PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Mike Downunder (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yuri Kuznecov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kuznecov has chosen Небо Славян as his entrance music. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Downunder
vs
Kuznecov

175 cm
24
176 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

177 cm
18
134 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Inexperienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mike Downunder!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Yuri Kuznecov!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Roosa Järviläinen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Downunder defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kuznecov.
Downunder ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Downunder feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kuznecovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

Downunder drives through and clinches with Kuznecov against the cage.
Downunder tries to work over Kuznecov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kuznecov trying to control the position but instead, Downunder has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kuznecov into the cage.

Kuznecov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Downunder uses from the top position.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Kuznecov is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kuznecov is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Kuznecov throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Downunder working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Downunder loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Kuznecov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Downunder.
Kuznecov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Downunder throws an elbow that misses. Kuznecov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Downunder's guard. Nice move by Kuznecov!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznecov showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Downunder looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Downunder knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kuznecov on the ground.
Kuznecov trying to control but Downunder is working from the bottom.

Kuznecov drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kuznecov jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Kuznecov trying to control but Downunder is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downunder working a defensive guard here.
Downunder wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kuznecov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Downunder keeping moving, preventing Kuznecov from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Yuri Kuznecov.
Downunder scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Downunder tries to clinch there but Kuznecov circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov misses with a takedown attempt - Downunder sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Kuznecov moves into range and clinches up with Downunder.
Kuznecov is looking to take this one to the mat.
Mike Downunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuri Kuznecov.
Kuznecov letting Downunder take a breather here.
Still in the clinch, Downunder scores with a nice short uppercut.
Downunder lands an uppercut.
Downunder stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Downunder pushes Kuznecov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short body shot lands from Downunder as the two fighters clinch.
Downunder is pushing Kuznecov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Downunder misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Downunder lands a nice uppercut.
A short left from Downunder.
A frustrated look appears on Kuznecov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kuznecov has Downunder pressed against the cage, preventing Downunder from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Downunder scores with a shoulder strike.
Kuznecov trying to control the position but instead, Downunder has worked for underhooks and has pushed Kuznecov into the cage.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Downunder scores with a shoulder strike.
Downunder leaning against his opponent.
Downunder lands with a light punch inside.
Downunder has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Downunder misses with an elbow strike.
Downunder prevents Kuznecov from breaking the clinch.
Downunder lands a body shot in the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Downunder lands a shoulder strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Downunder dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kuznecov takes a shot to the body in his stride.

Downunder closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kuznecov tries a knee to the head but Downunder blocks it.
Kuznecov takes a shot to the head.
Downunder tries to work over Kuznecov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Downunder is trying to break the clinch but Kuznecov is controlling him.
Downunder lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Downunder is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Downunder swings wildly with an uppercut but Kuznecov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Downunder has had enough of the clinch but Kuznecov keeps him there for the moment.
Kuznecov wants to stall.
Downunder lands with a short shot to the head.
A frustrated look appears on Kuznecov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Downunder swings away with an uppercut that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznecov has Downunder pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Downunder manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Downunder struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznecov controls his hands.
Downunder stalls.
Downunder working hard to break the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Downunder.
Downunder lands a right hand.
Downunder is trying to push Kuznecov away but Kuznecov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Downunder holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kuznecov avoids a wild elbow strike from Downunder.
Kuznecov prevents a body shot from Downunder.
Downunder works on Kuznecov's body with a couple of short punches.
Kuznecov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Kuznecov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downunder looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Downunder gets underhooks to prevent Kuznecov's takedown attempt.
Mike Downunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuri Kuznecov.
Kuznecov tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Downunder smiles and moves away.

Downunder rushes Kuznecov and presses him up against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Downunder.
Downunder lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Kuznecov avoiding damage as Downunder throws knees to the body.
Downunder tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznecov's elbow.
Kuznecov tries to break the clinch but Downunder is controlling the position.
Downunder lands a hook that snaps the head of Kuznecov backwards.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Downunder takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznecov wants to break free but Downunder has control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznecov wants to break the clinch but can't.

Kuznecov jumps guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Downunder postures up in Kuznecov's guard and throws a big left but Kuznecov blocks it.
Downunder has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Kuznecov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Downunder throwing strikes from guard but Kuznecov blocks nicely.
Downunder throwing strikes but missing.
Kuznecov controls Downunder momentarily but Downunder frees himself.
Downunder throws a strike but Kuznecov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Downunder tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Downunder is working hard here to advance position.
Kuznecov passes Downunder's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Downunder wants to get back to full guard but Kuznecov has passed into side control.
Kuznecov working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Downunder tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kuznecov wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mike Downunder dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Kuznecov tries to keep at a distance but Downunder has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kuznecov prevents a body shot from Downunder.
Downunder looking to throw knees to the head but Kuznecov is blocking nicely.
A nice right hand lands inside from Downunder.
Kuznecov is looking to take this one to the mat.
Mike Downunder has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kuznecov tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Downunder just stands there and leans against the cage.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Kuznecov fails to pull guard.
Mike Downunder has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Yuri Kuznecov.
Downunder is pressed up against the cage. Kuznecov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Downunder down to the mat. Downunder avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Downunder forces Kuznecov back against the cage and clinches.

Downunder manages to break the clinch.

Downunder moves into the clinch successfully.
Kuznecov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Downunder avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Downunder pushes Kuznecov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Downunder lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Downunder misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kuznecov.
Downunder misses with a hook to the ribs.
Downunder scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Downunder lands a body shot.
Downunder pushes Kuznecov back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Downunder tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznecov's elbow.
Kuznecov tries to break free but Downunder pushes him back against the cage.
Kuznecov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Downunder's efforts to push away.
Downunder is leaning against Kuznecov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Kuznecov wants a takedown.
Kuznecov is trying to push Downunder away but Downunder has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
A short right from Downunder.
Downunder gets through Kuznecov's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Downunder softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Downunder lands an uppercut.
Downunder cracks Kuznecov with a nice body shot.
Downunder struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznecov controls his hands.
Downunder keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Kuznecov's efforts to push away.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Downunder.
Downunder lands with a left to the head.
Kuznecov prevents a body shot from Downunder.
Downunder holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kuznecov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Downunder is trying to push Kuznecov away but Kuznecov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kuznecov tries to pull guard but Downunder forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Downunder creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Downunder effectively controlling the action here.
Downunder tries a knee to the head but Kuznecov blocks it.
Downunder keeps control of Kuznecov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Nice body punch from Downunder.
Kuznecov swings wildly with an uppercut but Downunder uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Downunder.

Kuznecov has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Downunder uses from the top position.
Downunder in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Downunder trying to control but Kuznecov is working from the bottom.
Downunder trying to stand up but can't free himself from Kuznecov's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kuznecov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Downunder can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kuznecov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Downunder with a flurry of punches that miss.
Downunder trying to control but Kuznecov is working from the bottom.
Downunder throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Downunder is looking to work some ground and pound but Kuznecov has wrist control.
Downunder throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Kuznecov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Downunder throws a big elbow that misses.
Downunder throws an elbow that misses. Kuznecov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Downunder's guard. Nice move by Kuznecov!
Yuri Kuznecov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Downunder is trying to control the position from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mike Downunder showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Downunder 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight for Mike Downunder!
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight for Mike Downunder!
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Mike Downunder!

Mike Downunder wins by unanimous decision!