PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Justin Purcell (ranked 2348 p4p, 2093 weight class) and Artem Petrov (ranked 238 p4p, 217 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Purcell
vs
Petrov

185 cm
31
155
8 - 6 - 0

190 cm
20
135
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Brooklyn Apothecary

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Justin Purcell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Artem Petrov!
The judges for this bout are Bruno Lombardi, John Kavanagh and John Roberts.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Purcell throws a hook but Petrov avoids it easily.
Purcell looks to land a body kick but Petrov moved away.
Petrov misses with a takedown attempt - Purcell sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Purcell was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Purcell really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Purcell clinches up with Petrov and pushes him back against the cage.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Purcell obliges.
Purcell misses with a knee to the head.
Petrov takes a knee to the side of the body.

Petrov breaks the clinch.
Some wild striking there from Petrov.
Petrov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Purcell.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Purcell misses with a jab, cross combination.
Purcell lands a leg kick that knocks Petrov off balance momentarily.
Purcell is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Petrov changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Purcell tries to avoid it but Petrov manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Purcell to the ground. Purcell escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
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!
Petrov throws a nice looking combination but Purcell bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Petrov misses with a series of wild punches.
Purcell half committed to a counter leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Petrov fails with a takedown attempt.
Justin Purcell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Artem Petrov.
Petrov shoots in but no luck this time.
Crunch! Purcell slams his shin into Petrov's torso.
Purcell is looking to clinch but Petrov is avoiding it.
Petrov misses with the combination.
Petrov moves out of range of the body kick.
Petrov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A big left from Purcell misses.
Purcell moves out of range as Petrov strikes.
Purcell lands a nice looking body kick.
Petrov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Petrov throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Purcell's waist but Purcell gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Petrov off to one side.
Purcell lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Petrov circles away quickly and effectively.
Petrov is looking for the big counter here.
Petrov dives in and grabs Purcell's left leg, looking for a takedown. Purcell pushes down on Petrov's head and hops out.
Petrov looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Petrov gets a takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Petrov prevents Purcell from improving his position.
Petrov is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Petrov seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Purcell blocking the ground and pound attempt from Petrov.
Petrov is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Petrov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Purcell's head.
Petrov lands strikes from half guard.
Purcell is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Petrov is working for a submission of some sort.
Purcell gets full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Purcell is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Petrov looking to pass the guard.
Purcell definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.

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

Petrov 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.
Purcell looking to control.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Purcell is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Petrov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Petrov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Petrov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Petrov preventing the sweep.
Petrov connects with a couple of short punches.
Petrov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Purcell works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Petrov drops back looking for a leg! Purcell is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Purcell manages to kick Petrov off! Petrov jumps back into Purcell's guard.
Petrov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Justin Purcell will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Purcell tries to clinch but Petrov is having none of it.
Purcell chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Both fighters circling a little - Purcell finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Petrov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Purcell defends it nicely.
Purcell with a jab.
Purcell listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Petrov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice body kick there by Purcell.
Petrov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Petrov shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Purcell defends it nicely.
Justin Purcell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Artem Petrov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Purcell throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Petrov fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Purcell dodges the punch combination from Petrov.
Purcell appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Petrov will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Petrov takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Petrov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Purcell.
Purcell scores with a nice head shot.
Justin Purcell is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Petrov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Purcell.
Petrov darts in looking for a takedown but Purcell gets double underhooks and turns Petrov into the cage.
Petrov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Purcell throws a hook to the side of Petrov's head but Petrov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Justin Purcell is winning the standup battle so far.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Petrov.
Petrov is breathing heavily.
Petrov shoots in for a double leg but Purcell sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
It looked like Purcell wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Petrov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Artem Petrov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Petrov is trying hard to land a takedown here. Purcell sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Petrov fails with the takedown.
Justin Purcell seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Purcell lands a nice looking body shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Petrov throws a hook to the side of Purcell's head but Purcell sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Purcell uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Purcell throws a body shot but no joy.
Purcell scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Donk. Purcell catches Petrov right on the button with a cross.
Purcell looks to land a combination but Petrov avoids it well.
Petrov misses with a takedown attempt - Purcell sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
A little feinted left hand from Purcell on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A low kick lands for Purcell.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Petrov shoots in for a double leg but Purcell sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Purcell misses with a hook.
Purcell tries to clinch up but Petrov circles away and keeps his distance.
Petrov throws a counter combo.
Purcell throws out a powerful jab.
Purcell looks to land a combination. Petrov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Purcell connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Petrov's hands.
Purcell throws a combination. Petrov tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Petrov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
A combination from Petrov does no damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Petrov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Purcell stuns Petrov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Petrov moves out of range of the strikes.
Purcell with the inside leg kick.
Nice cross by Purcell.
A nice leg kick lands there from Purcell.
Petrov moves out of range of the body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Petrov walks into a stiff left hand from Purcell.
Petrov looks for a takedown but Purcell sprawls well.
Petrov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Purcell circles away quickly and effectively.
Petrov shoots in but Purcell avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Petrov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Purcell is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Purcell connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Petrov's hands.
Purcell is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Petrov can do to turn this around?

Petrov drives through with a takedown into Purcell's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Purcell looking to control.
Petrov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Justin Purcell dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Sloppy strikes from Purcell. Those never looked like landing.
Petrov tries for a takedown but Purcell sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Purcell connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Petrov is defended easily by Purcell.
Purcell throws out a powerful jab.
Purcell lands a really nice looking cross but Petrov seems unphased.
Petrov shoots in looking for a takedown but Purcell manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Petrov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Justin Purcell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Artem Petrov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Petrov has a takedown stuffed.
Petrov shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Petrov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Purcell sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Petrov somewhat.
It looked like Purcell wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Petrov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Purcell digs a good hook to Petrov's body.
Petrov darts in looking for a takedown but Purcell gets double underhooks and turns Petrov into the cage.
Petrov shoots for a double leg takedown but Purcell sprawls well. He's pushed Petrov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Purcell is looking to counter with a body kick.
Purcell punishes Petrov's body with a nice straight punch.
Purcell scores with a nice right hand.
Petrov misses with a takedown
and Purcell counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Petrov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Purcell throws a series of strikes that have Petrov backpedaling.
Petrov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Purcell.
Petrov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Purcell missing with a left hand there. Petrov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
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!
Purcell plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Justin Purcell is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Petrov shoots and misses
and Purcell counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Purcell takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Purcell tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Petrov was well out of range. Poor timing from Purcell.
Petrov takes one to the side of the head.
Petrov fails to land the takedown.
Purcell throws a big counter combination but Petrov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Petrov needs to keep his hands up - Purcell had a free shot at his head there.
Purcell scores with a nice right hand.
Purcell goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Purcell lunges at Petrov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Petrov's hand.
Purcell lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Decent striking displayed by Purcell there.
Petrov closes this distance looking for a takedown but Purcell circles away.
Purcell was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Horrible takedown attempt by Petrov or perhaps it was just good defense by Purcell, which made it look bad.
An attempted straight right counter from Purcell misses the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Purcell looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Petrov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Purcell defends well and Petrov ends up having to push Purcell into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Purcell throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Purcell throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nice defenses there by Purcell.
Petrov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Purcell manages to avoid it.
Petrov moves out of range of the strikes.
Purcell scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Petrov doesn't seem bothered though.
Good leg kick by Purcell.
Petrov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Purcell as he avoids it easily.
Purcell lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Purcell. Petrov shrugs it off though.
Purcell thumps Petrov with a low kick.
Purcell leaves Petrov with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Petrov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Purcell cracks Petrov with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Purcell misses the jab.
Petrov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Purcell throws a big counter combination but Petrov scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Petrov has a takedown stuffed.
Purcell misses with a head kick.
A solid body kick from Purcell.
Purcell throws the left hand but Petrov avoids the punch easily.
Purcell wants to clinch up but Petrov keeps it at a distance.
Petrov shoots in for a takedown but Purcell shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Purcell bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Artem Petrov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Purcell delivers a nice body kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Justin Purcell showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Purcell, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 30:26
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 30:26
Judge John Roberts scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Justin Purcell!
Justin Purcell bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.