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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ricardo Cruz (ranked 1568 p4p, 1295 weight class) and Alexander Pichushkin (ranked 203 p4p, 169 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 190 cm
26
198
10 - 5 - 0 |
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185 cm
39
195
27 - 16 - 1 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Powerful |
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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 10 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ricardo Cruz!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 16 - 1, fighting out of London, Alexander Pichushkin!
The judges for this bout are Luis Engracia, Emerson Jorge and Matheus Silva.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cruz shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Pichushkin but Pichushkin pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Pichushkin instigates a clinch.
I was talking to Cruz's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Cruz goes for a takedown attempt but Pichushkin pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Pichushkin has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Cruz is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricardo Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz blocking some punches.
Cruz is looking for a takedown.
Pichushkin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Pichushkin cracks Cruz with a nice body shot.
Pichushkin throws a head punch that misses.
Cruz is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Pichushkin misses with a punch on the inside.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Pichushkin swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Good body shot from Pichushkin.
Pichushkin gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Cruz.
Pichushkin stops a takedown attempt from Cruz.
Cruz drops down looking for an ankle pick but Pichushkin pulls his leg out and moves away.
Pichushkin gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Pichushkin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cruz wants a takedown.
Cruz tries for a takedown but Pichushkin manages to get underhooks.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Pichushkin.
Cruz tries for a takedown. No joy.
Pichushkin pushes Cruz back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A short body shot lands from Pichushkin as the two fighters clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Pichushkin.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cruz goes for a takedown in the clinch but Pichushkin prevents it.
Cruz changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Pichushkin fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Pichushkin connects with a right hand. Cruz shakes it off.
It looks like Ricardo Cruz has been cut.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Cruz crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Pichushkin - the referee stops the clock and Cruz gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Pichushkin. Cruz manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Cruz is breathing heavily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cruz.
Pichushkin closes the distance and clinches.
Pichushkin lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
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!
Pichushkin throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Cruzs head.
Pichushkin lands with a light punch inside.
Pichushkin can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Pichushkin throws a head punch that misses.
Pichushkin misses with a body punch.
Pichushkin lands an uppercut.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pichushkin fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Pichushkin can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
Pichushkin misses with a hook to the ribs.
Cruz is looking for a takedown.
Pichushkin lands a left hand.
Cruz is looking for a takedown.
Cruz fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Pichushkin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Pichushkin misses with some punches.
Pichushkin tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Pichushkin cracks Cruz with a nice body shot.
Pichushkin lands a left hand.
Cruz tries to score a body lock takedown but Pichushkin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Pichushkin scores with a shoulder strike.
Cruz is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Pichushkin gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Pichushkin throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz tries to score a body lock takedown but Pichushkin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pichushkin throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Cruzs head.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Pichushkin has him pressed against the cage.
Cruz blocks an uppercut.
Cruz is trying to drag Pichushkin to the mat but Pichushkin just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Cruz drops down looking for an ankle pick but Pichushkin pulls his leg out and moves away.
Pichushkin throws a left that rocks Cruz and follows with a right that sends him tumbling to the canvas! Pichushkin dives into side control, looking to finish! Can Cruz regain composure!
Cruz is rocked!
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!
Pichushkin is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Cruz knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Pichushkin tries for a kimura but Cruz is defending well.
Cruz is looking for a sweep.
Cruz wants to control but Pichushkin postures up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Alexander Pichushkin dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Cruz'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.
Pichushkin moves into the clinch successfully.
Pichushkin has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Pichushkin is pressed up against the cage. Cruz has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Pichushkin down to the mat. Pichushkin avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Pichushkin clinches with his opponent.
Cruz prevents a body shot from Pichushkin.
Pichushkin gets through Cruz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Pichushkin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A head punch on the inside from Pichushkin fails to land.
Pichushkin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Pichushkin misses with a punch on the inside.
Pichushkin lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Alexander Pichushkin seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Cruz has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Pichushkin after a bit of a struggle.
Pichushkin tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruz's elbow.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Pichushkin is defending well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricardo Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cruz is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Pichushkin is defending well.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Pichushkin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Pichushkin misses with some punches.
Cruz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Pichushkin smiles and moves away.
Pichushkin has Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Good body shot from Pichushkin.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Cruz is trying to drag Pichushkin to the mat but Pichushkin just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Pichushkin tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Pichushkin.
Pichushkin struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruz controls his hands.
Cruz blocks a body shot from Pichushkin.
A short uppercut from Pichushkin.
Cruz wants to take the fight to the mat but Pichushkin manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Pichushkin swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Pichushkin tries to work over Cruz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Cruz is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Pichushkin pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Cruz has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Pichushkin uses from the top position.
Pichushkin stands up and waves to Cruz to follow him.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pichushkin pushes Cruz up against the cage in a clinch.
Pichushkin lands an uppercut.
Pichushkin gets through Cruz's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Pichushkin lands a body punch.
Cruz tries to score a body lock takedown but Pichushkin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Pichushkin scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Pichushkin lands a shoulder strike.
A short right from Pichushkin on the inside.
A short right from Pichushkin on the inside.
Cruz decides to pull guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cruz is working an open guard so Pichushkin takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Pichushkin takes the fight into the clinch.
Pichushkin misses with a body punch.
Cruz fails to pull guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cruz is looking to take this one to the mat.
Pichushkin misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Cruz.
Pichushkin misses with a short punch on the inside.
Pichushkin fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Pichushkin tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Cruz's elbow.
Pichushkin has a couple of punches blocked by Cruz.
Pichushkin misses with some punches.
Pichushkin lands with a left to the head.
Pichushkin throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Cruz wants the takedown. Pichushkin is fighting it off but Cruz persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Pichushkin's guard against the cage.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Pichushkin is on top in guard.
Cruz has his foot on Pichushkin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Pichushkin works his way back into a safe position though.
Pichushkin postures up in Cruz's guard and throws a big left but Cruz blocks it.
Pichushkin wanted to stand there but Cruz had control of the position.
Cruz is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Pichushkin is aware though and is defending well.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pichushkin pushes down on Cruz's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Cruz actively working from the bottom here.
Pichushkin is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Cruz sees it coming and defends easily.
Cruz actively working from the bottom here.
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!
Pichushkin is working for a submission of some sort.
Pichushkin working the head and body with strikes.
Cruz is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Pichushkin pulls his head out easily.
Cruz looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Pichushkin drops an elbow to the side of Cruz's head.
Pichushkin is working for a kimura but Cruz is defending it quite comfortably.
Pichushkin seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Alexander Pichushkin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Cruz's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!
Pichushkin throws a head kick that misses.
A cross from Pichushkin lands.
Pichushkin moves into the clinch.
Pichushkin misses with a punch on the inside.
Cruz has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Pichushkin is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
A body shot lands from Pichushkin.
Pichushkin gets underhooks to prevent Cruz's takedown attempt.
Pichushkin struggles to land a body shot inside as Cruz controls his hands.
A shot in the inside from Pichushkin.
Pichushkin softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Cruz is trying to pull guard but Pichushkin turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricardo Cruz. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pichushkin throws a punch but it's blocked by Cruz.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Cruz changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Pichushkin fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Pichushkin throws a nice head kick!
Oh Cruz is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Pichushkin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Cruz tries to counter with a takedown but Pichushkin is quick to defend against it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cruz shoots in but no luck this time.
Cruz seems to have got his legs back now.
Cruz shoots in for a takedown but Pichushkin shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Pichushkin rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cruz moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Cruz feinted with a counter takedown.
Alexander Pichushkin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Pichushkin throws a head kick that misses.
Cruz tries to counter with a takedown but Pichushkin is quick to defend against it.
Nice takedown defense from Pichushkin. No joy for Cruz on that attempt.
Cruz tries to score a power double leg takedown but Pichushkin sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Cruz somewhat.
Ricardo Cruz is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cruz misses with a takedown attempt - Pichushkin sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Despite the aggression on Pichushkin's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Pichushkin can't find room to land a body shot as Cruz controls the action.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Pichushkin.
Pichushkin swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Pichushkin is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Pichushkin misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Pichushkin goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Cruz lands a takedown into guard.
Pichushkin is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Pichushkin throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Pichushkin looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
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!
Pichushkin working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Cruz doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Cruz manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Pichushkin keeps moving.
Cruz working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pichushkin is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Cruz postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Alexander Pichushkin has got the better of the ground game so far.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Pichushkin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Pichushkin is on top in guard.
Pichushkin has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Cruz is proving hard to escape from.
Cruz lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pichushkin has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Cruz can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Cruz wants to control from the top but Pichushkin keeps moving.
Cruz is working Pichushkin over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Pichushkin wants to sweep here but Cruz controlling him for the moment.
Cruz trying to control the position from guard on top but Pichushkin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pichushkin keeping full guard, as Cruz tries to pass.
Cruz slips nicely into half guard.
Pichushkin is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Cruz scores with a couple of nice shots.
Cruz is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Pichushkin is just riding it out for now. Cruz eventually gives up the hold.
Pichushkin is pressing down on Cruz's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Cruz trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Cruz working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Pichushkin has his foot on Cruz's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Cruz works his way back into a safe position though.
Pichushkin is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cruz is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Pichushkin's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Pichushkin's back!
Ricardo Cruz has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Pichushkin is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Cruz off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Pichushkin is trying to break free.
And that's the end of the fight!
Alexander Pichushkin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Pichushkin 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 Luis Engracia scores the fight 26:30
Judge Emerson Jorge scores the fight 26:30
Judge Matheus Silva scores the fight 26:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Pichushkin!
A relieved looking Alexander Pichushkin thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
56% |
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