PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Leandro Podogo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bret McKenzie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Podogo
vs
McKenzie

171 cm
23
180 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

176 cm
23
184 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Leandro Podogo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Bret McKenzie!
The judges for this bout are Aleksei Zolotukhin, Sergei Dronov and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Podogo looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? McKenzie is fending him off so far but Podogo persists. Nope, McKenzie circles away and we're back to standing.
Podogo ducks under a wild hook from McKenzie.
Podogo looks for a takedown but McKenzie sprawls well.
Podogo moves out of range of the strikes.
McKenzie lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by McKenzie.

Podogo pushes McKenzie up against the cage in a clinch.
McKenzie blocks the elbow strike.
McKenzie tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Podogo trying to land knees to the body.
Podogo looks to throw an elbow but misses.
A short left from McKenzie.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Podogo just misses with a elbow thrown towards McKenzie's brow.
Podogo tries to pull guard but McKenzie forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leandro Podogo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McKenzie misses with a punch to the body.
McKenzie misses with a hook to the ribs.
McKenzie tries a body shot but Podogo blocks it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Podogo tries for a takedown but McKenzie manages to get underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McKenzie blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Podogo throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch on the inside from McKenzie fails to land.
McKenzie misses with a punch to the body.
Podogo tries to work over McKenzie's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Podogo jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as McKenzie walks away with a smile on his face. Podogo gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Podogo shoots in but no luck this time.
A lazy left from McKenzie finds it's target.
McKenzie fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Podogo manages to avoid it.
McKenzie missing with a left hand there. Podogo was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
McKenzie lands with a slapping head kick.
Podogo scores with a shot to the body.
Horrible takedown by Podogo or perhaps it was just good defense by McKenzie which made him look bad.
Podogo tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and McKenzie is able to avoid easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie lands a nice shot that snaps Podogo's head back.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McKenzie misses with a shot to the body
and Podogo counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Podogo avoids the body shot from McKenzie.
Podogo misses with an attempted mid kick.
McKenzie throws a jab when Podogo was well out of range.
Podogo throws a nice head kick!

It looks like Bret McKenzie has been cut.
McKenzie throws a jab when Podogo was well out of range.
Podogo blocks a head kick by McKenzie.

Podogo closes the distance and clinches.
Podogo jumps guard but McKenzie turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Podogo throws an elbow that misses.
Podogo stalling in the clinch.
Podogo with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Podogo blocks a body shot from McKenzie.
McKenzie tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Podogo blocks a body shot from McKenzie.
McKenzie struggles to land a body shot inside as Podogo controls his hands.
Podogo with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Podogo fails to pull guard.
McKenzie pushes Podogo back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from McKenzie.
McKenzie tries to throw a body punch but Podogo avoids it by throwing McKenzie back against the cage.
McKenzie lands with a short shot to the head.
McKenzie misses with a body punch.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, McKenzie creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
McKenzie scores with a shoulder strike.
McKenzie misses with a body punch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McKenzie scores with a hook to the body.
Podogo is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. McKenzie is defending well for now.
McKenzie is leaning against Podogo and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Podogo is breathing heavily.
A short left from McKenzie.
Podogo takes a shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Podogo's elbow.
A short right from McKenzie.
McKenzie lands a right hand that snaps the head of Podogo backwards.
A nice left hand lands by McKenzie.
McKenzie lands a body punch in the clinch.
McKenzie lands with a short shot to the head.
McKenzie softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, McKenzie creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
McKenzie pushes Podogo back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
McKenzie gets through Podogo's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
McKenzie lands a right hand that snaps the head of Podogo backwards.
McKenzie lands a body shot in the clinch.
Podogo can't get the takedown.
A left hand lands to the body for McKenzie.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McKenzie lands a nice uppercut.
McKenzie makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A right hand to the body from McKenzie.
A right handed body shot lands from McKenzie.
Good body shot from McKenzie.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bret McKenzie dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Bret McKenzie'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.

McKenzie misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

McKenzie has Podogo up against the cage in a clinch.
McKenzie misses with a punch to the body.
McKenzie throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Podogo is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables McKenzie to keep the fight standing.
Podogo tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Podogo fails to pull the fight into his guard.
A short right from McKenzie on the inside.
Good body shot from McKenzie.
McKenzie goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
McKenzie tries to throw a body punch but Podogo avoids it by throwing McKenzie back against the cage.
McKenzie lands a shot to the body.
Podogo prevents a body shot from McKenzie.
McKenzie blocking some punches.
Podogo swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
McKenzie lands with a left to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Podogo tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. McKenzie smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Leandro Podogo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Podogo staying out of range there.
McKenzie misses with a wild combination.
McKenzie throws a low kick but Podogo avoids it.
McKenzie lands a jab.
McKenzie misses with a body punch
and Podogo counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
McKenzie throws a lazy right hand but Podogo sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McKenzie misses with a body shot.
McKenzie throws a jab but it's blocked by Podogo.
McKenzie fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

McKenzie instigates a clinch.
McKenzie lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Podogo backwards.
McKenzie tries to work over Podogo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McKenzie blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Podogo trying to control the position but instead, McKenzie has worked for underhooks and has pushed Podogo into the cage.
Podogo is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. McKenzie is defending well for now.
McKenzie lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McKenzie is working Podogo over against the cage.
Bret McKenzie seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
McKenzie scores with a nice hook to the head.
McKenzie tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Podogo's elbow.
McKenzie lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
McKenzie lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Podogo jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as McKenzie walks away with a smile on his face. Podogo gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Bret McKenzie seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Podogo takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie connects with a single shot there.
Podogo takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

McKenzie gets a clinch.
Podogo's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A bit of stalling here from Podogo.
McKenzie misses with a body punch.
McKenzie blocks the elbow strike.
McKenzie misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A short right from McKenzie.
A short right from McKenzie.
McKenzie struggles to land a body shot inside as Podogo controls his hands.
McKenzie tries to work over Podogo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McKenzie working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Podogo pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
McKenzie has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
McKenzie tries a body shot but Podogo blocks it.
McKenzie lands on the inside with an uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from McKenzie.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Podogo trying to control the position but instead, McKenzie has worked for underhooks and has pushed Podogo into the cage.
McKenzie lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
McKenzie scores with a nice hook to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from McKenzie.
McKenzie misses with a body punch.
McKenzie swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Podogo blocks a body shot from McKenzie.
Podogo misses with a shot to the kidneys.
McKenzie works on Podogo's body with a couple of short punches.
A right hand to the body from McKenzie.
McKenzie lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Podogo backwards.
McKenzie lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McKenzie tries to work over Podogo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McKenzie tries a body shot but Podogo blocks it.
McKenzie tries to throw a body punch but Podogo avoids it by throwing McKenzie back against the cage.
A right hand to the body from McKenzie.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bret McKenzie showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Bret McKenzie's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

McKenzie throws a jab when Podogo was well out of range.
Podogo walks into a left hand.
McKenzie changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Podogo gets cracked with a nice right hand there by McKenzie.
Podogo doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
McKenzie slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
McKenzie takes a swing at Podogo's ribcage but misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McKenzie thows a body shot but no joy.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Podogo misses with a low kick.

McKenzie closes the distance and pushes Podogo back into the cage.
McKenzie tries to throw a body punch but Podogo avoids it by throwing McKenzie back against the cage.
McKenzie misses with a punch to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Podogo blocks a body shot from McKenzie.
Good body shot from McKenzie.
McKenzie lands a right hand that snaps the head of Podogo backwards.
McKenzie tries to work over Podogo's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
McKenzie digs a right hand underneath Podogo's ribcage. Podogo let out a lung full of air as it connected.
McKenzie misses with a shot to the kidneys.
McKenzie lands with a light punch inside.
McKenzie lands on the inside with an uppercut.
McKenzie is leaning against Podogo and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
McKenzie scores with a shot to the side of Podogo's head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
McKenzie scores with a shot to the side of Podogo's head.
Podogo's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!

Podogo ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Podogo no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
McKenzie has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Podogo is proving hard to escape from.
McKenzie wants to pass the guard but Podogo is keeping the position.
Leandro Podogo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie wants to control from the top but Podogo keeps moving.

Podogo working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. McKenzie doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. McKenzie manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

McKenzie gets to his feet. Podogo looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Bret McKenzie seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

McKenzie instigates a clinch.

Podogo successfully pulls guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
McKenzie throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Podogo keeping moving, preventing McKenzie from controlling successfully.
McKenzie throws a big elbow that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie wants to pass the guard but Podogo is keeping the position.
McKenzie controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
McKenzie's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Bret McKenzie wasn't active enough on the ground.

McKenzie drives through and clinches with Podogo against the cage.
McKenzie working aggressively here.
McKenzie misses with a body punch.
McKenzie lands with a left to the head.
McKenzie misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Podogo tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and McKenzie avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKenzie works on Podogo's body with a couple of short punches.
McKenzie lands a nice shot to the body.
McKenzie blocks an elbow strike.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
McKenzie lands a nice uppercut.
McKenzie scores with a hook to the body.
A body shot lands from McKenzie.
McKenzie lands with a right to the head.
McKenzie softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, McKenzie creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
McKenzie lands a left hand.
McKenzie lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A short right hand to the side of the head by McKenzie.
McKenzie pushes Podogo back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
McKenzie struggles to land a body shot inside as Podogo controls his hands.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
McKenzie misses with a punch to the body.
A nice left hand lands by McKenzie.
McKenzie digs a right hand into Podogo's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Podogo's gas tank.
A short body shot lands from McKenzie as the two fighters clinch.
McKenzie lands with a short shot to the head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bret McKenzie comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well McKenzie has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 27:30
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 26:30
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bret McKenzie!