PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Gerard Esqueda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alexandr Kuznetsov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Esqueda comes to the cage accompanied by Cant del Barça. Gerard Esqueda has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Esqueda
vs
Kuznetsov

179 cm
38
155 lbs
38 - 22 - 2

182 cm
27
170 lbs
11 - 8 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 38 - 22 - 2, fighting out of Montreal, Gerard Esqueda!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 8 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexandr Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Ryoma Takatsuka, Josh West and Jeff Smith.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Esqueda uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetsov.
Esqueda throwing a counter right hand but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
A low kick from Esqueda is predictable there
and Kuznetsov counters with a stiff right hand.
Esqueda throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kuznetsov avoids a kick to the body.
Esqueda scores with a kick to the body.
Esqueda delivers a nice body kick.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Esqueda moved out of range nicely.
Esqueda throws a leg kick that misses.
Esqueda moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Esqueda lands with an uppercut that bounces Kuznetsov off the cage and back into range.
Esqueda misses with a body shot.

Esqueda shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Kuznetsov is trying to defend but Esqueda finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Esqueda stalling away here and it's allowed Kuznetsov to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Esqueda trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuznetsov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Esqueda wants to pass the guard but Kuznetsov is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Esqueda content to stall in guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Kuznetsov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Esqueda throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov checks the leg kick.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Esqueda.
Esqueda looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.

Kuznetsov lands a left and a right that send Esqueda crashing to the mat, dazed. Kuznetsov thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

It looks like Gerard Esqueda has been cut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Esqueda tries a head kick but it misses.
Esqueda connects with a solid leg kick.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the side of Esqueda's head but Esqueda sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Esqueda connects with a body shot.
Esqueda sizes up Kuznetsov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Esqueda shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Esqueda takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kuznetsov throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda throws a big shot that misses.
Esqueda jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Alexandr Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Esqueda throws a wild body kick that Kuznetsov sees coming a mile off.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kuznetsov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kuznetsov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Esqueda.
Kuznetsov throws a body punch but Esqueda moves out of range.
A good leg kick by Esqueda.
Esqueda rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kuznetsov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Esqueda avoids it easily.
Esqueda misses with a straight left.
Kuznetsov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Esqueda under the eye.
Kuznetsov tests Esqueda's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Esqueda throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Good standup being displayed there by Esqueda as he connects with a hook.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Esqueda. That's going to slow Kuznetsov down.
Esqueda misses with a body kick.
Esqueda keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Esqueda jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kuznetsov wants to counter the offense by Esqueda and move into the clinch position.
Kuznetsov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Esqueda connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kuznetsov momentarily.
Kuznetsov is looking to clinch but Esqueda is avoiding it.
Gerard Esqueda seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Esqueda.
Kuznetsov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Kuznetsov connects with a leg kick. Esqueda looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Esqueda scores with a hook to the body. Kuznetsov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Esqueda misses with a body shot.
Esqueda drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Kuznetsov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Esqueda misses with an uppercut. Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Esqueda cracks Kuznetsov with a good jab.
A big left from Kuznetsov misses.
Esqueda takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Esqueda moves away.
Esqueda was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda misses with the combination.
Kuznetsov appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.

Kuznetsov gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but Esqueda is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Kuznetsov has his feet on Esqueda's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Esqueda with a jab.
Kuznetsov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Esqueda ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Esqueda throws a low kick but Kuznetsov avoids it.
Esqueda swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch up but Esqueda keeps it at a distance.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Esqueda.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Alexandr Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gerard Esqueda's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Esqueda lands a nice shot to the body.
Kuznetsov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Esqueda scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kuznetsov blocks a head kick by Esqueda.
Esqueda scores with a body shot.
A left lands for Esqueda.
Kuznetsov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Esqueda cracks Kuznetsov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Esqueda avoids a punch combination nicely.
Esqueda lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Esqueda throws a leg kick but Kuznetsov sees it coming and moves out of range.
Esqueda misses with the body kick
and Kuznetsov counters with a body kick that stops Esqueda in his tracks momentarily.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Esqueda scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.

Kuznetsov moves into the clinch.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch to the body.
Esqueda misses with some punches.
Kuznetsov trying to stall but Esqueda improves his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Esqueda tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
Esqueda misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Esqueda.
Esqueda lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Esqueda lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
Kuznetsov trying to stall but Esqueda improves his position.
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Esqueda lands a hook that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
A head punch on the inside from Esqueda fails to land.
Esqueda tries a body shot but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kuznetsov missing with knees to the body.
A short right from Esqueda.
Esqueda scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Esqueda scores with a shot to the side of Kuznetsov's head.

Kuznetsov is rocked!
Esqueda misses with a short punch on the inside.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Esqueda blocks the elbow strike.
Esqueda misses with a punch to the body.
Esqueda is trying to drag Kuznetsov to the mat but Kuznetsov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda is trying to break the clinch but Kuznetsov has him pressed against the cage.
Kuznetsov wants to stall.
Kuznetsov tries to land knees in the clinch but Esqueda avoids the damage to the body.
Esqueda goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov lands a nice elbow.
Kuznetsov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Esqueda tries a body shot but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Esqueda tries for a takedown but Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks.
Esqueda blocks an elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
Esqueda swings wildly with an uppercut but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Esqueda is looking to break free of the clinch but Kuznetsov has double underhooks.
Esqueda lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Esqueda is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gerard Esqueda. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Esqueda clobbers Kuznetsov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kuznetsov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Esqueda connects with a looping right hand.
Kuznetsov attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Esqueda is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Esqueda lands a really nice looking cross but Kuznetsov seems unphased.
Esqueda throws a right and a left that Kuznetsov avoids nicely.
And Kuznetsov responds with a good body kick, but Esqueda manages to step out the way in time.
Gerard Esqueda is winning the standup battle so far.
Esqueda throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Esqueda avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
It appears Esqueda was looking to counter with a kick there.
Esqueda slips a straight right by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Esqueda avoids the punch easily.
Esqueda lands with a nice combination. Kuznetsov backs away looking to recover.
Kuznetsov is still on wobbly legs! Can Esqueda finish him?
Kuznetsov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kuznetsov seems to have recovered his senses.
Esqueda closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
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!
Esqueda tries a head kick but it misses.
A left lands for Esqueda.
Esqueda thuds his right hand into Kuznetsov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Esqueda slips under a jab from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Esqueda avoids it easily.
And Esqueda counters with a quick kick to the body but Kuznetsov blocks it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Esqueda does it's job there.
Kuznetsov connects with a high kick.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but Esqueda moves out of range.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
It looked like Esqueda wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Esqueda connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Esqueda looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Esqueda scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
Esqueda throwing a counter right hand but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Esqueda connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kuznetsov's hands.
Kuznetsov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kuznetsov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Esqueda lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Esqueda fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Esqueda throws a sloppy head kick and Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov checks a leg kick.
Esqueda fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kuznetsov works Esqueda's body with a nice hook.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gerard Esqueda dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Gerard Esqueda's cut.
That's time! Esqueda's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Esqueda lands a lovely overhand right.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Esqueda.
Kuznetsov misses with a two punch combination.
Esqueda stuns Kuznetsov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Esqueda paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A little feinted left hand from Esqueda on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kuznetsov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kuznetsov looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kuznetsov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Esqueda.
Kuznetsov connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Esqueda's hands.
Esqueda cracks a nice hook into Kuznetsov's ribs.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Esqueda was well out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a head kick but Esqueda moves out of range.
Kuznetsov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Good shot there by Esqueda.
Esqueda cracks Kuznetsov with an open hand slap.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Esqueda.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Esqueda tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kuznetsov sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Esqueda somewhat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov checks a leg kick.
Esqueda misses the jab.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.
No luck for Esqueda with that takedown attempt.
Kuznetsov takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Esqueda avoids it easily.
Esqueda is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kuznetsov can do to turn this around?
Esqueda lands with a hook. Kuznetsov tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A leg kick checked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Esqueda swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Esqueda throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuznetsov blocks a low kick nicely.
Kuznetsov misses with a kick to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Kuznetsov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Esqueda throws a hook but Kuznetsov blocks it.
A slapping body kick lands there for Esqueda.
Kuznetsov slips a jab and a cross from Esqueda.
Kuznetsov moves away from the strike by Esqueda.
Esqueda throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kuznetsov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov takes a shot right to the bread basket.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Esqueda misses with a wild combination.
Kuznetsov throws a jab but it's blocked by Esqueda.
Esqueda walks into a jab.
Esqueda misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kuznetsov scores with a spinning back kick!
Esqueda throws a lazy body kick
and Kuznetsov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Esqueda avoids the body shot from Kuznetsov.
Jab, jab by Kuznetsov - just one landing.
Esqueda misses with an attempted mid kick.
Kuznetsov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Esqueda misses with a body kick.
Esqueda staying out of range there.
Esqueda throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Kuznetsov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kuznetsov dodges the punch combination from Esqueda.
A telegraphed right hand from Esqueda misses the target.
Kuznetsov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kuznetsov is looking to clinch.
Esqueda 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.
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Esqueda slips the punch.
As Kuznetsov backs away, Esqueda returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Esqueda throws out a powerful jab.
Esqueda misses with a low kick.
Esqueda shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Esqueda misses with a leg kick.
Esqueda takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Esqueda throws a poor cross that misses
and Kuznetsov counters with a series of strikes. Esqueda will be more careful next time no doubt.

That's four 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 tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Esqueda was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuznetsov.
Esqueda throws a leg kick but Kuznetsov moved away.
Esqueda takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Esqueda ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kuznetsov moves away.
Kuznetsov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov is looking to clinch but Esqueda is avoiding it.
Esqueda throws a jab when Kuznetsov was well out of range.
Esqueda throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Esqueda throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Esqueda.
Esqueda clobbers Kuznetsov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kuznetsov scores with the left hand. Esqueda knows he should have avoided that one.
Nice body kick there by Esqueda.
Kuznetsov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kuznetsov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Esqueda throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov blocks a head kick by Esqueda.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gerard Esqueda showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Esqueda 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 Ryoma Takatsuka scores the fight 29:28
Judge Josh West scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gerard Esqueda!
After winning the bout, Gerard Esqueda thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.