PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ao Ki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikolai Kuznetsov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nikolai Kuznetsov will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Ki
vs
Kuznetsov

181 cm
23
163 lbs
9 - 4 - 0

178 cm
19
170 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
World class boxer
Good gas tank

RAGS of a RONIN

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Ao Ki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Nikolai Kuznetsov!
The judges for this bout are Yasuomi Hirokawa, Yuuki Gou and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kuznetsov tries to keep at a distance but Ki has taken the fight into the clinch.
Kuznetsov misses with a short punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ki.
Kuznetsov throws a head punch that misses.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kuznetsov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kuznetsov working aggressively here.
Kuznetsov fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kuznetsov misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ki blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov throws a punch but it's blocked by Ki.
Ki is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov is defending well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ki is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Kuznetsov is keeping busy.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ki.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with an uppercut but Ki uses good head movement to avoid it.

Ki gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Kuznetsov regains guard.
Kuznetsov wants to stand but Ki is controlling the position.
Kuznetsov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Ki slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Ki wants to control but Kuznetsov is keeping him busy.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but Ki drags him back down.
Ki wants to control but Kuznetsov is keeping him busy.
Kuznetsov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ki. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ki tries to move to mount but Kuznetsov blocks the move with his legs.
Kuznetsov seems a little lost for a moment, as Ki dominates the positioning.
Kuznetsov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the ropes but Ki has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Ki wants to control but Kuznetsov is keeping him busy.
Kuznetsov tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Kuznetsov'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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ki controlling from the full mount.
Ki trying to control but Kuznetsov is having none of it.
Kuznetsov is trying to stand but he's not in a good position to be doing that! Ki has taken his back!
I would not like to be Kuznetsov right now.
Will Ki go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Kuznetsov is trying to get back to his feet but Ki has full control of the position and if anything, Kuznetsov has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Kuznetsov showing good submission defense here.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Ki is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Kuznetsov has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

Ki is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Kuznetsov defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ao Ki dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov swats away the attempt to clinch by Ki.
Ki moves to clinch but Kuznetsov breaks away
and Kuznetsov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ki is looking to clinch.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kuznetsov! But no joy.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ki closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kuznetsov counters with a stiff right hand.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Ki moves into the clinch.
Ki blocks an uppercut.
Kuznetsov has a couple of punches blocked by Ki.
Kuznetsov lands an uppercut.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with an uppercut but Ki uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ki taking a breather.
Kuznetsov can't find room to land a body shot as Ki controls the action.
Ki is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Ki blocking some punches.
Ki tries for a takedown but Kuznetsov manages to get underhooks.
Ki is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the ropes enables Kuznetsov to keep the fight standing.
Ki tries for a takedown. No joy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ao Ki. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuznetsov lands a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ki is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Ki is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kuznetsov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Ki blocks a body shot from Kuznetsov.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ki.
Nikolai Kuznetsov seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Ki changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kuznetsov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Ki slips the punch.
Kuznetsov swats away the attempt to clinch by Ki.
Kuznetsov is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Ki with a body shot.
Ki tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kuznetsov keeps the fight on the outside.
Ki tries to clinch there but Kuznetsov circles away.
Ki tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
A nice side step and Kuznetsov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch but Kuznetsov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab

so Ki counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Ki trying to control but Kuznetsov is working from the bottom.
Kuznetsov wants to stand but Ki is controlling the position.
Ki advances position into side control!
Kuznetsov seems a little lost for a moment, as Ki dominates the positioning.
Ki trying to control the action but Kuznetsov is working from the bottom.

Ki tries for a kimura but Kuznetsov is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but Ki drags him back down.
Kuznetsov is not content to let Ki control the position.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kuznetsov is trying to buck Ki off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolai Kuznetsov showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Ki with a lazy takedown attempt
and Kuznetsov counters with a straight right hand.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Kuznetsov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ki steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Ki tries to counter by clinching up but Kuznetsov breaks away and moves out of range.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Ki blocks it.
Kuznetsov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Ki gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Kuznetsov.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kuznetsov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ki doesn't succeed with the takedown
letting Kuznetsov counter with a right hand.

Ki is rocked!
Kuznetsov looks to score with a jab to the body but Ki is just out of range.
Oh Ki is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Nice takedown defense from Kuznetsov. No joy for Ki on that attempt.
Ki seems to have got his legs back now.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ao Ki. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ki darts in looking for a takedown but Kuznetsov gets double underhooks and turns Ki into the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ki takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuznetsov digs a good hook to Ki's body.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch but Kuznetsov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Ki shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Ao Ki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ki uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov swats away the attempt to clinch by Ki.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ki manages to avoid it.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Kuznetsov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ki tries to clinch there but Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut. Ki saw that one coming.
Ki tries to clinch up but Kuznetsov circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov scores with a decent looking hook.
Ki showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Ki takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Ki doesn't manage to clinch there - Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ki was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuznetsov.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Kuznetsov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kuznetsov let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Ki takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ki fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Ki tries to clinch but Kuznetsov moves away
and Kuznetsov connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ki tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Kuznetsov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ki tries to clinch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping left.
Ki closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kuznetsov counters with a straight right hand.
Ki gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Kuznetsov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Ki doesn't manage to clinch there - Kuznetsov circles away.
Kuznetsov lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Nikolai Kuznetsov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Kuznetsov tries to keep at a distance but Ki has taken the fight into the clinch.

Ki turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Ki manages to end up in side control.

That's four 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!
Kuznetsov is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the ropes but Ki has just dragged him back down to the mat.

Ki working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet.
Ki tries to move into full mount but can't pass Kuznetsov's legs.
Kuznetsov wants to get back to his feet but Ki is dominant here and he's now got Kuznetsov's back!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolai Kuznetsov really 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.

Kuznetsov scores with a jab.
Ki is looking to clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ki looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ki.
Ki is looking to clinch.

Ki forces Kuznetsov back against the ropes and clinches.
Kuznetsov throws a punch but it's blocked by Ki.
Ki has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kuznetsov is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ki blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kuznetsov swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kuznetsov misses with some punches.
Kuznetsov misses with a punch on the inside.
Ki is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Kuznetsov gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a head punch that misses.
Kuznetsov throws a head punch that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kuznetsov.
Ki changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kuznetsov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ao Ki. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Ki shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Kuznetsov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Kuznetsov trying to remain calm as Ki controls from the top position.

Ki wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Kuznetsov, who protects the arm well.
Kuznetsov is trying to buck Ki off.
Kuznetsov has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov is looking to get back to his feet here but Ki is keeping cool and he's managed to take Kuznetsov's back.
Kuznetsov is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Ki off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.

Ki has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Kuznetsov has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

Kuznetsov manages to stand up with Ki still on his back. Eventually Ki drops to his feet and we're back in the standing position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ki moves away from the strike by Kuznetsov.
Ki moves to clinch but Kuznetsov breaks away
and Ki takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kuznetsov works Ki's body with a nice hook.
A slow jab from Kuznetsov misses its intended target.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
Ki tries to clinch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Ki tries for a takedown but Kuznetsov circles away easily
and Kuznetsov counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kuznetsov jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Kuznetsov takes a swing at Ki's ribcage but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ki takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Kuznetsov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ki.
Ki ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov connects with a body shot that sends Ki's belly button to the back.
Kuznetsov misses with a few strikes there.
Kuznetsov swats away the attempt to clinch by Ki.
A nice side step and Kuznetsov releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ki staying out of range there.
Ki feinted with a counter takedown.
Ki fails with the takedown
and Kuznetsov counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kuznetsov throws an overhand right that lands on Ki's shoulder, as Ki tries to avoid the shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikolai Kuznetsov dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Kuznetsov connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Ki tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Kuznetsov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kuznetsov paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Kuznetsov is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Kuznetsov connects with a body shot that sends Ki's belly button to the back.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Ki moved out of range nicely.
Kuznetsov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Ki in his tracks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ki doesn't manage to clinch there - Kuznetsov circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ki looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A countering left hand to the body from Kuznetsov misses.
Ki tries to clinch
letting Kuznetsov counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ki fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kuznetsov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Ki shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Kuznetsov sprawls well. Kuznetsov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Ki gets slowly back to his feet.
Kuznetsov lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Ki at a distance.
Kuznetsov lands a nice looking body shot.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ki.
Ki doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a wild body shot.
Kuznetsov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ki was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab to the body.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Ki moved out of range.
Kuznetsov ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Ki looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Ki tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Kuznetsov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A big right from Kuznetsov misses.
Ki is looking to clinch.
Kuznetsov scores with a punch to the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kuznetsov wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Ki tries to clinch there but Kuznetsov circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
Ki drops down looking for a counter takedown but Kuznetsov sprawls and moves away.
Ki shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Ki takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kuznetsov throws a shot to the body.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ki.
Kuznetsov connects with a looping right hand.
Ki moves in looking to clinch but Kuznetsov pushes him off.
Kuznetsov lands with a right hand.
Ki uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kuznetsov.
Nikolai Kuznetsov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Ki closes the distance looking to clinch
letting Kuznetsov counter with a right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws a lazy uppercut

and Ki counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
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!
Ki prevents Kuznetsov from standing back up.
Ki stalling.

Kuznetsov is kicking away at Ki from the bottom - trying to push off and stand up. Ki grabs hold of a leg and drops back for a heel hook! The two fighters roll across the mat, with Kuznetsov trying to push Ki off... Kuznetsov taps! He's tapped! This one is all over! A throwback to the old Pancrase there with an infrequently seen submission hold! Nice work.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:42 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Heel Hook). Ao Ki!
A loyal slave to those sponsorship dollars, Ao Ki made sure he mentioned RAGS of a RONIN, along with how happy he was to win his fight.