that Asmundsen ducks under and follows up with a left that Asmundsen also avoids with ease.
Asmundsen is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Kuznetsov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Nice straight punches there by Asmundsen. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Asmundsen.
Asmundsen connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kuznetsov momentarily.
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Asmundsen lands with an overhand left.
A jab from Asmundsen finds it's way through Kuznetsov's defenses.
Asmundsen throws a shot to the body.
A head kick misses from Asmundsen.
A head kick misses from Asmundsen.
Asmundsen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Asmundsen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Kuznetsov is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Asmundsen is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov manages to break the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Asmundsen. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kuznetsov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kuznetsov avoids the body shot from Asmundsen.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight left.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov stuffs the takedown.
Kuznetsov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.
Asmundsen avoids the head kick by Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Asmundsen.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A nice inside leg kick there by Asmundsen. That's going to slow Kuznetsov down.
Kuznetsov throws a head kick that misses.
Kuznetsov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
That has opened up Trond Asmundsen's cut even more.
Asmundsen staying out of range there.
Asmundsen stuns Kuznetsov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Asmundsen throws a series of punches but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice body kick.
Asmundsen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Asmundsen was well out of range.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close fourth round but I would say that Nikolai Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Trond Asmundsen's cut.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy head kick and Asmundsen moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Asmundsen at a distance.
A big left from Asmundsen misses.
Asmundsen just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Nice defenses there by Asmundsen.
Asmundsen with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kuznetsov walks into a jab.
Asmundsen on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Asmundsen moves out of range of the body kick from Kuznetsov.
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.
Asmundsen misses with a series of wild punches.
Kuznetsov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Asmundsen in his tracks.
Asmundsen avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Asmundsen with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping left.
And Asmundsen tries to counter it with a takedown but Kuznetsov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Kuznetsov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Asmundsen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kuznetsov lands a jab to Asmundsen's midsection.
Asmundsen cracks Kuznetsov with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kuznetsov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Asmundsen takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Asmundsen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kuznetsov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Asmundsen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Asmundsen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Asmundsen takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
Nice body kick there by Kuznetsov.
Asmundsen shoots and misses
and Kuznetsov makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Asmundsen swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kuznetsov avoids a punch combination nicely.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Asmundsen lands with a cross.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Asmundsen scores with a jab.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Asmundsen moves out of range.
Asmundsen shoots for a double leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls well. He's pushed Asmundsen's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov takes a swing at Asmundsen's ribcage but misses.
Asmundsen cracks Kuznetsov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Asmundsen lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kuznetsov throws a right hand that Asmundsen ducks under and follows up with a left that Asmundsen also avoids with ease.
Kuznetsov swinging wildly here.
Asmundsen slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Trond Asmundsen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nikolai Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Asmundsen with a series of wild strikes but Asmundsen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Asmundsen listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Asmundsen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Kuznetsov is wriggling around but Asmundsen manages to pass to half guard.
Asmundsen wants to control but Kuznetsov is keeping him busy.
Asmundsen stops Kuznetsov from getting back to his feet.
Asmundsen seems to be looking for submissions.
Asmundsen thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Asmundsen throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Asmundsen scores with a nice head shot.
Asmundsen wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kuznetsov throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Asmundsen throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuznetsov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Asmundsen takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
Kuznetsov thinks about countering with a head kick.
Kuznetsov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Asmundsen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kuznetsov with a hook.
Asmundsen throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 50:45
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 50:45
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 50:46
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikolai Kuznetsov!
Nikolai Kuznetsov is the new middleweight champion!
Nikolai Kuznetsov decided to call for a title shot in his post fight interview, which was very strange given the fact this fight was for a title and he's already the champion. I guess that's what getting punched in the head does for you.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
78% |
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