PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Katurian Tupolski (ranked 767 p4p, 106 weight class) and Alexandr Kuznetsov (ranked 745 p4p, 100 weight class). Tupolski comes into the arena with Mobb Deep - Shook Ones part II blaring out of the sound system. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Tupolski
vs
Kuznetsov

175 cm
40
182 lbs
33 - 16 - 3

182 cm
36
170 lbs
26 - 21 - 4

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Hellraiser FightGear
KOMBAT KLOTHING

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 33 - 16 - 3, fighting out of Montreal, Katurian Tupolski!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 21 - 4, fighting out of Montreal, Alexandr Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Elvis Blanc, William Peck and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kuznetsov instigates a clinch.
Kuznetsov is trying to maintain a safe position but Tupolski gets an underhook and turns Kuznetsov into the cage.

Tupolski manages to break the clinch.
Tupolski swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tupolski keeps the fight on the outside.
Tupolski throws a nice inside leg kick.

Kuznetsov has managed to clinch.
Kuznetsov lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Tupolski fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tupolski on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Tupolski makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Tupolski on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Tupolski blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov takes an elbow to the temple.

It looks like Alexandr Kuznetsov has been cut.
A nice left hand lands by Tupolski.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tupolski throws a head punch that misses.
Tupolski throws a head punch that misses.
Tupolski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tupolski throws a front kick aimed at Kuznetsov's knee but Kuznetsov avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Kuznetsov throws a nice outside leg kick.

Kuznetsov forces Tupolski back against the cage and clinches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov tries to land knees in the clinch but Tupolski avoids the damage to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Tupolski throws a head punch that misses.
Kuznetsov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Tupolski can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
A right handed body shot lands from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Tupolski blocks with his arms.
Tupolski misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
A head punch on the inside from Tupolski fails to land.

Tupolski manages to break the clinch.
Tupolski looks for the body kick but Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Tupolski pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kuznetsov stuns Tupolski with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov missing with a left hand there. Tupolski was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Tupolski takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Tupolski thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Kuznetsov if he has to take too many more of those.
Kuznetsov lands the left hand.
Tupolski fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kuznetsov has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Tupolski throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tupolski lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Kuznetsov thumps Tupolski with a low kick.
Nice defenses there by Tupolski.
A little feinted left hand from Tupolski on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy head kick and Tupolski moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab.
Tupolski on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov obviously looking to wear him down.
Kuznetsov stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Tupolski.
Tupolski thows a body kick. Kuznetsov tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Tupolski is looking to land body kicks.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Tupolski moves out of range.
Kuznetsov moves out of range as Tupolski strikes.
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy head kick and Tupolski moves out of range easily.
Tupolski throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuznetsov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Tupolski with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a low kick, looking for Kuznetsov's leg but Kuznetsov calmly moves out of range.
Kuznetsov is looking to land body kicks.
Tupolski feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Tupolski misses the jab.
Tupolski thows a left - swing and a miss!
Tupolski misses the shot to the body.
Tupolski throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Tupolski looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Tupolski throws a half hearted mid kick.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Tupolski misses with a shot to the body
and Kuznetsov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Tupolski counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kuznetsov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Tupolski moves out of range.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Tupolski stuns Kuznetsov with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping right.
Katurian Tupolski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Tupolski swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tupolski. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Tupolski is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Kuznetsov's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
Kuznetsov moves away from the strike by Tupolski.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tupolski paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Tupolski moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov throws a big shot that misses.
Kuznetsov blocks a low kick nicely.
Tupolski misses with a hook. Kuznetsov ducked under it nicely.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Tupolski avoids the punch easily.
Kuznetsov blocks the body kick.
Good standup being displayed there by Tupolski as he connects with a hook.
Kuznetsov moves out of range as Tupolski throws a body kick.
Kuznetsov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Nice body kick there by Tupolski.
Kuznetsov has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Tupolski.
Kuznetsov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kuznetsov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tupolski throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov slips a jab from Tupolski.
Tupolski rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kuznetsov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
An inside leg kick from Tupolski misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katurian Tupolski dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Alexandr Kuznetsov'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.

Kuznetsov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A quick step to the side and Tupolski tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tupolski connects with a looping right hand.
Tupolski misses with an attempted mid kick.
Kuznetsov checks the leg kick.
Tupolski is looking to score with low kicks.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch.
Tupolski misses with a hook
and Kuznetsov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a series of punches.
Tupolski swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Tupolski misses the shot to the body.
Tupolski uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Tupolski has closed the distance and engaged Kuznetsov in a clinch.
Kuznetsov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Tupolski is defending well for now.
Kuznetsov digs a right hand into Tupolski's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Tupolski's gas tank.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov misses with a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski dodges an elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
Tupolski tries a knee to the head but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Tupolski misses with a hook to the ribs.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Kuznetsov as Tupolski tries to tie him up.
Tupolski throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kuznetsovs head.
Tupolski throws a punch but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
Tupolski trying to land knees to the body.
Tupolski stalls.
Tupolski misses with a knee to the head.
Tupolski struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznetsov controls his hands.
Kuznetsov looking to slow down the pace here.
Kuznetsov landing knees to the head.
Tupolski doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov slows down the pace here.
A right handed body shot lands from Kuznetsov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kuznetsov gets through Tupolski's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov misses with an elbow over the top.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tupolski blocks it with crossed arms.
Kuznetsov tries to land knees in the clinch but Tupolski avoids the damage to the body.
Kuznetsov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tupolski misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov takes a shot to the head.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Tupolski obliges.
Tupolski lands a knee to the body.
Katurian Tupolski has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Tupolski blocks with his arms.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Kuznetsov.
Tupolski throws an elbow but it misses.
A head punch on the inside from Kuznetsov fails to land.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Tupolski blocks it.
Kuznetsov landing knees to the head.
Tupolski tries to stall but Kuznetsov uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kuznetsov connects with a nasty looking knee right to Tupolski's face.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kuznetsov utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.

Kuznetsov manages to break the clinch.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznetsov blocks the body kick.
Tupolski takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
A nice leg kick lands there from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot.
Katurian Tupolski is winning the standup battle so far.
Tupolski misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Tupolski on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov obviously looking to wear him down.
Tupolski throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kuznetsov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tupolski lands a body shot.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Tupolski manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
Tupolski tries to land a front kick but Kuznetsov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Tupolski looks for the body kick but Kuznetsov saw that one coming.
Kuznetsov swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov misses with the combination.
Tupolski connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch.
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tupolski moves away.
Kuznetsov has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kuznetsov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Tupolski misses with a straight left.
Kuznetsov swinging wildly here.
Tupolski half committed to a counter leg kick.
Tupolski throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tupolski throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Tupolski swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Alexandr Kuznetsov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Alexandr Kuznetsov's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

A leg kick checked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Tupolski throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tupolski moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Tupolski chopping away at his opponent's legs.
An inside leg kick lands from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
Nice uppercut there from Tupolski.
Tupolski swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Kuznetsov uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Tupolski throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov misses with a body kick.
Kuznetsov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Tupolski was well out of range.
Tupolski swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Tupolski connects with a nice looking jab.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Tupolski moved out of range nicely.
Kuznetsov lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
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!
A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetsov. Tupolski does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Tupolski blocks it.
Kuznetsov's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kuznetsov throws an overhand right that lands on Tupolski's shoulder, as Tupolski tries to avoid the shot.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
A thudding body kick lands there by Tupolski!
Kuznetsov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tupolski sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov thuds a left hand into Tupolski's body.
Kuznetsov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Kuznetsov tests Tupolski's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tupolski throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Tupolski throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Nice straight punches there by Tupolski. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tupolski.
Kuznetsov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

Tupolski closes the distance and pushes Kuznetsov back into the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetsov pushes off an throws an elbow but Tupolski leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Tupolski looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kuznetsov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tupolski's defenses.
Tupolski using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kuznetsov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kuznetsov.
Tupolski fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kuznetsov managing to block the knees to the body from Tupolski.
A nice left hand lands by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Tupolski wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Kuznetsov.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kuznetsov stalling against the cage.
Kuznetsov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov landing knees to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski takes a shot to the head.
Tupolski throws an elbow but it's blocked.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kuznetsov takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
A right hand to the body from Tupolski.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kuznetsov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Tupolski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
Tupolski scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tupolski blocks the elbow strike.
Knees to the body from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov pushes off an throws an elbow but Tupolski leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Tupolski is blocking nicely.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kuznetsov is looking to clinch.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Tupolski moves out of range.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov takes a jab right on the kisser.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A clash of legs there as Kuznetsov blocks the low kick.
Kuznetsov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tupolski swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kuznetsov.
Tupolski is looking to score with low kicks.
A thudding body kick lands there by Tupolski!
Tupolski tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuznetsov lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tupolski.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
Tupolski swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov blocks the body kick.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Katurian Tupolski did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Alexandr Kuznetsov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov avoids a kick to the body.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tupolski throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kuznetsov scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Tupolski moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Tupolski moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Kuznetsov is looking to chop away at Tupolski's legs.
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy head kick and Tupolski moves out of range easily.
Tupolski fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Tupolski scores with a hook.
Tupolski throws a half hearted mid kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Tupolski showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Tupolski moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Tupolski moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov swings away with a leg kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Tupolski ducked under it nicely.
Tupolski ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Tupolski is looking to slow Kuznetsov down with leg kicks.
Kuznetsov lands a head shot.
Kuznetsov throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Tupolski.
Tupolski moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Tupolski misses with a series of wild punches.
Kuznetsov throws a counter combo.
Tupolski misses the shot to the body.
Tupolski looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tupolski takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Tupolski lands with a nice body kick.
A slow jab from Tupolski misses its intended target.
Tupolski scores with a shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov throws a jab but it's blocked by Tupolski.
Tupolski misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch there but Tupolski circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Tupolski backs up against the cage.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Tupolski with a nice cross.
Tupolski wants to slow Kuznetsov down by chopping away at his legs.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up.
Tupolski comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kuznetsov connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kuznetsov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Tupolski jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Tupolski is looking to land body kicks.
Kuznetsov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tupolski throws a push kick but Kuznetsov slaps the foot to one side.
Tupolski uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetsov.
A slapping leg kick lands for Tupolski.

Kuznetsov clinches with his opponent.
Tupolski lands with a short head shot on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Kuznetsov throws an elbow but misses.
Kuznetsov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Tupolski stalling in the clinch but Kuznetsov improves position.
Tupolski landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Tupolski is trying to maintain a safe position but Kuznetsov gets an underhook and turns Tupolski into the cage.
Tupolski takes an elbow to the temple.
Tupolski's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Tupolski lands a nice elbow.
Tupolski tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kuznetsov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Tupolski on the side of the head.
Kuznetsov cracks the inside of Tupolski's front leg.
Tupolski looks to land a body kick but Kuznetsov moved away.
Tupolski lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kuznetsov's sensitive parts.

Kuznetsov closes the distance and pushes Tupolski back into the cage.
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!
The referee is keeping an eye on Tupolski - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Kuznetsov works on Tupolski's body with a couple of short punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov'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.
Kuznetsov utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Tupolski is blocking nicely.
Kuznetsov lands a body shot.
Kuznetsov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Tupolski blocks it with crossed arms.
Tupolski misses with the head strike.
Tupolski lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kuznetsov dodges an elbow strike from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Tupolski is blocking nicely.
Tupolski tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kuznetsov avoids it.
Tupolski content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Kuznetsov lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tupolski.
Tupolski trying to land knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Alexandr Kuznetsov will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Alexandr Kuznetsov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Kuznetsov lands with a good body shot.
Tupolski misses with a low kick.
Kuznetsov avoids a kick to the body.
Kuznetsov slips a jab from Tupolski.
Tupolski pivots, looking for a leg kick but Kuznetsov is out of range and Tupolski settles back down.
Kuznetsov tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kuznetsov lands a slapping body shot.
Kuznetsov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tupolski throws a big shot that misses.
Tupolski feints and then cracks Kuznetsov's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kuznetsov down.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Tupolski's head backwards.
A swing and a miss from Tupolski.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuznetsov.
Tupolski throws a push kick but Kuznetsov slaps the foot to one side.
A little jabbing left from Kuznetsov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kuznetsov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Tupolski lands an elbow just above Kuznetsov 's eye.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
Tupolski pushes Kuznetsov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tupolski misses with a punch to the body.
Tupolski misses with a body punch.
Nice elbow from Kuznetsov.
Tupolski avoids the elbow strike from Kuznetsov, against the cage.
Tupolski scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tupolski holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kuznetsov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tupolski or not.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Tupolski landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Tupolski tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nice elbow from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov lands a damaging elbow.
Kuznetsov blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow just above Tupolski 's eye.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Tupolski pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kuznetsov blocks an elbow strike from Tupolski.
Kuznetsov lands a shot to the body.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Tupolski creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Tupolski is defending well for now.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Tupolski swings wildly with an uppercut but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Tupolski blocks it.
Tupolski avoids a wild elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov lands a body shot.
Kuznetsov'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.
Tupolski tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski digs a right hand underneath Kuznetsov's ribcage. Kuznetsov let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kuznetsov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Tupolski scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Tupolski using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Kuznetsov has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuznetsov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Tupolski is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kuznetsov is defending well for now.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kuznetsov.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Kuznetsov rushes Tupolski and presses him up against the cage.
Tupolski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kuznetsov creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tupolski's defenses.
Nice elbow from Kuznetsov.

Tupolski pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the side of Tupolski's head but Tupolski sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kuznetsov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kuznetsov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Tupolski half committed to a counter leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tupolski throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Tupolski connects with a solid leg kick.
Tupolski throws out a leg kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range and Tupolski only half commits.
Kuznetsov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuznetsov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Tupolski throws a low kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov thuds a left hand into Tupolski's body.
Tupolski doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up but Tupolski circles away and keeps his distance.
Tupolski looks to land a left hand but Kuznetsov moved out of range nicely.
Good leg kick by Tupolski there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Tupolski just misses with a punch to the body.
Nice jab there from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a looping overhand right but Kuznetsov ducks down to avoid it.
Tupolski misses with an attempted mid kick.
A little jabbing left from Kuznetsov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Tupolski gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
A jab from Kuznetsov does it's job there.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Katurian Tupolski.
I think Tupolski has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Elvis Blanc scores the fight 48:48
Judge William Peck scores the fight 49:47
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Katurian Tupolski!
Katurian Tupolski is the new welterweight champion!
A very excited looking Katurian Tupolski rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.