PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Branko Banik (ranked 1460 p4p, 1984 weight class) and Viktor Kruglov (ranked 194 p4p, 269 weight class). Kruglov has chosen МИХАИЛ КРУГ - Владимирский централ as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Branko Banik is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Banik
vs
Kruglov

183 cm
21
179
8 - 3 - 0

175 cm
22
179
6 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Good gas tank

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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 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Branko Banik!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Viktor Kruglov!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Viktor Lagutenko and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kruglov lands with a kick to the ribs.
Kruglov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Banik momentarily.

It looks like Branko Banik has been cut.
Kruglov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Kruglov thuds a left hand into Banik's body.
Kruglov lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Kruglov.
Kruglov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Banik uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kruglov.
Banik tries to counter with a takedown but Kruglov is quick to defend against it.
Kruglov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Banik on the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nice defenses there by Kruglov.
A big right from Banik misses.
Banik takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Kruglov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Kruglov delivers a nice body kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kruglov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Viktor Kruglov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Kruglov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Banik effectively controlling the action here.
A left hand lands to the body for Kruglov.
Banik is looking to take this one to the mat.
Kruglov lands a nice shot to the body.
Kruglov lands with a right to the head.
Kruglov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Banik throws a punch but it's blocked by Kruglov.

Banik has picked Kruglov up - he's going for a ride! Banik dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
We've been hearing good reports from Banik's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Kruglov is controlling Banik's trapped leg to prevent Banik from advancing to side control.
Banik is nestled in close to Kruglov, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov tries to kick Banik off but Banik keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Banik stalling.
Kruglov wants to get back to his feet.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Banik wants to control but Kruglov is keeping him busy.
Kruglov tries to roll over but Banik keeps him under control.
Banik missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kruglov looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kruglov avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Banik.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banik throwing shots but Kruglov is blocking nicely.
Banik slips a nice elbow through Kruglov's hands, connecting with Kruglov's forehead.
Banik wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kruglov keeps working.
Kruglov wants to control but Banik is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Banik throwing shots but Kruglov is blocking nicely.
Banik looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Kruglov pushes Banik off looking to stand but Banik dives back in and keeps control.
Kruglov is controlling Banik's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Kruglov wants to control but Banik is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Banik not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Kruglov scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but Banik manages to mount him!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov is in a horrible position here. Banik smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Kruglov is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kruglov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Banik controlling the pace for now.
Banik postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Kruglov looks a forlorn figure.
Banik in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
The referee warns Kruglov that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
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!
Banik scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Kruglov?
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Viktor Kruglov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Branko Banik'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.

Kruglov is looking to clinch but Banik is avoiding it.
Kruglov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Banik appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

Kruglov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Banik, pushing him back against the cage.
Banik's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Banik'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.
Banik misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kruglov is pressed up against the cage. Banik has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kruglov down to the mat. Kruglov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Banik misses with a hook.
Kruglov counters with a body kick.
Banik misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kruglov.
Viktor Kruglov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kruglov missing with a left hand there. Banik was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Banik misses with a straight right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banik bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kruglov's head backwards.

Kruglov pushes Banik up against the cage in a clinch.
Kruglov scores with a shoulder strike.
Kruglov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kruglov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kruglov lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Still in the clinch, Kruglov scores with a nice short uppercut.
Banik wants to take the fight to the mat but Kruglov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Kruglov misses with the head strike.
Kruglov tries to work over Banik's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kruglov looking to slow down the pace here.
Banik blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kruglov lands a body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Banik tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kruglov lands a left hand.
Banik swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kruglov is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Banik is working for takedown but Kruglov is calmly controlling the position for now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Branko Banik. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kruglov makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Banik looking for a takedown.
Banik drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kruglov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kruglov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

Kruglov clinches with his opponent.
Banik is pushing Kruglov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Banik goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kruglov prevents it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banik tries a body shot but Kruglov blocks it.
Banik blocks an uppercut.
Kruglov content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Banik is trying to break free.
Kruglov blocking some punches.
Kruglov is stalling here.
Kruglov has a couple of punches blocked by Banik.
Banik is stalling here.

Banik breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banik misses with a hook to the body
and Kruglov counters with a body kick that stops Banik in his tracks momentarily.
Banik misses with a hook. Kruglov ducked under it nicely.
Banik sets himself, and Kruglov steps forward looking for the clinch! Banik avoids it this time.
Banik moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Banik swings for the body but Kruglov moves out of range.
Banik closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Kruglov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Banik sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Kruglov thuds his shin into the meat of Banik's side.
Banik loads up on a big right hand but Kruglov slips the punch.
Kruglov stuffs the takedown.
Banik throws a hook but Kruglov blocks it.
Banik fails with the takedown
and Kruglov counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Kruglov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Branko Banik's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Banik pushes Kruglov up against the cage in a clinch.
Kruglov's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kruglov is stalling here.
Kruglov misses with a body punch.
Kruglov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Banik drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kruglov pulls his leg out and moves away.
Banik misses with an uppercut
and Kruglov counters with a straight right hand.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kruglov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Banik takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Banik doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Kruglov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Kruglov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Banik, pushing him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Banik changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kruglov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Branko Banik. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch lands to the side of Banik 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Kruglov misses with a few strikes there.
Donk. Banik catches Kruglov right on the button with a cross.
Kruglov pushes Banik away with a front kick.
Banik tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kruglov was well out of range. Poor timing from Banik.
Banik sets himself, and Kruglov steps forward looking for the clinch! Banik avoids it this time.

Banik closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kruglov.
Banik throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kruglovs head.
Banik drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kruglov pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov lands the left hand.
Kruglov tries to clinch there but Banik circles away.
Banik will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Kruglov scores with a spinning back kick!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kruglov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Banik attempts a counter takedown but Kruglov avoids it well and moves away.
Banik takes a swing at Kruglov's ribcage but misses.
Kruglov throws a lazy right hand but Banik sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Banik shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Viktor Kruglov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kruglov connects with the punch.
Kruglov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lazy left from Kruglov finds it's target.
Kruglov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Banik misses with an uppercut. Kruglov saw that one coming.
Banik avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kruglov 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.
Branko Banik has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kruglov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Banik half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Kruglov connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Banik throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kruglov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Viktor Kruglov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kruglov slips a jab from Banik.
Banik missing with a left hand there. Kruglov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banik tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Banik on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Kruglov.
Banik takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kruglov cracks Banik with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
A looping hook to the body misses from Banik. Kruglov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Banik takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.

Kruglov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Banik working aggressively here.
Banik tries to circle away but Kruglov has him pinned against the cage.
Kruglov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Banik swings away with an uppercut that misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Viktor Kruglov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Kruglov 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 Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 27:30
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 28:30
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Viktor Kruglov!
Viktor Kruglov was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.