PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Alexandr Kuznetsov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shia LaBeouf (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). LaBeouf has chosen Riptide as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Kuznetsov
vs
LaBeouf

182 cm
29
170 lbs
13 - 10 - 1

178 cm
39
165 lbs
29 - 25 - 4

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Russian Bears Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 10 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexandr Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 29 - 25 - 4, fighting out of Montreal, Shia LaBeouf!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Ren Mimura and Kenichi Hosakawa.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
LaBeouf throws a right hand that Kuznetsov ducks under and follows up with a left that Kuznetsov also avoids with ease.

Kuznetsov closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kuznetsov throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov struggles to land a body shot inside as LaBeouf controls his hands.

LaBeouf has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Kuznetsov is trying to keep an underhook but LaBeouf manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Kuznetsov is trying to stand.
Kuznetsov keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kuznetsov is trying to stand back up but LaBeouf is controlling him
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
LaBeouf slips a jab from Kuznetsov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. LaBeouf manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
LaBeouf feints the counter takedown.

Kuznetsov moves into the clinch successfully.
LaBeouf is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kuznetsov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the head.
LaBeouf wants to take the fight to the mat but Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
LaBeouf tries to score a body lock takedown but Kuznetsov shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Alexandr Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia LaBeouf.
Kuznetsov lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
LaBeouf wants a takedown but no success here.
Kuznetsov lands a knee to the head.
LaBeouf tries for a takedown but Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks.
Kuznetsov lands a shot to the body.
LaBeouf looks winded!
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuznetsov obliges.
LaBeouf is trying to drag Kuznetsov to the mat but Kuznetsov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Kuznetsov lands a hook that snaps the head of LaBeouf backwards.
LaBeouf has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kuznetsov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov trying to land knees to the body.
Kuznetsov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov effectively controlling the action here.
LaBeouf is working for takedown but Kuznetsov is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
LaBeouf can't get the takedown.
Kuznetsov working some nice short punches in the clinch.
LaBeouf has Kuznetsov pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kuznetsov manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
LaBeouf tries to break free but Kuznetsov pushes him back against the cage.
Kuznetsov gets underhooks to prevent LaBeouf's takedown attempt.
LaBeouf can't break the clinch.
LaBeouf is looking for a takedown.
Kuznetsov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt LaBeouf or not.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lands a body punch.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nice elbow from Kuznetsov.

It looks like Shia LaBeouf has been cut.
Kuznetsov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
LaBeouf blocks an elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kuznetsov.
LaBeouf dodges an elbow strike from Kuznetsov.
LaBeouf has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Kuznetsov after a bit of a struggle.
Kuznetsov lands a left hand that snaps the head of LaBeouf backwards.
LaBeouf takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kuznetsov gets underhooks to prevent LaBeouf's takedown attempt.
LaBeouf wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
LaBeouf takes an elbow to the temple.
LaBeouf takes an elbow to the temple.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kuznetsov.
This has been an exciting period of action!
LaBeouf wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Kuznetsov with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow inside.
Kuznetsov tries to throw a body punch but LaBeouf avoids it by throwing Kuznetsov back against the cage.
Kuznetsov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Kuznetsov - that landed with a thud.
Kuznetsov pressing his opponent against the cage.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kuznetsov creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
LaBeouf is trying to break the clinch but Kuznetsov has him pressed against the cage.
Kuznetsov struggles to land a body shot inside as LaBeouf controls his hands.
Kuznetsov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
LaBeouf avoids the elbow strike from Kuznetsov, against the cage.
Kuznetsov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexandr Kuznetsov dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Shia LaBeouf's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kuznetsov stuns LaBeouf with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Kuznetsov has LaBeouf up against the cage in a clinch.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Kuznetsov just misses with a elbow thrown towards LaBeouf's brow.
LaBeouf takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kuznetsov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kuznetsov digs a right hand into LaBeouf's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on LaBeouf's gas tank.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with an elbow strike.
Kuznetsov lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
LaBeouf has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kuznetsov avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow just above LaBeouf 's eye.
Kuznetsov landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Kuznetsov lands a right hand that snaps the head of LaBeouf backwards.
LaBeouf is breathing heavily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kuznetsov has LaBeouf pushed against the cage.
Nice elbow from Kuznetsov.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov lands a nice elbow.
LaBeouf takes a knee right on the jaw!
LaBeouf is looking to break free of the clinch but Kuznetsov has double underhooks.
Kuznetsov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but LaBeouf has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow inside that LaBeouf shrugs off.
Kuznetsov dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Kuznetsov is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kuznetsov lands a good knee to the midsection. LaBeouf won't want to take too many of those.
Kuznetsov avoiding damage.
Kuznetsov leaning against his opponent.
Kuznetsov seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.
Kuznetsov lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Kuznetsov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and LaBeouf avoids it.

LaBeouf has Kuznetsov pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. LaBeouf pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Kuznetsov tumbling to the mat - LaBeouf dives into Kuznetsov's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov wants to stand but LaBeouf is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kuznetsov has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. LaBeouf has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Alexandr Kuznetsov has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A left hand lands to the body for Kuznetsov.
LaBeouf drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Kuznetsov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
LaBeouf being controlled against the cage.
Nice elbow from Kuznetsov.
LaBeouf is looking to break free of the clinch but Kuznetsov has double underhooks.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Kuznetsov lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Kuznetsov after a bit of a struggle.
Alexandr Kuznetsov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Shia LaBeouf.
Kuznetsov unloads a knee to the mid-section. LaBeouf lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kuznetsov cracks LaBeouf with a nice body shot.
Kuznetsov scores with a shoulder strike.
Kuznetsov scores with a shot to the side of LaBeouf's head.
LaBeouf takes a knee right on the jaw!
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Kuznetsov slowing the pace effectively.
LaBeouf is trying to drag Kuznetsov to the mat but Kuznetsov just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Kuznetsov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but LaBeouf has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuznetsov lands an elbow inside that LaBeouf shrugs off.
Kuznetsov lands a nice uppercut.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf tries for a takedown but Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kuznetsov takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Kuznetsov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. LaBeouf is defending well for now.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kuznetsov lands with a light punch inside.
LaBeouf is trying to push Kuznetsov away but Kuznetsov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
LaBeouf has had enough of the clinch but Kuznetsov keeps him there for the moment.
Kuznetsov tries a body shot but LaBeouf blocks it.

LaBeouf breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Alexandr Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
LaBeouf swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov blocks a head kick by LaBeouf.
Kuznetsov throws a leg kick
and LaBeouf counters with a series of strikes. Kuznetsov will be more careful next time no doubt.
LaBeouf misses with a two punch combination.
Kuznetsov throws the left hand but LaBeouf avoids the punch easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alexandr Kuznetsov dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Shia LaBeouf's cut.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

A cross from Kuznetsov lands.
Kuznetsov connects with an inside leg kick.
LaBeouf defending well as Kuznetsov loads up on a big left hand.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but LaBeouf moves out of range.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kuznetsov.
Nice body punch from Kuznetsov.
A head kick misses from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov scoring well with a low kick there.
Alexandr Kuznetsov is winning the standup battle so far.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
LaBeouf fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and LaBeouf counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuznetsov throws a hook but LaBeouf blocks it.
LaBeouf takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kuznetsov wants to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov takes a swing at LaBeouf's ribcage but misses.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. LaBeouf moves away and avoids it.
LaBeouf missing with a left hand there. Kuznetsov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A combination from LaBeouf does no damage.
LaBeouf throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
LaBeouf looks to land a body kick but Kuznetsov moved away.
Kuznetsov tries to clinch but LaBeouf is having none of it.
LaBeouf is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kuznetsov misses with a lunging right hand

and LaBeouf counters with a nice double leg into side control. Kuznetsov won't be happy with that.
LaBeouf misses with the ground and pound.

LaBeouf is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Kuznetsov is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
LaBeouf has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but LaBeouf drags him back down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
LaBeouf creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Shia LaBeouf has got the better of the ground game so far.
Kuznetsov is trying to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
LaBeouf postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

LaBeouf working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

LaBeouf swings around for an armbar but Kuznetsov sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into LaBeouf's guard.
Shia LaBeouf has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Alexandr Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kuznetsov wants to stand but LaBeouf has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Kuznetsov stands up from LaBeouf's guard - Kuznetsov perhaps looking for a knockout.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kuznetsov, as that shot connected.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
LaBeouf fails with a takedown attempt.
Kuznetsov swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A slapping body kick lands there for Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov lets loose with a powerful body kick. LaBeouf will feel that in the morning.
LaBeouf misses with a two punch combination.
Kuznetsov scoring well with a low kick there.
Kuznetsov tries to close the distance and clinch but LaBeouf swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
LaBeouf with the counter takedown but Kuznetsov avoids it easily.
LaBeouf misses with a straight right.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexandr Kuznetsov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kuznetsov, 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 Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ren Mimura scores the fight 30:27
Judge Kenichi Hosakawa scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexandr Kuznetsov!