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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikolai Kukuev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Thomas Hearns (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hearns has chosen Black Eyed Bruiser as his entrance music. Nikolai Kukuev has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 198 cm
30
240 lbs
19 - 11 - 0 |
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204 cm
25
275 lbs
9 - 8 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Very quick |
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BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
19 - 11 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikolai Kukuev!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
9 - 8 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Thomas Hearns!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Valeri Chadov and Ivan Kurochkin.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hearns connects with a solid leg kick.
Hearns misses with a straight right.
A telegraphed right hand from Hearns misses the target.
Hearns throws a big shot that misses.
A punch combination from Hearns misses.
Kukuev with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Hearns to score with a decent uppercut.
Hearns throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hearns stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hearns wants it to stay on the feet.
Kukuev fails to land the takedown.
Thomas Hearns seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hearns throws a hook but Kukuev blocks it.
Kukuev closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Hearns to the mat! Hearns manages to get full guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Kukuev thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Hearns wants to stand but Kukuev is controlling the position.
Kukuev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kukuev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hearns keeping full guard, as Kukuev tries to pass.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hearns wants to stand but Kukuev is controlling the position.
Kukuev stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Hearns swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kukuev stops Hearns from standing up.
Kukuev tries to free his leg and advance position but Hearns is retaining full guard.
Kukuev wants to control from the top but Hearns keeps moving.
The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Hearns throws an overhand right that lands on Kukuev's shoulder, as Kukuev tries to avoid the shot.
Hearns is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kukuev.
Kukuev fails to land the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolai Kukuev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kukuev defending well as Hearns loads up on a big left hand.
Hearns slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kukuev.
Kukuev blocks a jab.
Nice sprawl there from Hearns as Kukuev shoots in.
Hearns misses the jab.
Hearns swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A head kick misses from Hearns.
Hearns stuffs the takedown.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kukuev shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hearns as he jumps to the side.
Kukuev looks for a takedown but Hearns sprawls well.
Hearns throws a good cross that connects.
Thomas Hearns is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hearns misses with a combination
and Kukuev counters with a nice double leg into side control. Hearns won't be happy with that.
Hearns is trying to buck Kukuev off.
Hearns is not content to let Kukuev control the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kukuev tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Hearns is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Kukuev asserts his dominance and retains side control.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Hearns throws Kukuev to one side and escapes!
Hearns feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kukuev's calf.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hearns throws a chopping leg kick but Kukuev manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kukuev throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hearns's waist but Hearns gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kukuev off to one side.
Kukuev takes a kick to the side of the head.
Hearns misses with a hook.
Kukuev shoots in looking for a takedown. Hearns tries to sprawl out of it but Kukuev keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Hearns manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Hearns throws a low kick, looking for Kukuev's leg but Kukuev calmly moves out of range.
Kukuev closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Hearns quickly recovers to half guard.
Hearns is trying to stand up here but Kukuev is controlling him well.
Hearns is defending against the submission attempts here by Kukuev.
Hearns has one foot on Kukuev's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hearns clobbers Kukuev with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kukuev misses with a takedown attempt - Hearns sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Hearns throws a jab but it's blocked by Kukuev.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Thomas Hearns dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Hearns throws a right and a left that Kukuev avoids nicely.
Kukuev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Hearns connects with a body shot.
Hearns throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Hearns throws a one two combo.
Hearns looks to score with a jab to the body but Kukuev is just out of range.
Hearns wants to slow Kukuev down by chopping away at his legs.
A big right from Hearns misses.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kukuev.
Hearns looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
The fighters circling - Hearns throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Hearns connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hearns throws a head kick but Kukuev moves out of range.
Kukuev shoots in and drives through. Hearns sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikolai Kukuev. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kukuev dodges the punch combination from Hearns.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kukuev shoots in looking for a takedown but Hearns manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kukuev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Hearns misses with a hook. Kukuev ducked under it nicely.
Hearns cracks Kukuev with a right hand to the side of the head.
Kukuev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kukuev dives in and grabs Hearns's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hearns pushes down on Kukuev's head and hops out.
Hearns fails to land with a series of punches.
Hearns fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kukuev misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Hearns throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kukuev shoots in for a double leg but Hearns sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Thomas Hearns seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Hearns misses with a looping left.
Hearns looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kukuev is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hearns sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hearns throws a right hand that Kukuev ducks under and follows up with a left that Kukuev also avoids with ease.
Hearns misses with a straight right.
Hearns thumps Kukuev with a low kick.
Hearns tries to land a leg kick but Kukuev saw it coming and moves away.
Hearns with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
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!
An inside leg kick lands from Hearns.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Hearns lands with a straight right. Kukuev didn't see that one coming.
Hearns connects with a nice looking jab.
An inside leg kick lands from Hearns.
Kukuev is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hearns attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Kukuev defending well as Hearns loads up on a big left hand.
Hearns throws an overhand right that lands on Kukuev's shoulder, as Kukuev tries to avoid the shot.
Kukuev moves out of range of the strikes.
Kukuev dodges the punch combination from Hearns.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hearns throws a front kick that sends Kukuev stumbling back into the cage.
Kukuev tries to score a power double leg takedown but Hearns sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kukuev somewhat.
Hearns throws a jab but it's blocked by Kukuev.
Kukuev fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hearns avoids it really well and circles away.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Hearns 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 Kukuev has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kukuev and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Nice defenses there by Kukuev.
Hearns throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Nice straight punches there by Hearns. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Hearns.
Hearns throws a big shot that misses.
Hearns tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kukuev fails with a takedown attempt.
The fighters circle momentarily. Hearns darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hearns gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Kukuev to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Hearns wants to get back to his feet but Kukuev is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Kukuev trying to control but Hearns is working from the bottom.
Kukuev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kukuev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kukuev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kukuev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hearns wants to stand and escape but Kukuev is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Thomas Hearns showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!
Hearns looks to land a left hand but Kukuev moved out of range nicely.
Kukuev uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hearns.
Kukuev takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kukuev takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Hearns misses with the combination.
Hearns swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kukuev shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kukuev takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Hearns clobbers Kukuev with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Hearns wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Hearns misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Hearns misses with an uppercut.
Kukuev moves away from the strike by Hearns.
Hearns throws a right and a left that both miss.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Hearns fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kukuev moves out of range of the strikes.
Hearns takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Hearns throws a head kick that half lands.
Hearns misses the jab.
Kukuev shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Kukuev is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Hearns has managed to free his arm - good work.
Kukuev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hearns doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kukuev.
Hearns wants to get back to his feet.
Nikolai Kukuev overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kukuev seems to be working for a kimura but Hearns defends the submission attempt.
Hearns looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kukuev is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kukuev is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Hearns defends it well.
Hearns really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kukuev. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hearns is looking to escape.
Kukuev wants to work for an arm triangle but Hearns is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kukuev is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Hearns is just riding it out for now. Kukuev eventually gives up the hold.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hearns is defending against the submission attempts here by Kukuev.
Hearns tries to kick Kukuev off but Kukuev keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Kukuev is looking for a kimura but Hearns is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kukuev to get the leverage.
Nikolai Kukuev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kukuev is trying to work for a kimura but Hearns is defending well.
Kukuev is working for a kimura but Hearns is defending it quite comfortably.
Kukuev seems to be working for a kimura but Hearns defends the submission attempt.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hearns wants to get back to his feet.
Kukuev is looking for a kimura but Hearns is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kukuev to get the leverage.
Hearns wants to get back to his feet.
Thomas Hearns is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Hearns is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Kukuev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hearns doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kukuev.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kukuev is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Hearns doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kukuev.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kukuev prevents Hearns from standing back up.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Thomas Hearns.
I've got Hearns 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 27:30
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 27:30
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thomas Hearns!
Thomas Hearns managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, PEGASUS FIGHT WEAR ( $ 7 and Laundering 90% ), into his post fight interview.
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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
97% |
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