PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Viktor Kruglov (ranked 1298 p4p, 1380 weight class) and Mark Beneke (ranked 174 p4p, 185 weight class). Kruglov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is МИХАИЛ КРУГ - Владимирский централ. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kruglov
vs
Beneke

175 cm
26
179
13 - 7 - 0

182 cm
28
184
13 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class MT
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

30th Century Beer Store
Shadow Realm Apparel

Uncle Rufus Clothing .Co

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 13 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Viktor Kruglov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mark Beneke!
The judges for this bout are Ben Watson, Francis DeMontford and Topper Green.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Beneke throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Beneke fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kruglov looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Kruglov avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Beneke takes one to the side of the head.
Beneke moves out of range of the body kick.
Nice shot by Kruglov.
Beneke dives in for a single leg takedown but Kruglov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Beneke throws a big shot that misses.
Kruglov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Beneke.
Beneke throws out a counter right but Kruglov avoids it with no problem.
Beneke throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kruglov.
Beneke has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Beneke there as he acknowledges the shot.
Beneke uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Beneke throws a lazy uppercut
and Kruglov counters with a stiff right hand.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Beneke scores with a body shot.
Kruglov walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Kruglov lunges at Beneke with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Beneke's hand.
Kruglov delivers a nice body kick.
Beneke shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kruglov as he avoids it easily.
Beneke avoids the head kick by Kruglov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beneke missing with a left hand there. Kruglov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Beneke lands a really nice looking cross but Kruglov seems unphased.
Kruglov connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Beneke momentarily.
Kruglov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kruglov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kruglov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kruglov looks to land a left hand but Beneke moved out of range nicely.
Beneke jabs Kruglov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Kruglov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Beneke.
Beneke shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kruglov as he jumps to the side.
Viktor Kruglov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mark Beneke.
Beneke ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Kruglov closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Kruglov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Beneke takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
This has been an exciting period of action!
Beneke moves out of range of the body kick from Kruglov.
Beneke looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Beneke looks to land a right hand but Kruglov moved out of range.
Kruglov moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Kruglov ducks under a wild hook from Beneke.
Kruglov blocks a jab.
Kruglov throwing a counter right hand but Beneke manages to avoid it.
Beneke drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
It looks like Kruglov has been trying to sharpen up his punching technique, as it looks crisper than last time we saw him.
Beneke misses with a hook.
Kruglov misses with a body shot
and Beneke counters with a straight right hand.
We've been informed that Beneke has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Nice defenses there by Kruglov.
Kruglov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A left lands for Kruglov.
Kruglov takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Kruglov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kruglov is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Kruglov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Beneke keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kruglov.
Kruglov throws a jab when Beneke was well out of range.
Viktor Kruglov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A decent looking cross lands there for Beneke.
Beneke throws a nice looking combination but Kruglov bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jab by Kruglov.
Kruglov throws a body punch but Beneke moves out of range.
Beneke blocks a leg kick.
A good leg kick by Kruglov.
Kruglov connects with a solid leg kick.
Kruglov throws a big shot that misses.
Beneke moves out of range of the strikes.
Beneke takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kruglov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Beneke sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Beneke doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Kruglov throws a right hand that misses
and Beneke counters with a straight right hand.
Kruglov misses with a left hand
and Beneke cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Beneke attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Kruglov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Beneke misses with a low kick as Kruglov jumps back.
Kruglov throws a counter high kick but Beneke was just alert enough to avoid it.
Kruglov ducks under a wild hook from Beneke.
Kruglov throws a hook to the side of Beneke's head but Beneke sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kruglov swings widly with a right hand
and Beneke counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kruglov tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov misses with a looping right.
Beneke looks to throw the jab but Kruglov is out of range.
A big right from Beneke misses.
Kruglov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kruglov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Beneke.
Beneke on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kruglov. Kruglov obviously looking to wear him down.
A looping hook to the body misses from Beneke. Kruglov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kruglov appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Kruglov misses with a body kick.
Kruglov lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Kruglov misses with a straight left.
Beneke throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kruglov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
A big right from Beneke misses.
Kruglov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Beneke looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kruglov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Beneke.
Kruglov has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Kruglov there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kruglov throws a body kick that misses.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kruglov misses with a hook to the body
and Beneke counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Beneke thuds his right hand into Kruglov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kruglov scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Beneke gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Kruglov counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kruglov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Beneke.
Beneke tries to counter by closing the distance.
Nice sprawl there from Kruglov as Beneke shoots in.
Beneke uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kruglov.
Beneke thows a left - swing and a miss!
It looked like Kruglov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Kruglov swings for the body but Beneke moves out of range.
Kruglov's jab looks to have found its range, popping Beneke under the eye.
Beneke throws a looping overhand right but Kruglov ducks down to avoid it.
Good shot there by Kruglov.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Beneke moves away from the strike by Kruglov.
Kruglov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kruglov lands with a slapping head kick.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov scores with a hook to the body. Beneke takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kruglov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Beneke slips under a jab.
Beneke connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kruglov momentarily.
Beneke is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kruglov.
Kruglov takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Beneke moves away from the strike by Kruglov.
Kruglov throws a shot from downtown. Beneke moves away and avoids it.
Kruglov looks to land a left hand but Beneke moved out of range nicely.
Mark Beneke seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kruglov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Beneke.
A low kick from Beneke is predictable there
and Kruglov counters with a stiff right hand.
Kruglov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Beneke throws out the jab.
Kruglov moves out of range of the leg kick from Beneke.
The fighters circling - Kruglov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kruglov throws a lazy right hand but Beneke sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kruglov throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Beneke misses.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kruglov. Beneke does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nice body kick from Kruglov.
Kruglov misses with a straight left.
Beneke scores with the left hand. Kruglov knows he should have avoided that one.
Kruglov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Beneke misses with a looping right.
Kruglov works Beneke's body with a nice hook.
Beneke moves away from the strike by Kruglov.
Beneke cracks Kruglov with a right hand to the side of the head.
Kruglov slips a jab from Beneke.
Beneke misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Beneke throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Beneke pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kruglov slips a straight right by Beneke.
Beneke misses with a hook. Kruglov ducked under it nicely.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Kruglov. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Kruglov.
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!
Beneke fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kruglov on the side of the head.
Kruglov throws a push kick but Beneke slaps the foot to one side.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kruglov.
Kruglov blocks a jab.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Beneke ducks right into an uppercut from Kruglov.
Kruglov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kruglov misses with a straight left.
Kruglov misses with a looping left.
Kruglov tries a head kick but it misses.
Beneke looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Beneke paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kruglov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Kruglov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Beneke throws out a counter right but Kruglov avoids it with no problem.
Kruglov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Beneke.
Kruglov avoids the body shot from Beneke.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov looks to throw a body kick
and Beneke counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Beneke keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kruglov.
Kruglov keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Beneke.
Kruglov moves away from the strike by Beneke.
Kruglov misses with a hook.
Kruglov misses the shot to the body.
Beneke moves out of range as Kruglov throws a body kick.
Beneke uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kruglov.
Beneke looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kruglov moves away from the strike by Beneke.
Beneke takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Beneke with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Beneke blocks a head kick by Kruglov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters circling - Kruglov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Beneke scores with a decent looking hook.
Kruglov slips a jab from Beneke.
Kruglov throws a wild body kick that Beneke sees coming a mile off.
A little jabbing left from Beneke on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Viktor Kruglov dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the ring so we can get back down to business.

Beneke dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Beneke throws a head kick that misses.
Beneke displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kruglov throws out the jab.
Beneke avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kruglov lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kruglov lands a jab to the head.
Kruglov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Beneke can do to turn this around?
Beneke scores with a three punch combo!
Kruglov throws an overhand right that lands on Beneke's shoulder, as Beneke tries to avoid the shot.
Kruglov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Beneke displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kruglov throws out the jab.
Beneke steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Kruglov.
Kruglov showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Beneke.
Beneke throws a hook but Kruglov blocks it.
Beneke connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kruglov momentarily.
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!
Beneke throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Kruglov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kruglov clobbers Beneke with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kruglov swings and misses with a shot to the body
letting Beneke counter with a right hand.
Beneke bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kruglov's head backwards.
A nice leg kick from Beneke, right into the meat of the thigh.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Beneke might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Kruglov has got the better of the exchanges.
Kruglov dips to his left and cracks Beneke with an uppercut!
Beneke has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A jab lands there for Beneke.
Beneke fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kruglov on the side of the head.
Kruglov tries to land a front kick but Beneke steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Donk. Beneke catches Kruglov right on the button with a cross.
Kruglov throws a head kick that misses.
Kruglov looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kruglov throws a jab when Beneke was well out of range.
Kruglov just misses with a punch to the body.
Donk. Beneke catches Kruglov right on the button with a cross.
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!
Kruglov staying out of range there.
Beneke lands a glancing blow to the side of Kruglov's head.
Kruglov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Beneke counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Beneke.
Beneke fails to land with a series of punches.
Beneke looks to land a left hand but Kruglov moved out of range nicely.
Beneke takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Viktor Kruglov is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice body punch from Kruglov.
Beneke fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Kruglov on the side of the head.
Beneke will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Kruglov throwing a counter right hand but Beneke manages to avoid it.
Beneke misses with a right hand
and Kruglov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Beneke takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Beneke rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Kruglov moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kruglov misses with an uppercut. Beneke saw that one coming.
Beneke looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Beneke pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kruglov throws a jab when Beneke was well out of range.
Beneke throws a looping overhand right but Kruglov ducks down to avoid it.
Kruglov scores with a kick to the midsection.
Kruglov keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Beneke avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kruglov lands with a cross.
Beneke looks for a takedown but Kruglov sprawls well.
The fighters circling - Beneke throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Beneke throws a hook but Kruglov avoids it easily.
Sloppy strikes from Beneke. Those never looked like landing.
Kruglov's corner calls for a 1-2. Kruglov obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Beneke throws a hook to the side of Kruglov's head but Kruglov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kruglov takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Beneke throws a jab when Kruglov was well out of range.
Kruglov throws a head kick that misses.
A little jabbing left from Beneke on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Donk. Kruglov catches Beneke right on the button with a cross.
Beneke misses with a body shot.
Kruglov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Jab from Beneke.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Beneke lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Beneke throws a hook but Kruglov avoids it easily.
Kruglov with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Beneke throws a big shot that misses.
Beneke throws a leg kick
and Kruglov counters with a straight right hand.
Beneke misses with a body shot.
Beneke throws a lazy right hand but Kruglov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A bone on bone clash there as Kruglov blocks the leg kick.
Kruglov missing with a left hand there. Beneke was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kruglov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Beneke was well out of range. Poor timing from Kruglov.
Kruglov misses with a looping right.
Beneke is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kruglov slips under a jab.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov sizes up Beneke with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Beneke throws an off balance right hand
and Kruglov counters with a kick to the head that grazes his opponent. Beneke is lucky that one didn't land flush.

Beneke is rocked!
Kruglov blocks a jab.
Kruglov quickly followed up with a counter body kick but doesn't connect.
Beneke is still on wobbly legs! Can Kruglov finish him?
Kruglov uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Beneke.
Beneke connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Beneke seems to have recovered his senses.
Beneke bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Beneke lunges at Kruglov with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Kruglov's hand.
Kruglov lunges at Beneke with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Beneke's hand.
Kruglov misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kruglov. Beneke does a little dance to reset his feet.
Beneke displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kruglov throws out the jab.
Kruglov looks to land a right hand but Beneke moved out of range.
A swing and a miss from Kruglov.
A jab from Beneke misses.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Beneke uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kruglov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
No joy there for Beneke, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Beneke lands a head kick. Kruglov smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Beneke fails with a takedown attempt.
Viktor Kruglov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mark Beneke.
Kruglov throws a right and a left that Beneke avoids nicely.
Beneke staying out of range there.
Beneke takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Beneke misses with a body shot.
Kruglov misses with an uppercut.
Beneke lands the left hand.
Beneke goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Kruglov misses with a head kick.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov throws a head kick that misses.
A countering left hand to the body from Beneke misses.
Beneke defending well as Kruglov loads up on a big left hand.
Beneke swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kruglov misses with a left hand
and Beneke counters with a nice uppercut.
Beneke swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Beneke throws a series of punches but Kruglov moves out of range.
Beneke throws a wild body kick that Kruglov sees coming a mile off.
Kruglov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Beneke.
Beneke lands a lovely overhand right.
Kruglov throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Donk. Beneke catches Kruglov right on the button with a cross.
Kruglov loads up on a big right hand but Beneke slips the punch.
Kruglov throws a lazy body kick
letting Beneke counter with a right hand.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kruglov, as that shot connected.
Beneke throws a big shot that misses.
Beneke paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Beneke misses with the combination.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kruglov is looking to slow Beneke down with leg kicks.
Kruglov slips a jab from Beneke.
Kruglov misses with a hook. Beneke ducked under it nicely.
Good shot there by Kruglov.
A telegraphed right hand from Kruglov misses the target.
Kruglov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Beneke waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kruglov.
Kruglov thinks about countering with a head kick.
Beneke lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Beneke misses the jab.
Beneke misses with a looping right.
Kruglov connects with the punch.
Kruglov misses with a head kick.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov looks to land a left hand but Beneke moved out of range nicely.
Kruglov lands with a cross.
Beneke slips a jab from Kruglov.
Beneke keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kruglov.
Beneke feints a counter leg kick.
Beneke throws an overhand right that lands on Kruglov's shoulder, as Kruglov tries to avoid the shot.
Beneke blocks a jab.
Kruglov blocks a low kick nicely.
Kruglov throws a quick counter kick to the body but Beneke avoids it.
Kruglov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kruglov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Beneke slips under a jab from Kruglov.
Beneke misses with a hook.
Kruglov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Beneke connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kruglov scrambles back to his feet.
Kruglov throws a head kick that misses.
Beneke has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kruglov finds it's way round the side to connect with Beneke's head.
Kruglov moves out of range of the strikes.
A little feinted left hand from Kruglov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
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 Viktor Kruglov will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Kruglov tries to bum rush Beneke with a series of wild strikes but Beneke uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kruglov lands a head kick!
Beneke misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kruglov.
Beneke lands with a right hand.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kruglov. Beneke does a little dance to reset his feet.
Beneke looks to land a combination but Kruglov avoids it well.
An attempted straight right counter from Kruglov misses the target.
Kruglov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Beneke.
Beneke misses with a leg kick.
Beneke takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kruglov checks a low kick from Beneke.
Kruglov throws a lazy uppercut
letting Beneke counter with a right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Beneke slips under a jab from Kruglov.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Beneke! But no joy.
Beneke throws a hook but Kruglov blocks it.
Beneke paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kruglov throws a hook but Beneke blocks it.
Beneke connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kruglov momentarily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Beneke tries to land a front kick but Kruglov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Beneke misses with a straight right.
Beneke with a poor takedown
and Kruglov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Beneke looks to land a right hand but Kruglov moved out of range.
Beneke avoids a kick to the body.
Beneke goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Beneke connects with a right hand. Kruglov shakes it off.
Beneke looks to land a combination. Kruglov sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Beneke takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Beneke avoids a kick to the body.
Beneke takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kruglov misses with a head kick.
Beneke looks to throw the jab but Kruglov is out of range.
Beneke throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
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!
Beneke moves out of range of the body kick.
Beneke now looks to counter with a shot at the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Beneke slips a jab from Kruglov.
Kruglov bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Beneke throws a good cross that connects.
Beneke gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Beneke throws a right and a left that Kruglov avoids nicely.
Beneke jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kruglov moves away from the strike by Beneke.
Kruglov fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Beneke lands a really nice looking cross but Kruglov seems unphased.
Kruglov misses with a body shot.
Kruglov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Beneke dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Kruglov. That did some damage!
Kruglov throws a body punch but Beneke moves out of range.
Beneke feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kruglovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Kruglov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Beneke throws out a counter right but Kruglov avoids it with no problem.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Beneke throws a hook to the side of Kruglov's head but Kruglov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kruglov swings for the body but Beneke moves out of range.
Beneke fails to land with a series of punches.
Kruglov appears to be looking for a big counter.
Kruglov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Beneke sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kruglov. Beneke does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kruglov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kruglov slips a jab and a cross from Beneke.
Beneke uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kruglov has time to react.
Beneke shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Beneke connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kruglov's hands.
A head kick misses from Kruglov.
Beneke gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kruglov.
Beneke takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Beneke blocks a jab.
Kruglov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Beneke takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Beneke connects with a body shot that sends Kruglov's belly button to the back.
Beneke scores with a jab to the head.
Beneke scores with a head kick. Kruglov tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Kruglov moves out of range of the body kick.

A jab-cross combination lands for Kruglov and sends Beneke crashing to the mat! Kruglov follows him down to the mat - Beneke regains half guard but he's not out of trouble yet!

Beneke looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kruglov wants to stand but Beneke has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now.
Kruglov trying to control from half guard but Beneke is working away.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Kruglov decides to return to a standing position.
Beneke throws a lazy right hand but Kruglov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A head kick misses from Kruglov.
Kruglov takes a jab right on the kisser.
Beneke throws a right hand that Kruglov ducks under and follows up with a left that Kruglov also avoids with ease.
Kruglov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kruglov misses with a straight right.
Kruglov throws a head kick but Beneke moves out of range.
Kruglov misses with a lunging right hand
and Beneke counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kruglov fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Beneke has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Kruglov moves away from the strike by Beneke.
Beneke has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Beneke there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kruglov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Beneke finds it's way round the side to connect with Kruglov's head.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Beneke throws a jab when Kruglov was well out of range.
Kruglov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kruglov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kruglov lands a nice hook to Beneke's body. Beneke takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Beneke keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kruglov.
Kruglov misses with an uppercut. Beneke saw that one coming.
Beneke tries to counter with a clinch but Kruglov shakes him off and moves away.
Beneke with a poor takedown
letting Kruglov counter with a right hand.
Viktor Kruglov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mark Beneke.
Beneke throws a predictable looking body shot
and Kruglov counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Beneke misses with a hook. Kruglov ducked under it nicely.
Beneke misses with a straight left.
Beneke with a hook.
Beneke throws a hook to the side of Kruglov's head but Kruglov sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Good shot there by Kruglov.
Kruglov throws a looping overhand right but Beneke ducks down to avoid it.
Beneke looks to throw the jab but Kruglov is out of range.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov misses with an uppercut. Beneke saw that one coming.
Beneke is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kruglov.
Kruglov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Kruglov lands with a straight right. Beneke didn't see that one coming.
Kruglov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Beneke.
Kruglov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kruglov misses with a body shot.
Kruglov throws a sloppy head kick and Beneke moves out of range easily.
Kruglov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Beneke.
Beneke swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Beneke throws a body shot but no joy.
Beneke works Kruglov's body with a nice hook.
Beneke has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kruglov finds it's way round the side to connect with Beneke's head.
Kruglov defending well as Beneke loads up on a big left hand.
Beneke works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Kruglov misses with an uppercut. Beneke saw that one coming.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Beneke tests Kruglov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Beneke lands a lovely overhand right.
Beneke takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kruglov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A slow jab from Kruglov misses its intended target.
Beneke fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kruglov is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Beneke throws an overhand right that lands on Kruglov's shoulder, as Kruglov tries to avoid the shot.
Kruglov takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Beneke throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Beneke thuds his right hand into Kruglov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kruglov throws a lazy right hand but Beneke sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kruglov throws out a loose jab but Beneke uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kruglov is looking to land body kicks.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kruglov is looking to land body kicks.
Kruglov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Beneke.
Kruglov on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Beneke steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kruglov.
Beneke tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kruglov swivels and escapes.
Kruglov scores with a hook.
Kruglov slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kruglov tries to land a body kick
and Beneke connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Beneke takes a kick to the side of the head.
Kruglov throws the left hand but Beneke avoids the punch easily.
Mark Beneke has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Beneke blocks a jab.
Beneke throws a jab when Kruglov was well out of range.
The fighters circling - Beneke throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kruglov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Beneke jabs Kruglov right on the nose. Kruglov blinks but takes it well.
Kruglov ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Viktor Kruglov.
Well Kruglov has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Ben Watson scores the fight for Viktor Kruglov!
Judge Francis DeMontford scores the fight for Viktor Kruglov!
Judge Topper Green scores the fight for Viktor Kruglov!

Viktor Kruglov wins by unanimous decision!
After winning the bout, Viktor Kruglov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.