PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Aleks Kuznetsov (ranked 1560 p4p, 3437 weight class) and Bjorn Akerfeldt (ranked 208 p4p, 422 weight class). Bjorn Akerfeldt will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Kuznetsov
vs
Akerfeldt

182 cm
26
203
10 - 8 - 0

196 cm
25
224
8 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Fast

Voodoo Nutrition
Conquer

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 10 - 8 - 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 8 - 11 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bjorn Akerfeldt!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Chris Edwards and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuznetsov connects with a nice looking jab.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Akerfeldt is defended easily by Kuznetsov.
Akerfeldt ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov connects with a single shot there.
No luck for Akerfeldt with that takedown attempt.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kuznetsov fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Akerfeldt on the side of the head.
Akerfeldt takes a kick to the side of the head.
Akerfeldt slips under a jab.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a series of punches.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot.

Kuznetsov gets caught napping as Akerfeldt dives in and scores a takedown. Kuznetsov manages to retain guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Akerfeldt is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Kuznetsov is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Kuznetsov has escaped and now he's on top!

Akerfeldt throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Kuznetsov postures up in Akerfeldt's guard and throws a big left but Akerfeldt blocks it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov pushing down on Akerfeldt's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
We've been hearing that Kuznetsov has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.

Akerfeldt looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kuznetsov tries to pass the half guard into mount. Akerfeldt knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kuznetsov blocks the strikes from Akerfeldt.
Akerfeldt gets full guard.
Akerfeldt has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kuznetsov is working Akerfeldt over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

Kuznetsov stands up and waves to Akerfeldt to follow him.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.

Akerfeldt feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Kuznetsov has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Akerfeldt off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Kuznetsov tries to move into range but Akerfeldt moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy right hand but Akerfeldt sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kuznetsov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Akerfeldt sees it coming and avoids it easily.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Akerfeldt.
Aleks Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bjorn Akerfeldt.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Akerfeldt ducked under it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Akerfeldt wants to clinch up but Kuznetsov keeps it at a distance.
Akerfeldt tries to clinch but Kuznetsov is having none of it.
Kuznetsov jabs at Akerfeldt's body.
A telegraphed right hand from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Akerfeldt feints the counter takedown.
Akerfeldt closes the distance and clinches up with Kuznetsov, looking for a takedown. Akerfeldt pushes Kuznetsov against the cage but Kuznetsov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kuznetsov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Akerfeldt fails with the takedown.

Kuznetsov gets the takedown into side control.
Akerfeldt tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Kuznetsov presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Akerfeldt is wriggling around trying to escape.
Kuznetsov raining down shots from the mount!
Akerfeldt in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kuznetsov postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Akerfeldt looks a forlorn figure.
Kuznetsov controlling the pace for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kuznetsov lands with some strikes.
Akerfeldt tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kuznetsov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Kuznetsov unloading with bombs!
Kuznetsov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Akerfeldt can't escape the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kuznetsov connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Kuznetsov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Akerfeldt manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Kuznetsov working the head and body with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akerfeldt is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Kuznetsov jumps into side control!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akerfeldt being controlled for a moment.
Kuznetsov wants to control but Akerfeldt is keeping him busy.
Akerfeldt is working to avoid the ground and pound but Kuznetsov connects with a decent elbow.
Akerfeldt is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Kuznetsov is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Akerfeldt knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Akerfeldt tries to bench press Kuznetsov off him but Kuznetsov keeps the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Kuznetsov decides to stand back up.
Akerfeldt looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aleks Kuznetsov dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Akerfeldt shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Kuznetsov is trying to defend but Akerfeldt finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Kuznetsov manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Akerfeldt keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut. Akerfeldt saw that one coming.
Akerfeldt changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Akerfeldt shoots for a double leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls well. He's pushed Akerfeldt's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Kuznetsov closes the distance and clinches.
Kuznetsov wants to break free but Akerfeldt has control.

Kuznetsov breaks from the clinch.
Good shot there by Kuznetsov.

Akerfeldt fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Kuznetsov to the ground. Akerfeldt is now in Kuznetsov's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Akerfeldt pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kuznetsov is keeping the position for now.
Kuznetsov is looking to stand up but Akerfeldt isn't so interested in that idea.

Kuznetsov is looking for a triangle but Akerfeldt pushes his legs off easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akerfeldt throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kuznetsov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Akerfeldt throws an elbow that misses. Kuznetsov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Akerfeldt's guard. Nice move by Kuznetsov!

Kuznetsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Akerfeldt can do to turn this around?
Kuznetsov postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Kuznetsov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Kuznetsov trying to control the position from guard on top but Akerfeldt is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Akerfeldt working for a triangle but Kuznetsov defends it easily.
Kuznetsov looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Kuznetsov is looking to stand up but Akerfeldt won't let him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Akerfeldt looking for a guillotine here but Kuznetsov defends easily.
Kuznetsov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Aleks Kuznetsov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Akerfeldt throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

Akerfeldt working for a triangle but Kuznetsov defends it easily.
Akerfeldt throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Kuznetsov wants to pass the guard but Akerfeldt is keeping the position.
Kuznetsov preventing the sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kuznetsov gets to his feet - Akerfeldt follows without any prompting.
Akerfeldt slips under a jab from Kuznetsov.
Akerfeldt shoots in looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov tries to sprawl out of it but Akerfeldt keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Akerfeldt displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.
Kuznetsov connects with a looping right hand.
Nice shot lands for Kuznetsov.
A jab from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Kuznetsov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Akerfeldt.
Aleks Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bjorn Akerfeldt.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Akerfeldt is out of range.
Akerfeldt moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Akerfeldt slips the punch.
Akerfeldt throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Kuznetsov's waist but Kuznetsov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Akerfeldt off to one side.
Kuznetsov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Akerfeldt shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Akerfeldt is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Akerfeldt is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kuznetsov defends it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akerfeldt trying to mount his opponent but Kuznetsov defends it.
Kuznetsov tries to kick Akerfeldt off but Akerfeldt keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Akerfeldt is looking to advance position but Kuznetsov won't allow it.
Kuznetsov is trying to stand up here but Akerfeldt is controlling him well.
Akerfeldt wants to pass the guard but Kuznetsov is defending well.
Akerfeldt not landing any meaningful shots this time.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Aleks Kuznetsov dominated that second round.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Kuznetsov connects with a body shot that sends Akerfeldt's belly button to the back.
Akerfeldt has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Akerfeldt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy right hand but Akerfeldt sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Akerfeldt chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kuznetsov can pounce on him.
Decent striking displayed by Kuznetsov there.
Akerfeldt shoots in looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov tries to sprawl out of it but Akerfeldt keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Akerfeldt scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Akerfeldt throws a shot from downtown. Kuznetsov moves away and avoids it.

Kuznetsov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Kuznetsov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Kuznetsov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Akerfeldt taking a bit of punishment here - Kuznetsov scoring with strikes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akerfeldt is trying to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Akerfeldt keeps working.
Akerfeldt tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Akerfeldt down.
Akerfeldt is trying to improve his position.
Kuznetsov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Akerfeldt keeps working.

Kuznetsov decides to stand up, so the ref orders Akerfeldt to his feet.
Kuznetsov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuznetsov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Akerfeldt.
Kuznetsov lands a head shot.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akerfeldt takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Kuznetsov throws a series of strikes that have Akerfeldt backpedaling.
Kuznetsov throws an overhand right that lands on Akerfeldt's shoulder, as Akerfeldt tries to avoid the shot.
Akerfeldt displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.
Akerfeldt feints the counter takedown.
Kuznetsov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Akerfeldt tries to move into range but Kuznetsov moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Akerfeldt lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

Kuznetsov gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Kuznetsov is wriggling around but Akerfeldt manages to pass to half guard.

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. Akerfeldt connects with a nice short shot to Kuznetsov's temple.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet.
Akerfeldt wants to advance to full mount but Kuznetsov doesn't think that's going to happen and regains full guard instead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Akerfeldt.
Akerfeldt is looking to pass into half guard but Kuznetsov pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Kuznetsov is in guard.

Kuznetsov with a flurry of punches that miss.

Akerfeldt is working an open guard so Kuznetsov takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Akerfeldt walks into a left hand.

Kuznetsov drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Akerfeldt manages to work his way to half guard, despite Kuznetsov's best efforts.
Akerfeldt takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kuznetsov is trying to control the action in half guard but Akerfeldt is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Akerfeldt punching from the bottom.
Akerfeldt scores with a few weak punches.

Kuznetsov decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Akerfeldt is looking to clinch but Kuznetsov is avoiding it.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Akerfeldt shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Kuznetsov manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
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!
Akerfeldt trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Kuznetsov pushes Akerfeldt off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Kuznetsov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Akerfeldt avoids the punch easily.
Akerfeldt shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kuznetsov as he jumps to the side.
Aleks Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Aleks Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bjorn Akerfeldt.
Akerfeldt's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kuznetsov connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Akerfeldt scrambles back to his feet.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Akerfeldt with a series of wild strikes but Akerfeldt uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Kuznetsov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Akerfeldt looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Bjorn Akerfeldt has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kuznetsov stands up.
Akerfeldt shoots in but no luck this time.
Akerfeldt bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov lands an overhand right.

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 Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Aleks Kuznetsov!
A victorious Aleks Kuznetsov thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.