PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Richard Head (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Petr Kropotkin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kropotkin has chosen Distress - Progress/Regress as his entrance music. Richard Head had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Head
vs
Kropotkin

185 cm
19
200 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

188 cm
20
203 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Powerful

GREEN!160

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 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Richard Head!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Petr Kropotkin!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Cecil Peabody and George Francis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kropotkin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Head moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
We've been told by Head's head coaches at LOD: Ground Zero that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Kropotkin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kropotkin misses with a wild combination.
Kropotkin avoids the body shot from Head.
Kropotkin dips to his left and cracks Head with an uppercut!
Kropotkin defending well as Head loads up on a big left hand.
Head connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Head throws a body shot but no joy.
Head uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kropotkin.
Head goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kropotkin swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Head takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Head takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kropotkin moves into range and connects with a jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kropotkin fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Decent striking displayed by Kropotkin there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Head takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Head tries to land a leg kick but Kropotkin saw it coming and moves away.
Head takes one on the button.
A jab from Head does it's job there.
Head lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Head throws a leg kick but Kropotkin sees it coming and moves out of range.
A jab from Head misses.
Kropotkin looks to score with a jab to the body but Head is just out of range.
Kropotkin cracks Head with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kropotkin lands with a right hand.
Kropotkin lands a slapping body shot.
Head moves away from the strike by Kropotkin.
A jab from Kropotkin misses.
Head was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Head looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.

Head moves into the clinch.
Nice body punch from Kropotkin.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Head tries to throw a body punch but Kropotkin avoids it by throwing Head back against the cage.
Head pushes Kropotkin back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kropotkin misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kropotkin misses with some punches.
Head pushes Kropotkin back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kropotkin can't find room to land a body shot as Head controls the action.
Kropotkin lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kropotkin blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Head misses with a punch on the inside.
Head lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Head misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Head blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Head tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kropotkin's elbow.
Head tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kropotkin's elbow.
Head lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Head lands a right hand.
Kropotkin tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kropotkin misses with a punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Head tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Head lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Head cracks Kropotkin with a nice body shot.
Kropotkin pushes Head back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Head misses with the head strike.
Head lands a nice uppercut.
Head scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kropotkin struggles to land a body shot inside as Head controls his hands.
Head misses with a short punch on the inside.
Head misses with a punch on the inside.
Kropotkin tries a body shot but Head blocks it.
Kropotkin misses with a body punch.
Kropotkin misses with a punch on the inside.
Head tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kropotkin's elbow.
Kropotkin fails to pull guard.
Kropotkin lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Head blocks an uppercut.
Head fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Head misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Head.
Head misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kropotkin misses with a hook to the ribs.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Head throws a punch but it's blocked by Kropotkin.
The referee is keeping an eye on Head - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Head misses with a punch to the body.
Kropotkin can't find room to land a body shot as Head controls the action.
Kropotkin blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kropotkin swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Head stalling in the clinch.

Kropotkin jumps guard.
Kropotkin looking to control.

Kropotkin is looking for a triangle but Head pushes his legs off easily.
Head has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Kropotkin is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Petr Kropotkin will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Head tries to clinch but Kropotkin is having none of it.
Kropotkin pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Head back to the cage. Kropotkin follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Kropotkin throws a jab when Head was well out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Head.
Kropotkin thuds his right hand into Head's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kropotkin misses with a few strikes there.
Head ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Head moves forwards but Kropotkin connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Head lands a jab to the head.
Petr Kropotkin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kropotkin lands a glancing blow to the side of Head's head.
Head throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Kropotkin slips a jab from Head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kropotkin tests Head's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Head misses with a straight left.
Kropotkin throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

It looks like Richard Head has been cut.
Kropotkin cracks Head with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kropotkin connects with a body shot that sends Head's belly button to the back.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A slow jab from Kropotkin misses its intended target.
Head throwing a counter right hand but Kropotkin manages to avoid it.
Petr Kropotkin is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kropotkin throws a jab but it's blocked by Head.
A low kick from Head is predictable there
and Kropotkin counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kropotkin rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Head moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Head tried to counter with a leg kick but Kropotkin avoided it.
Kropotkin lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Petr Kropotkin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A telegraphed right hand from Kropotkin misses the target.
Head ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kropotkin moves away.
Kropotkin comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A jab from Kropotkin misses.
Kropotkin throws a jab when Head was well out of range.
Head ducks under a wild hook from Kropotkin.
A combination from Kropotkin does no damage.
Kropotkin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
No joy there for Kropotkin, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kropotkin blocks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kropotkin lands a right hook to the body.
Head fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kropotkin throws a body punch but Head moves out of range.
Kropotkin missing with a left hand there. Head was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kropotkin takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kropotkin misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kropotkin moves out of range of the strikes.
Kropotkin misses with a two punch combination.
Kropotkin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Head.
Kropotkin throws a hook to the side of Head's head but Head sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kropotkin lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Kropotkin looks to score with a jab to the body but Head is just out of range.
Kropotkin swinging wildly here.
Kropotkin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
As Kropotkin tries to get set, Head tries to push him back and clinch up but Kropotkin manages to avoid the attempt.
Head tries to clinch there but Kropotkin circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Head closes the distance and pushes Kropotkin back into the cage.
Head doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kropotkin throws a punch but it's blocked by Head.
Kropotkin lands a hook that snaps the head of Head backwards.
Kropotkin lands a right hand.
Head misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kropotkin working aggressively here.

Kropotkin manages to pull guard.

Head got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kropotkin has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Head has managed to get both his arms back between Kropotkin's legs - danger averted.
Kropotkin is adopting a defensive guard.

Kropotkin is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Head is aware though and is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kropotkin looking for a guillotine here but Head defends easily.
Kropotkin controls Head momentarily but Head frees himself.
Head wants to control from the top but Kropotkin keeps moving.

Kropotkin is looking for a triangle but Head pushes his legs off easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Petr Kropotkin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Richard Head's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Kropotkin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A swing and a miss from Kropotkin.
Kropotkin takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kropotkin misses with a double jab.
Kropotkin with a jab.
Kropotkin throws a series of strikes that have Head backpedaling.
Kropotkin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Head scores with a push kick.
Kropotkin connects with a jab.
Head walks into a left hand.
Head misses with a low kick.
Head changes levels and scores with a jab 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!
Kropotkin lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Head backs up against the cage.
Kropotkin ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Head pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Head comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Head misses with a low kick.
Head avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kropotkin looks to score with a jab to the body but Head is just out of range.
Kropotkin throws a series of punches but Head avoids them all with ease.
Head moves out of range of the strikes.
Head tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kropotkin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kropotkin keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kropotkin throws a series of punches but Head avoids them all with ease.
Head changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Head bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kropotkin avoids the body shot from Head.
Despite the aggression on Kropotkin's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Head lands an overhand right.
Head tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kropotkin is able to avoid easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kropotkin! But no joy.
Head throws a body shot but no joy.
A little jabbing left from Kropotkin on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Head takes a swing at Kropotkin's ribcage but misses.
Kropotkin is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Head misses with a series of wild punches.
Head throws a hook to the side of Kropotkin's head but Kropotkin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kropotkin now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
No joy there for Kropotkin, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Head throws the kick towards the body but Kropotkin avoids it.
Kropotkin lands a nice shot to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kropotkin lands a nice hook to Head's body. Head takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kropotkin connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Head works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Head walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kropotkin checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kropotkin swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Head throws a front kick aimed at Kropotkin's knee but Kropotkin avoids it well.
Head uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kropotkin.
Head wants to slow Kropotkin down by chopping away at his legs.
Head uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kropotkin.
Richard Head has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kropotkin jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kropotkin swings for the body but Head moves out of range.
Kropotkin just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromHead.
Head looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Head uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kropotkin.
Head scores with a decent looking hook.
Kropotkin blocks the body kick.
Head shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Head swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Kropotkin uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Head.
A nice side step and Kropotkin releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Head misses with a low kick.
Head waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kropotkin.
Head moves out of range of the strikes.
Head half committed to a counter leg kick.
Kropotkin lands a lovely overhand right.
Head throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kropotkin.

Head gets a clinch.
Kropotkin lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Head backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kropotkin lands a shot to the body.
Head has a couple of punches blocked by Kropotkin.
Head blocking some punches.
Kropotkin tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kropotkin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kropotkin.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Head struggles to land a body shot inside as Kropotkin controls his hands.
Head working aggressively here.
Kropotkin tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Head smiles and moves away.
Kropotkin tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Head was well out of range. Poor timing from Kropotkin.
Kropotkin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Head manages to avoid it.
Head throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kropotkin throws a shot to the body.
Kropotkin connects with a body shot.
Kropotkin scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Kropotkin lands with a right hand.
Petr Kropotkin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kropotkin avoids the body shot from Head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Petr Kropotkin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Kropotkin winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 27:30
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 27:30
Judge George Francis scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Petr Kropotkin!
In his post fight interview, Petr Kropotkin started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.