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. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Kourdakov
vs
Smart

165 cm
22
141 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

178 cm
21
143 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very quick

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin

GTI - 1337 from $10 new designs 10/09/10

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergei Kourdakov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maxwell Smart!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Fedor Mirinova and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smart tries for a takedown but Kourdakov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Smart throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Kourdakov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Smart misses with a series of wild punches.
Smart lands a jab-cross combination.
Smart misses with a body shot.

Smart changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kourdakov looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kourdakov is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kourdakov is not content to let Smart control the position.
Smart lands a few punches from side control.
Kourdakov is not content to let Smart control the position.
Kourdakov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Smart has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov parries the strikes from Smart easily there. Smart is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Kourdakov to escape.
Kourdakov is pushing Smart's head away, looking to escape. Smart manages to hold on to the position though.

Smart tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kourdakov is pushing Smart's head away, looking to escape. Smart manages to hold on to the position though.
Smart is looking to take a break and control but Kourdakov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kourdakov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

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

Smart scores a takedown into full mount!
Kourdakov is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.

Kourdakov somehow manages to escape the mount and 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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smart pushes Kourdakov away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Kourdakov gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Smart sneaks back into half guard.
Kourdakov is trying to control. Smart wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kourdakov trying to pass the guard but Smart defending well.
Smart tries to get to full guard but Kourdakov has control of the leg.
Kourdakov takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Smart is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kourdakov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kourdakov's back!
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.
Smart is looking to control Kourdakov but Kourdakov is wriggling around and keeping busy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov holding both Smart 's hands and preventing any damage.
Kourdakov has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Smart.
Kourdakov trying to get back to his feet but Smart is in full control for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smart throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Kourdakov holding both Smart 's hands and preventing any damage.
Smart throwing sloppy strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Smart is looking to control Kourdakov but Kourdakov is wriggling around and keeping busy.
Kourdakov avoids the strikes from Smart.
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.
Kourdakov trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Watch the back of the head! Comes the shout from the referee towards Smart.
Smart lands punches and elbows.

Smart has his opponent's back but Kourdakov is looking to stand. He manages to get to his feet and shakes off Smart.

Smart closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Kourdakov did well to prevent Smart getting side control.
Smart wants to pass to mount but Kourdakov is defending the position.
Kourdakov is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Maxwell Smart dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Smart defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kourdakov.
Smart connects with a single shot there.
Kourdakov doesn't manage to clinch there - Smart circles away.

Kourdakov drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Smart is looking to reverse the position.
Kourdakov landing a few strikes.
Smart manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kourdakov's best efforts.
Smart is trying to get back to full guard.
Kourdakov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kourdakov is thwarting Smart's attempts to control the position.
Kourdakov working the head and body with strikes.
Smart is trying to maintain the position but Kourdakov is very close to passing his half guard.
Smart is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kourdakov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kourdakov's back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smart missing with strikes from the back.
Kourdakov looking to stop the rear naked choke attempt by controlling the hands.

Smart has his opponent's back but Kourdakov is looking to stand. He manages to get to his feet and shakes off Smart.

Smart clinches with his opponent.
Kourdakov tries for a takedown. No joy.

Smart manages to break the clinch.

Kourdakov 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.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kourdakov is in close to Smart's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Smart is trying to control the position but Kourdakov postures up.
Kourdakov stands up over Smart, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Kourdakov controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Kourdakov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sergei Kourdakov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Smart bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kourdakov's guard.
Smart working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Smart wants to pass the guard but Kourdakov is keeping the position.

Kourdakov is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Smart.
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.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Smart doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Kourdakov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Smart wants to sweep but no luck.
Smart is trying to keep Kourdakov in close.
Kourdakov postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Kourdakov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smart lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kourdakov!
Smart controlling from the full mount.
Kourdakov is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smart with a couple of short strikes.

Smart is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Kourdakov can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Smart looking to finish Kourdakov with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kourdakov!
Smart looking to ground and pound but Kourdakov is blocking nicely.
Smart won't let Kourdakov get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Smart raining down shots from the mount!
Kourdakov's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Smart trying to control but he's not successful this time.
You get the feeling that Kourdakov really doesn't like being in this position too much.
Smart working the ground and pound effectively.
Kourdakov is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Smart is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Kourdakov really wants to buck Smart off and get back to his feet.
Smart controlling the pace for now.
Smart lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergei Kourdakov dominated that second round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Smart tries for a takedown but Kourdakov circles away easily

and Kourdakov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Smart is looking for a sweep. Kourdakov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Smart is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kourdakov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Kourdakov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smart keeps working.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kourdakov lands a nice short elbow.
Smart gets full guard.
Kourdakov throwing strikes from guard but Smart blocks nicely.
Smart looking for a sweep. Not yet Smart, not yet.

Smart scrambles and gets back to his feet.

Kourdakov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Kourdakov showed some decent athleticism there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kourdakov scores with a couple of good hammerfists.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smart is trying to get back to full guard.
Kourdakov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Kourdakov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Smart with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Kourdakov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Smart is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kourdakov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Kourdakov looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Smart with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Smart wants to improve his position but Kourdakov is controlling well.
Kourdakov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Smart is refusing to be controlled, as Kourdakov sits in half guard.
Kourdakov lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Smart has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kourdakov is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Smart avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kourdakov.
Kourdakov thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Kourdakov content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kourdakov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Smart counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Smart stands up and beckons Kourdakov to join him on the feet.
Kourdakov has his takedown stuffed

and Smart decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Kourdakov's guard.
Smart trying to control the position from guard on top but Kourdakov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kourdakov wants to stand and escape but Smart is having none of it.
Smart tries to free his leg and advance position but Kourdakov is retaining full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kourdakov kicks Smart off and gets to his feet.

Smart closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Kourdakov did well to prevent Smart getting side control.
Smart tries to pass to full mount but Kourdakov defends it.

Kourdakov makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Smart misses with a takedown

and Kourdakov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Smart's guard.

Smart working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kourdakov doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kourdakov manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Smart wants to stand and escape but Kourdakov is having none of it.
Kourdakov connects with a couple of short punches.
Smart manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Kourdakov manages to get himself to full guard.
Smart won't allow Kourdakov to get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smart throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Smart trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smart won't allow Kourdakov to get back to his feet.
Smart trying to control but Kourdakov is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov wants to stand and escape but Smart is having none of it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Smart stuffs the takedown attempt from Kourdakov. Kourdakov gets slowly back to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Smart darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Smart seems to be looking for submissions.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Sergei Kourdakov did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kourdakov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Smart moves away.
Smart fails to land the takedown.

Kourdakov closes the distance and clinches.
Kourdakov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Smart gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Kourdakov wants a takedown but no success here.

Kourdakov has clasped his hands together around Smart's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Kourdakov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Smart keeps working.
Kourdakov working the body and head with strikes.
Kourdakov landing strikes.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
You can see the frustration on Smart's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Smart takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Smart is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
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.
Kourdakov throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kourdakov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kourdakov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kourdakov prevents Smart from improving his position.
Kourdakov working the head and body with strikes.
Smart is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kourdakov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kourdakov's back!
Kourdakov grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Smart connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Kourdakov to escape the position.
Smart biding his time, looking for the opening.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Smart. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!

Smart patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Kourdakov has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Smart.
Kourdakov is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Smart lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Kourdakov.
Kourdakov has the hand control, trying to stop the rear naked choke.
Kourdakov grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov is keeping busy.
Smart punches the canvas rather than the man.
Smart trying to control.
Kourdakov trying to get back to his feet but Smart is in full control for now.

Smart working for a choke but Kourdakov is defending well.
A lull in the action here.
Smart might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Kourdakov kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

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.
Kourdakov wants to get back to his feet.

Kourdakov defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Smart's arms.
Smart lands a shot to the head.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Smart has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Kourdakov has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Kourdakov is trying to stand back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Maxwell Smart will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Smart shoots in looking for a takedown. Kourdakov tries to sprawl out of it but Smart keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kourdakov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Smart fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kourdakov avoids it really well and circles away.

Kourdakov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kourdakov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Smart wants to sweep here but Kourdakov controlling him for the moment.
Kourdakov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kourdakov trying to control but Smart is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov is in close to Smart's body, working some short punches and elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov preventing the sweep.
Smart is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Smart throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.
Smart is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

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

Smart gets caught flat footed, as Kourdakov shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Kourdakov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Smart looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Smart is trying to control the position but Kourdakov postures up.
Kourdakov wants to control from the top but Smart keeps moving.
Kourdakov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Kourdakov's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Smart looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Smart is on top in guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Smart is controlling him.

Kourdakov pushes Smart off and gets back to his feet.
Smart swings for the body but Kourdakov moves out of range.
Kourdakov is looking to clinch but Smart is avoiding it.

Kourdakov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Kourdakov throwing strikes from guard but Smart blocks nicely.
Kourdakov scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov wants to pass the guard but Smart is keeping the position.
Smart is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Smart lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kourdakov!
Smart sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Smart thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Kourdakov trying desperately to get to his feet.
Smart with shots to the head and body - Kourdakov looks very uncomfortable down there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Smart dominating with strikes here.
Smart won't let Kourdakov get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Smart landing shots from mount.
Smart postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kourdakov looks a forlorn figure.
Kourdakov is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Smart dominating with strikes here.
Smart fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
Smart scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Smart looking to finish Kourdakov with some ground and pound. This is bad for Kourdakov!
Kourdakov tries to buck Smart off but he can't manage it.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sergei Kourdakov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kourdakov 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 48:47
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 47:48
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 48:48

The fight is ruled a draw!
Sergei Kourdakov retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!