PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ray Cartier (ranked 3087 p4p, 2726 weight class) and Egor Kuznetsov (ranked 333 p4p, 302 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Cartier
vs
Kuznetsov

180 cm
21
190
8 - 8 - 0

183 cm
23
202
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very strong

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
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 8 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ray Cartier!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Egor Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Illya Tyunina, Fedor Mirinova and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cartier dives in for a single leg takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cartier misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Cartier has his takedown stuffed
and Kuznetsov counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Cartier. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuznetsov misses with a two punch combination.
Cartier with a poor takedown
and Kuznetsov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kuznetsov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Cartier darts in looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov gets double underhooks and turns Cartier into the cage.
Despite the aggression on Kuznetsov's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.

Kuznetsov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Cartier looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Kuznetsov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Cartier circles away quickly and effectively.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Cartier looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kuznetsov is fending him off so far but Cartier persists. Nope, Kuznetsov circles away and we're back to standing.
Kuznetsov scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Horrible takedown attempt by Cartier or perhaps it was just good defense by Kuznetsov, which made it look bad.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab, cross combination.
A shot to the liver by Kuznetsov. Beautiful body shot.
Cartier dives in and grabs Kuznetsov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov pushes down on Cartier's head and hops out.
Kuznetsov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Kuznetsov digs a good body shot into Cartier's ribs.
Kuznetsov's coach down at Deathsquad was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Kuznetsov's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Egor Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kuznetsov connects with the punch.
Kuznetsov cracks Cartier with an open hand slap.
Danga de danga de dang - Kuznetsov scores with a four punch combination!
Kuznetsov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Cartier moves out of range.
Sloppy strikes from Kuznetsov. Those never looked like landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cartier will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cartier changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kuznetsov tries to avoid it but Cartier manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kuznetsov to the ground. Kuznetsov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
Cartier slips a jab and a cross from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov looks to land a combination but Cartier avoids it well.
Kuznetsov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Kuznetsov lands a jab-cross combination.
Cartier closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov throws a one two combo.
A punch combination from Kuznetsov misses.
Cartier shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Cartier shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Kuznetsov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Cartier working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Kuznetsov is looking to reverse the position.
Cartier wants to control but Kuznetsov is keeping him busy.
Kuznetsov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cartier staying calm.

Cartier tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Cartier trying to control the position but Kuznetsov is working away.
Kuznetsov is looking to regain half guard here but Cartier keeps moving and retains side control.
The referee asks Cartier politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Cartier prefers to stall for the moment though.
Cartier lands some shots froms side control.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Egor Kuznetsov dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kuznetsov lands a jab to the nose.
Kuznetsov misses with a few strikes there.
Cartier tries to counter with a takedown but Kuznetsov is quick to defend against it.
Kuznetsov scores with a three punch combo!
Kuznetsov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kuznetsov throws a series of strikes that have Cartier backpedaling.
Kuznetsov shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Cartier eats them both and turns towards Kuznetsov to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Cartier with a series of wild strikes but Cartier uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cartier closes the distance and clinches up with Kuznetsov, looking for a takedown. Cartier pushes Kuznetsov against the cage but Kuznetsov circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Cartier darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Cartier working Kuznetsov over with strikes.
Cartier looks to score some points with some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cartier missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kuznetsov is looking for a sweep. Cartier is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Cartier is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Kuznetsov is just riding it out for now. Cartier eventually gives up the hold.
Kuznetsov moves into full guard.
Cartier 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.
Cartier throwing strikes from guard but Kuznetsov blocks nicely.
Cartier stopping the sweep attempt from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cartier is looking for a sweep. Kuznetsov is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Kuznetsov stands up from half guard.
Kuznetsov lands a two punch combo.
Kuznetsov lands a jab to the head.
Kuznetsov goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Cartier appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Cartier shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Kuznetsov counters with a stiff right hand.
Cartier darts in looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov gets double underhooks and turns Cartier into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Cartier. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cartier wants a takedown but no success here.

Kuznetsov escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Cartier shoots in looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov tries to sprawl out of it but Cartier keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Kuznetsov!
Kuznetsov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cartier drops down looking for a counter takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and moves away.
Cartier fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Cartier.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov keeps the fight on the outside.
Cartier dives in and grabs Kuznetsov's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov pushes down on Cartier's head and hops out.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kuznetsov.
A combination from Kuznetsov does no damage.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Cartier with a series of wild strikes but Cartier uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cartier half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nice takedown defense from Kuznetsov. No joy for Cartier on that attempt.
Kuznetsov looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kuznetsov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Kuznetsov throws a combination. Cartier tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cartier feinted with a counter takedown.
Cartier fails with the takedown
and Kuznetsov counters with a series of strikes. Cartier will be more careful next time no doubt.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Egor Kuznetsov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Cartier fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Kuznetsov gets caught napping as Cartier dives in and scores a takedown. Kuznetsov manages to retain guard.

Kuznetsov manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Kuznetsov looks to land a combination. Cartier sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a series of punches.
Cartier appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Egor Kuznetsov seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that Cartier avoids nicely.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Cartier takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Cartier shoots in for a takedown but Kuznetsov shows good takedown defense.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov looks to land a combination. Cartier sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Cartier tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kuznetsov swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Cartier. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a series of punches.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kuznetsov lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Cartier dodges the punch combination from Kuznetsov.
Cartier tries for a takedown but Kuznetsov circles away easily
and Kuznetsov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice body punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab.
Cartier has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Kuznetsov scores with a hook.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the jaw.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Cartier shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kuznetsov cracks Cartier with a right hand to the side of the head.
Cartier avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Cartier moves out of range.
Cartier looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Cartier back to the cage. Kuznetsov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Kuznetsov tests Cartier's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Cartier shoots in and drives through. Kuznetsov sprawls well.
Cartier shoots in for a double leg but Kuznetsov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Cartier.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Cartier with a series of wild strikes but Cartier uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cartier appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Cartier takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.

Cartier changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kuznetsov looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuznetsov regains half guard.
Cartier seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Kuznetsov does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov is trying to get back to full guard.
Cartier is keen to just control but Kuznetsov is a slippery customer.
Cartier is really struggling to control Kuznetsov but he's trying to hold on to the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cartier throwing shots but Kuznetsov is blocking nicely.
Egor Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Cartier works his way into side control.
Kuznetsov tries to improve position but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kuznetsov takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

And that's the end of the fight!
Egor Kuznetsov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Kuznetsov 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 Illya Tyunina scores the fight 27:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 26:30
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Egor Kuznetsov!
Egor Kuznetsov bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.