PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Mikhail Kuznetsov (ranked 5781 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rick Showtime (ranked 2745 p4p, 0 weight class). Showtime is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Old Toms Hut. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Kuznetsov
vs
Showtime

175 cm
19
163 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

170 cm
46
168 lbs
24 - 40 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Zenith Nutrition (160q/$200)

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mikhail Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 24 - 40 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rick Showtime!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Vladimir Khabensky and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Showtime gets tackled into the cage by Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov maintains the clinch.
Kuznetsov lands a right hand.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Showtime.
Kuznetsov is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Showtime to keep the fight standing.
Showtime wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Kuznetsov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kuznetsov lands a left hand.
The referee calls for Kuznetsov to work.
Showtime tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kuznetsov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kuznetsov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Showtime's efforts to push away.
Kuznetsov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov trying to stall but Showtime improves his position.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kuznetsov gets underhooks to prevent Showtime's takedown attempt.
Showtime is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Showtime is trying to pull guard but Kuznetsov has him pressed against the cage.
Mikhail Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rick Showtime.

Kuznetsov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Showtime's coach down at Russian Bears Training Center was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Showtime's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Kuznetsov slips a jab and a cross from Showtime.
Showtime punishes Kuznetsov's body with a nice straight punch.
Showtime connects with a body shot.
Showtime shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kuznetsov sprawls well. Kuznetsov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Showtime gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Showtime takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.

Kuznetsov instigates a clinch.
Showtime is trying to force a seperation but Kuznetsov has the dominant position.
Kuznetsov leaning his opponent against the cage.
Kuznetsov stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Showtime is trying to break the clinch but Kuznetsov has him pressed against the cage.
Kuznetsov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Showtime tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Kuznetsov leaning against his opponent.
Kuznetsov tries a body shot but Showtime blocks it.
Kuznetsov slows down the pace here.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Showtime is trying to break free.
Showtime takes a shot to the head.

Kuznetsov pulls guard effortlessly.
Showtime is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Kuznetsov trying to control the position here.
Kuznetsov is trying to keep Showtime in close.
Kuznetsov is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Showtime is controlling him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Showtime would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Showtime decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Kuznetsov, up you get!

Kuznetsov has Showtime up against the cage in a clinch.
Showtime has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Showtime tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov holds him up against the cage and eventually Showtime drops back down to his feet.
Showtime's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kuznetsov looking for a takedown.
Showtime wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kuznetsov takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Kuznetsov dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Showtime falls off balance throwing a combination
and Kuznetsov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Rick Showtime seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Showtime looks to land a combination but Kuznetsov avoids it well.
Kuznetsov was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Showtime misses with a few strikes there.

Kuznetsov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kuznetsov stalling the fight.
Showtime has had enough of the clinch but Kuznetsov keeps him there for the moment.
Showtime can't break the clinch.
A short left from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Showtime can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Showtime tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Showtime.
A short uppercut from Kuznetsov.
Showtime prevents a body shot from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Showtime blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Kuznetsov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Showtime shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kuznetsov but Kuznetsov pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Showtime tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Showtime slips a jab from Kuznetsov.
Showtime tries to clinch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.

Kuznetsov has closed the distance and engaged Showtime in a clinch.
Kuznetsov stalling against the cage.
Showtime looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kuznetsov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov digs a right hand underneath Showtime's ribcage. Showtime let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kuznetsov throws a head punch that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Showtime backwards.

Kuznetsov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Showtime moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

It looks like Mikhail Kuznetsov has been cut.
Kuznetsov is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Showtime.
Mikhail Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Showtime rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kuznetsov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kuznetsov wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.

Kuznetsov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Showtime, pushing him back against the cage.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Showtime wants to break free but Kuznetsov has control.
Kuznetsov cracks Showtime with a nice body shot.
Showtime is breathing heavily.
Kuznetsov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov is leaning against Showtime and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Kuznetsov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov digs a right hand underneath Showtime's ribcage. Showtime let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Showtime is trying to push Kuznetsov away but Kuznetsov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kuznetsov lands a right hand.
The referee is keeping an eye on Kuznetsov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kuznetsov scores with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov leaning his opponent against the cage.
Showtime tries for a takedown. No joy.
Mikhail Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rick Showtime.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov avoids a punch combination nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetsov. Showtime does a little dance to reset his feet.
Showtime shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kuznetsov as he avoids it easily.
Showtime keeps the fight on the outside.
Showtime lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kuznetsov circles away quickly and effectively.
Kuznetsov tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Showtime manages to circle out of the way.
Showtime closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov stuffs the takedown.
Nice uppercut lands for Kuznetsov. That snapped Showtime's head back.
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!
A left and a right from Kuznetsov both land. Nice combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mikhail Kuznetsov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Mikhail Kuznetsov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Showtime.
Showtime tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kuznetsov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Showtime swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Kuznetsov has closed the distance and engaged Showtime in a clinch.
Kuznetsov wants a takedown.
Showtime tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kuznetsov jumps guard but Showtime stands there with Kuznetsov around his waist. Kuznetsov gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kuznetsov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov tries to pull guard but Showtime holds him up against the cage and eventually Kuznetsov drops back down to his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mikhail Kuznetsov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Showtime looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kuznetsov lands a body shot in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rick Showtime seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Showtime looks to land a combination but Kuznetsov avoids it well.
Showtime dives in for a single leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Showtime takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Showtime throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov sizes up Showtime with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Showtime misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov tries to counter by clinching up but Showtime breaks away and moves out of range.
Showtime throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov works the jab nicely.
Mikhail Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kuznetsov cracks Showtime with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Nice uppercut lands for Kuznetsov. That snapped Showtime's head back.
Kuznetsov lands a head shot.
Showtime fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Showtime is trying hard to land a takedown here. Kuznetsov sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Kuznetsov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

Kuznetsov moves into range and clinches up with Showtime.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch to the body.

Kuznetsov gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kuznetsov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Showtime tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Showtime is adopting a defensive guard.
Kuznetsov wanted to stand there but Showtime had control of the position.
Kuznetsov looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Kuznetsov throwing strikes but missing.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Nice body kick there by Kuznetsov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Showtime keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch.
Rick Showtime has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Showtime lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Kuznetsov rushes Showtime and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Showtime letting Kuznetsov take a breather here.
Showtime drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Showtime's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

And that's the end of the fight!
Mikhail Kuznetsov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kuznetsov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Sergei Dronov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 30:27
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mikhail Kuznetsov!