PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Egor Kuznecov (ranked 988 p4p, 2461 weight class) and Léo Saint-Clair (ranked 116 p4p, 269 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kuznecov
vs
Saint-Clair

193 cm
20
283
5 - 1 - 0

194 cm
20
266
2 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Bondi MMA 🏝️

Shadow Realm NYC

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Egor Kuznecov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Léo Saint-Clair!
The judges for this bout are Russell Pearce, Lou da Vinci and Franklyn Lucas.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Saint-Clair.
Kuznecov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Saint-Clair swivels and escapes.
Kuznecov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Shark Tank Private Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Saint-Clair takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kuznecov slips under a jab from Saint-Clair.
Kuznecov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls and moves away.
Kuznecov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Kuznecov clobbers Saint-Clair with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Saint-Clair looks to land a right hand but Kuznecov moved out of range.
Saint-Clair just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznecov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Kuznecov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair lands with a shot to the body.
Saint-Clair cracks Kuznecov with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saint-Clair misses with a looping right.
Saint-Clair scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznecov looks to throw the jab but Saint-Clair is out of range.
Saint-Clair missing with a left hand there. Kuznecov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saint-Clair looks to throw the jab but Kuznecov is out of range.
Saint-Clair throws a hook to the side of Kuznecov's head but Kuznecov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kuznecov walks into a straight right hand from Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair misses with a straight right.
Saint-Clair scores with a crisp jab that stopped Kuznecov in his tracks.

Kuznecov feints and as Saint-Clair raises his hands in defense, Kuznecov changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kuznecov throwing strikes but missing.
Saint-Clair trying to keep a closed guard but Kuznecov is proving a slippery customer.
Saint-Clair utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Saint-Clair keeping moving, preventing Kuznecov from controlling successfully.
Saint-Clair wants to sweep but no luck.
Saint-Clair preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kuznecov throwing strikes from guard but Saint-Clair blocks nicely.
Kuznecov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Kuznecov throwing strikes but missing.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov trying to control but Saint-Clair is working from the bottom.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kuznecov misses with a takedown
and Saint-Clair counters with a nice uppercut.
Saint-Clair misses with a straight right.
Saint-Clair lands a right hook to the body.
Saint-Clair throws a hook but Kuznecov avoids it easily.
Saint-Clair takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Léo Saint-Clair seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saint-Clair misses with a straight right.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saint-Clair misses with a right hand

and Kuznecov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Saint-Clair won't be happy with that.
Saint-Clair tries to wriggle free to get back to his feet but he's given up his back! Oops.
This has been an exciting period of action!
I really don't envy Saint-Clair right now.
Kuznecov controlling from the back.
Saint-Clair covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
Kuznecov has the hooks in. Saint-Clair is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
Kuznecov throwing damaging strikes from the back! Saint-Clair could be in trouble here!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Léo Saint-Clair will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kuznecov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Saint-Clair counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Saint-Clair thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kuznecov changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Saint-Clair tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznecov was well out of range. Poor timing from Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair throws a jab when Kuznecov was well out of range.
Kuznecov ducks under a wild hook from Saint-Clair.
Léo Saint-Clair seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Saint-Clair throws a hook but Kuznecov blocks it.
Kuznecov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Saint-Clair waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kuznecov.
A little feinted left hand from Kuznecov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kuznecov misses with a right hand
and Saint-Clair counters with a straight right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saint-Clair pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Saint-Clair swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Saint-Clair has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Saint-Clair connects with a looping right hand.
Kuznecov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Saint-Clair.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznecov misses with a hook. Saint-Clair ducked under it nicely.
Kuznecov defending well as Saint-Clair loads up on a big left hand.
Saint-Clair scores with a jab. Kuznecov acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Saint-Clair cracks Kuznecov with a good jab.
Kuznecov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Saint-Clair.
Kuznecov slips under a jab from Saint-Clair.
Kuznecov has his takedown stuffed
letting Saint-Clair counter with a right hand.
Kuznecov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Saint-Clair looks to land a left hand but Kuznecov moved out of range nicely.
Kuznecov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair lands a body shot.
Kuznecov throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Saint-Clair counter with a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov avoids the body shot from Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair throws a hook but Kuznecov avoids it easily.
Saint-Clair misses with a body punch

and Kuznecov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saint-Clair keeping moving, preventing Kuznecov from controlling successfully.
Saint-Clair wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Saint-Clair has momentary wrist control but Kuznecov slips an elbow through the middle.
Kuznecov has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Kuznecov trying to control the position from guard on top but Saint-Clair is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kuznecov is really struggling to control Saint-Clair but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov with a nice head shot there.
Kuznecov throwing strikes but missing.
Kuznecov trying to control the position from guard on top but Saint-Clair is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've been informed that Saint-Clair has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Kuznecov looking to sit in guard and control but Saint-Clair gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Saint-Clair working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Saint-Clair working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Saint-Clair postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov working a defensive guard here.
Kuznecov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Kuznecov pulls Saint-Clair in close to his closed guard and prevents Saint-Clair from doing any damage or advancing position.
Kuznecov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kuznecov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Saint-Clair is looking to work some ground and pound but Kuznecov has wrist control.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Saint-Clair throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Léo Saint-Clair showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Saint-Clair misses with a right hand

and Kuznecov counters with a shoot takedown. Saint-Clair fights it but they end up in guard.
Kuznecov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Saint-Clair is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Kuznecov is controlling Saint-Clair's trapped leg to prevent Saint-Clair from advancing to side control.
Kuznecov manages to get to full guard.
Saint-Clair won't allow Kuznecov to sweep him here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saint-Clair wants to control from the top but Kuznecov keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Saint-Clair being controlled here momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saint-Clair throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Saint-Clair missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kuznecov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Kuznecov tries to get out of the position.
Saint-Clair missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Saint-Clair missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Kuznecov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Saint-Clair is fighting to break Kuznecov's control of his arms but Kuznecov is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Saint-Clair trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuznecov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Saint-Clair throws a lazy right hand but Kuznecov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kuznecov looks to land a right hand but Saint-Clair moved out of range.
Saint-Clair misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznecov closes the distance and clinches up with Saint-Clair, looking for a takedown. Kuznecov pushes Saint-Clair against the cage but Saint-Clair circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kuznecov misses with a hook.
Saint-Clair throws a hook to the side of Kuznecov's head but Kuznecov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Saint-Clair throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuznecov.
Kuznecov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls and moves away.
Kuznecov tries for a takedown but Saint-Clair circles away easily
and Kuznecov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Saint-Clair pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
A little feinted left hand from Kuznecov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A jab from Saint-Clair misses.
Saint-Clair lands with a shot to the body.
Kuznecov doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Saint-Clair dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznecov looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Saint-Clair is fending him off so far but Kuznecov persists. Nope, Saint-Clair circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Egor Kuznecov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Saint-Clair uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Kuznecov shoots for a double leg takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls well. He's pushed Kuznecov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
A big left from Saint-Clair misses.
Saint-Clair misses with a looping right.
Kuznecov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls and moves away.
Saint-Clair tests Kuznecov's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saint-Clair throws a hook but Kuznecov blocks it.
Saint-Clair missing with a left hand there. Kuznecov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Saint-Clair stuffs the takedown attempt from Kuznecov. Kuznecov gets slowly back to his feet.
A slow jab from Saint-Clair misses its intended target.
Saint-Clair's corner calls for a 1-2. Saint-Clair obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A shot to the liver by Saint-Clair. Beautiful body shot.
Saint-Clair is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kuznecov.
Saint-Clair clobbers Kuznecov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kuznecov with a lazy takedown attempt
and Saint-Clair counters with a left to the body.
Saint-Clair connects with a good right hand that stumbles Kuznecov. Kuznecov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Saint-Clair throws a big shot that misses.
Kuznecov attempts a counter takedown but Saint-Clair avoids it well and moves away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Léo Saint-Clair really dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

A big left from Saint-Clair misses.
Saint-Clair misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznecov.
Kuznecov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls and moves away.
Saint-Clair jabs Kuznecov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Saint-Clair digs a good body shot into Kuznecov's ribs.
Kuznecov works Saint-Clair's body with a nice hook.
Kuznecov slips under a jab.
Saint-Clair thuds a left hand into Kuznecov's body.
Saint-Clair lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saint-Clair throws a jab when Kuznecov was well out of range.
A slow jab from Saint-Clair misses its intended target.
Kuznecov clobbers Saint-Clair with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Saint-Clair tests Kuznecov's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznecov misses with a left hand
enabling Saint-Clair to counter with a crisp jab.
Saint-Clair slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kuznecov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Kuznecov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Saint-Clair takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Saint-Clair lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Saint-Clair throws a hook but Kuznecov avoids it easily.
Kuznecov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls and moves away.
Kuznecov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Saint-Clair.
A little feinted left hand from Kuznecov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kuznecov closes the distance and clinches up with Saint-Clair, looking for a takedown. Kuznecov pushes Saint-Clair against the cage but Saint-Clair circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kuznecov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Saint-Clair counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

Kuznecov is rocked!
Saint-Clair jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Oh Kuznecov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saint-Clair throws a big shot that misses.
Kuznecov drops down looking for a counter takedown but Saint-Clair sprawls and moves away.
Saint-Clair connects with a single shot there.
Saint-Clair throws the left hand but Kuznecov avoids the punch easily.
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!
Saint-Clair cracks a nice hook into Kuznecov's ribs.
Decent striking displayed by Saint-Clair there.
Saint-Clair misses with a looping left.
Saint-Clair throws a body punch but Kuznecov moves out of range.
Kuznecov seems to have got his legs back now.
Saint-Clair throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kuznecov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kuznecov moves out of range of the strikes.
Kuznecov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
A slow jab from Kuznecov misses its intended target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saint-Clair misses with a looping left.
Kuznecov appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Kuznecov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznecov throwing a counter right hand but Saint-Clair manages to avoid it.
Saint-Clair rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kuznecov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Saint-Clair throws a looping overhand right but Kuznecov ducks down to avoid it.
Kuznecov shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Saint-Clair as he avoids it easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Saint-Clair! But no joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Egor Kuznecov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Saint-Clair throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saint-Clair lands a nice looking body shot.
Kuznecov defending well as Saint-Clair loads up on a big left hand.
Kuznecov tries to counter with a takedown but Saint-Clair is quick to defend against it.
Kuznecov throws a hook to the side of Saint-Clair's head but Saint-Clair sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Léo Saint-Clair is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznecov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Saint-Clair counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saint-Clair connects with a looping right hand.
Saint-Clair cracks Kuznecov with an open hand slap.
Saint-Clair scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Saint-Clair moves away from the strike by Kuznecov.
Saint-Clair lands with a cross.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznecov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Saint-Clair connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Saint-Clair misses the shot to the body.
Saint-Clair throws a hook to the side of Kuznecov's head but Kuznecov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Saint-Clair changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Saint-Clair scores with a jab to the body.
Saint-Clair thows a left - swing and a miss!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Léo Saint-Clair dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Kuznecov misses with a takedown attempt
and Saint-Clair counters with a nice uppercut.
Nice shot by Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair throws a big shot that misses.
Saint-Clair moves away from the strike by Kuznecov.
A big left from Saint-Clair misses.
Saint-Clair throws out a loose jab but Kuznecov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A big right from Saint-Clair misses.
Kuznecov feinted with a counter takedown.
Saint-Clair scores with a hook to the body. Kuznecov takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznecov gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kuznecov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saint-Clair lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Saint-Clair misses with a hook. Kuznecov ducked under it nicely.
Kuznecov scores with a hook.
Saint-Clair swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznecov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kuznecov tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Saint-Clair defends well and Kuznecov ends up having to push Saint-Clair into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saint-Clair.
Saint-Clair lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Saint-Clair working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Saint-Clair wants to stall.
Kuznecov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Saint-Clair pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Egor Kuznecov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuznecov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saint-Clair throws the left hand but Kuznecov avoids the punch easily.
Kuznecov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Saint-Clair swings widly with a right hand

and Kuznecov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Saint-Clair's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saint-Clair looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kuznecov is one step ahead there.
Saint-Clair looking to control.
Egor Kuznecov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Saint-Clair bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kuznecov's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Saint-Clair throwing strikes from guard but Kuznecov blocks nicely.
Kuznecov wants to sweep but no luck.
Kuznecov bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Saint-Clair's guard.

Kuznecov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kuznecov distracts Saint-Clair with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Saint-Clair wants to sweep here but Kuznecov controlling him for the moment.
Saint-Clair is trying to keep Kuznecov in close.
Kuznecov makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Saint-Clair utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Kuznecov preventing the sweep.
Kuznecov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Kuznecov scoring with some ground and pound.
Saint-Clair is trying to control the position but Kuznecov postures up.
Kuznecov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Saint-Clair's head.
Kuznecov landing some decent shots from guard.
Léo Saint-Clair is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Saint-Clair is rocked!
Saint-Clair preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Léo Saint-Clair comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Saint-Clair winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Russell Pearce scores the fight 45:50
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 46:49
Judge Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Léo Saint-Clair!
Léo Saint-Clair is the new heavyweight champion!
After winning the bout, Léo Saint-Clair thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.