PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Piter KZ (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matteo Minonzio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Minonzio is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Metallica Enter Sandman. Matteo Minonzio told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

KZ
vs
Minonzio

182 cm
27
205 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

189 cm
22
206 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Piter KZ!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Matteo Minonzio!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Konstantin Menshow and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The fight stays on the outside here - Minonzio looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

KZ lands a left and a right that send Minonzio crashing to the mat, dazed. KZ thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

It looks like Matteo Minonzio has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Minonzio doesn't manage to clinch there - KZ circles away.
Minonzio tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Minonzio tries to clinch but KZ moves out of range.

KZ tries to keep at a distance but Minonzio has taken the fight into the clinch.
Minonzio throws an elbow but it misses.
KZ tries for a takedown. No joy.
Minonzio lands a knee to the head.
KZ is trying to break the clinch but Minonzio has him pressed against the cage.
KZ looking for a takedown.
Minonzio lands an elbow inside.
KZ has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Minonzio avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Piter KZ. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Minonzio putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has KZ in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
KZ is breathing heavily.
Minonzio lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Minonzio tries to land knees in the clinch but KZ avoids the damage to the body.
Minonzio trying to land knees to the body.
KZ is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Minonzio comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Minonzio tries to land knees in the clinch but KZ avoids the damage to the body.
Minonzio connects with a nasty looking knee right to KZ's face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minonzio scores with a knee to the head.

KZ is rocked!
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
Oh KZ is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
KZ avoiding damage as Minonzio throws knees to the body.
KZ seems to have got his legs back now.
Minonzio creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through KZ's defenses.
Minonzio lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Minonzio trying to land knees to the body.
Minonzio lands a nice elbow.
KZ on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Minonzio lands an elbow that stopped KZ in his tracks for a moment.
KZ goes for a takedown attempt but Minonzio pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Minonzio looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Minonzio takes the fight into the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Minonzio.
Minonzio throws an elbow that misses.
Minonzio stops a takedown attempt from KZ.
Minonzio lands a nice knee to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
KZ is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Minonzio gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Minonzio lands a knee to the head.
Minonzio lands an elbow just above KZ 's eye.
Minonzio scores with a knee to the head.
Minonzio landing knees to the body.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Minonzio comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
KZ takes a knee to the side of the body.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
Minonzio landing some nice looking knees to the body.
KZ takes a knee to the side of the body.
Minonzio with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
KZ takes a knee right on the jaw!
KZ managing to block the knees to the body from Minonzio.
Minonzio lands an elbow inside that KZ shrugs off.
KZ tries to break the clinch but Minonzio is controlling the position.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Minonzio with a knee to the head.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Minonzio obliges.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minonzio lands an elbow just above KZ 's eye.
KZ tries for a takedown but Minonzio manages to get underhooks.
Minonzio using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Minonzio trying to land knees to the body.
Minonzio using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Minonzio comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
KZ is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Minonzio gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A knee to the head by Minonzio.
Minonzio lands a good knee to the midsection. KZ won't want to take too many of those.
Minonzio putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has KZ in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Minonzio misses with a knee strike.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Minonzio connects with a knee to the head.
Minonzio landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Minonzio unloads a knee to the mid-section. KZ lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
KZ tries for a takedown. No joy.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Minonzio gets underhooks to prevent KZ's takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Minonzio.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Minonzio tries to land knees in the clinch but KZ avoids the damage to the body.
KZ blocks an elbow strike from Minonzio.
KZ tries to pull guard but Minonzio won't allow it.
KZ wants to get back to striking at distance but Minonzio won't allow it.
KZ on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Minonzio is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. KZ is defending well for now.
Minonzio working KZ over with knees to the body.
KZ is trying to drag Minonzio to the mat but Minonzio just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Minonzio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but KZ blocks it with crossed arms.
KZ wants to take the fight to the mat but Minonzio manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Minonzio.
Minonzio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Minonzio lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matteo Minonzio dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Matteo Minonzio's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Minonzio fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with KZ, pushing him back against the cage.
Minonzio unloads a knee to the mid-section.
KZ takes an elbow to the forehead.
Minonzio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Matteo Minonzio seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Minonzio crunches a lovely knee into KZ's ribcage.
Minonzio is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. KZ is defending well for now.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Minonzio using the Thai plumb to throw knees but KZ has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Minonzio lands an elbow just above KZ 's eye.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Minonzio.
Minonzio lands a nice knee to the body.
Minonzio missing with knees to the body.
Minonzio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Minonzio lands a knee to the head.
Minonzio has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Minonzio tries a knee to the head but KZ blocks it.
Minonzio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but KZ blocks it with crossed arms.
Minonzio is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
KZ has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Minonzio avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
KZ drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Minonzio with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
KZ takes an elbow to the temple.
KZ is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Minonzio to keep the fight standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Piter KZ. That's going to take a lot out of him.
KZ on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Minonzio using the Thai plumb to throw knees but KZ has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
KZ fails to pull the fight into his guard.
KZ is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Minonzio pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Minonzio unloads a knee to the mid-section. KZ lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Minonzio lands an elbow inside.
Minonzio missing with knees to the body.
KZ tries for a takedown. No joy.
Minonzio unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Minonzio lands a damaging elbow.
Minonzio crunches a lovely knee into KZ's ribcage.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
Minonzio tries to land knees in the clinch but KZ avoids the damage to the body.
Minonzio with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
KZ goes for a takedown attempt but Minonzio pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Minonzio doesn't manage to clinch there - KZ circles away.
Minonzio slips a jab and a cross from KZ.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Minonzio tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. KZ manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Minonzio tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Minonzio gets a clinch.
Minonzio landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Minonzio stops a takedown attempt from KZ.
Minonzio gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Minonzio missing with knees to the body.
Minonzio gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from KZ.
Minonzio lands a damaging elbow.
KZ tries to circle away but Minonzio has him pinned against the cage.
KZ is looking to break free of the clinch but Minonzio has double underhooks.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minonzio working KZ over with knees to the body.
KZ goes for a takedown in the clinch but Minonzio prevents it.
Minonzio lands an elbow that stopped KZ in his tracks for a moment.
Minonzio lands a damaging elbow.
Minonzio lands a knee to the body.
Minonzio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
KZ takes an elbow to the forehead.
Minonzio lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Minonzio utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Minonzio lands a left hand that snaps the head of KZ backwards.
Minonzio missing with knees to the body.
Minonzio lands an elbow just above KZ 's eye.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Minonzio with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Minonzio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but KZ blocks it with crossed arms.
A frustrated look appears on KZ's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
KZ tries to score a body lock takedown but Minonzio shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Minonzio landing knees to the head.
Minonzio stops a takedown attempt from KZ.
Minonzio misses with an elbow strike.
Minonzio misses with an elbow over the top.
KZ wants a takedown.
Minonzio misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from KZ.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
Minonzio gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from KZ.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
KZ jumps guard but Minonzio turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Minonzio misses with a knee to the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
KZ has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Minonzio avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
KZ tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Minonzio just stands there and leans against the cage.
Minonzio landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Minonzio connects with a nasty looking knee right to KZ's face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matteo Minonzio showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Matteo Minonzio's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

A combination from KZ does no damage.
Minonzio is looking to clinch but KZ is avoiding it.
KZ looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
KZ moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

Minonzio instigates a clinch.
Minonzio tries to land knees in the clinch but KZ avoids the damage to the body.
Minonzio scores a nice knee to the body.
Minonzio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
KZ on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
KZ goes for a takedown in the clinch but Minonzio prevents it.
Minonzio misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from KZ.
Minonzio creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Minonzio looking to throw knees to the head but KZ is blocking nicely.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A frustrated look appears on KZ's face as he tries to break the clinch.
KZ on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Minonzio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but KZ blocks it with crossed arms.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Minonzio gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from KZ.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Piter KZ. That's going to take a lot out of him.

KZ pulls Minonzio into guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Minonzio is looking to stand up but KZ won't let him.

KZ looking for a guillotine here but Minonzio defends easily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Minonzio trying to stand up but can't free himself from KZ's guard.

Minonzio gets to his feet - KZ follows without any prompting.
KZ has a takedown stuffed.
Minonzio tries to close the distance and clinch up but KZ swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Minonzio takes the fight into the clinch.

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!
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Minonzio.
KZ is working for takedown but Minonzio is calmly controlling the position for now.
Minonzio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
KZ looking for a takedown.
Minonzio lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
KZ tries to break the clinch but Minonzio is controlling the position.
Minonzio comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
Minonzio landing knees to the body.
Minonzio gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Nice elbow from Minonzio.
KZ is working for takedown but Minonzio is calmly controlling the position for now.
Minonzio is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. KZ is defending well for now.
KZ managing to block the knees to the body from Minonzio.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Minonzio prevents the takedown attempt.
Minonzio with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
KZ tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
KZ on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
KZ is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Minonzio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but KZ blocks it with crossed arms.
KZ has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Minonzio is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
KZ takes a knee right on the jaw!
KZ is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Minonzio gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and KZ avoids it.
Minonzio tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
KZ tries to score a body lock takedown but Minonzio shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Minonzio tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
A frustrated look appears on KZ's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Minonzio looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Minonzio trying to land knees to the body.
Minonzio lands an elbow inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
KZ jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Minonzio walks away with a smile on his face. KZ gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
KZ swats away the attempt to clinch by Minonzio.
KZ lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by KZ.
KZ lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Minonzio circles away quickly and effectively.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Minonzio gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Minonzio misses with a knee strike.
Minonzio throws an elbow that misses.
Minonzio lands an elbow inside.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Minonzio missing with knees to the body.
KZ takes a knee to the side of the body.
Piter KZ has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Minonzio lands a knee to the head.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
KZ drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
KZ blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Matteo Minonzio is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Minonzio prevents a body shot from KZ.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matteo Minonzio comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Minonzio 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 Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 27:30
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matteo Minonzio!
Our winner, Matteo Minonzio, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.