PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ilya Kuznetcov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mike Chang (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kuznetcov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Eminem - I'm phenomenal. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Kuznetcov
vs
Chang

178 cm
19
193 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

185 cm
19
190 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ilya Kuznetcov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mike Chang!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Frank Dennis and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kuznetcov drives through and clinches with Chang against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kuznetcov.
Chang goes for a takedown attempt but Kuznetcov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Kuznetcov pushes Chang up against the cage in a clinch.
Kuznetcov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Chang is trying to pull guard but Kuznetcov has him pressed against the cage.
Kuznetcov prevents the takedown attempt.
Ilya Kuznetcov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mike Chang.

Kuznetcov manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Kuznetcov working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Chang doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Chang manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Chang controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

Kuznetcov looking for a guillotine here but Chang defends easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetcov has momentary wrist control but Chang slips an elbow through the middle.

Chang thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
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.

Kuznetcov has his foot on Chang's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Chang works his way back into a safe position though.
Chang must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.

Kuznetcov pushes a forearm under Chang's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Chang is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Ilya Kuznetcov!
A relieved looking Ilya Kuznetcov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.