PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Leon Cotton (ranked 4014 p4p, 387 weight class) and Grisha Kamenov (ranked 4000 p4p, 386 weight class). Cotton comes into the arena with Humble by: Kendrick Lamar blaring out of the sound system. The crowd seem to be enjoying Kamenov's choice of entrance music: Linkin Park - Bleed It Out. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Cotton
vs
Kamenov

189 cm
28
189 lbs
11 - 13 - 0

186 cm
33
194 lbs
16 - 18 - 3

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Powerful

Urban Fighter

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 11 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Leon Cotton!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 18 - 3, fighting out of New York, Grisha Kamenov!
The judges for this bout are Josh West, Jeff Smith and Chris Saunders.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cotton will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Kamenov drives through and clinches with Cotton against the cage.
Kamenov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Cotton is trying to pull guard but Kamenov has him pressed against the cage.
Kamenov lands a left hand.
A right handed body shot lands from Kamenov.
Cotton jumps guard but Kamenov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Kamenov misses with a knee strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Kamenov throws an elbow but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kamenov blocks a body shot from Cotton.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kamenov.
Cotton blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kamenov misses with a knee strike.
Kamenov lands with a short shot to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kamenov misses with a body punch.

Cotton has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Kamenov regains guard immediately.
Kamenov has his hands on Cotton's head, controlling the position.
Kamenov is trying to keep Cotton in close.
Kamenov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Cotton is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kamenov's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kamenov's back!

Cotton is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.

Cotton working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Kamenov tries to roll but Cotton sticks to his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.

Cotton patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Kamenov trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cotton trying to control.
Cotton biding his time, looking for the opening.
Cotton keeps control of the position as Kamenov tries to break free.
Kamenov rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Kamenov is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

Cotton is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kamenov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Cotton.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov is staying active underneath Cotton, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Kamenov is looking for a sweep. Cotton is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kamenov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Cotton's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Cotton's back!
I really don't envy Cotton right now.

Kamenov is working hard for the rear naked choke here.

Kamenov working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Cotton is trying to break free.
Cotton manages to reverse the position and now he's in Kamenov's guard. Nice work there by Cotton.
Kamenov keeping moving, preventing Cotton from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Cotton decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Kamenov tries to close the distance and clinch but Cotton swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Kamenov has managed to clinch.
Cotton jumps guard but Kamenov turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leon Cotton. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kamenov missing with knees to the body.
A head punch on the inside from Kamenov fails to land.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cotton goes for a takedown attempt but Kamenov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Kamenov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kamenov throws a head kick but Cotton moves out of range.
Cotton avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
As Kamenov looks to move away, Cotton throws a big counter combo but Kamenov just gets out of the way.
Cotton misses with a double jab
and Kamenov counters with a left and a right that stings Cotton.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grisha Kamenov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kamenov takes a swing at Cotton's ribcage but misses.
Cotton blocks a head kick by Kamenov.
Cotton went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Kamenov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cotton throws a quick counter kick to the body but Kamenov avoids it.

Kamenov gets a clinch.
Kamenov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kamenov misses with a knee to the head.
Kamenov throws a punch but it's blocked by Cotton.
Kamenov connects with a knee to the head.

It looks like Leon Cotton has been cut.
A head punch on the inside from Kamenov fails to land.
Cotton goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kamenov prevents it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kamenov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Cotton tries to score a body lock takedown but Kamenov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kamenov.
Cotton has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Kamenov after a bit of a struggle.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leon Cotton. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kamenov.
Kamenov has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Cotton seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Kamenov can turn it around.
Cotton managing to block the knees to the body from Kamenov.
Kamenov tries to land knees in the clinch but Cotton avoids the damage to the body.
Cotton takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kamenov lands a shot to the body.
Kamenov stops a takedown attempt from Cotton.
Cotton tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kamenov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Kamenov putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Cotton in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Kamenov lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Cotton takes a knee to the side of the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Cotton working hard to break the clinch.
Kamenov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Cotton tries for a takedown but Kamenov manages to get underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cotton jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kamenov walks away with a smile on his face. Cotton gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kamenov wants to clinch.
Kamenov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cotton back to the cage. Kamenov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A head kick misses from Kamenov.
Cotton blocks a head kick by Kamenov.
Cotton takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Cotton misses with a series of wild punches.
Kamenov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cotton throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Cotton swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kamenov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Grisha Kamenov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kamenov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Cotton.
Cotton takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kamenov throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Cotton takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kamenov jabs at Cotton's body.
Cotton shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kamenov pinned against the cage. Kamenov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Cotton takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cotton blocks a head kick by Kamenov.
Cotton misses with the combination.
Kamenov goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kamenov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Cotton seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.

Cotton drives through and clinches with Kamenov against the cage.
Cotton blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Cotton wants to take the fight to the mat but Kamenov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Cotton goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kamenov prevents it.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kamenov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grisha Kamenov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Leon Cotton's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Kamenov moves into range and clinches up with Cotton.
Cotton is trying to pull guard but Kamenov has him pressed against the cage.
Cotton fails to pull guard.
Cotton is trying to pull guard but Kamenov turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leon Cotton. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kamenov obliges.
Kamenov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Cotton takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kamenov misses with a knee strike.
Kamenov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kamenov connects with a knee to the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cotton goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kamenov prevents it.
Cotton tries to score a body lock takedown but Kamenov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Cotton is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kamenov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kamenov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Cotton has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kamenov misses with a hook from the clinch.
Cotton fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Cotton is trying to pull guard but Kamenov turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Kamenov misses with a knee to the head.
Cotton jumps guard but Kamenov stands there with Cotton around his waist. Cotton gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kamenov trying to land knees to the body.
Kamenov scores with a knee to the head.
Cotton takes a shot to the head.
Kamenov landing knees to the head.
Kamenov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Cotton avoids it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cotton blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Cotton tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kamenov smiles and moves away.
Kamenov lands a head kick. Cotton smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Kamenov pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Cotton is looking for a counter combo.
Kamenov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
It looked like Cotton was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cotton looks to land a combination but Kamenov avoids it well.
Cotton throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kamenov.

Kamenov moves into the clinch successfully.
Grisha Kamenov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Kamenov working Cotton over with knees to the body.
Cotton is looking for a takedown.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Kamenov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Cotton blocks it with crossed arms.
Nice elbow from Kamenov.
Cotton is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kamenov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Nice elbow from Kamenov.
Kamenov tries to land a knee to the head but Cotton blocks with his arms.
Kamenov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Cotton blocks it with crossed arms.
Kamenov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Cotton drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kamenov pulls his leg out and moves away.

Kamenov moves into the clinch.
A short left from Kamenov.
Kamenov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cotton tries to stall but Kamenov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Cotton goes for a takedown attempt but Kamenov pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Leon Cotton is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kamenov tries a head kick but it misses.
Cotton slips a jab and a cross from Kamenov.
Cotton takes a swing at Kamenov's ribcage but misses.
Kamenov raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.

Cotton forces Kamenov back against the cage and clinches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kamenov pushes off an throws an elbow but Cotton leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Kamenov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Cotton blocks it with crossed arms.
Grisha Kamenov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cotton blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Cotton tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kamenov just stands there and leans against the cage.
Kamenov is pressed up against the cage. Cotton has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kamenov down to the mat. Kamenov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Leon Cotton has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kamenov has managed to clinch.
Kamenov lands a left hand.

And that's the end of the fight!
Grisha Kamenov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kamenov has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Josh West scores the fight 26:30
Judge Jeff Smith scores the fight 26:30
Judge Chris Saunders scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Grisha Kamenov!
After winning the bout, Grisha Kamenov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.
Leon Cotton was interviewed post fight and said 'When I return it will be HELL to pay!!'.