PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Tatsuya Kimura (ranked 5337 p4p, 460 weight class) and Alexander Stroganov (ranked 5553 p4p, 469 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Kimura
vs
Stroganov

171 cm
18
160 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
165 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

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 Los Angeles, Tatsuya Kimura!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Alexander Stroganov!
The judges for this bout are Alan Glass, Cecil Peabody and Stewart Dunkirk.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Some wild striking there from Stroganov.
Stroganov misses with a few strikes there.
A counter left hand to the body from Kimura misses its target.
Stroganov throws a nice looking combination but Kimura bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Stroganov circles away from the clinch attempt.
The fighters circle momentarily. Stroganov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kimura is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kimura tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stroganov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kimura lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Alexander Stroganov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Danga de danga de dang - Stroganov scores with a four punch combination!

Stroganov drops Kimura with a nice combination! Stroganov dives into Kimura's guard, looking to finish!

Kimura is rocked!

It looks like Tatsuya Kimura has been cut.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Kimura has his foot on Stroganov's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Stroganov works his way back into a safe position though.
Oh Kimura is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!

Stroganov gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

Stroganov gets a clinch.
Stroganov wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kimura misses with the head strike.
Kimura seems to have got his legs back now.
Kimura has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Stroganov after a bit of a struggle.
Kimura has Stroganov pressed against the cage, preventing Stroganov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kimura misses with a punch on the inside.
Stroganov is trying to break the clinch but Kimura has him pressed against the cage.
Stroganov can't break the clinch.
Kimura throws a punch but it's blocked by Stroganov.
Stroganov tries to break free but Kimura pushes him back against the cage.
Kimura throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kimura lands a left hand.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kimura creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kimura is looking to take this one to the mat.
Kimura doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Stroganov is trying to break the clinch but Kimura has him pressed against the cage.
Stroganov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kimura tries to stall but Stroganov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A hook to the body from Kimura.
Kimura pushes Stroganov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Stroganov taking a breather.
A nice right hand lands inside from Stroganov.
Kimura has Stroganov pressed against the cage, preventing Stroganov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Kimura stalling in the clinch but Stroganov improves position.
Stroganov is trying to push Kimura away but Kimura has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Kimura's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kimura tries to sprawl but Stroganov drives through with a takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stroganov wants to stand up but Kimura is controlling the position.
Stroganov slips a nice elbow through Kimura's hands, connecting with Kimura's forehead.

Kimura looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Stroganov is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kimura looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Stroganov stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Kimura to get to his feet.
Stroganov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kimura.
Kimura fails with a takedown attempt.
Stroganov wants to counter with a clinch but Kimura pushes him away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Tatsuya Kimura. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kimura takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Stroganov shoots and misses
enabling Kimura to counter with a crisp jab.
Kimura tries to clinch but Stroganov is having none of it.
Stroganov throws a right hand that Kimura ducks under and follows up with a left that Kimura also avoids with ease.
Stroganov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Stroganov avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A big right from Stroganov misses.
Kimura tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stroganov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Stroganov misses with a two punch combination.
Kimura is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Stroganov.
Stroganov on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Kimura tries to clinch there but Stroganov circles away.
Kimura connects with a right hand. Stroganov shakes it off.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Stroganov moves into the clinch.
Kimura throws a head punch that misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Kimura gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Stroganov regains guard.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!

Kimura drops back looking for a leg! Stroganov is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Stroganov manages to kick Kimura off! Kimura jumps back into Stroganov's guard.

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

Kimura drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kimura jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Stroganov can do anything to dispel that myth.

Stroganov has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Kimura off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Stroganov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kimura tries to avoid it but Stroganov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kimura to the ground. Kimura escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
A lazy left from Kimura finds it's target.
Stroganov swinging wildly here.
A quick step to the side and Kimura tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Stroganov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Tatsuya Kimura's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Nice shot lands for Kimura.

Stroganov clinches with his opponent.
Stroganov tries to break free but Kimura pushes him back against the cage.
Stroganov gets underhooks to prevent Kimura's takedown attempt.
Kimura misses with a punch on the inside.
Kimura gets through Stroganov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Stroganov has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

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

Kimura is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Stroganov wants to stand but Kimura is controlling the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Stroganov is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kimura drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kimura jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

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

Kimura drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kimura jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Stroganov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kimura stops Stroganov from standing up.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Stroganov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
As Stroganov looks to move away, Kimura throws a big counter combo but Stroganov just gets out of the way.
Stroganov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
As Stroganov looks to move away, Kimura throws a big counter combo but Stroganov just gets out of the way.

Stroganov drives through with a takedown into guard.

Kimura looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Stroganov got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kimura has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Stroganov has managed to get both his arms back between Kimura's legs - danger averted.
Alexander Stroganov has got the better of the ground game so far.

Stroganov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Kimura is working an open guard so Stroganov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stroganov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Kimura counters with a straight right hand.
Stroganov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Stroganov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Stroganov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Stroganov is breathing heavily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kimura.
No joy there for Stroganov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Kimura tries to sprawl but Stroganov drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Kimura looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Stroganov is taking a breather. Kimura says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Stroganov is keen to just control but Kimura is a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kimura looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Kimura looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Stroganov not doing much here.
Let's hope that Stroganov has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.

Kimura actively working from the bottom here.
The fighters are battling for position here. Kimura manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Stroganov stays in close to Kimura's body and controls the position.

Kimura has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Stroganov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Stroganov slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Stroganov is continuing to stall.

Kimura has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Stroganov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Kimura looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Kimura is looking for a triangle but Stroganov pushes his legs off easily.

Stroganov decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Stroganov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Tatsuya Kimura's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Stroganov ducks under a wild hook from Kimura.
Kimura tries to clinch up.
Stroganov misses with a looping right.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kimura, as that shot connected.
Stroganov fails to land with a series of punches.
Kimura is looking to clinch.

Stroganov scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Kimura looking for submissions off his back.

Kimura looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Stroganov connects with a nice short shot to Kimura's temple.

Kimura looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Stroganov is controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kimura looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Stroganov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

Kimura looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Stroganov seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
We're seeing a lot of stalling here from Stroganov.
Yet more stalling tactics from Stroganov.
Stroganov looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Tatsuya Kimura has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Stroganov tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Stroganov controlling the action here.

Kimura looking for submissions off his back.

Kimura looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Stroganov in particular looking to stall.
Kimura makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kimura.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Stroganov is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stroganov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Kimura is proving hard to escape from.
Stroganov controlling from the top position.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Alexander Stroganov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kimura throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Stroganov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kimura counters with a stiff right hand.
A right-left combo lands from Stroganov.
Kimura tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Stroganov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A big left from Stroganov misses.
Kimura dodges the punch combination from Stroganov.
A nice combination there by Stroganov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stroganov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Kimura connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kimura showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Stroganov.
Kimura is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kimura tries to clinch there but Stroganov circles away.
Stroganov fails to land with a series of punches.
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!
Kimura is looking to clinch but Stroganov is avoiding it.
Kimura scores with a nice head shot.
Kimura bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Stroganov's head.
Kimura lands with a right hand.
Kimura throws a shot to the body.
Stroganov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kimura moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Alexander Stroganov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A nice combination there by Stroganov.
Kimura lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Stroganov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Stroganov 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 Alan Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 27:30
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Stroganov!
A very excited looking Alexander Stroganov made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.