|
|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Tyler Cage (ranked 1012 p4p, 132 weight class) and Nikolai Kuznetsov (ranked 680 p4p, 91 weight class). 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.
 |
|
 |
| 185 cm
33
185 lbs
17 - 14 - 1 |
|
178 cm
31
186 lbs
18 - 11 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
|
Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
17 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Tyler Cage!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
18 - 11 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikolai Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Steven Brown and Colin Fotheringham.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cage steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is looking to land body kicks.
Cage throwing a counter right hand but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Cage has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Doom's Gym in the buildup to the fight.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but Cage avoids the punch easily.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kuznetsov! But no joy.
Cage fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
Kuznetsov throws a wild body kick that Cage sees coming a mile off.
A shot to the liver by Cage. Beautiful body shot.
Kuznetsov lands a slapping body shot.
Kuznetsov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cage.
Kuznetsov throws out a counter right but Cage avoids it with no problem.
Nice shot lands for Kuznetsov.
Decent striking displayed by Cage there.
Cage lands a lovely overhand right.
Cage looking to score a takedown here. Kuznetsov is defending well but Cage drives through and ends up in Kuznetsov's guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cage slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Cage has gone for a leg lock! Kuznetsov slips out almost immediately though and dives into Cage's guard.
Kuznetsov stands and steps away. Cage gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Cage gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Kuznetsov breaks the clinch.
Kuznetsov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Good standup being displayed there by Cage as he connects with a hook.
No joy there for Kuznetsov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kuznetsov looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuznetsov is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Cage closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.
Cage throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kuznetsov counters with a one-two to the body.
Cage looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Kuznetsov has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice right hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Cage was well out of range.
Cage swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Good leg kick by Kuznetsov there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cage tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuznetsov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kuznetsov swings widly with a right hand
and Cage counters with a straight right hand.
Cage blocks a leg kick.
Cage tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kuznetsov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Cage.
Kuznetsov feints a counter leg kick.
Cage looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Cage checks the leg kick.
Cage avoids a punch combination nicely.
Cage throws a quick counter head kick but Kuznetsov was just out of range.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznetsov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Kuznetsov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
An inside leg kick lands from Cage.
Cage slips a jab and a cross from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a quick inside leg kick.
Cage takes one to the chin there.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cage bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kuznetsov's head backwards.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Cage counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Cage throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Nice uppercut there from Cage.
Kuznetsov stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Kuznetsov cracks the inside of Cage's front leg.
Kuznetsov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Cage lands a jab-cross combination.
Kuznetsov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cage throws a right hand that Kuznetsov ducks under and follows up with a left that Kuznetsov also avoids with ease.
Cage scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Cage lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Cage.
Tyler Cage seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cage.
Cage gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Nice cross by Cage.
Cage misses with a low kick.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cage looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cage getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Cage takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.
Cage misses with a takedown
and Kuznetsov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kuznetsov rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cage moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Cage scores with a head kick.
Kuznetsov lands a high kick!
It looks like Tyler Cage has been cut.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
Cage tries to bum rush Kuznetsov with a series of wild strikes but Kuznetsov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kuznetsov tries to keep at a distance but Cage has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cage breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cage connects with the punch.
Cage keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Kuznetsov scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cage doesn't seem bothered though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Nikolai Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Tyler Cage's cut.
That's time! Cage's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Kuznetsov lands an overhand right.
Kuznetsov gets tackled into the cage by Cage. Cage maintains the clinch.
Cage breaks the clinch.
Nice defenses there by Kuznetsov.
Cage misses with a looping left.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kuznetsov tries a low kick but Cage avoids it.
Cage misses with a leg kick
and Kuznetsov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Cage misses with a two punch combination.
Kuznetsov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov tries a head kick but it misses.
A little feinted left hand from Cage on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Kuznetsov fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Cage.
Kuznetsov connects with a nice looking jab.
Cage dives in and scores a takedown into Kuznetsov's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Cage gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Cage shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kuznetsov as he jumps to the side.
A little jabbing left from Kuznetsov on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Kuznetsov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
The fighters circling - Cage throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kuznetsov throws a low kick but Cage moves out of range easily.
Cage manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Kuznetsov on his heels. He'll look to pass Kuznetsov's guard now, I'm sure.
Cage prevents Kuznetsov from getting back to his feet.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Cage accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cage stands and steps away. Kuznetsov gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Kuznetsov walks forward, straight into a front kick from Cage.
Kuznetsov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kuznetsov misses with a kick to the body.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a jab to the body but Cage is just out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cage tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kuznetsov was well out of range. Poor timing from Cage.
Kuznetsov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.
Cage is looking to counter with a body kick.
Nikolai Kuznetsov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Cage feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but Cage is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Cage is looking to work some ground and pound but Kuznetsov has wrist control.
Cage pushing down on Kuznetsov's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Tyler Cage overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cage stands up from half guard.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kuznetsov misses with a series of wild punches.
Cage lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.
Cage lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Cage moves away and avoids it.
A cross from Cage lands.
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Cage moves away.
Cage connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kuznetsov's hands.
Cage takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cage misses with a series of wild punches.
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!
Kuznetsov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A slow jab from Cage misses its intended target.
Kuznetsov bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Cage's head.
Kuznetsov blocks a low kick nicely.
Kuznetsov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kuznetsov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kuznetsov works the jab nicely.
Cage lands with a nice combination. Kuznetsov backs away looking to recover.
Cage misses the jab.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Cage is out of range.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
Cage is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
A solid leg kick lands there for Kuznetsov.
Cage misses with an uppercut.
Cage throws a sloppy head kick and Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Cage throws a series of punches but Kuznetsov avoids them all with ease.
Cage shoots for a takedown but Kuznetsov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cage misses with an uppercut
and Kuznetsov counters with a three punch combo that has Cage backing up. Cage nods at Kuznetsov to acknowledge the strikes.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Cage connects with a looping right hand.
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 Tyler Cage will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Tyler Cage's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!
Cage throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov lands with a hook. Cage tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Cage avoids the body shot from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kuznetsov looks to land a combination but Cage avoids it well.
Cage loads up on a big right hand but Kuznetsov slips the punch.
Cage swings for the body but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Cage moves out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a combination that misses
and Cage counters with a nice uppercut.
Kuznetsov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Cage lands with a shot to the body.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Cage throws out a loose jab but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Cage throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kuznetsov flicks out a counter leg kick but Cage steps away.
Cage rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kuznetsov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cage throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cage tried to counter with a leg kick but Kuznetsov avoided it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cage circles away quickly and effectively.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice body kick.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick
and Cage counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cage throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Cage moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Cage misses the target.
Cage looks to land a combination but Kuznetsov avoids it well.
Good work by Kuznetsov as he checks the leg kick.
A countering left hand to the body from Kuznetsov misses.
Cage fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Cage takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Cage connects with a nice looking jab.
Cage takes a kick to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov is looking to score with low kicks.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kuznetsov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cage falls off balance throwing a combination
and Kuznetsov counters with a two punch combo.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lands a nice shot that snaps Cage's head back.
Cage throws a head kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cage looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kuznetsov is fending him off so far but Cage persists. Nope, Kuznetsov circles away and we're back to standing.
Good exchange - Cage coming out on top.
Kuznetsov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Cage.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov scores with a three punch combo!
Kuznetsov misses with a head kick.
Kuznetsov feints and then cracks Cage's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Cage down.
Kuznetsov lands with a straight right. Cage didn't see that one coming.
Kuznetsov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cage misses with a looping right.
Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Cage.
Kuznetsov lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuznetsov lands a jab to the nose.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A punch lands to the side of Kuznetsov 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Cage connects with an inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab.
Cage is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Kuznetsov connects with a crisp jab.
Cage misses with a kick to the body.
Kuznetsov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Kuznetsov buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kuznetsov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Cage throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with the combination.
Kuznetsov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Cage looks to land a combination but Kuznetsov avoids it well.
Kuznetsov unleashes a big counter combination but Cage bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
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!
Kuznetsov throws a body punch but Cage moves out of range.
Cage slips a straight right by Kuznetsov.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a nice looking combination but Cage bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kuznetsov lands the left hand.
Kuznetsov tries to score with a low kick but Cage moves his leg out of the way.
Cage lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kuznetsov connects with the punch.
Cage drives through with a takedown into Kuznetsov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Cage stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Kuznetsov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
No joy there for Kuznetsov, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Cage ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Cage pushes Kuznetsov away with a front kick.
Cage fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kuznetsov manages to avoid it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov lands a two punch combo.
Cage steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Cage wants to slow Kuznetsov down by chopping away at his legs.
Cage misses with a two punch combination.
Cage closes the distance and clinches.
And that's the end of the fight!
Nikolai Kuznetsov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kuznetsov 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 28:29
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 29:29
Judge Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Nikolai Kuznetsov!
Nikolai Kuznetsov decided to go for the less than humble approach in his post fight interview, telling everyone how he is going to conquer the world. The crowd seemed to like it when really that sort of approach could have gone either way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
92% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
