PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Drago Maximov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kingsley Ciprut (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Maximov
vs
Ciprut

182 cm
31
211 lbs
15 - 10 - 0

186 cm
40
215 lbs
25 - 26 - 2

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Bos Energy MMA159.4

KAISER Nutrition - Q160/$250

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Drago Maximov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 26 - 2, fighting out of New York, Kingsley Ciprut!
The judges for this bout are William Peck, Gregory Folan and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Maximov moves into the clinch.
Ciprut manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Ciprut tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ciprut tries to stall but Maximov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Ciprut blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ciprut just leaning against Maximov, taking a breather.
Maximov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ciprut comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

It looks like Drago Maximov has been cut.
Ciprut looking to stall.
Ciprut looking to throw knees to the head but Maximov is blocking nicely.
Ciprut lands a body shot.
Ciprut creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maximov struggles to land a body shot inside as Ciprut controls his hands.
Maximov lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A right hand to the body from Maximov.
Maximov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ciprut's elbow.
Ciprut lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Maximov misses with some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ciprut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maximov takes an elbow to the forehead.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Ciprut just misses with a elbow thrown towards Maximov's brow.
Ciprut lands with a short shot to the head.
Maximov lands a nice shot to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ciprut.
Maximov tries a body shot but Ciprut blocks it.
Ciprut just leaning against Maximov, taking a breather.
A right hand to the body from Maximov.
Ciprut creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
A head punch on the inside from Maximov fails to land.
Maximov struggles to land a body shot inside as Ciprut controls his hands.
Maximov avoids a wild elbow strike from Ciprut.
Ciprut blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Maximov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Ciprut creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Maximov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ciprut stalling against the cage.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Ciprut controls the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ciprut prevents a body shot from Maximov.
Ciprut has a couple of punches blocked by Maximov.
A short body shot lands from Maximov as the two fighters clinch.
Maximov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Maximov has a couple of punches blocked by Ciprut.
Ciprut blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Maximov tries to work over Ciprut's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
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!
Ciprut lands an elbow inside that Maximov shrugs off.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Ciprut just misses with a elbow thrown towards Maximov's brow.
Maximov tries to throw a body punch but Ciprut avoids it by throwing Maximov back against the cage.
A short uppercut from Maximov.
Ciprut effectively controlling the action here.
Maximov misses with a punch to the body.
Ciprut misses with the head strike.
Ciprut lands with a short shot to the head.
Ciprut throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ciprut lands with a light punch inside.
Ciprut throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciprut lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Maximov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ciprut gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Maximov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Maximov tries to throw a body punch but Ciprut avoids it by throwing Maximov back against the cage.
Ciprut throws an elbow but it misses.
Maximov throws a punch but it's blocked by Ciprut.
Knees to the body from Ciprut.
Ciprut misses with a knee to the head.
Ciprut lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
With the fighters up against the cage, Ciprut throws an elbow but misses.
Ciprut lands an elbow inside.
Ciprut on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Ciprut lands an elbow that stopped Maximov in his tracks for a moment.
Maximov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Good body shot from Ciprut.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Maximov lands with a light punch inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ciprut lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ciprut trying to stall but Maximov improves his position.
A short left from Ciprut.
Ciprut working aggressively here.
Maximov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Maximov misses with some punches.
Maximov lands with a left to the head.
Maximov trying to land knees to the body.
Ciprut lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Maximov backwards.
Ciprut blocking some punches.
Ciprut lands with a right to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Maximov fails to land.
Maximov throws a knee to the head but misses.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ciprut.
Ciprut manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Maximov swings wildly with an uppercut but Ciprut uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kingsley Ciprut dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Drago Maximov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Maximov lands a jab.

Maximov moves into the clinch.
Ciprut has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Ciprut controls the action.
Nice body punch from Maximov.
Maximov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ciprut fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ciprut blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Maximov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maximov.
Maximov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Maximov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Ciprut connects with a nasty looking knee right to Maximov's face.
Maximov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Ciprut blocks an uppercut.
Maximov is trying to maintain a safe position but Ciprut gets an underhook and turns Maximov into the cage.
Maximov misses with a hook to the ribs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maximov.
Ciprut tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Ciprut.
Ciprut throws a punch but it's blocked by Maximov.
Maximov lands a nice uppercut.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Ciprut.
Maximov lands a nice shot to the body.
With the fighters up against the cage, Ciprut throws an elbow but misses.
Maximov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Maximov's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Ciprut takes a shot to the head.
Ciprut lands an elbow inside that Maximov shrugs off.
A body shot lands from Ciprut.
Ciprut working aggressively here.
Ciprut prevents a body shot from Maximov.
Ciprut blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A bit of stalling here from Maximov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maximov throws a head punch that misses.
Ciprut lands an elbow inside that Maximov shrugs off.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ciprut blocking some punches.
A nice left hand lands by Maximov.
Ciprut lands a hook that snaps the head of Maximov backwards.
Maximov blocks the elbow strike.
Maximov can't find room to land a body shot as Ciprut controls the action.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ciprut.
Ciprut tries to land knees in the clinch but Maximov avoids the damage to the body.
Kingsley Ciprut seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Maximov working aggressively here.
Ciprut misses with a knee to the head.
Ciprut throws an elbow but it misses.
Ciprut lands a knee to the body.
Maximov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Maximov throws a punch but it's blocked by Ciprut.
Ciprut lands an elbow inside that Maximov shrugs off.
A head punch on the inside from Maximov fails to land.
Maximov misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maximov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Maximov misses with the head strike.
Maximov misses with some punches.
Maximov tries to stall but Ciprut uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Ciprut lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Maximov working aggressively here.
Ciprut lands an elbow inside that Maximov shrugs off.
Maximov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Maximov swings wildly with an uppercut but Ciprut uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ciprut looking to stall.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Ciprut just misses with a elbow thrown towards Maximov's brow.
Ciprut lands a damaging elbow.
A body shot lands from Maximov.
Ciprut throws a head punch that misses.
Maximov scores with a shoulder strike.
Ciprut swings wildly with an uppercut but Maximov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Maximov misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ciprut pushes off an throws an elbow but Maximov leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Ciprut tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Maximov's elbow.
Ciprut lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Maximov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ciprut blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ciprut's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Nice elbow from Maximov.
Ciprut misses with a hook from the clinch.
Maximov tries a body shot but Ciprut blocks it.
Maximov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice body punch from Maximov.
Maximov works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Maximov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Ciprut or not.
Maximov takes an elbow to the temple.
A shot in the inside from Maximov.
Maximov blocks the elbow strike.
Maximov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Drago Maximov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Drago Maximov's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Maximov drives through and clinches with Ciprut against the cage.
Maximov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Ciprut is defending well for now.
Maximov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Ciprut lands an elbow inside that Maximov shrugs off.
Ciprut comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Ciprut blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Maximov - that landed with a thud.
Ciprut working aggressively here.
Maximov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Maximov.
Ciprut effectively controlling the action here.
Ciprut avoiding damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maximov lands a right hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maximov.
Ciprut misses with an elbow over the top.
Ciprut tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Maximov avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Ciprut.
Ciprut misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ciprut softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Maximov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Maximov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Ciprut avoiding damage as Maximov throws knees to the body.
Ciprut stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Maximov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Maximov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ciprut's elbow.
Ciprut fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Maximov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Maximov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Maximov swings wildly with an uppercut but Ciprut uses good head movement to avoid it.
Maximov blocking some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ciprut blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Maximov struggles to land a body shot inside as Ciprut controls his hands.
Ciprut looking to slow down the pace here.
Ciprut lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Maximov backwards.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maximov.
Maximov tries a body shot but Ciprut blocks it.
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!
Ciprut throws a head punch that misses.
Ciprut misses with an elbow strike.
Maximov works on Ciprut's body with a couple of short punches.
Ciprut is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Maximov swings wildly with an uppercut but Ciprut uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ciprut blocking some punches.
Maximov has a couple of punches blocked by Ciprut.
Maximov throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ciprut lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ciprut.
Ciprut manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Ciprut is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Ciprut pushes Maximov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ciprut tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Maximov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Ciprut is keeping busy.
Maximov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Maximov blocks an elbow strike.
Ciprut tries to land a knee to the head but Maximov blocks with his arms.
Ciprut is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Maximov is defending well for now.
Ciprut lands a damaging elbow.
A right handed body shot lands from Ciprut.
Ciprut lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ciprut.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Ciprut.
Maximov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Ciprut avoids it.
Ciprut misses with a knee to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Maximov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Maximov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ciprut pushes off an throws an elbow but Maximov leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Maximov misses with some punches.
Ciprut is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Maximov presses Ciprut against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Maximov misses with a body punch.
A head punch on the inside from Ciprut fails to land.
Maximov working aggressively here.
Maximov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ciprut lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ciprut makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kingsley Ciprut.
I think Ciprut 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 William Peck scores the fight 28:29
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 28:30
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kingsley Ciprut!
Kingsley Ciprut seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.