PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Sergei Kourdakov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sub Hero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kourdakov kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Sonata Arctica - San Sebastian. Hero is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Giant Squid - Panthalassa. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kourdakov
vs
Hero

165 cm
28
141 lbs
15 - 5 - 1

164 cm
32
146 lbs
21 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Perkele!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 5 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sergei Kourdakov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 21 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sub Hero!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Dmitry Maklakov and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kourdakov missing with a left hand there. Hero was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kourdakov moves out of range as Hero strikes.
Hero thuds a left hand into Kourdakov's body.
Hero throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
A shot to the liver by Hero. Beautiful body shot.
Kourdakov scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Hero takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Hero misses with a straight right.
Hero keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Hero misses the target.
Kourdakov swings for the body but Hero moves out of range.
Kourdakov throws an overhand right that lands on Hero's shoulder, as Hero tries to avoid the shot.
Kourdakov defending well as Hero loads up on a big left hand.
Hero takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Some wild striking there from Kourdakov.
Kourdakov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Kourdakov moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Kourdakov shoots in and drives through. Hero sprawls well.
Kourdakov scores with a hook to the body. Hero takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Hero lands a really nice looking cross but Kourdakov seems unphased.
Hero misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kourdakov.
Hero stuffs the takedown attempt from Kourdakov. Kourdakov gets slowly back to his feet.
Hero takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Hero pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kourdakov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hero on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Kourdakov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hero misses with a looping left.
Hero swings for the body but Kourdakov moves out of range.
Kourdakov shoots in for a takedown but Hero shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sergei Kourdakov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hero looks to land a right hand but Kourdakov moved out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hero scores with a nice strike.
Kourdakov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kourdakov takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hero throws an off balance right hand
and Kourdakov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Kourdakov throws a hook but Hero blocks it.
Hero misses with a body shot.
Kourdakov keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kourdakov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kourdakov pushes Hero away with a front kick.
Hero avoids the body shot from Kourdakov.
Kourdakov throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hero.

Hero is rocked!
Sergei Kourdakov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kourdakov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Hero moves away.
Kourdakov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hero.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Kourdakov is defended easily by Hero.
Hero feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kourdakovs jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kourdakov closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Kourdakov lands in his opponent's guard.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Hero looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kourdakov is one step ahead there.
Kourdakov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kourdakov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hero is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hero wants to control but Kourdakov passes easily into half guard.
Hero is trying to get back to full guard.
Hero wants to control but Kourdakov is keeping busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hero wants to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sergei Kourdakov dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kourdakov throws a lazy right hand but Hero sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kourdakov throws a wild body kick that Hero sees coming a mile off.
Hero throws an overhand right that lands on Kourdakov's shoulder, as Kourdakov tries to avoid the shot.
Kourdakov misses with a hook to the body
and Hero counters with a left to the body.
Kourdakov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hero.
A big right from Hero misses.
Kourdakov's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Hero connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Kourdakov scrambles back to his feet.
Kourdakov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Hero's sensitive parts.
Hero swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kourdakov misses with a double jab
and Hero counters with a nice body shot.
Kourdakov swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hero makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Kourdakov fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Hero scores with a crisp jab that stopped Kourdakov in his tracks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kourdakov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kourdakov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Kourdakov throws a head kick that Hero semi-blocks.
Kourdakov tries to clinch up.
Kourdakov swings for the body but Hero moves out of range.
Nice cross by Hero.
Hero tests Kourdakov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Hero lands with an uppercut that bounces Kourdakov off the cage and back into range.
Kourdakov throws a sloppy head kick and Hero moves out of range easily.
Kourdakov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Hero at a distance.
Hero darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hero throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Kourdakov sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Hero shoots for a takedown but Kourdakov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Hero lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kourdakov at a distance.
Kourdakov is looking to wear down Hero with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kourdakov tries to clinch up but Hero circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hero throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kourdakov defending well as Hero loads up on a big left hand.
Kourdakov swings away with a body shot that misses
and Hero counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Good shot there by Hero.
Kourdakov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hero.

Kourdakov shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Hero is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Kourdakov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kourdakov advances to half guard.
Well, if Kourdakov is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hero does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hero is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Hero gets back to full guard.
Kourdakov has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Hero is proving hard to escape from.
Hero keeping moving, preventing Kourdakov from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Sergei Kourdakov just wasn't active enough.
Hero steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kourdakov.
A cross from Kourdakov lands.

Hero looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Kourdakov has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Hero off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Kourdakov throws a hook but Hero avoids it easily.
Kourdakov throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Hero sees it coming and avoids it easily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kourdakov blocks a jab.
Kourdakov ducks under a wild hook from Hero.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hero takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Hero fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kourdakov manages to avoid it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Sergei Kourdakov will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. 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.

Kourdakov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Hero is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Hero takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Hero misses with a looping right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kourdakov. Hero does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kourdakov lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Kourdakov blocks a jab.
Hero swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hero is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kourdakov throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Hero stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Hero throws a big shot that misses.
Hero misses with an uppercut.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kourdakov.
Kourdakov stuns Hero with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Kourdakov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hero thows a body shot but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hero pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kourdakov misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Hero counters with a single leg into guard. Kourdakov didn't expect that.
Kourdakov wants to stand and escape but Hero is having none of it.
Hero trying to control but Kourdakov is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov wants to stand but Hero is controlling the position.
Hero trying to control but Kourdakov is working from the bottom.
Kourdakov wants to stand but Hero is controlling the position.
Hero pushes down on Kourdakov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Hero thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kourdakov's head.
Sergei Kourdakov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hero is trying to control the action in half guard but Kourdakov is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Hero prevents Kourdakov from standing back up.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Hero in particular looking to stall.

Sub Hero has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Hero just misses with a punch to the body.
Hero sizes up Kourdakov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kourdakov pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Kourdakov lands a jab to Hero's midsection.
Kourdakov throws a head kick but Hero moves out of range.

Kourdakov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kourdakov trying to control but Hero is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kourdakov 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.
Hero keeping moving, preventing Kourdakov from controlling successfully.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Kourdakov controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Sergei Kourdakov wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Hero moves out of range as Kourdakov strikes.
Kourdakov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kourdakov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Hero.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hero avoids the body shot from Kourdakov.
Hero throws a shot from downtown. Kourdakov moves away and avoids it.
Kourdakov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hero manages to avoid it.
Hero throws a hook but Kourdakov avoids it easily.
Hero blocks a leg kick.
Nice defenses there by Kourdakov.
Sub Hero has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hero misses with an uppercut. Kourdakov saw that one coming.
Kourdakov works over Hero's head and body with a nice combination.
A big left from Hero misses.
Kourdakov scores with a jab. Hero acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hero throws the left hand but Kourdakov avoids the punch easily.
Hero shoots for a double leg takedown but Kourdakov sprawls well. He's pushed Hero's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hero fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kourdakov manages to avoid it.
Hero takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.

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 Sergei Kourdakov.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kourdakov, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:27
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:27
Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sergei Kourdakov!
After the big win, Sergei Kourdakov made sure to do all the important stuff like thanking his sponsors ACME-Blood Red Q158 Always $30 and telling the interviewer how much he loves him.