PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Anakoni Kai (ranked 1282 p4p, 267 weight class) and Alexander Kuznetsov (ranked 194 p4p, 44 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kai
vs
Kuznetsov

184 cm
23
190
4 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
195
9 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
World class MT
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

PWNAGE™
HELLBENT

HELLBENT
New Standard

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Anakoni Kai!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Lou da Vinci, Alyssa Summers and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Kai is out of range.
Kai has been working on his boxing with his coaches at White Eagle in the buildup to the fight.
Kuznetsov missing with a left hand there. Kai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

Kuznetsov forces Kai back against the cage and clinches.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee strike.
Kuznetsov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Kai is blocking nicely.
A shot in the inside from Kai.
Kuznetsov tries to land knees in the clinch but Kai avoids the damage to the body.
Kai misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kai tries to work over Kuznetsov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Nice body punch from Kai - that landed with a thud.
Kai can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
Kai lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kai's elbow.
A short right from Kai.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kai tries a body shot but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kuznetsov has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Kai seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Kuznetsov can turn it around.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai throws a punch but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Kai blocks it.
Kuznetsov trying to stall but Kai improves his position.
Kuznetsov blocking some punches.
Kuznetsov lands an uppercut.
Kai blocking some punches.
A head punch on the inside from Kai fails to land.
Kai working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov blocks the elbow strike.
Kai lands a damaging elbow.

It looks like Alexander Kuznetsov has been cut.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Kai just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kuznetsov's brow.
Kai lands a body punch.
Kai scores with a shoulder strike.
Kuznetsov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kai has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kai lands an elbow inside that Kuznetsov shrugs off.
With the fighters up against the cage, Kuznetsov throws an elbow but misses.
Kai tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Kai back against the cage.
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!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kai blocks it with crossed arms.
Kuznetsov takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kai lands with a light punch inside.
Kuznetsov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kai blocks it with crossed arms.
Kuznetsov lands a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov blocks an elbow strike.
A head punch on the inside from Kai fails to land.
Kai is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kuznetsov to keep the fight standing.
Kai blocks an elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
A short right from Kai on the inside.
Kuznetsov blocks an elbow strike from Kai.
Kai throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kai throws a head punch that misses.
Kuznetsov misses with an elbow over the top.
Kai throws an elbow but it misses.
Kai lands an elbow inside that Kuznetsov shrugs off.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kai scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kai jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuznetsov walks away with a smile on his face. Kai gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kai lands a jab to the nose.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot.
Kai lands with an uppercut that bounces Kuznetsov off the cage and back into range.
Kai scores with a one two! Kuznetsov had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Kai throws a leg kick but Kuznetsov checks it.
Kai bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kuznetsov's head backwards.
Kai stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but Kai is having none of it.
Kuznetsov misses the body punch
and Kai counters with a stiff right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that Kai avoids nicely.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.
Kai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Kai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kai's head backwards.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch up but Kai keeps it at a distance.
Kai ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kai connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kai lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Kuznetsov defending well as Kai loads up on a big left hand.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Kai lands a jab to the nose.
Kuznetsov doesn't manage to clinch there - Kai circles away.
Kai throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nice body punch from Kuznetsov.
Kai thumps Kuznetsov with a low kick.
Kuznetsov doesn't manage to clinch there - Kai circles away.
Kai feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kai is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznetsov.

Kai forces Kuznetsov back against the cage and clinches.
Kai doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anakoni Kai dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Alexander Kuznetsov's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.

It looks like Anakoni Kai has been cut.
Kai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznetsov slips a jab from Kai.
Nice defenses there by Kai.
Kuznetsov missing with a left hand there. Kai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A cross from Kai lands.
Kai throws a looping overhand right but Kuznetsov ducks down to avoid it.
Kuznetsov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Kai with a body shot.
Kai cracks Kuznetsov with a good jab.
Kuznetsov throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kuznetsov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Kuznetsov closes the distance and clinches.
Kuznetsov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Kai blocks it.
Kuznetsov lands a hook that snaps the head of Kai backwards.
Anakoni Kai has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kai tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Kai.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kuznetsov.
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!
Kai on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kai creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai misses with a hook from the clinch.

Kai manages to pull guard.
Kuznetsov is looking to work some ground and pound but Kai has wrist control.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kuznetsov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kuznetsov stays in close to Kai's body and controls the position.
Kuznetsov postures up.
Kuznetsov trying to control but Kai is working from the bottom.
Kai 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.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Kuznetsov wants to stand but Kai is controlling his posture from full guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kai lands a jab to the nose.
Kai misses with an uppercut. Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Kai sets himself, and Kuznetsov steps forward looking for the clinch! Kai avoids it this time.
Kuznetsov scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch
and Kai counters with a nice uppercut.
Kai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznetsov was well out of range. Poor timing from Kai.
Kai takes one on the button.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kai's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kuznetsov under the eye.
Kuznetsov scores with a body shot.
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!
Kuznetsov moves in looking to clinch but Kai pushes him off.
Kai lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Kai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
A jab from Kai misses.
A little jabbing left from Kuznetsov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kai blocks a jab.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab.
Kai bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kai slips a jab and a cross from Kuznetsov.
Kai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Anakoni Kai is winning the standup battle so far.
That kick from Kai tenderised Kuznetsov's leg. Kuznetsov is trying to keep his angry face on.

Kai has managed to clinch.
Kai pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Kai misses with a punch to the body.
Kai gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Kai is blocking nicely.
Kai is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuznetsov is defending well for now.
Kai tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kuznetsov trying to land knees to the body.
Kai can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
Kuznetsov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Kai presses Kuznetsov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kuznetsov is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kuznetsovs head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov blocks the elbow strike.
Kuznetsov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kai is defending well for now.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Kai.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kai.
Kuznetsov just leaning against Kai, taking a breather.
Kai misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short right from Kai.
Still in the clinch, Kai scores with a nice short uppercut.
Kai gets through Kuznetsov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kai lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kai lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kai scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kuznetsov lands a left hand.
Kuznetsov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A short right from Kai on the inside.
Kai lands a knee to the body.
Kuznetsov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anakoni Kai dominated that second round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kuznetsov is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Kai.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch up but Kai keeps it at a distance.
Kai misses with a low kick as Kuznetsov jumps back.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kai.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Kai is out of range.
Kai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kuznetsov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kai under the eye.
A punch combination from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kai throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.

Kai clinches up against the cage.
Kai lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Kai blocks it with crossed arms.
Kai digs a right hand underneath Kuznetsov's ribcage. Kuznetsov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kai lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kai working Kuznetsov over with knees to the body.
Kai scores with a nice hook to the head.
A short left from Kai.
Kai gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kai gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Kuznetsov is rocked!
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kai creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov is still on wobbly legs! Can Kai finish him?
Kai lands an elbow inside.
Kai tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov won't allow it.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Kai as Kuznetsov tries to tie him up.
Kuznetsov throws a head punch that misses.
Kuznetsov seems to have recovered his senses.
A head punch on the inside from Kuznetsov fails to land.

Kai pulls guard successfully.
Kai wants to sweep here but Kuznetsov controlling him for the moment.
Kai is controlling Kuznetsov's posture.
Kuznetsov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Kai is proving hard to escape from.

Kai is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kai is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kuznetsov trying to control but Kai is working from the bottom.
Kai is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kuznetsov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kuznetsov trying to control the position from guard on top but Kai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kuznetsov would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Kai is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Kai throws a right and a left that both miss.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kai. That's going to slow Kuznetsov down.

Kai clinches.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kai avoids it.
Kai lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Kai tries to pull guard but Kuznetsov forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Kuznetsov blocking some punches.
Kuznetsov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kai has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuznetsov stalling in the clinch but Kai improves position.
Kai jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuznetsov walks away with a smile on his face. Kai gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anakoni Kai. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kai.
Kuznetsov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kai was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuznetsov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai connects with a nice looking jab.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up.
Kai looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Nice body kick from Kai.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Jab from Kuznetsov.
Kai is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kuznetsov can do to turn this around?
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!
Kai throws a big shot that misses.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Nice defenses there by Kai.
Kuznetsov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kuznetsov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kai throws a good cross that connects.
Kuznetsov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kuznetsov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kai lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kuznetsov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kai throws out the jab.
Kuznetsov lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Kai looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anakoni Kai clearly takes that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kai throws a big shot that misses.
Kai avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kai throws a looping overhand right but Kuznetsov ducks down to avoid it.
It seemed like Kuznetsov was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Kai feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kuznetsovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Kai bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kai misses with an uppercut. Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Kuznetsov throws out a loose jab but Kai uses good head movement to avoid it.
A jab from Kuznetsov misses.
Kai throws a front kick aimed at Kuznetsov's knee but Kuznetsov avoids it well.
Kuznetsov throws out a loose jab but Kai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kai tried to counter with a leg kick but Kuznetsov avoided it.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kai bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kuznetsov moves out of range as Kai throws a body kick.
A left lands for Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Kai.

That's one minute gone in the round.
No joy there for Kuznetsov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A jab lands there for Kai.
Kuznetsov moves away from the strike by Kai.
Kuznetsov looks to land a combination but Kai avoids it well.
Kai slips under a jab from Kuznetsov.
Kai throws a hook but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kai throws a leg kick that misses.
Kuznetsov moves in looking to clinch but Kai pushes him off.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch but Kai swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kai looks to land a left hand but Kuznetsov moved out of range nicely.
Kai misses with a two punch combination.
Kai moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Kai connects with a leg kick.
Kuznetsov tries to land a leg kick but Kai saw it coming and moves away.

Kuznetsov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kai, pushing him back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kai pushes Kuznetsov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Kai blocks with his arms.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov missing with knees to the body.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Kai blocks with his arms.
Kuznetsov is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Kuznetsov has a couple of punches blocked by Kai.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Kai.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kai throws a punch but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kai scores with a shot to the side of Kuznetsov's head.
With the fighters up against the cage, Kai throws an elbow but misses.
Kai struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznetsov controls his hands.
Kai scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kai lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kai is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kuznetsov to keep the fight standing.
Kuznetsov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kai lands a right hand.
Kai blocks the elbow strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Kai.
Kai misses with a punch on the inside.
Kai lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kai lands with a right to the head.
Kai tries to work over Kuznetsov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kai makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kai can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
Kuznetsov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kai throws an elbow but it's blocked.
A short uppercut from Kai.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Kai.
A head punch on the inside from Kuznetsov fails to land.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kai working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Kai lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kai avoiding damage as Kuznetsov throws knees to the body.
Kai landing knees to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kai lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kai jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuznetsov walks away with a smile on his face. Kai gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kai throws a shot from downtown. Kuznetsov moves away and avoids it.
Kai lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kai scores with a jab to the jaw.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kai.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kai.
Kai half committed to a counter leg kick.
Kai connects with a jab.

Kai forces Kuznetsov back against the cage and clinches.
Kuznetsov dodges an elbow strike from Kai.
Kuznetsov lands with a light punch inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kai.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kuznetsov throws a head punch that misses.
Kai looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kuznetsov slows down the pace here.
Kai pushes Kuznetsov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Anakoni Kai had his way with Alexander Kuznetsov in that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Kai drops his hands momentarily and Kuznetsov takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Kai takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Kuznetsov takes one to the chin there.
Kuznetsov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Kai moves away and avoids it.
Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kai.
Kuznetsov tries to counter by closing the distance.

Kuznetsov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kai, pushing him back against the cage.
Kuznetsov trying to land knees to the body.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Kai blocks it.
Kai misses with the head strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kai lands a body shot.
Kai lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Kuznetsov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kuznetsov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kuznetsov is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Kai tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Kai back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kuznetsov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

Kai ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Kai no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Kai has his hands on Kuznetsov's head, controlling the position.
Kai tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kai is pulling down on Kuznetsov's head. It's preventing any offense from Kuznetsov, at least for the moment.
Kuznetsov trying to control but Kai is working from the bottom.
Kai tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Kai is pulling down on Kuznetsov's head. It's preventing any offense from Kuznetsov, at least for the moment.
Kuznetsov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Kuznetsov moves out of range as Kai throws a body kick.
Kai misses with a low kick.
Kuznetsov throws a nice looking combination but Kai bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kai misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but Kai moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Kai misses the target.
Kai lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov doesn't manage to clinch there - Kai circles away.
Kuznetsov keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Alexander Kuznetsov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kuznetsov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kai tries a body shot but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov presses Kai against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kai softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

Kai pulls guard successfully.
Kuznetsov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kai works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kuznetsov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Kuznetsov throws an elbow that misses. Kai uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kuznetsov's guard. Nice move by Kai!

Kuznetsov pulls Kai in to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov controls Kai momentarily but Kai frees himself.
Kai wants to pass the guard but Kuznetsov is keeping the position.
Kuznetsov is trying to keep Kai in close.
Anakoni Kai is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kai passes Kuznetsov's left leg - he's now in half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kai is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

And that's the end of the fight!
Anakoni Kai showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kai 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alyssa Summers scores the fight 50:45
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anakoni Kai!
Anakoni Kai is the new middleweight champion!
A victorious Anakoni Kai thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.