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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Kuznetsov (ranked 325 p4p, 666 weight class) and Manny Tavares (ranked 40 p4p, 87 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!
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| 180 cm
28
195
14 - 7 - 1 |
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183 cm
32
185
23 - 12 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
World class boxer
Powerful |
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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 14 - 7 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Manny Tavares!
The judges for this bout are Shirou Masuda, Yukihiro Shimada and Ren Mimura.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A nice inside leg kick there by Kuznetsov. That's going to slow Tavares down.
Tavares throws a leg kick but Kuznetsov checks it.
Tavares looks to land a right hand but Kuznetsov moved out of range.
Kuznetsov moves into the clinch successfully.
Tavares misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kuznetsov breaks the clinch.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick which misses Tavares's front leg but catches the back leg as Tavares tries to avoid it.
Tavares scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kuznetsov moves into range and clinches up with Tavares.
Tavares's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tavares changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Tavares bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kuznetsov's head.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Tavares with a series of wild strikes but Tavares uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tavares jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kuznetsov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Tavares checks a leg kick nicely.
Tavares throws out a counter right but Kuznetsov avoids it with no problem.
We've been told by Kuznetsov's head coaches at St Petersburg MMA Gym that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
A jab from Tavares misses.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kuznetsov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Tavares throws out the jab.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Tavares moves away and avoids it.
Tavares misses with a looping left.
Kuznetsov tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Tavares manages to circle out of the way.
Tavares avoids the body shot from Kuznetsov.
Tavares throws a nice looking combination but Kuznetsov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kuznetsov moves into range and clinches up with Tavares.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow just above Tavares 's eye.
It looks like Manny Tavares has been cut.
Tavares misses with the head strike.
Tavares blocks an elbow strike.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Tavares blocks it.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Tavares lands an uppercut.
Tavares escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kuznetsov throws out a leg kick but Tavares moves out of range and Kuznetsov only half commits.
Tavares walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov looks to score with a jab to the body but Tavares is just out of range.
Kuznetsov with a hook.
No joy there for Kuznetsov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Tavares looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Tavares misses with a straight left.
Kuznetsov throws a series of strikes that have Tavares backpedaling.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice body kick.
Kuznetsov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov connects with a right hand. Tavares shakes it off.
Tavares moves out of range of the leg kick from Kuznetsov.
A nice side step and Tavares releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kuznetsov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tavares throws a looping overhand right but Kuznetsov ducks down to avoid it.
Tavares turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Tavares throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuznetsov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kuznetsov listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch but Tavares swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kuznetsov moves into range and connects with a jab.
Kuznetsov gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tavares breaks the clinch.
Kuznetsov takes a swing at Tavares's ribcage but misses.
Tavares buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
Tavares lands with a right hand.
Kuznetsov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kuznetsov is looking to clinch.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kuznetsov lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Tavares has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Tavares and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov defending well as Tavares loads up on a big left hand.
A little feinted left hand from Kuznetsov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch up but Tavares keeps it at a distance.
Tavares swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznetsov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Tavares slips the punch.
Kuznetsov clinches.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Kuznetsov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch on the inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Tavares escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tavares ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kuznetsov moves away.
Tavares swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznetsov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the leg kick from Tavares.
Kuznetsov throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Tavares's head.
Kuznetsov with a nice cross.
Tavares throws a lazy right hand but Kuznetsov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kuznetsov drops his hands momentarily and Tavares takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Tavares blocks a low kick nicely.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov misses with an attempted mid kick.
Tavares doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Tavares uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov with a jab.
Tavares circles away from the clinch attempt
and Tavares counters with a stiff right hand.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Alexander Kuznetsov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Manny Tavares's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Kuznetsov clinches up with Tavares and pushes him back against the cage.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Tavares escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kuznetsov darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kuznetsov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Tavares.
Tavares throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kuznetsov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch there but Tavares circles away.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kuznetsov, as that shot connected.
Tavares looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Kuznetsov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tavares.
It looked like Kuznetsov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Kuznetsov fakes the leg kick and cracks Tavares in the body.
Kuznetsov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Tavares ducked under it nicely.
Alexander Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tavares misses the shot to the body.
Tavares checks a low kick from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetsov. Tavares does a little dance to reset his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tavares fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Tavares slips under a jab.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Tavares with a series of wild strikes but Tavares uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kuznetsov connects with a body shot that sends Tavares's belly button to the back.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but Tavares moves out of range.
Tavares is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Tavares slips a straight right by Kuznetsov.
Tavares avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tavares jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but Tavares moves out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a body kick.
Nice defenses there by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A nice leg kick lands there from Tavares.
Kuznetsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tavares can do to turn this around?
Tavares moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Tavares walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kuznetsov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tavares paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kuznetsov is looking to chop away at Tavares's legs.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tavares throws a big shot that misses.
Tavares swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Tavares wants to land a leg kick but Kuznetsov is out of range.
Tavares takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov instigates a clinch.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tavares blocks it with crossed arms.
Tavares has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Kuznetsov seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Tavares can turn it around.
Tavares struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznetsov controls his hands.
Tavares escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but Tavares moves out of range.
Tavares appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Manny Tavares has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alexander Kuznetsov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kuznetsov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Kuznetsov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
enabling Tavares to counter with a crisp jab.
Jab, jab by Kuznetsov - just one landing.
Kuznetsov looks to clinch
and Tavares counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tavares throws a hook to the side of Kuznetsov's head but Kuznetsov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tavares misses with a hook
and Kuznetsov counters by clinching up.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kuznetsov lands a good knee to the midsection. Tavares won't want to take too many of those.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Tavares avoids it.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Tavares lands with a left to the head.
Kuznetsov lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Tavares.
Kuznetsov avoiding damage.
Kuznetsov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Tavares is defending well for now.
A head punch on the inside from Tavares fails to land.
With the fighters up against the cage, Kuznetsov throws an elbow but misses.
Tavares misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tavares tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee to the head.
Tavares works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Tavares lands a body shot.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kuznetsov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov missing with knees to the body.
Tavares lands with a light punch inside.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tavares working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetsov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee strike.
Kuznetsov missing with knees to the body.
Tavares avoids a wild elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee strike.
A short right from Tavares.
Tavares's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tavares cracks Kuznetsov with an open hand slap.
Tavares tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznetsov was well out of range. Poor timing from Tavares.
Tavares scores with a jab to the jaw.
Tavares pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tavares misses with a hook
and Kuznetsov counters with a solid body kick.
Tavares scores with a nice right hand.
Tavares misses with a straight right.
Kuznetsov walks into a jab.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters circling - Tavares throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kuznetsov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Manny Tavares will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Manny Tavares's cut.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!
Tavares throws an overhand right that lands on Kuznetsov's shoulder, as Kuznetsov tries to avoid the shot.
A left lands for Tavares.
Kuznetsov tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuznetsov catches Tavares with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Tavares swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A big left from Tavares misses.
Kuznetsov seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
A telegraphed right hand from Tavares misses the target.
Kuznetsov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch up but Tavares keeps it at a distance.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Kuznetsov takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Tavares swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tavares throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kuznetsov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetsov. Tavares does a little dance to reset his feet.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Tavares swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tavares tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznetsov was well out of range. Poor timing from Tavares.
Tavares throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch up but Tavares keeps it at a distance.
Kuznetsov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
Tavares swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up.
Nice shot lands for Tavares.
Tavares throws a lazy uppercut
and Kuznetsov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Tavares moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Tavares tries to keep at a distance but Kuznetsov has taken the fight into the clinch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tavares creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Tavares avoids the elbow strike from Kuznetsov, against the cage.
Tavares misses with a body punch.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee strike.
Nice body punch from Tavares - that landed with a thud.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Tavares scores with a hook to the body.
Tavares can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov blocking some punches.
Tavares lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tavares doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov working Tavares over with knees to the body.
Tavares digs a right hand into Kuznetsov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuznetsov's gas tank.
Tavares breaks from the clinch.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sloppy strikes from Tavares. Those never looked like landing.
A telegraphed right hand from Tavares misses the target.
Kuznetsov throwing a counter right hand but Tavares manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Kuznetsov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tavares.
Kuznetsov has Tavares up against the cage in a clinch.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice hook to the head.
A short left from Tavares.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tavares blocks it with crossed arms.
Tavares lands with a right to the head.
Tavares lands on the inside with an uppercut.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tavares blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Tavares avoids it.
Tavares lands a hook that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
Tavares cracks Kuznetsov with a nice body shot.
A short right from Tavares on the inside.
Tavares lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Tavares presses Kuznetsov against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Tavares lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Tavares.
Tavares lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Tavares lands a nice uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Tavares scores with a nice short uppercut.
Tavares lands with a left to the head.
Kuznetsov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Tavares.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch there but Tavares circles away.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tavares lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tavares misses with a low kick.
Tavares throws an off balance right hand
and Kuznetsov counters with a stiff right hand.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tavares manages to avoid it.
Tavares connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kuznetsov's hands.
Kuznetsov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tavares.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a jab to the body but Tavares is just out of range.
Kuznetsov with a jab.
Tavares misses with a hook. Kuznetsov ducked under it nicely.
A swing and a miss from Tavares.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Tavares blocks a leg kick.
Tavares staying out of range there.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tavares with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kuznetsov to score with a decent uppercut.
And that's the end of the fight!
Manny Tavares comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Tavares has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Shirou Masuda scores the fight 29:29
Judge Yukihiro Shimada scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 28:29
The fight is ruled a draw!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
82% |
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