PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleks Kuznetsov (ranked 1378 p4p, 2211 weight class) and Mike Bard (ranked 184 p4p, 299 weight class). Both fighters really staring each other down here, as Mike Bard enters the cage!

Kuznetsov
vs
Bard

182 cm
25
203
8 - 6 - 0

188 cm
32
205
9 - 7 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Altitude Clothing

Brooklyn Apothecary
Brooklyn Threads

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight 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, Aleks Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 1, fighting out of Tokyo, Mike Bard!
The judges for this bout are Francis DeMontford, Hugh Johnson and Chris Dean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bard keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kuznetsov.
Bard looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Bard works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kuznetsov. That's going to slow Bard down.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bard.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice right hand.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Bard has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
Bard gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Aleks Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuznetsov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy right hand but Bard sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Bard pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Bard avoids the punch easily.
A shot to the body from Kuznetsov misses
and Bard counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuznetsov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Bard counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The fighters circling - Bard throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kuznetsov is looking to counter punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov lands a nice shot that snaps Bard's head back.
Kuznetsov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Bard.

Kuznetsov bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Bard is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kuznetsov has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kuznetsov decides to stand up, so the ref orders Bard to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Bard lands with a straight right. Kuznetsov didn't see that one coming.
Kuznetsov throws a big shot that misses.
Bard misses with a head kick.
An attempted straight right counter from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Bard.
Bard throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Bard throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Bard manages to avoid it.
Bard lands with a nice body punch.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Bard moves away and avoids it.
Bard keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kuznetsov throws a right hand that Bard ducks under and follows up with a left that Bard also avoids with ease.
Kuznetsov misses with a left hand
and Bard counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuznetsov lands with a cross.
Kuznetsov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bard pinned against the cage. Bard gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Bard dives in for a single leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Bard is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Bard moved out of range.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Bard was well out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Kuznetsov. No joy for Bard on that attempt.
Kuznetsov clobbers Bard with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick

and Bard counters with a shoot takedown. Kuznetsov fights it but they end up in guard.

Kuznetsov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Kuznetsov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kuznetsov tries a head kick but it misses.
Bard jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kuznetsov dodges the punch combination from Bard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bard tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kuznetsov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Bard needs to keep his hands up - Kuznetsov had a free shot at his head there.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Bard is out of range.
Bard with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Bard ducks right into an uppercut from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kuznetsov throws a big shot that misses.
Bard loads up on a big right hand but Kuznetsov slips the punch.
A low kick from Kuznetsov is predictable there
and Bard counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Bard walks into a left hand.
A cross from Bard lands.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bard tries to work over Kuznetsov's front leg with a kick but Kuznetsov checks it.
Kuznetsov swings widly with a right hand
and Bard cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Bard.
Kuznetsov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Kuznetsov works the jab nicely.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Bard is out of range.
Bard changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Kuznetsov throws a head kick but Bard moves out of range.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
A big right from Bard misses.
Kuznetsov cracks a nice hook into Bard's ribs.
A telegraphed right hand from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Bard tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kuznetsov swivels and escapes.
Aleks Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mike Bard.
Kuznetsov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Bard might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Bard looks to throw the jab but Kuznetsov is out of range.
Bard stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bard wants it to stay on the feet.
Bard moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Bard.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bard lands with an overhand left.
Bard misses with a hook. Kuznetsov ducked under it nicely.
Bard moves forwards but Kuznetsov connects with a nice, crisp jab.
No joy there for Bard, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
An attempted straight right counter from Kuznetsov misses the target.
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 Aleks Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
Bard bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
And Bard tries to counter it with a takedown but Kuznetsov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Bard dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Bard slips under a jab.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Bard moved out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Bard ducked under it nicely.
Bard with a nice cross.
Bard moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Bard swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Bard walks into a stiff left hand from Kuznetsov.
Aleks Kuznetsov is winning the standup battle so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bard fails with a takedown attempt.
Kuznetsov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kuznetsov connects with a good right hand that stumbles Bard. Bard circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Bard blocks it.
Bard blocks a head kick by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a few strikes there.
Kuznetsov blocks a jab.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Bard moves away and avoids it.
Kuznetsov slips a jab and a cross from Bard.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kuznetsov. That's going to slow Bard down.
Kuznetsov throws a nice looking combination but Bard bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kuznetsov shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Bard pinned against the cage. Bard gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Kuznetsov swings widly with a right hand
and Bard counters with a straight right hand.
A cross from Kuznetsov lands.
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!
Bard fails to land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Bard feints the counter takedown.
Kuznetsov tries to work over Bard's front leg with a kick but Bard checks it.
Bard slips a straight right by Kuznetsov.
Bard misses with an attempted mid kick.
Bard stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Bard wants it to stay on the feet.
Bard takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.

Kuznetsov gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

The fighters are working up against the cage. Kuznetsov manages to wriggle his way back to his feet, so the fighters are now clinched against the cage.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bard throws a hook to the side of Kuznetsov's head but Kuznetsov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Bard ducked under it nicely.
Bard steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov defending well as Bard loads up on a big left hand.
Kuznetsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Bard can do to turn this around?
Kuznetsov jabs Bard right on the nose. Bard blinks but takes it well.
Kuznetsov needs to keep his hands up - Bard had a free shot at his head there.
Bard takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Bard counters with a straight right hand.
Bard misses with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Bard cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Bard jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Bard with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kuznetsov to score with a decent uppercut.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Bard moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Bard.
Bard pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Jab from Bard.
Bard pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kuznetsov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Bard fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
A jab from Bard misses.
An attempted straight right counter from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bard fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kuznetsov on the side of the head.
Bard uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
It seemed like Bard was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Bard swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Bard drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Kuznetsov kicks Bard off and gets to his feet.
Kuznetsov tries to move into range but Bard moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a jab to the body but Bard is just out of range.
Bard lands a right hook to the body.
Bard takes a shot right to the bread basket.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kuznetsov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Bard.
Kuznetsov misses with a few strikes there.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
letting Bard counter with a right hand.
Bard has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Bard throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kuznetsov is looking to clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov avoids a kick to the body.
An attempted straight right counter from Kuznetsov misses the target.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
Bard displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Jab, jab by Bard - just one landing.

Kuznetsov is rocked!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Aleks Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Bard looks to land a right hand but Kuznetsov moved out of range.
A jab from Kuznetsov misses.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
Bard tries to bum rush Kuznetsov with a series of wild strikes but Kuznetsov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Bard throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Bard takes one on the button.
Bard uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov blocks a jab.
The crowd cheers as Kuznetsov lands an impressive looking overhand right. Bard doesn't seem phased though.
Kuznetsov lands with an uppercut that bounces Bard off the cage and back into range.
Bard takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kuznetsov fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Bard bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov connects with a crisp jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
A telegraphed right hand from Bard misses the target.
Bard misses with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Bard avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kuznetsov throws a looping overhand right but Bard ducks down to avoid it.
Kuznetsov missing with a left hand there. Bard was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Bard blocks a jab.
Bard let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Kuznetsov cracks Bard with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Kuznetsov misses with a low kick.
Bard keeps the fight on the outside.
Kuznetsov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Bard.
Bard takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Bard circles away from the clinch attempt.
Bard is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Bard, as that shot connected.
Bard misses with an uppercut. Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Kuznetsov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Bard momentarily.
Bard throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mike Bard has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bard slips a jab from Kuznetsov.

Bard shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Kuznetsov's guard.

Kuznetsov scrambles and gets back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
Bard throws a fast counter high kick but Kuznetsov manages to duck under it in time.

Kuznetsov shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Bard napping and manages to drive through into side control!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bard tries to bench press Kuznetsov off him but Kuznetsov keeps the position.
Kuznetsov working away.

Kuznetsov stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Bard avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kuznetsov throws a jab but it's blocked by Bard.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Bard avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Bard avoids them all with ease.
Kuznetsov misses with a low kick as Bard jumps back.
Sloppy strikes from Bard. Those never looked like landing.
Bard changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bard uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Bard! But no joy.
Kuznetsov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Bard misses with a straight right.
Kuznetsov lands with a straight right. Bard didn't see that one coming.
A big left from Bard misses.
A big right from Bard misses.
Bard misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Nice straight punches there by Kuznetsov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kuznetsov.
Bard blocks a head kick by Kuznetsov.
Bard throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kuznetsov lunges at Bard with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Bard's hand.
Kuznetsov closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy uppercut
and Bard counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Bard uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
Bard thows a left - swing and a miss!
Bard throws a nice looking combination but Kuznetsov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kuznetsov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Kuznetsov avoids a punch combination nicely.

Kuznetsov drives through and clinches with Bard against the cage.
Aleks Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Bard takes one to the chin there.
Bard tries to clinch but Kuznetsov is having none of it.
Bard moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bard fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Bard misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
Bard connects with a crisp jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aleks 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 Francis DeMontford scores the fight 30:28
Judge Hugh Johnson scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Dean scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aleks Kuznetsov!
A relieved looking Aleks Kuznetsov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.