PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jesse Kruger (ranked 1290 p4p, 2486 weight class) and Lev Kuznetsov (ranked 163 p4p, 297 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Kruger
vs
Kuznetsov

181 cm
22
200
8 - 4 - 1

184 cm
25
194
6 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

Furnace Performance 🔥
Silverguard Outfitters 🛡

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 8 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Jesse Kruger!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lev Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Ian Loll, Trevor Gratis and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kruger tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Kuznetsov scores with a takedown into Kruger's guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kuznetsov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kruger trying to control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kruger working for a triangle but Kuznetsov defends it easily.
Kuznetsov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kuznetsov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Kuznetsov is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Kruger has improved his flexibility recently so we will have to see if he can use that to his advantage.
Kuznetsov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kruger works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov chips away with some ground and pound.

Kruger escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Kuznetsov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Kuznetsov avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Kuznetsov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kruger has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Kuznetsov can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kuznetsov works over Kruger with some ground and pound from guard.
Kuznetsov connects with a couple of short punches.

Kruger is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Kuznetsov tries to free his leg and advance position but Kruger is retaining full guard.
Kuznetsov is still trying to improve position.
Kuznetsov must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kuznetsov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Kuznetsov looking to improve position, pressing down on Kruger's thigh with his hand. Kruger seems to be working to lock up a guilotine though... is Kuznetsov paying attention? Apparently not! He's locked it up tight! Kuznetsov's face has turned purple! Will he tap? Will he! YES! He's tapped! Kruger picked his opening and made it count! Great finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Jesse Kruger!
During a confident post fight interview, Jesse Kruger thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.