PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Marek Koltun (ranked 697 p4p, 96 weight class) and Alexandr Kuznetsov (ranked 739 p4p, 98 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Koltun
vs
Kuznetsov

182 cm
43
177 lbs
35 - 21 - 4

182 cm
37
170 lbs
30 - 22 - 4

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 35 - 21 - 4, fighting out of Helsinki, Marek Koltun!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 22 - 4, fighting out of Montreal, Alexandr Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Elvis Blanc and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Koltun shoots in looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Koltun's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Kuznetsov closes the distance and pushes Koltun back into the cage.
Kuznetsov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Koltun.
Koltun wants to take the fight to the mat but Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Koltun goes for a takedown attempt but Kuznetsov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Koltun shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kuznetsov but Kuznetsov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Koltun slips a straight right by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov lands a leg kick that knocks Koltun off balance momentarily.
Danga de danga de dang - Kuznetsov scores with a four punch combination!
Koltun fails in his attempt to clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Koltun moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Koltun is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kuznetsov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Koltun shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Kuznetsov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Koltun scoring with punches from side control.
Kuznetsov is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Koltun asserts his dominance and retains side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Koltun looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Koltun tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but Koltun drags him back down.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Koltun fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Kuznetsov pushes Koltun away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Koltun gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Koltun working the head and body with strikes.
Koltun tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Koltun is looking to take a break and control but Kuznetsov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koltun tries to move to mount but Kuznetsov blocks the move with his legs.
Koltun looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Kuznetsov is avoiding damage well.
Koltun in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Koltun lands a nice forearm strike.
Kuznetsov wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Koltun postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.
Koltun tries to score with some ground and pound. Kuznetsov controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Kuznetsov is working to avoid the ground and pound but Koltun connects with a decent elbow.
Koltun cracks Kuznetsov with a big elbow.

Koltun wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kuznetsov, who protects the arm well.
Kuznetsov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Koltun has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Koltun trying to control the action but Kuznetsov is working from the bottom.
Kuznetsov is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Koltun is controlling him well.
Kuznetsov regains half guard, as Koltun was trying to land strikes.

Koltun seems to be working for a kimura but Kuznetsov defends the submission attempt.
Koltun trying to control the action but Kuznetsov is working from the bottom.

Koltun is looking for a kimura here.
Koltun is trying to control the action in half guard but Kuznetsov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

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.
Koltun looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Kuznetsov with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Koltun trying to pass the guard but Kuznetsov defending well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Koltun trying to control from half guard but Kuznetsov is working away.
Koltun 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.

Koltun is trying to work for a kimura but Kuznetsov is defending well.

Kuznetsov pushes Koltun off and gets back to his feet.
Kuznetsov lands a two punch combo.
Kuznetsov connects with a looping right hand.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koltun or perhaps it was just good defense by Kuznetsov, which made it look bad.
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 referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Koltun misses with a takedown
and Kuznetsov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Jab by Kuznetsov.
Marek Koltun is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koltun or perhaps it was just good defense by Kuznetsov, which made it look bad.
Kuznetsov throws out a counter right but Koltun avoids it with no problem.
Koltun shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kuznetsov as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Kuznetsov takes the fight into the clinch.

Kuznetsov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kuznetsov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov slaps away a takedown attempt from Koltun, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Koltun.
Koltun drops down looking for a counter takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and moves away.
Nice defenses there by Koltun.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koltun ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Koltun.
Alexandr Kuznetsov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Koltun shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kuznetsov defends it nicely.
A head kick from Kuznetsov lands but Koltun takes it in his stride.
Koltun has a takedown stuffed.
Koltun takes a jab right on the kisser.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Koltun is defended easily by Kuznetsov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koltun takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Kuznetsov instigates a clinch.
Koltun blocks the elbow strike.
Koltun avoids the elbow strike from Kuznetsov, against the cage.

Koltun jumps into guard, dragging Kuznetsov to the mat.
Koltun not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Kuznetsov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
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!
Left hook, right uppercut from Kuznetsov.

It looks like Marek Koltun has been cut.
Kuznetsov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Koltun. That did some damage!
Good standup being displayed there by Kuznetsov as he connects with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koltun gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Koltun fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Kuznetsov drives through and clinches with Koltun against the cage.
Kuznetsov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Koltuns head.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Koltun blocks it with crossed arms.
Kuznetsov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Koltun looking for a takedown.
Kuznetsov throws an elbow that misses.
Good body shot from Kuznetsov.
Koltun fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kuznetsov lands a damaging elbow.
Koltun takes an elbow to the temple.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch to the body.
Koltun is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kuznetsov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Koltun looking for a takedown.
Kuznetsov digs a right hand underneath Koltun's ribcage. Koltun let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Koltun drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Koltun ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Koltun no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

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

Kuznetsov stands up from Koltun's guard - Kuznetsov perhaps looking for a knockout.
Kuznetsov thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Koltun if he has to take too many more of those.
Koltun looks for a takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls well.
Koltun chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kuznetsov can pounce on him.
Koltun shoots in looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Koltun's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexandr Kuznetsov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Marek Koltun's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Kuznetsov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Koltun looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kuznetsov misses the shot to the body.
Kuznetsov lands a nice shot to the body.
Koltun shoots for a double leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls well. He's pushed Koltun's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Good leg kick by Kuznetsov there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Koltun closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Kuznetsov to the mat! Kuznetsov manages to get full guard.
Kuznetsov keeping moving, preventing Koltun from controlling successfully.
Koltun won't allow Kuznetsov to get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov keeping moving, preventing Koltun from controlling successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kuznetsov has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Koltun off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Koltun needs to keep his hands up - Kuznetsov had a free shot at his head there.
Kuznetsov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Koltun fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Koltun on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov obviously looking to wear him down.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Koltun.
Kuznetsov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kuznetsov feints and then cracks Koltun's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Koltun down.

Kuznetsov clinches up with Koltun and pushes him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Koltun goes for a takedown attempt but Kuznetsov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Kuznetsov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Koltun is trying to pull guard but Kuznetsov turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Kuznetsov tries to land knees in the clinch but Koltun avoids the damage to the body.
Koltun tries to score a body lock takedown but Kuznetsov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Kuznetsov digs a right hand into Koltun's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Koltun's gas tank.
Kuznetsov misses with a body punch.
Kuznetsov stops a takedown attempt from Koltun.
Koltun is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov is defending well.
Koltun tries to score a body lock takedown but Kuznetsov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow inside.
Kuznetsov tries to throw a body punch but Koltun avoids it by throwing Kuznetsov back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Koltun's elbow.
Kuznetsov throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Koltuns head.
Kuznetsov is stalling here.
Koltun has Kuznetsov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kuznetsov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kuznetsov lands with a short shot to the head.
Koltun is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov is defending well.
Alexandr Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kuznetsov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Koltun goes for a takedown attempt but Kuznetsov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Kuznetsov clinches up with Koltun and pushes him back against the cage.
Kuznetsov stops a takedown attempt from Koltun.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kuznetsov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Koltun fails with a takedown attempt.
Koltun on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Marek Koltun has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Koltun drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Koltun prevents Kuznetsov from getting back to his feet.
Koltun lands a couple of digs.
Koltun throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kuznetsov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Kuznetsov manages to wriggle out and sneak his way back up to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched up against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexandr Kuznetsov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Kuznetsov 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 Steve Smith scores the fight 26:30
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 26:30
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexandr Kuznetsov!
In defeat, Marek Koltun stepped up to the mic, saying 'My opponent was the better man tonight, but I will be back.'.