PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Kuznetsov (ranked 622 p4p, 781 weight class) and Bo Garrett (ranked 80 p4p, 97 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Bo Garrett was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Kuznetsov
vs
Garrett

180 cm
30
195
18 - 11 - 2

175 cm
35
185
27 - 20 - 2

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Great elbows
Good gas tank

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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 18 - 11 - 2, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 20 - 2, fighting out of New York, Bo Garrett!
The judges for this bout are Yukihiro Yamamoto, Shigeki Fujiwara and Tatsuya Matsuyama.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garrett takes one on the button.
Alexander Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Garrett takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Garrett connects with a good right hand that stumbles Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Garrett on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Kuznetsov lands a two punch combo.

Garrett gets tackled into the cage by Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov maintains the clinch.
Kuznetsov throws an elbow but it misses.
Garrett has Kuznetsov pressed against the cage.
Garrett throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kuznetsovs head.
Kuznetsov just leaning against Garrett, taking a breather.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Garrett tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Garrett back against the cage.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Garrett.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Garrett is keeping busy.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee strike.
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Garrett lands a nice shot to the body.
Kuznetsov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
I was talking to Kuznetsov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Garrett stalling.
Garrett takes a knee right on the jaw!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garrett lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Garrett.
Garrett lands a body shot.
Garrett looking for a takedown.
Garrett lands with a short shot to the head.
Garrett fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Garrett misses with a body punch.
Kuznetsov misses with a knee strike.
Kuznetsov blocks an uppercut.
Kuznetsov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Garrett lands a body shot.

Kuznetsov breaks from the clinch.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
Garrett looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

Garrett darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Garrett not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Garrett has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Garrett lands strikes from half guard.
Kuznetsov is trying to get back to full guard.
Garrett working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Garrett slips a nice elbow through Kuznetsov's hands, connecting with Kuznetsov's forehead.
Garrett not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Garrett is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.

Garrett wants to work for an arm triangle but Kuznetsov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Garrett is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Kuznetsov doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Garrett.
Garrett with the ground and pound but Kuznetsov uses the opportunity to regain guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garrett with a flurry of punches that miss.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Garrett accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Garrett working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Garrett working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Kuznetsov's head.
Garrett lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Garrett throws a strike but Kuznetsov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Kuznetsov is stalling in the full guard.
Garrett looking for a sweep. Not yet Garrett, not yet.
Kuznetsov looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garrett keeping moving, preventing Kuznetsov from controlling successfully.
Garrett avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Kuznetsov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kuznetsov stopping the sweep attempt from Garrett.
Kuznetsov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Garrett is proving hard to escape from.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.
Garrett throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Alexander Kuznetsov will probably get the nod.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A looping hook to the body misses from Kuznetsov. Garrett does a little dance to reset his feet.
Garrett feints the counter takedown.
Garrett missing with a left hand there. Kuznetsov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Garrett misses with a looping right.
Kuznetsov seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Garrett swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Garrett thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kuznetsov half committed to a counter leg kick.
Kuznetsov connects with the punch.
Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Garrett back to the cage. Kuznetsov follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Kuznetsov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Garrett can do to turn this around?
Kuznetsov misses with a combination
and Garrett counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Garrett has closed the distance and engaged Kuznetsov in a clinch.

Kuznetsov manages to break the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov moves out of range of the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garrett fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Garrett's head backwards.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Garrett moves out of range.
Garrett avoids the body shot from Kuznetsov.

Kuznetsov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Garrett, pushing him back against the cage.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Garrett blocks with his arms.
Garrett lands a right hand.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Garrett is blocking nicely.
Kuznetsov blocks an uppercut.
Kuznetsov blocks a body shot from Garrett.
Kuznetsov presses Garrett against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Garrett misses with a hook from the clinch.

Kuznetsov manages to break the clinch.
Garrett lands with a cross.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Garrett misses with a wild combination.
Garrett has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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 tries to clinch but Garrett moves out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a low kick, looking for Garrett's leg but Garrett calmly moves out of range.
Nice body punch from Garrett.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Garrett loads up on a big right hand but Kuznetsov slips the punch.

Kuznetsov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kuznetsov pushes off an throws an elbow but Garrett leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Garrett lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Garrett.

Kuznetsov breaks from the clinch.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up but Garrett circles away and keeps his distance.
Alexander Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Garrett shoots in for a takedown but Kuznetsov shows good takedown defense.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kuznetsov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Garrett works Kuznetsov's body with a nice hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garrett throws a sloppy body shot
and Garrett takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Garrett on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Garrett paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Kuznetsov takes the fight into the clinch.
Garrett tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Garrett back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Garrett fails to land.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Garrett blocks with his arms.
Garrett tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Garrett back against the cage.
Garrett misses with the head strike.
Garrett on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Garrett lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but Garrett blocks it.
Garrett tries to work over Kuznetsov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow just above Garrett 's eye.

It looks like Bo Garrett has been cut.
A right hand to the body from Garrett.
Garrett on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Kuznetsov.
Garrett can't find room to land a body shot as Kuznetsov controls the action.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the body.
Garrett is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov blocking some punches.
Kuznetsov lands a nice elbow.
A short right from Kuznetsov on the inside.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Garrett is blocking nicely.
Garrett avoids the elbow strike from Kuznetsov, against the cage.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Garrett is blocking nicely.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Garrett.
Garrett digs a right hand into Kuznetsov's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Kuznetsov's gas tank.
Garrett lands a left hand.
Kuznetsov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Garrett scores with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Garrett.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Garrett blocks with his arms.
Alexander Kuznetsov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Kuznetsov tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kuznetsov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Garrett is keeping busy.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Garrett.
Garrett struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznetsov controls his hands.
Garrett swings wildly with an uppercut but Kuznetsov uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Alexander Kuznetsov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Bo Garrett'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. This is the final round!

Kuznetsov ducks under a wild hook from Garrett.
Alexander Kuznetsov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kuznetsov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Garrett throws out the jab.
Garrett throws a good cross that connects.
A jab lands there for Garrett.

Kuznetsov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Garrett, pushing him back against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Garrett.
Garrett lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Kuznetsov backwards.
Kuznetsov misses with an elbow over the top.
Garrett struggles to land a body shot inside as Kuznetsov controls his hands.
Garrett working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kuznetsov landing knees to the head.
Garrett misses with a punch on the inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Kuznetsov lands a hook that snaps the head of Garrett backwards.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kuznetsov is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Garrett is keeping busy.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kuznetsov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
A hook to the body from Garrett.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garrett tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Garrett back against the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice body punch from Garrett.
A frustrated look appears on Kuznetsov's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Garrett prevents Kuznetsov from breaking the clinch.
Garrett tries to throw a body punch but Kuznetsov avoids it by throwing Garrett back against the cage.
Garrett lands a hook to the side of the head.
Garrett lands a damaging elbow.
Garrett goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Garrett scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kuznetsov taking a breather.
Kuznetsov looking to throw knees to the head but Garrett is blocking nicely.
Garrett lands with a light punch inside.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Garrett.
Garrett tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
Garrett misses with some punches.
Garrett scores with a shoulder strike.
Kuznetsov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Garrett doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Garrett working aggressively here.
Garrett doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kuznetsov lands a hook that snaps the head of Garrett backwards.
Garrett lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A nice right hand lands inside from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Garrett swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Garrett is working for takedown but Kuznetsov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Garrett tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Garrett is looking for a takedown.
Garrett takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov landing knees to the head.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Garrett as Kuznetsov tries to tie him up.
Kuznetsov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kuznetsov throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Garrett blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garrett has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Alexander Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bo Garrett.
Nice body punch from Garrett - that landed with a thud.
Garrett has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Garrett misses with a hook from the clinch.
Garrett softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Garrett is leaning against Kuznetsov and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Garrett tries a body shot but Kuznetsov blocks it.
Kuznetsov tries a body shot but Garrett blocks it.
Kuznetsov prevents a body shot from Garrett.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but Garrett blocks with his arms.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch on the inside.
Garrett tries to work over Kuznetsov's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kuznetsov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Garrett backwards.

Garrett gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Kuznetsov regains guard.
Garrett is in close to Kuznetsov's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Kuznetsov wants to stand and escape but Garrett is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garrett is looking to work some ground and pound but Kuznetsov has wrist control.
Garrett cracks Kuznetsov with a solid left hand.
Garrett landing with the ground and pound.
Garrett throws a big elbow that misses.
Garrett is working Kuznetsov over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Garrett looking to pass the guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Kuznetsov controlling Garrett's posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Garrett with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Bo Garrett has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alexander Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Garrett distracts Kuznetsov with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Bo Garrett.
I think Kuznetsov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 29:28
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tatsuya Matsuyama scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexander Kuznetsov!
During a confident post fight interview, Alexander Kuznetsov thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.