PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Steve Cusumano (ranked 2449 p4p, 2240 weight class) and Leon Lentz (ranked 331 p4p, 303 weight class). Cusumano comes into the arena with Gamefire blaring out of the sound system. Steve Cusumano is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Cusumano
vs
Lentz

175 cm
39
180
21 - 17 - 1

178 cm
25
182
13 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Good low kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 17 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Steve Cusumano!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Leon Lentz!
The judges for this bout are Paul Aken, Aafke Stam and Saam Ante.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lentz connects with a right hand. Cusumano shakes it off.
Cusumano uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lentz.
Cusumano tries to clinch but Lentz moves out of range.
Lentz has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Lentz lands a nice hook to Cusumano's body. Cusumano takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Lentz takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Lentz lands a slapping body shot.
Cusumano misses with a jab, cross combination.
Steve Cusumano seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Cusumano drives through and clinches with Lentz against the cage.
Cusumano's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Lentz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cusumano swinging wildly here.
Cusumano tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Lentz counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lentz works Cusumano's body with a nice hook.
A big left from Lentz misses.
Cusumano doesn't manage to clinch there - Lentz circles away.
Lentz flicks out a counter leg kick but Cusumano steps away.
Cusumano closes the distance but Lentz moves to the side
and Lentz counters with a one-two to the body.
Cusumano swinging wildly here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lentz avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Cusumano misses with a double jab.

Cusumano moves into the clinch.
Lentz misses with a body punch.
Cusumano lands with a right to the head.
Lentz is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Cusumano is looking to control Lentz's arms but Lentz gets an underhook and turns him. Now Cusumano has his back to the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Lentz.
Lentz slows down the pace here.
Cusumano wants a takedown but no success here.
Cusumano tries to score a body lock takedown but Lentz shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Lentz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Some wild striking there from Cusumano.
Lentz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Lentz misses with a lunging right hand
and Cusumano counters with a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lentz pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Lentz tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Lentz. Cusumano does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lentz has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cusumano finds it's way round the side to connect with Lentz's head.
Cusumano displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Lentz throws out the jab.
Cusumano throws a big counter combination but Lentz scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
We've been hearing reports that Cusumano has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cusumano tries to clinch there but Lentz circles away.
Lentz throws a head kick but Cusumano moves out of range.
Lentz ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Cusumano fails with an attempt to clinch.
Cusumano fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cusumano uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lentz.
Cusumano tries to clinch but Lentz is having none of it.
Cusumano blocks a head kick by Lentz.
Lentz dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
The fight stays on the outside here - Cusumano looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Lentz looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cusumano is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cusumano misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cusumano is looking to clinch.
Cusumano keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Lentz lands a right hook to the body.
Cusumano tries to clinch up.
Lentz swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
A swing and a miss from Lentz.
Lentz lands with a nice body punch.
Lentz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cusumano.
Lentz swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Cusumano throws a big counter combination but Lentz scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Cusumano uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Lentz.
Lentz uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cusumano.
Lentz lands with a nice body punch.
Cusumano wants to clinch up but Lentz keeps it at a distance.
Lentz misses with a body shot.
Cusumano looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Cusumano throws a combination that misses
and Lentz counters with a body kick that stops Cusumano in his tracks momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lentz thows a left - swing and a miss!
Lentz with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cusumano with a jab.
Cusumano checks the leg kick.
Lentz throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Lentz lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Lentz tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cusumano slips a straight right by Lentz.
Lentz circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lentz connects with a good right hand that stumbles Cusumano. Cusumano circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Lentz misses with a wild body shot.
The fighters circling - Lentz throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A clash of legs there as Cusumano blocks the low kick.
Cusumano throws a big counter combination but Lentz scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Cusumano tries to bum rush Lentz with a series of wild strikes but Lentz uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Lentz takes one to the chin there.
Cusumano doesn't manage to clinch there - Lentz circles away.
Lentz pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Leon Lentz dominated that round.
That's time! Cusumano's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Lentz circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lentz misses with a body shot.
Cusumano is looking for a counter combo.
Cusumano avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cusumano seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Lentz with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Lentz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Lentz lands a jab to Cusumano's midsection.
A telegraphed right hand from Cusumano misses the target.
Lentz throws a looping overhand right but Cusumano ducks down to avoid it.
Lentz slips a jab from Cusumano.
Cusumano misses with a few strikes there.
Lentz misses with a hook. Cusumano ducked under it nicely.
Lentz throws a nice inside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Cusumano fails with an attempt to clinch.
Lentz now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Lentz connects with a right hand. Cusumano shakes it off.

It looks like Steve Cusumano has been cut.
Lentz has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Cusumano doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Steve Cusumano is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Cusumano throws a series of punches but Lentz moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lentz circles away from the clinch attempt.
Lentz works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cusumano lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Lentz on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Cusumano takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Cusumano throws a right hand that Lentz ducks under and follows up with a left that Lentz also avoids with ease.
Lentz jabs at Cusumano's body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Cusumano pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Cusumano moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Lentz lands a high kick!
Cusumano is looking to clinch.
Cusumano takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lentz lands with a thumping leg kick.
Cusumano tries to clinch up but Lentz circles away and keeps his distance.
Lentz throws the kick towards the body but Cusumano avoids it.
As Lentz looks to move away, Cusumano throws a big counter combo but Lentz just gets out of the way.
Lentz with a hook.
Cusumano tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Lentz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Lentz does it's job there.
Leon Lentz seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Lentz scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Cusumano is looking to clinch.
Lentz is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Cusumano with a body shot.
Lentz motions for Cusumano to come forward. Lentz throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Lentz pivots, looking for a leg kick but Cusumano is out of range and Lentz settles back down.
Cusumano doesn't manage to clinch there - Lentz circles away.
Lentz missing with a left hand there. Cusumano was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Cusumano swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Lentz throws a sloppy head kick and Cusumano moves out of range easily.
Cusumano throws a body shot but no joy.
Lentz stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
That kick from Lentz tenderised Cusumano's leg. Cusumano is trying to keep his angry face on.
Lentz lands a jab to the nose.
Cusumano throws a right and a left that both miss.
Lentz jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Cusumano throws a right and a left that both miss.
Lentz throws the kick towards the body but Cusumano avoids it.
Cusumano moves in looking to clinch but Lentz pushes him off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cusumano tries to clinch up but Lentz circles away and keeps his distance.
Lentz fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Cusumano looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A looping hook to the body misses from Lentz. Cusumano does a little dance to reset his feet.
Lentz has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Cusumano finds it's way round the side to connect with Lentz's head.
Lentz lands with a good body shot.
Cusumano tries to clinch but Lentz moves out of range.
Cusumano wants to clinch up but Lentz keeps it at a distance.
Cusumano wants to clinch.
Cusumano checks a low kick from Lentz.
Cusumano doesn't manage to clinch there - Lentz circles away.
Cusumano throws a shot to the body.
Cusumano is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Cusumano on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lentz lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Cusumano at a distance.
Lentz dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Cusumano. That did some damage!
Lentz fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Cusumano is out of range.
Cusumano takes a swing at Lentz's ribcage but misses.
A combination from Cusumano does no damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cusumano fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Lentz manages to avoid it.
Lentz lands a right hook to the body.
Lentz will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Cusumano is looking to counter punch.
Cusumano tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Lentz paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Lentz throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cusumano ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Lentz misses the target.
Cusumano appears to be looking for a big counter.
A swing and a miss from Lentz.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Lentz throws a jab but it's blocked by Cusumano.
It looked like Cusumano was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Cusumano takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cusumano moves in looking to clinch but Lentz pushes him off.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Leon Lentz showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Steve Cusumano'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. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Cusumano wants to clinch up but Lentz keeps it at a distance.
Cusumano tries to clinch up.
Cusumano throws a nice looking combination but Lentz bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Cusumano moves to clinch but Lentz breaks away
and Lentz counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Cusumano looks to clinch
and Lentz counters with a stiff right hand.
A looping hook to the body misses from Lentz. Cusumano does a little dance to reset his feet.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Cusumano crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Lentz - the referee stops the clock and Cusumano gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Lentz. Cusumano manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Cusumano takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Cusumano falls off balance throwing a combination
and Lentz counters with a nice uppercut.
Cusumano looks to clinch
and Lentz counters with a nice uppercut.
An inside leg kick from Lentz misses.
Cusumano works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Cusumano takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lentz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Lentz moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cusumano bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Cusumano is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Cusumano lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Cusumano tries to clinch up but Lentz circles away and keeps his distance.
Cusumano fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cusumano throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Good work by Cusumano as he checks the leg kick.
Lentz misses with a leg kick
and Cusumano cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Lentz misses with a body kick.
Cusumano wants to clinch
and Lentz counters with a straight right hand.
Cusumano is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Lentz throws a body shot but no joy.
Lentz throws a body shot but no joy.
Lentz connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Lentz staying out of range there.
Lentz catches Cusumano with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Lentz's corner calls for a 1-2. Lentz obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Cusumano blocks a head kick by Lentz.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lentz circles away from the clinch attempt
and Lentz counters with a nice leg kick.
Lentz throws a nice outside leg kick.
Cusumano uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Lentz.
A jab from Lentz finds it's way through Cusumano's defenses.
Cusumano tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lentz swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Lentz uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Cusumano.
Lentz swings for the body but Cusumano moves out of range.
Cusumano tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Lentz manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cusumano tries to close the distance and clinch up but Lentz swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Lentz throws a fast counter high kick but Cusumano manages to duck under it in time.
Lentz throws a nice looking combination but Cusumano bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Lentz thuds a left hand into Cusumano's body.
Cusumano scores with a jab.
Lentz scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cusumano in his tracks.
Lentz lands a nice leg kick that just misses Cusumano's sensitive parts.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lentz avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
A chopping leg kick lands by Lentz.

Cusumano clinches up with Lentz and pushes him back against the cage.
Cusumano working aggressively here.
Cusumano tries to work over Lentz's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Lentz manages to break the clinch.
Cusumano tries to clinch up.
Lentz lands with a cross.
A combination from Cusumano does no damage.
Cusumano throws a head kick that misses
and Lentz counters with an outside leg kick.
Lentz scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Lentz throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Cusumano sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Lentz takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Cusumano tries to land a front kick but Lentz steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Lentz feints a counter leg kick.
Lentz misses with a straight left.
Lentz just misses with a punch to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lentz lets loose with a powerful body kick. Cusumano will feel that in the morning.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cusumano ducks under a wild hook from Lentz.
Cusumano is looking for a counter combo.
Lentz works the jab nicely.
Lentz scores with a spinning back kick!
Cusumano steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Lentz.
Cusumano looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Lentz scores with a leg kick.
Lentz throws a looping overhand right but Cusumano ducks down to avoid it.

Cusumano has taken the fight to the clinch.

Lentz breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Lentz takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Cusumano is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Steve Cusumano has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cusumano takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Leon Lentz is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Lentz wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

And that's the end of the fight!
Leon Lentz comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Lentz winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Paul Aken scores the fight 27:30
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 27:30
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Leon Lentz!