PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Zlato Kuzmejniev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Major Hardwood (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hardwood is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Ali Bomaye by The Game. Major Hardwood has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kuzmejniev
vs
Hardwood

192 cm
29
210 lbs
13 - 11 - 0

190 cm
33
214 lbs
17 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

The Empire Clothing and Laundry
AnonymouS

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Zlato Kuzmejniev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Major Hardwood!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Frank Antenori and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuzmejniev blocks a low kick nicely.
Kuzmejniev half committed to a counter leg kick.

Hardwood shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Kuzmejniev preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Kuzmejniev tries to roll over but Hardwood keeps him under control.
Hardwood missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardwood not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kuzmejniev tries to get to full guard but Hardwood has control of the leg.
Hardwood is looking to take a break and control but Kuzmejniev is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Hardwood is looking to advance position but Kuzmejniev won't allow it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardwood not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kuzmejniev makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kuzmejniev.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kuzmejniev is on top in guard.

Kuzmejniev engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Kuzmejniev stands and throws Hardwood's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Kuzmejniev slows the pace down.
Hardwood is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev controls the position from side control.
Hardwood tries to improve position but can't.
Hardwood is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hardwood wants to control but Kuzmejniev postures up.
Kuzmejniev trying to control the action but Hardwood is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Hardwood tries to buck Kuzmejniev off but Kuzmejniev is having none of it.
Kuzmejniev trying to control the action but Hardwood is working from the bottom.
Hardwood tries to buck Kuzmejniev off but Kuzmejniev is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hardwood keeps working.
Hardwood is trying to control Kuzmejniev's posture but Kuzmejniev avoids it.
Kuzmejniev trying to control the position but Hardwood is working away.
Hardwood tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kuzmejniev wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Hardwood keeps trying to improve his position.
Hardwood is trying to control Kuzmejniev's posture but Kuzmejniev avoids it.

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.
Hardwood is looking for a sweep.
Hardwood struggling a bit here.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Kuzmejniev throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hardwood moves out of range as Kuzmejniev throws a body kick.
Hardwood throws a sloppy body shot
and Kuzmejniev counters with a one-two to the body.
Kuzmejniev lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Hardwood tries to clinch up.
Hardwood is looking to land body kicks.
A swing and a miss from Hardwood.
Hardwood catches Kuzmejniev with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
We've been told by Kuzmejniev's head coaches at V C L training center (HOME OF THE TRUE CHAMPION that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hardwood throws a jab when Kuzmejniev was well out of range.
A counter left hand to the body from Kuzmejniev misses its target.
Hardwood throws a lazy uppercut
and Kuzmejniev makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Hardwood throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuzmejniev misses with a double jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zlato Kuzmejniev dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Hardwood lands a jab to the head.
Kuzmejniev tries to move into range but Hardwood moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Hardwood misses with a jab to the body
and Kuzmejniev counters with a nice body kick.
Hardwood doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Kuzmejniev counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuzmejniev slips under a jab from Hardwood.
Kuzmejniev was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.

Kuzmejniev lands a big head kick that sends Hardwood tumbling to the mat! Kuzmejniev takes a step backwards and waves Hardwood back to his feet - he wants the finish!

It looks like Major Hardwood has been cut.
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!
Kuzmejniev just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuzmejniev keeps Hardwood at a distance using the push kick.
Hardwood fails to land the takedown.
Kuzmejniev is looking to counter with head kicks.
Hardwood throws out a loose jab but Kuzmejniev uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hardwood throws a chopping leg kick but Kuzmejniev manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

Hardwood gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Hardwood lands a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev is working Hardwood over against the cage.
Kuzmejniev throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hardwoods head.
Knees to the body from Kuzmejniev.
Kuzmejniev tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Hardwood avoids it.
Kuzmejniev is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Hardwood can do to turn this around?
Hardwood looking to stall.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kuzmejniev.
Hardwood misses with a body punch.

Kuzmejniev breaks the clinch.
Kuzmejniev throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Zlato Kuzmejniev is winning the standup battle so far.
Hardwood throws a head kick but Kuzmejniev moves out of range.
Kuzmejniev throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Kuzmejniev uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Hardwood has time to react.
A slow jab from Hardwood misses its intended target.
Kuzmejniev is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kuzmejniev takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kuzmejniev scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuzmejniev throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev throws a lazy head kick

and Hardwood counters with a single leg into guard. Kuzmejniev didn't expect that.

Kuzmejniev scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Hardwood lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kuzmejniev at a distance.
Hardwood moves to clinch but Kuzmejniev breaks away
and Kuzmejniev counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kuzmejniev lands a high kick!
Hardwood throws a looping overhand right but Kuzmejniev ducks down to avoid it.
Kuzmejniev tries to move into range but Hardwood moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kuzmejniev misses with the combination.
Hardwood shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Zlato Kuzmejniev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Major Hardwood.
Kuzmejniev moves out of range as Hardwood throws a body kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev lands a head kick. Hardwood smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Hardwood takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kuzmejniev lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hardwood scores with a hook to the body. Kuzmejniev takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kuzmejniev connects with a solid leg kick.
Kuzmejniev defending well as Hardwood loads up on a big left hand.
Hardwood has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kuzmejniev.
Hardwood dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuzmejniev takes a swing at Hardwood's ribcage but misses.
Kuzmejniev thows a body kick. Hardwood tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Kuzmejniev slips a jab from Hardwood.
Hardwood tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Kuzmejniev manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Hardwood wants to land a leg kick but Kuzmejniev is out of range.
Kuzmejniev is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Zlato Kuzmejniev is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A shot to the liver by Hardwood. Beautiful body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hardwood misses with a hook. Kuzmejniev ducked under it nicely.
Hardwood comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
A lazy body kick from Kuzmejniev

and Hardwood counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Major Hardwood has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hardwood not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Hardwood is trying to control the action in half guard but Kuzmejniev is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Hardwood throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Still in half guard, Hardwood seems content to control.
Kuzmejniev tries to get to full guard but Hardwood has control of the leg.

Kuzmejniev is defending against the submission attempts here by Hardwood.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuzmejniev wants to improve his position but Hardwood is controlling well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Zlato Kuzmejniev dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Major Hardwood's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Kuzmejniev throws a front kick that sends Hardwood stumbling back into the cage.
Kuzmejniev walks into a straight right hand from Hardwood.
Kuzmejniev throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Hardwood's head.
Kuzmejniev moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Hardwood tries to clinch but Kuzmejniev moves out of range.
Kuzmejniev throws a jab but it's blocked by Hardwood.
Kuzmejniev blocks a head kick by Hardwood.
Hardwood moves out of range as Kuzmejniev throws a body kick.
Kuzmejniev checks a leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hardwood misses the shot to the body.
Hardwood fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kuzmejniev on the side of the head.
Hardwood lands a nice shot to the body.
Hardwood looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuzmejniev is just out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Kuzmejniev misses the target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardwood avoids the head kick by Kuzmejniev.
Kuzmejniev defending well as Hardwood loads up on a big left hand.
Kuzmejniev scores with a nice body kick.
Kuzmejniev throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kuzmejniev lands with a straight right. Hardwood didn't see that one coming.
Kuzmejniev scores with a head kick.
Kuzmejniev lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Hardwood fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kuzmejniev looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Hardwood shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kuzmejniev as he avoids it easily.
Kuzmejniev throws a counter high kick but Hardwood was just alert enough to avoid it.
Hardwood takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hardwood takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Hardwood has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kuzmejniev.
Hardwood just misses with a punch to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hardwood throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuzmejniev throws a quick counter head kick but Hardwood was just out of range.
Hardwood needs to keep his hands up - Kuzmejniev had a free shot at his head there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev misses with a head kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hardwood. Kuzmejniev does a little dance to reset his feet.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hardwood.
Hardwood takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Kuzmejniev tries a head kick but it misses.
Hardwood looks to land a left hand but Kuzmejniev moved out of range nicely.
Hardwood takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kuzmejniev misses with a double jab.
Hardwood is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Hardwood throws a predictable looking body shot
and Hardwood takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Hardwood fails with a takedown attempt.
Zlato Kuzmejniev has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Major Hardwood.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuzmejniev dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Hardwood. That did some damage!
Hardwood tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Hardwood scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kuzmejniev doesn't seem bothered though.
Kuzmejniev stuffs the takedown attempt from Hardwood. Hardwood gets slowly back to his feet.
Major Hardwood has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kuzmejniev scores with a jab. Hardwood acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Hardwood moves out of range as Kuzmejniev throws a body kick.
Kuzmejniev scores with a three punch combo!
Kuzmejniev scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kuzmejniev gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Hardwood cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kuzmejniev scores with a kick to the midsection.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kuzmejniev.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
That kick from Kuzmejniev tenderised Hardwood's leg. Hardwood is trying to keep his angry face on.
Both fighters circling a little - Kuzmejniev finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Hardwood tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuzmejniev was well out of range. Poor timing from Hardwood.
Hardwood's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kuzmejniev throws a head kick that half lands.
Kuzmejniev tries to land a front kick but Hardwood steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Kuzmejniev ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kuzmejniev delivers a nice body kick.
Kuzmejniev pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kuzmejniev connects with a solid leg kick.
Hardwood misses with a hook.
It appears Kuzmejniev was looking to counter with a kick there.
A head kick misses from Kuzmejniev.
Kuzmejniev moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Zlato Kuzmejniev showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kuzmejniev, 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 30:27
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:27
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Zlato Kuzmejniev!
An intense looking Zlato Kuzmejniev took to the microphone post fight and gave a little speech: 'I came for the KO, thank you for your support.'.
Major Hardwood was interviewed post fight and said 'Damn, I got something in my eye.'.