PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lyov Kirijenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Martez Cortega (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Martez Cortega will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Kirijenko
vs
Cortega

195 cm
25
220 lbs
15 - 12 - 0

185 cm
26
219 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

XTREME PWNAGE: Down Under!

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 15 - 12 - 0, fighting out of London, Lyov Kirijenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Martez Cortega!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Richard Clark and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kirijenko lands with a shot to the body.
Kirijenko blocks a jab.
Kirijenko slaps away a takedown attempt from Cortega, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kirijenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kirijenko checks a low kick from Cortega.
Jab by Cortega.
Kirijenko finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Cortega looks to land a combination but Kirijenko avoids it well.
Kirijenko thows a body shot but no joy.
Kirijenko fails with a takedown attempt.
Kirijenko connects with a body shot that sends Cortega's belly button to the back.
Kirijenko scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cortega in his tracks.
Kirijenko ducks under a wild hook from Cortega.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortega moves out of range of the body kick.
Cortega will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Cortega swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kirijenko ducks under a wild hook from Cortega.
Kirijenko ducks under a wild hook from Cortega.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Kirijenko lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Cortega has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Cortega and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Cortega digs a good hook to Kirijenko's body.
Kirijenko uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cortega.
Cortega looks to land a right hand but Kirijenko moved out of range.
Kirijenko thuds his right hand into Cortega's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kirijenko takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Kirijenko lands a jab.
Kirijenko looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Cortega.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cortega looks to land a right hand but Kirijenko moved out of range.
Cortega fails with a takedown attempt.
Lyov Kirijenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Martez Cortega.
Cortega uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kirijenko.
Cortega connects with a crisp jab.
Cortega slips a jab from Kirijenko.
Cortega uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kirijenko.
Cortega fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Cortega takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko defending well as Cortega loads up on a big left hand.
Kirijenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Cortega might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.

Kirijenko shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Cortega is trying to defend but Kirijenko finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Kirijenko wants to control but Cortega is keeping him busy.
Cortega wants to get back to his feet.
Kirijenko is looking to take a break and control but Cortega is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kirijenko not doing much here.
Kirijenko lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Kirijenko thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cortega is trying to stand up here but Kirijenko is controlling him well.
Kirijenko has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Kirijenko trying to control from half guard but Cortega is working away.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kirijenko takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Cortega wants to get back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kirijenko takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Cortega is trying to stand back up but Kirijenko is controlling him
Kirijenko trying to control from half guard but Cortega is working away.
Kirijenko wants to pass to mount but Cortega is defending the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kirijenko thows a huge punch but Cortega dodges it nicely.
Kirijenko throwing shots but Cortega is blocking nicely.
Kirijenko is looking to take a break and control but Cortega is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Lyov Kirijenko will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kirijenko takes a swing at Cortega's ribcage but misses.
Kirijenko tries a low kick but Cortega avoids it.
Cortega avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Nice takedown defense from Kirijenko. No joy for Cortega on that attempt.
Kirijenko looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Kirijenko scores with a kick to the midsection.
Cortega defending well as Kirijenko loads up on a big left hand.
Kirijenko works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Kirijenko throws a jab but it's blocked by Cortega.
Kirijenko does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Kirijenko misses with a looping right.
Cortega slips a straight right by Kirijenko.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortega walks into a jab.
Kirijenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kirijenko throws a wild body kick that Cortega sees coming a mile off.
Kirijenko shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Cortega but Cortega pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Kirijenko avoids a kick to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Cortega. Those never looked like landing.
Kirijenko misses with a body shot.
Cortega uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kirijenko.
Cortega throws a good cross that connects.
Cortega checks a leg kick.
Cortega tries to land a front kick but Kirijenko steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Lyov Kirijenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko swings for the body but Cortega moves out of range.
Cortega misses the shot to the body.
Some bone on bone action there as Cortega checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Kirijenko defending well as Cortega loads up on a big left hand.
A leg kick checked by Cortega.
Kirijenko does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Cortega misses the jab.
Kirijenko pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kirijenko is looking to land body kicks.
Cortega looks to land a right hand but Kirijenko moved out of range.
Kirijenko misses with a leg kick
letting Cortega counter with a right hand.
Kirijenko is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kirijenko scores with a takedown into Cortega's guard.
Kirijenko controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

Cortega has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Kirijenko off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.
Kirijenko wants to slow Cortega down by chopping away at his legs.
Kirijenko keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Kirijenko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cortega.
Cortega shoots for a takedown but Kirijenko saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Lyov Kirijenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Martez Cortega.
Cortega lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Kirijenko throws a body kick that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Cortega.
Martez Cortega seems to be getting the better of the standup.
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!
Cortega tries to move into range but Kirijenko moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

Kirijenko scores a takedown into full mount!
Kirijenko content just to control the position here.
Poor strikes thrown by Kirijenko there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Cortega's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Kirijenko lands a heavy elbow.
Kirijenko scoring with strikes but Cortega is staying in there.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kirijenko dominating with strikes here.
Cortega's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
Kirijenko controlling the pace for now.
Kirijenko has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lyov Kirijenko dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Kirijenko throws out a powerful jab.
Cortega throws a body punch but Kirijenko moves out of range.
Cortega keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Martez Cortega is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kirijenko lands with a nice body punch.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Cortega is defended easily by Kirijenko.
Kirijenko displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Cortega.
A jab from Kirijenko misses.
Cortega walks into a stiff left hand from Kirijenko.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortega misses with a takedown attempt

and Kirijenko counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Lyov Kirijenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Martez Cortega.
Kirijenko trying to control but Cortega is working from the bottom.
Cortega wants to stand and escape but Kirijenko is having none of it.
Kirijenko is in close to Cortega's body, working some short punches and elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kirijenko works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Cortega is staying active underneath Kirijenko, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kirijenko lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

Kirijenko wants to work for an arm triangle but Cortega is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kirijenko is keen to just control but Cortega is a slippery customer.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kirijenko trying to pass the guard but Cortega defending well.
Nice strikes from Kirijenko there.
Kirijenko not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kirijenko missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kirijenko wants to lay and pray for a moment but Cortega keeps working.
Cortega blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kirijenko.
Kirijenko drops an elbow to the side of Cortega's head.
Cortega is trying to stand.

Cortega is defending against the submission attempts here by Kirijenko.

Kirijenko is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Cortega makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Martez Cortega has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kirijenko looks to land a body kick but Cortega moved away.
Kirijenko uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Cortega.
A telegraphed right hand from Cortega misses the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cortega moves out of range of the body kick from Kirijenko.
Kirijenko fails with the takedown.
Cortega misses with a hook. Kirijenko ducked under it nicely.
Kirijenko listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Cortega takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

Kirijenko tries to sprawl but Cortega drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Kirijenko slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Kirijenko working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Cortega.
Kirijenko keeping full guard, as Cortega tries to pass.
Kirijenko is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kirijenko lands a nice short elbow.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kirijenko is keen to just control but Cortega is a slippery customer.
Kirijenko uses his free foot to push down on Cortega's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Cortega.
Cortega is trying to get back to his feet but can't.
Cortega throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
Cortega trying to punch from the bottom. They're landing but they're really not going to hurt Kirijenko.
Cortega throwing hammer fists to the chest of Kirijenko. What's that going to do exactly?
Cortega trying desperately to get to his feet.
Kirijenko wants to control the pace but Cortega is squirming around nicely.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kirijenko landing strikes from the mount.
Cortega is bucking up trying to escape but Kirijenko cracks him with another couple of good strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Lyov Kirijenko showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kirijenko, 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 James Atkins scores the fight 29:28
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Lyov Kirijenko!
Lyov Kirijenko took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, XTREME PWNAGE: Down Under! for their support in the buildup to the fight.