PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Yusuf Mammadov (ranked 655 p4p, 726 weight class) and Kazuma Kiryu (ranked 105 p4p, 121 weight class). Kazuma Kiryu will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Mammadov
vs
Kiryu

173 cm
33
174
17 - 14 - 1

184 cm
31
194
13 - 9 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Hoarse Pills
Bondi MMA 🏝️

Conviction
Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 17 - 14 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Yusuf Mammadov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kazuma Kiryu!
The judges for this bout are Yuuki Gou, Taro Takaoka and Yasuomi Hirokawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kiryu pushes Mammadov up against the cage in a clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kiryu.
Mammadov lands with a short shot to the head.
Kiryu tries to work over Mammadov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kiryu lands a left hand that snaps the head of Mammadov backwards.
Mammadov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Mammadov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mammadov tries to work over Kiryu's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kiryu scores with a shoulder strike.
Kiryu tries to throw a body punch but Mammadov avoids it by throwing Kiryu back against the cage.
Mammadov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Mammadov taking a breather.
Mammadov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Mammadov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kiryu avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kiryu misses with the head strike.
Kiryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Mammadov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kiryu stops a takedown attempt from Mammadov.
Kiryu swings wildly with an uppercut but Mammadov uses good head movement to avoid it.
A short left from Kiryu.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kiryu gets underhooks to prevent Mammadov's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yusuf Mammadov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kiryu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Mammadov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiryu lands a shot to the body.
Kiryu prevents a body shot from Mammadov.
A head punch on the inside from Mammadov fails to land.
Kiryu misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mammadov throws a head punch that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kiryu.
Mammadov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kiryu has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Mammadov seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Kiryu can turn it around.
Mammadov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Kiryu or not.
Mammadov pushes Kiryu back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kiryu lands a shot to the body.
Kiryu lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kiryu pushes Mammadov back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kiryu blocks a punch to the side of the head.
We've been hearing reports that Mammadov has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Mammadov blocks an uppercut.
Mammadov tries to work over Kiryu's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Mammadov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kiryu is defending well.
Kiryu misses with a punch on the inside.
Mammadov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Mammadov tries to throw a body punch but Kiryu avoids it by throwing Mammadov back against the cage.
Mammadov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Mammadov misses with some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kiryu lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mammadov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kiryu is pressed up against the cage. Mammadov has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kiryu down to the mat. Kiryu avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Mammadov decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.

Mammadov is looking for submissions but instead, Kiryu has regained full guard.
Mammadov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kiryu is on top in guard.

Mammadov is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Mammadov is trying to control the position but Kiryu postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kiryu sitting in guard here, content to control.

Mammadov has his foot on Kiryu's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kiryu works his way back into a safe position though.

Mammadov is looking for a triangle but Kiryu pushes his legs off easily.
Mammadov wants to sweep but no luck.
Mammadov trying to control the position.
Kiryu controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Mammadov tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Mammadov wants to control but Kiryu passes easily into half guard.
Mammadov wants to get back to full guard but Kiryu has mounted him!
Mammadov is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Kiryu tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Mammadov wants to control but Kiryu is having none of it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Kazuma Kiryu dominated that round.
That's time! Mammadov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Mammadov takes one on the button.
Mammadov misses with a body shot.
Mammadov throws a jab but it's blocked by Kiryu.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kiryu. Mammadov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Mammadov is looking to clinch but Kiryu is avoiding it.
Mammadov backing away here, and Kiryu unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Mammadov checks a leg kick.
Mammadov was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Kiryu misses with a body punch
and Mammadov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

It looks like Kazuma Kiryu has been cut.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Kiryu checks the leg kick nicely there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kiryu clinches up against the cage.
Kiryu is looking to control Mammadov's arms but Mammadov gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kiryu has his back to the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kiryu creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Mammadov.
Mammadov is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kiryu pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Mammadov misses with a body punch.
Mammadov blocks an uppercut.
Mammadov softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Mammadov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Mammadov lands with a left to the head.
Kiryu has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kiryu misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mammadov swings wildly with an uppercut but Kiryu uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kiryu lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Kiryu scores with a shot to the side of Mammadov's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Mammadov fails to land.

Kiryu is fighting off a takedown attempt but Mammadov is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Kiryu to the mat. Kiryu regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
Mammadov might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mammadov postures up in Kiryu's guard and throws a big left but Kiryu blocks it.
Yusuf Mammadov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mammadov throws a big elbow that misses.
Mammadov throws an elbow that misses. Kiryu uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Mammadov's guard. Nice move by Kiryu!

Mammadov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mammadov trying to control the position.

Mammadov looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Kiryu passes into side control.
Mammadov is looking to reverse the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kiryu controlling the position from side mount.
Mammadov is trying to improve his position.
Kiryu is looking to take a break and control but Mammadov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mammadov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kiryu wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Mammadov is working hard here to advance position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kiryu is looking to take a break and control but Mammadov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Mammadov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mammadov wants to control but Kiryu is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Mammadov manages to get to full guard.
Kiryu preventing the sweep.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Yusuf Mammadov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Kazuma Kiryu's cut.
That's time! Mammadov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Kiryu throws a leg kick that is checked
and Mammadov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jab by Kiryu.
Mammadov moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Mammadov misses with a takedown
and Kiryu counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Mammadov thinking.
Mammadov cracks Kiryu with a right hand to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mammadov connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A shot to the body from Mammadov misses
enabling Kiryu to counter with a crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kiryu misses with a right hand

and Mammadov counters by clinching up.
Kiryu softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Mammadov misses with a hook to the ribs.
Mammadov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mammadov struggles to land a body shot inside as Kiryu controls his hands.
Kiryu blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kiryu stops a takedown attempt from Mammadov.
Mammadov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Yusuf Mammadov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice body punch from Kiryu.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kiryu lands with a left to the head.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kiryu.
Mammadov tries to score a body lock takedown but Kiryu shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Kiryu lands with a left to the head.
Mammadov being controlled against the cage.
Kazuma Kiryu seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Mammadov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mammadov scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kiryu lands with a right to the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mammadov misses with a punch on the inside.
Kiryu lands with a left to the head.
Mammadov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Mammadov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Mammadov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kiryu lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Mammadov misses with a punch to the body.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Mammadov as Kiryu tries to tie him up.
A short right from Kiryu.
Mammadov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mammadov can't find room to land a body shot as Kiryu controls the action.
Mammadov lands a body shot.
Still in the clinch, Kiryu scores with a nice short uppercut.
Kiryu lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kiryu scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kiryu lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Mammadov tries a body shot but Kiryu blocks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mammadov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Kiryu lands a nice uppercut.
Kiryu manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Kiryu just leaning against Mammadov, taking a breather.
Kiryu has a couple of punches blocked by Mammadov.
Kiryu has Mammadov pushed against the cage.
Mammadov misses with the head strike.
Mammadov tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Mammadov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Kiryu backwards.
Mammadov is looking to take this one to the mat.
Kiryu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kiryu lands a right hand that snaps the head of Mammadov backwards.
Mammadov goes for a takedown attempt but Kiryu pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Yusuf Mammadov is winning the standup battle so far.
Mammadov fails with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kiryu tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Mammadov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kiryu bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Mammadov's head.

Mammadov is rocked!
Mammadov tries to get into range but Kiryu steps to the side and lands a beautiful hook that drops Mammadov! He's faceplanted into the mat, ass in the air... he's out cold! That's an image he won't want to show his grandkids when he gets older! Kiryu scores the big KO victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:34 of round 3, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Kazuma Kiryu!
Our winner, Kazuma Kiryu, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.