PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Murilo Ninja (ranked 986 p4p, 1162 weight class) and Krisko Kurtev (ranked 154 p4p, 178 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Ninja
vs
Kurtev

176 cm
34
187
16 - 11 - 0

189 cm
31
193
16 - 21 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Vegan Gains

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 16 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Murilo Ninja!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 21 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Krisko Kurtev!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Wagner Zegers and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kurtev scores with a takedown into Ninja's guard.

Ninja is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kurtev defends well.
Kurtev wants to control from the top but Ninja keeps moving.
Ninja pulls Kurtev in close to prevent any damage.
Ninja bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kurtev's guard.

We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ninja with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Kurtev wants to get back to his feet but Ninja is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Ninja is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ninja is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Kurtev has momentary wrist control but Ninja slips an elbow through the middle.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ninja advances position into side control!
Ninja lands a few punches from side control.
Kurtev is looking for a sweep.
Ninja connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Kurtev some visible discomfort.
Ninja tries to advance to mount but can't.
Kurtev is trying to get back to half guard.
Ninja working the head and body with strikes.
Ninja trying to control the position but Kurtev is working away.
Ninja landing a few strikes.
Ninja working the head with strikes.
You can see the frustration on Kurtev's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurtev misses with a strike from the bottom.
Ninja working the head with strikes.
Kurtev takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
Kurtev is looking for a sweep.
Ninja lands a few punches from side control.
Kurtev regains half guard there - taking advantage of Ninja's attempt to lay and pray for a moment.
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!
Ninja keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
We've been hearing that Ninja has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Ninja working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Ground and pound from Ninja.
Kurtev gets back to full guard.
Kurtev keeping moving, preventing Ninja from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ninja is really struggling to control Kurtev but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ninja passes Kurtev's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Ninja lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
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. Ninja connects with a nice short shot to Kurtev's temple.

Kurtev looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kurtev wants to control but Ninja is keeping busy.
Kurtev is trying to avoid being dragged into an even worse position than he's already in but Ninja is staying active.
Ninja trying to control from half guard but Kurtev is working away.
Ninja scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Ninja is trying to control. Kurtev wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kurtev wants to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ninja landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Kurtev trying to control from the bottom.
Kurtev flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.
Ninja is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Kurtev is trying to get back to full guard.
Ninja working over Kurtev with some ground and pound. Kurtev looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Nice strikes from Ninja there.
Ninja working over Kurtev with some ground and pound. Kurtev looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Kurtev tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Kurtev tries to get to full guard but Ninja has control of the leg.
Kurtev tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Kurtev is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ninja working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Ninja drops an elbow to the side of Kurtev's head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Murilo Ninja dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ninja throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Kurtev was covering up waiting for the punch and Ninja finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Ninja lands a couple of digs.
Kurtev trying to strike off his back.
Kurtev looking for a sweep. Not yet Kurtev, not yet.
Ninja lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ninja landing some decent shots from guard.
Kurtev is trying to keep Ninja in close.

Kurtev working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Ninja doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Ninja manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kurtev keeping moving, preventing Ninja from controlling successfully.
Ninja scoring with punches to the head and body.
Ninja lands a couple of elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kurtev will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Ninja is in close to Kurtev's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Ninja scoring with some ground and pound.
Ninja lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ninja is looking to work some ground and pound but Kurtev has wrist control.
Ninja wants to pass the guard but Kurtev is keeping the position.

Kurtev had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Ninja defends it easily.
Ninja lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Ninja is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kurtev can do to turn this around?
Ninja makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Ninja is in close to Kurtev's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Kurtev is looking for a triangle but Ninja pushes his legs off easily.
Ninja wants to control from the top but Kurtev keeps moving.
Ninja keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kurtev's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ninja got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kurtev has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Ninja has managed to get both his arms back between Kurtev's legs - danger averted.
Kurtev working a defensive guard here.
Kurtev keeping moving, preventing Ninja from controlling successfully.
Ninja postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Ninja scoring with some ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ninja stopping the sweep attempt from Kurtev.
Ninja connects with a couple of short punches.
Ninja keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kurtev's head.
Ninja trying to control the position from guard on top but Kurtev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Murilo Ninja overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Ninja lands a couple of elbows.
Ninja trying to control but Kurtev is working from the bottom.

Kurtev had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Ninja defends it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ninja working some strikes from top position.
Ninja postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ninja content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Ninja is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Ninja chips away with some ground and pound.

Kurtev is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ninja is aware though and is defending well.
Ninja with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Ninja controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Ninja is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Kurtev has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ninja can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kurtev trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Ninja postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ninja with a nice head shot there.

Kurtev had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Ninja defends it easily.
Kurtev keeping moving, preventing Ninja from controlling successfully.
Ninja lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Ninja makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Ninja lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Ninja trying to control the position from guard on top but Kurtev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ninja lands a couple of digs.
Ninja is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ninja landing with the ground and pound.

Kurtev looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Ninja passes into side control.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ninja creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Murilo Ninja dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Kurtev gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Ninja to score an easy takedown into full guard.

Ninja avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Ninja might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Kurtev throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Ninja controls from within his opponent's guard.
Ninja trying to control the position from guard on top but Kurtev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kurtev looking for a sweep. Not yet Kurtev, not yet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ninja pushing down on Kurtev's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Ninja lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Ninja trying to control from half guard but Kurtev is working away.
Kurtev taking some punishment here, with Ninja in his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ninja is trying to control. Kurtev wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kurtev has hold of Ninja's hands but Ninja slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Nice strikes from Ninja there.
Nice strikes from Ninja there.
Ninja scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Ninja is thwarting Kurtev's attempts to control the position.
Ground and pound from Ninja.
The fighters are battling for position here. Kurtev manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Kurtev bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Ninja's guard.

Kurtev is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Ninja is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kurtev throws a strike but Ninja rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurtev tries to strike from the bottom.
Ninja looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Ninja trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kurtev trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Ninja pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kurtev is keeping the position for now.
Krisko Kurtev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Ninja trying to control the position from guard on top but Kurtev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kurtev doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Ninja trying to control the position from guard on top but Kurtev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ninja postures up.
Ninja trying to control but Kurtev is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ninja is working Kurtev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ninja working some strikes from top position.
Kurtev throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

Kurtev is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ninja is aware though and is defending well.
Ninja is fighting to break Kurtev's control of his arms but Kurtev is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Ninja is working Kurtev over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Ninja postures up.
Kurtev has momentary wrist control but Ninja slips an elbow through the middle.
Ninja scoring with punches to the head and body.
Kurtev trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Kurtev striking from the bottom.
Kurtev doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.

Kurtev looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Ninja postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kurtev looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Kurtev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kurtev controls Ninja momentarily but Ninja frees himself.
Ninja keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kurtev's head.
Ninja postures up and lands a big shot to Kurtev's brow.
Ninja with a nice head shot there.
Murilo Ninja is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ninja pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kurtev is keeping the position for now.
Kurtev doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Kurtev throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Ninja with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Ninja wants to pass the guard but Kurtev is keeping the position.

Kurtev is looking for a triangle but Ninja pushes his legs off easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Murilo Ninja showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Ninja 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 Aken scores the fight 30:27
Judge Wagner Zegers scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Murilo Ninja!
Murilo Ninja very nearly forgot to thank Altitude Clothing amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.