PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Alexei Kuznetsov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pabst Ribbon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kuznetsov's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, National Anthem of Russia. Pabst Ribbon has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kuznetsov
vs
Ribbon

187 cm
23
195 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

199 cm
23
201 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

SPARTAN FIGHTWARE
SPARTAN FIGHTWARE

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alexei Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of New York, Pabst Ribbon!
The judges for this bout are David Schapiro, Columbo Gatti and Alyssa Summers.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ribbon throws a big shot that misses.
A swing and a miss from Ribbon.
Pabst Ribbon seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ribbon with a hook.
Ribbon is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Ribbon throws a hook to the side of Kuznetsov's head but Kuznetsov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ribbon misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznetsov.
Ribbon lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
A good leg kick by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
An inside leg kick lands from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kuznetsov slips a jab and a cross from Ribbon.
Kuznetsov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Ribbon moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Nice defenses there by Kuznetsov.
Ribbon's corner calls for a 1-2. Ribbon obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ribbon loads up on a big right hand but Kuznetsov slips the punch.
Ribbon looks to land a combination but Kuznetsov avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kuznetsov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Ribbon as he jumps to the side.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kuznetsov.
Ribbon pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Kuznetsov feints and as Ribbon raises his hands in defense, Kuznetsov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.

Kuznetsov drops back looking for a leg! Ribbon is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Ribbon manages to kick Kuznetsov off! Kuznetsov jumps back into Ribbon's guard.
Kuznetsov stands and throws Ribbon's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kuznetsov postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Kuznetsov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Ribbon some visible discomfort.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kuznetsov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kuznetsov working away.
Kuznetsov throwing strikes but Ribbon manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Kuznetsov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Ribbon wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Ribbon fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Kuznetsov can't do much from the bottom here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee asks Ribbon politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Ribbon prefers to stall for the moment though.
Kuznetsov wants to control but Ribbon postures up.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Ribbon misses with a few strikes there.
Kuznetsov shoots for a takedown but Ribbon saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Ribbon throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
Ribbon bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kuznetsov's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Ribbon misses.
Ribbon lands an overhand right.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab from Ribbon.
Ribbon stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kuznetsov motions for Ribbon to come forward. Kuznetsov throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ribbon swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Ribbon.
A slow jab from Ribbon misses its intended target.
Ribbon fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

Kuznetsov is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetsov takes one to the chin there.
Oh Kuznetsov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Ribbon misses with an uppercut. Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Kuznetsov seems to have got his legs back now.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ribbon throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kuznetsov.
Jab by Ribbon.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pabst Ribbon dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ribbon misses the shot to the body.
Nice takedown defense from Ribbon. No joy for Kuznetsov on that attempt.
Kuznetsov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice combination. Ribbon backs away looking to recover.
Ribbon might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Ribbon waving his hands out infront of him, looking to distract Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov staying out of range there.
Ribbon misses with a body shot.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Ribbon misses with a straight right.
Alexei Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ribbon throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov tries for a takedown but Ribbon sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Ribbon throws a lazy right hand but Kuznetsov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ribbon checks the leg kick nicely there.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ribbon.
Ribbon on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov obviously looking to wear him down.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ribbon throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Donk. Ribbon catches Kuznetsov right on the button with a cross.
Pabst Ribbon is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kuznetsov, right into the meat.
Ribbon's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Ribbon throws a hook but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ribbon.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab.
Ribbon throws a combination. Kuznetsov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Ribbon is breathing heavily.
Ribbon fails to land with a series of punches.
Ribbon misses the jab.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Ribbon connects with a crisp jab.

Kuznetsov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Kuznetsov fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Kuznetsov in side control lands a decent elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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 strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Kuznetsov misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Kuznetsov misses with the ground and pound.
The ground and pound from Kuznetsov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Kuznetsov trying to control the action but Ribbon is working from the bottom.
Ribbon is trying to improve his position.
Ribbon can't do much from the bottom here.
Ribbon prevents Kuznetsov from moving into mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Ribbon will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kuznetsov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Ribbon's sensitive parts.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kuznetsov slips a jab from Ribbon.
A nice combination there by Ribbon.
Ribbon changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick but Ribbon moved away.
Ribbon is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kuznetsov walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ribbon checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ribbon.
Kuznetsov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ribbon throws an overhand right that lands on Kuznetsov's shoulder, as Kuznetsov tries to avoid the shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ribbon.
Some wild striking there from Ribbon.
Kuznetsov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Ribbon throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ribbon throws a shot from downtown. Kuznetsov moves away and avoids it.
Ribbon looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Ribbon checks a low kick from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Kuznetsov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Kuznetsov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov with the ground and pound but Ribbon uses the opportunity to regain guard.
Ribbon working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ribbon is keeping the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexei Kuznetsov dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Ribbon misses with the combination.
Kuznetsov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Ribbon defends it nicely.
Ribbon falls off balance throwing a combination

and Kuznetsov counters with a single leg into guard. Ribbon didn't expect that.
Kuznetsov with a nice head shot there.
Kuznetsov throwing strikes from guard but Ribbon blocks nicely.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kuznetsov trying to control but Ribbon is working from the bottom.
Ribbon takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ribbon trying to control the position.
Ribbon looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kuznetsov is one step ahead there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kuznetsov is looking to work some ground and pound but Ribbon has wrist control.
Kuznetsov tries to free his leg and advance position but Ribbon is retaining full guard.
Kuznetsov trying to control the position from guard on top but Ribbon is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kuznetsov moves away from the strike by Ribbon.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick but Ribbon sees it coming and moves out of range.
Ribbon throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kuznetsov with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
Kuznetsov shoots for a double leg takedown but Ribbon sprawls well. He's pushed Kuznetsov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab.
Ribbon swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Kuznetsov counters with a left and a right that stings Ribbon.
Kuznetsov has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Kuznetsov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ribbon misses with a jab to the body
and Kuznetsov counters with a two punch combo.
Ribbon ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kuznetsov moves away.
Ribbon fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ribbon.
Kuznetsov lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Kuznetsov feints and as Ribbon raises his hands in defense, Kuznetsov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kuznetsov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kuznetsov slips nicely into half guard.
Kuznetsov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ribbon keeps working.
Kuznetsov is pressing down on Ribbon's thigh, looking to free his foot. Ribbon is holding on for now.
Ribbon on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kuznetsov wants to free his trapped foot but Ribbon is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Kuznetsov is looking to take a break and control but Ribbon is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Kuznetsov misses with a head shot. Ribbon uses the momentum to regain guard.
Kuznetsov stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ribbon swivels though and keeps the full guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kuznetsov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Ribbon throws a hook but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Ribbon lands a nice shot to the body.
Kuznetsov misses with a low kick as Ribbon jumps back.
Ribbon fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kuznetsov on the side of the head.
Kuznetsov walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexei Kuznetsov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kuznetsov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 David Schapiro scores the fight 29:28
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 29:28
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexei Kuznetsov!