PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Andrey Kuznetcov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and AJ Wilder (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Wilder has chosen Talkin' Da Hardest as his entrance music. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that AJ Wilder was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Kuznetcov
vs
Wilder

190 cm
22
279 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

190 cm
22
234 lbs
9 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Urban Fighter
Alpha-Male Nutritional Supplements Q160/$185

Urban Fighter
Aspire Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Andrey Kuznetcov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, AJ Wilder!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Yuuki Gou and Shigeki Fujiwara.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuznetcov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Wilder waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kuznetcov.
Kuznetcov feinted with a counter takedown.
Wilder looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetcov is just out of range.
Kuznetcov scores with a one two! Wilder had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
A jab from Kuznetcov misses.
Wilder swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kuznetcov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Wilder counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetcov. Wilder does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kuznetcov has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Russian Bears Elite Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Kuznetcov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Wilder momentarily.
Kuznetcov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Wilder only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Wilder throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuznetcov.

Wilder gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Kuznetcov to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Wilder wants to get back to his feet but Kuznetcov passes into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Wilder is staying active underneath Kuznetcov, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetcov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Wilder is trying to stand back up but Kuznetcov is controlling him
Wilder keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kuznetcov takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Kuznetcov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wilder avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kuznetcov.
Kuznetcov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kuznetcov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Wilder keeps working.
Wilder is trying to maintain the position but Kuznetcov is very close to passing his half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Kuznetcov thows a huge punch but Wilder dodges it nicely.
Kuznetcov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Wilder does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Kuznetcov trying to control the pace.
Kuznetcov throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kuznetcov is keen to just control but Wilder is a slippery customer.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Kuznetcov throws a right hand that misses
and Wilder counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A swing and a miss from Wilder.
Kuznetcov on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A jab from Kuznetcov does it's job there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilder fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetcov manages to avoid it.
Wilder will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Kuznetcov tries to counter with a takedown but Wilder is quick to defend against it.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Kuznetcov.
Wilder looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetcov is just out of range.
A telegraphed right hand from Wilder misses the target.
Kuznetcov misses with a wild combination.
Kuznetcov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetcov tests Wilder's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Wilder misses with a hook

and Kuznetcov counters with a shoot takedown. Wilder fights it but they end up in guard.
Kuznetcov prevents Wilder from getting back to his feet.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Kuznetcov lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kuznetcov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kuznetcov accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kuznetcov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Wilder works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kuznetcov throwing strikes but missing.
Wilder keeping moving, preventing Kuznetcov from controlling successfully.
Kuznetcov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kuznetcov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetcov trying to control the position from guard on top but Wilder is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Kuznetcov dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kuznetcov shoots and misses
and Wilder counters with a left to the body.
Kuznetcov moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Wilder just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetcov lands with an overhand left.
Kuznetcov misses with a double jab.
Wilder throws a big counter head kick but Kuznetcov avoids it with no problem.

Kuznetcov has managed to clinch.
Wilder tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Wilder's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wilder takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kuznetcov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Wilder paws at him with a jab and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wilder scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Wilder jabs Kuznetcov right on the nose. Kuznetcov blinks but takes it well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetcov looks to throw the jab but Wilder is out of range.
Wilder uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetcov.
Wilder was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Wilder throws a leg kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilder misses with a wild combination.
Kuznetcov shoots in looking for a takedown. Wilder tries to sprawl out of it but Kuznetcov keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Wilder manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Wilder throws a lazy head kick
and Kuznetcov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kuznetcov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Wilder throws out the jab.
Kuznetcov changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Kuznetcov lands a glancing blow to the side of Wilder's head.
Wilder throws a predictable looking body shot
and Kuznetcov counters with a nice uppercut.
Wilder uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kuznetcov.
Wilder only half commits to the counter leg kick.

Kuznetcov looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Wilder!
Wilder takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A lull in the action here as Kuznetcov stalls from top position.
Wilder is trying to get back to half guard.
Kuznetcov in side control lands a decent elbow.
Kuznetcov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Wilder can do to turn this around?
Kuznetcov in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Kuznetcov is working Wilder over with some ground and pound from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The ground and pound from Kuznetcov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Kuznetcov landing a few strikes.
Kuznetcov prevents Wilder from escaping the position.
Wilder struggling a bit here.
Kuznetcov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Wilder is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Kuznetcov working the head and body with strikes.
Kuznetcov trying to control the action but Wilder is working from the bottom.
Kuznetcov creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Wilder sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilder tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kuznetcov throwing strikes but Wilder manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Wilder is looking to take a break and control but Kuznetcov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kuznetcov is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kuznetcov is working hard here to advance position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Kuznetcov dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Wilder pivots, looking for a leg kick but Kuznetcov is out of range and Wilder settles back down.
Andrey Kuznetcov is winning the standup battle so far.
Wilder scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Wilder throws a leg kick
and Kuznetcov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

Kuznetcov gets a takedown into half guard.
Kuznetcov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Wilder does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Wilder trying to control from the bottom.
Kuznetcov lands with a punch from half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetcov throwing shots but Wilder is blocking nicely.
Andrey Kuznetcov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kuznetcov trying to control the action but Wilder is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetcov sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Wilder defending well though.
Kuznetcov scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Kuznetcov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kuznetcov thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Wilder's head.
Wilder is looking for a sweep. Kuznetcov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kuznetcov perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Kuznetcov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Wilder is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kuznetcov scores with a couple of nice shots.
Kuznetcov wants to take a breather but Wilder is having none of it.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetcov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kuznetcov misses with a head shot. Wilder uses the momentum to regain guard.
Kuznetcov throws a big elbow that misses.
Kuznetcov trying to control the position from guard on top but Wilder is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Wilder lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kuznetcov circles away quickly and effectively.

Kuznetcov drives through with a takedown into Wilder's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Kuznetcov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Wilder can't keep his opponent in guard - Kuznetcov advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Wilder is refusing to be controlled, as Kuznetcov sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetcov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kuznetcov missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kuznetcov missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Wilder keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kuznetcov not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kuznetcov stops Wilder from getting back to his feet.
Kuznetcov thows a huge punch but Wilder dodges it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Wilder has hold of Kuznetcov's hands but Kuznetcov slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Wilder is trying to control but Kuznetcov manages to pass to mount!
Kuznetcov looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Poor strikes thrown by Kuznetcov there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Kuznetcov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Kuznetcov looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Wilder can't escape the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kuznetcov unloading with bombs!
Wilder takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kuznetcov with shots to the head and body - Wilder looks very uncomfortable down there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Kuznetcov clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kuznetcov throws a good cross that connects.
Kuznetcov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetcov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetcov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Wilder looks to throw a body kick

and Kuznetcov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kuznetcov looking to sit in guard and control but Wilder gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Kuznetcov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kuznetcov has Wilder pulled in close to control his posture.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetcov wants to sweep but no luck.
Wilder trying to control but Kuznetcov is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilder being controlled here momentarily.
Wilder trying to control but Kuznetcov is working from the bottom.
Kuznetcov pulls Wilder in close to prevent any damage.
Kuznetcov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kuznetcov is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Kuznetcov clobbers Wilder with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Nice cross by Kuznetcov.
Wilder takes one on the button.
Kuznetcov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Wilder cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Wilder getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kuznetcov jabs at Wilder's body.
Kuznetcov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Wilder.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wilder punishes Kuznetcov's body with a nice straight punch.
Sloppy strikes from Wilder. Those never looked like landing.
Kuznetcov tries to counter with a takedown but Wilder is quick to defend against it.
Kuznetcov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kuznetcov lands with a nice body punch.
Kuznetcov scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kuznetcov thuds a left hand into Wilder's body.
Wilder is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Wilder throws a leg kick which misses Kuznetcov's front leg but catches the back leg as Kuznetcov tries to avoid it.
AJ Wilder is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznetcov cracks Wilder with a right hand to the side of the head.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kuznetcov, as that shot connected.
Wilder ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetcov.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kuznetcov is defended easily by Wilder.
Wilder now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wilder misses with an uppercut
and Kuznetcov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetcov fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Wilder looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Wilder throws a body punch but Kuznetcov moves out of range.
Kuznetcov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kuznetcov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kuznetcov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Wilder prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andrey Kuznetcov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuznetcov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Wilder or not.
Wilder prevents the takedown attempt.
Kuznetcov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Wilder taking a breather.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Kuznetcov had his way with AJ Wilder in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Wilder pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Wilder throws a sloppy head kick

and Kuznetcov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Wilder won't be happy with that.

Wilder bucks up and manages to escape back to his feet!

Kuznetcov closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Wilder tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetcov avoids the attempt from Wilder to control.
Wilder is trying to stand.
Kuznetcov with good strikes from the mount here!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wilder is squirming around, avoiding Kuznetcov's attempts to control the action.
Kuznetcov controlling from mount.
Kuznetcov tries to control but Wilder wriggling away.
Kuznetcov controlling from the full mount.
Kuznetcov lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Wilder hang on?
Kuznetcov controlling the pace for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetcov landing strikes from the mount and Wilder is in trouble!
Kuznetcov scores with a couple of good head shots there.

Wilder is rocked!

It looks like AJ Wilder has been cut.
Wilder wants to use the ropes to get back to his feet here.
Wilder is still in real trouble! Can Kuznetcov finish him?
Kuznetcov trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kuznetcov landing punches.
Kuznetcov looking to finish here with some ground and pound. He lands one big shot that has Wilder covering up... and two more big strikes land, forcing the referee to step in and put and end to proceedings! This fight is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:56 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Andrey Kuznetcov!
Andrey Kuznetcov retains his heavyweight title!
A relieved looking Andrey Kuznetcov thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.