PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sergei Kourdakov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maxwell Smart (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kourdakov's entrance music is Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian. A fine choice. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kourdakov
vs
Smart

165 cm
21
141 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

178 cm
20
143 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergei Kourdakov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maxwell Smart!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Konstantin Menshow and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smart throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Smart tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kourdakov was well out of range. Poor timing from Smart.
Kourdakov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Smart sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kourdakov somewhat.

Kourdakov closes the distance and clinches.
Kourdakov is working for takedown but Smart is calmly controlling the position for now.
Smart looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kourdakov tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smart gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Kourdakov.

Kourdakov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kourdakov fails to land the takedown.
Smart shoots in but no luck this time.
Kourdakov wants to clinch.
A combination from Smart does no damage.
Smart moves in looking to clinch but Kourdakov pushes him off.
Smart stuns Kourdakov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Kourdakov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Smart manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov trying to control but Smart is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov wants to stand but Smart is controlling his posture from full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kourdakov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kourdakov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Smart looking for a sweep. Not yet Smart, not yet.
Kourdakov throwing strikes from guard but Smart blocks nicely.
Smart looking for a sweep. Not yet Smart, not yet.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Kourdakov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Kourdakov lands in his opponent's guard.
Kourdakov won't allow Smart to sweep him here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Smart is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kourdakov is controlling him.
Kourdakov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Smart looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kourdakov wants to pass the guard but Smart is keeping the position.
Kourdakov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Kourdakov works over Smart with some ground and pound from guard.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.

Smart drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Smart landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Smart wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kourdakov keeps working.

Smart stands up and beckons Kourdakov to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kourdakov has managed to clinch.

Kourdakov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kourdakov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kourdakov fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kourdakov avoids a punch combination nicely.

Smart gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Kourdakov to score an easy takedown into full guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kourdakov looking to pass the guard.
Kourdakov scoring with some ground and pound.
Smart is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Smart wants to stand and escape but Kourdakov is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kourdakov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Smart's head.
Kourdakov stops Smart from standing up.
Kourdakov tries to free his leg and advance position but Smart is retaining full guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kourdakov dodges the punch combination from Smart.
Smart rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kourdakov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kourdakov looks for a takedown but Smart sprawls well.
Kourdakov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Nice straight punches there by Smart. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Smart.
Smart just misses with a punch to the body.
Smart blocks a jab.
Kourdakov throws a body punch but Smart moves out of range.
Smart scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Smart shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kourdakov but Kourdakov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergei Kourdakov dominated that round.
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.

Kourdakov has managed to clinch.
Smart wants to break free but Kourdakov has control.
Smart is pressed up against the cage. Kourdakov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Smart down to the mat. Smart avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kourdakov.
Smart stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Smart wants it to stay on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kourdakov tries a low kick but Smart avoids it.
Smart throws a series of punches but Kourdakov moves out of range.
Kourdakov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Sergei Kourdakov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kourdakov looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Kourdakov trying to control the position from guard on top but Smart is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kourdakov wants to stand but Smart has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Kourdakov trying to control the position from guard on top but Smart is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kourdakov stopping the sweep attempt from Smart.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smart is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kourdakov is working Smart over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Smart scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Kourdakov darts in trying to clinch
and Smart makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Smart fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kourdakov avoids it really well and circles away.
Smart misses with a combination

and Kourdakov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Smart has one foot on Kourdakov's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.

Kourdakov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Smart looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kourdakov is looking to take a break and control but Smart is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smart can't do much from the bottom here.
Kourdakov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smart keeps working.
Kourdakov cracks Smart with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Kourdakov trying to control the action but Smart is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov working the head and body with strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kourdakov connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Smart some visible discomfort.
Smart is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kourdakov's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Smart is trying to stand up here but Kourdakov is controlling him well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smart is trying to control but can't.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Kourdakov postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Smart to stand up.

Kourdakov shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Kourdakov is keen to just control but Smart is a slippery customer.
Sergei Kourdakov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kourdakov prevents Smart from standing back up.
Kourdakov tries to pass to full mount but Smart defends it.
Smart is trying to control but can't.
Smart is trying to stand back up but Kourdakov is controlling him
Kourdakov working Smart over with strikes.
Kourdakov drops an elbow to the side of Smart's head.
Kourdakov working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Kourdakov trying to control from half guard but Smart is working away.
Kourdakov winds up and cracks Smart with a swinging punch to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smart tries to get to full guard but Kourdakov has control of the leg.
Kourdakov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kourdakov controlling the action here.

Smart kicks off Kourdakov and gets to his feet.
Smart stuffs the takedown attempt from Kourdakov. Kourdakov gets slowly back to his feet.
Smart scores with a shot to the body.

Kourdakov closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Kourdakov performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smart has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kourdakov is working away from the top position though.
Kourdakov prevents Smart from standing back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergei Kourdakov 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!

Smart lands a nice shot to the body.
Kourdakov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Smart holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Kourdakov has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Smart is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Smart can't get the takedown.

Kourdakov gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Smart regains guard.
Kourdakov tries to stand but Smart is controlling from the bottom.

Smart has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Kourdakov off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Smart slaps away a takedown attempt from Kourdakov, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smart dives in and grabs Kourdakov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kourdakov pushes down on Smart's head and hops out.
Kourdakov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Smart's waist but Smart gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kourdakov off to one side.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Smart misses with the combination.
Smart looks to score with a jab to the body but Kourdakov is just out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kourdakov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Smart is trying to buck Kourdakov off.
Kourdakov 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.

Kourdakov decides to stand back up. Kourdakov steps back and let's Smart get back to his feet.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kourdakov.
Kourdakov slips a jab and a cross from Smart.
The fighters circle momentarily. Smart darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kourdakov misses with a takedown
and Smart counters with a nice uppercut.
Smart scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Smart misses with a body shot.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kourdakov is defended easily by Smart.
Smart lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smart lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kourdakov circles away quickly and effectively.
Smart comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Smart lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Sergei Kourdakov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A combination from Smart does no damage.
Kourdakov moves forwards but Smart connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A combination from Smart does no damage.
Smart digs a good hook to Kourdakov's body.

Kourdakov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Smart wants to get back to his feet.
Kourdakov in side control, throwing shots but Smart defends.
Smart is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Kourdakov controlling the action here.
Kourdakov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.
Kourdakov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Smart defending well though.
Smart wants to improve his position but Kourdakov is controlling well.
Sergei Kourdakov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Smart is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Maxwell Smart has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Smart looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kourdakov perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Smart misses with a double jab.
Kourdakov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Smart counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Smart lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kourdakov circles away quickly and effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kourdakov has his takedown stuffed
and Smart counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kourdakov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Smart sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kourdakov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Smart counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Smart throws a nice looking combination but Kourdakov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Kourdakov closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Smart to the mat! Smart manages to get full guard.
Smart wants to stand and escape but Kourdakov is having none of it.
Smart keeping moving, preventing Kourdakov from controlling successfully.
Smart is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Kourdakov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Smart looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sergei Kourdakov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kourdakov, 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 Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sergei Kourdakov!