PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lenny Kowalski (ranked 306 p4p, 44 weight class) and Denis Mamaev (ranked 762 p4p, 115 weight class). Mamaev comes into a darkened arena with his song building. 30 Seconds To Mars - Hurricane kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Denis Mamaev is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Kowalski
vs
Mamaev

190 cm
21
210 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

200 cm
23
224 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Dark Knight Nutrition

Arcticus University: London

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Lenny Kowalski!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Denis Mamaev!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Viktor Lagutenko and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kowalski lands with a slapping head kick.
Kowalski takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Kowalski avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Mamaev throws the left hand but Kowalski avoids the punch easily.
Kowalski feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Kowalski walks into a left hand.

It looks like Lenny Kowalski has been cut.
Kowalski tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mamaev sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Kowalski somewhat.
A head kick misses from Mamaev.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalski walks into a jab.
Donk. Mamaev catches Kowalski right on the button with a cross.
A low kick from Mamaev misses

and Kowalski counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Mamaev scrambles and gets back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mamaev has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Mamaev connects with a jab.
Mamaev missing with a left hand there. Kowalski was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kowalski lands a lovely overhand right.
A shot to the liver by Mamaev. Beautiful body shot.
Mamaev throws a poor cross that misses
and Kowalski counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kowalski shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Denis Mamaev is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mamaev throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Jab from Kowalski.

Kowalski gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kowalski scores with a nice hook to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kowalski blocks a punch to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamaev swings wildly with an uppercut but Kowalski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mamaev working aggressively here.
Kowalski is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Mamaev gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Kowalski struggles to land a body shot inside as Mamaev controls his hands.
Mamaev content to slow the pace in the clinch.

Mamaev breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Mamaev avoids a kick to the body.
Kowalski connects with an inside leg kick.
Kowalski tries to clinch there but Mamaev circles away.
Kowalski looks to throw the jab but Mamaev is out of range.
Kowalski definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
A lazy left from Mamaev finds it's target.
Kowalski tries to clinch up
and Mamaev counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski throws an off balance right hand
and Mamaev cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kowalski uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Mamaev.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Mamaev crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Kowalski - the referee stops the clock and Mamaev gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Kowalski. Mamaev manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Kowalski just misses with a punch to the body.
Mamaev was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Mamaev throws a lazy right hand but Kowalski sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Mamaev uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kowalski.
It seemed like Mamaev was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Mamaev staying out of range there.
Mamaev with a jab.
Mamaev on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Mamaev 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.
Kowalski fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mamaev swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mamaev swats away the attempt to clinch by Kowalski.
No joy there for Kowalski, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Mamaev is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Kowalski had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Kowalski throws a leg kick but Mamaev checks it.
Kowalski backing away here, and Mamaev unleashes a leg kick that just misses.

Kowalski gets a takedown into half guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kowalski is keen to just control but Mamaev is a slippery customer.

Kowalski is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Mamaev doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kowalski.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Denis Mamaev will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Lenny Kowalski's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A thudding body kick lands there by Mamaev!
Mamaev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kowalski throwing a counter right hand but Mamaev manages to avoid it.
Kowalski lands a jab.
Kowalski tries a head kick but it misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mamaev throws a lazy right hand but Kowalski sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Good leg kick by Mamaev there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Kowalski throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Mamaev counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Kowalski throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Mamaev counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mamaev lands a really nice looking cross but Kowalski seems unphased.
Mamaev dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Mamaev shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Kowalski throws a good cross that connects.
Mamaev thumps Kowalski with a low kick.
Mamaev throws a push kick but Kowalski slaps the foot to one side.
Kowalski fires out a quick counter leg kick but Mamaev just manages to avoid it.
Jab, jab by Mamaev - just one landing.
Mamaev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kowalski feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Mamaev's calf.
Kowalski misses with a right hand
and Mamaev makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Kowalski really felt that one!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mamaev connects with the punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kowalski looks to land a left hand but Mamaev moved out of range nicely.
A big right from Mamaev misses.
Mamaev takes a swing at Kowalski's ribcage but misses.
Kowalski was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Mamaev ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Mamaev stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kowalski.
Kowalski takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kowalski ducks under a wild hook from Mamaev.
Good standup being displayed there by Mamaev as he connects with a hook.
A head kick misses from Mamaev.
Mamaev misses with a low kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mamaev throws a solid leg kick but Kowalski takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Mamaev.
Kowalski is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mamaev.
As Kowalski backs off Mamaev throws a huge counter combo but Kowalski manages to avoid it all.
Mamaev falls off balance throwing a combination
letting Kowalski counter with a right hand.
Mamaev sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Kowalski wants to clinch.
Kowalski backing away here, and Mamaev unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Kowalski scores with a hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mamaev catches Kowalski with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kowalski looks to land a left hand but Mamaev moved out of range nicely.
Kowalski gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Mamaev misses with a low kick as Kowalski jumps back.
Kowalski throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Mamaev on the side of the head.
Mamaev is looking to chop away at Kowalski's legs.
Mamaev tried to score with a low kick but Kowalski checks it.
Kowalski throwing a counter right hand but Mamaev manages to avoid it.
Mamaev throws a poor cross that misses
and Kowalski counters with a nice body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mamaev paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Mamaev throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Denis Mamaev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Lenny Kowalski's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kowalski cracks the inside of Mamaev's front leg.
Denis Mamaev seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Mamaev throws a predictable looking body shot
and Kowalski counters with a nice leg kick.
Mamaev cracks Kowalski with a good jab.
Jab by Kowalski.
Mamaev throws a shot from downtown. Kowalski moves away and avoids it.
Kowalski swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kowalski misses with an uppercut.
Mamaev swats away the attempt to clinch by Kowalski.
Mamaev thinks about the counter body kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mamaev scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kowalski doesn't seem bothered though.
Kowalski avoids the body shot from Mamaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
That kick from Mamaev tenderised Kowalski's leg. Kowalski is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kowalski ducks under a wild hook from Mamaev.
Kowalski tries to close the distance and clinch but Mamaev swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kowalski is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Mamaev.
Kowalski tries to clinch up.
A nice side step and Mamaev releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Mamaev punishes Kowalski's body with a nice straight punch.
Mamaev on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Mamaev throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kowalski stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kowalski's corner calls for a 1-2. Kowalski obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Mamaev cracks Kowalski with a right hand to the side of the head.
Mamaev avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Mamaev throws out a counter right but Kowalski avoids it with no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kowalski drives through and clinches with Mamaev against the cage.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Still in the clinch, Mamaev scores with a nice short uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kowalski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Mamaev struggles to land a body shot inside as Kowalski controls his hands.
Mamaev manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Kowalski digs a right hand underneath Mamaev's ribcage. Mamaev let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kowalski lands a shoulder strike.
A right hand to the body from Mamaev.
Mamaev throws a punch but it's blocked by Kowalski.
Mamaev misses with some punches.
Mamaev misses with a punch on the inside.
Kowalski lands a hook that snaps the head of Mamaev backwards.

Kowalski jumps into guard, dragging Mamaev to the mat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski looking to control.

Kowalski is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Mamaev content to stall in guard here.

Kowalski has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Mamaev can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kowalski is pulling down on Mamaev's head to control his posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Mamaev stopping the sweep attempt from Kowalski.
Mamaev sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Kowalski is trying to control the position but Mamaev postures up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mamaev throws a shot from downtown. Kowalski moves away and avoids it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kowalski checks a low kick from Mamaev.
Kowalski fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Mamaev looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Mamaev looks to score with a jab to the body but Kowalski is just out of range.
Kowalski tried to counter with a leg kick but Mamaev avoided it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Lenny Kowalski did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Lenny Kowalski's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kowalski uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Mamaev.
Kowalski gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Mamaev counters with a nice uppercut.

Kowalski gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Mamaev breaks the clinch.
Kowalski lands a nice shot that snaps Mamaev's head back.
Kowalski jabs Mamaev right on the nose. Mamaev blinks but takes it well.
Mamaev pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mamaev cracks Kowalski with an open hand slap.
Mamaev throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kowalski counters with a straight right hand.
Mamaev misses with a wild body shot.
As Mamaev backs away, Kowalski returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalski tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kowalski tries to land a front kick but Mamaev steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Mamaev takes a swing at Kowalski's ribcage but misses.
Kowalski throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Mamaev gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Kowalski counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Mamaev finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Kowalski lands the left hand.
Mamaev throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Mamaev gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Kowalski controlling from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski with a flurry of punches that miss.
Kowalski trying to control but Mamaev is working from the bottom.
Kowalski sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Mamaev's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mamaev slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Kowalski trying to control the position from guard on top but Mamaev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kowalski wants to pass the guard but Mamaev is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mamaev wants to sweep here but Kowalski controlling him for the moment.
Kowalski trying to control but Mamaev is working from the bottom.
Kowalski forces his way into half guard.
Mamaev wants to control but Kowalski is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kowalski is trying to control. Mamaev wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Kowalski is looking for a kimura here.
Kowalski wants to free his trapped foot but Mamaev is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Mamaev slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kowalski tries to free his leg and advance position but Mamaev is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lenny Kowalski had his way with Denis Mamaev in that round.
The cut man is working on Lenny Kowalski's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Kowalski lands with a kick to the ribs.
A low kick from Mamaev is predictable there
and Kowalski counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kowalski moves out of range as Mamaev strikes.
Kowalski scores with a nice body kick.
That kick from Kowalski tenderised Mamaev's leg. Mamaev is trying to keep his angry face on.
Mamaev throws a sloppy body shot
and Kowalski counters with a nice leg kick.

Kowalski fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Mamaev to the ground. Kowalski is now in Mamaev's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mamaev is trying to control the position but Kowalski postures up.
Mamaev is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Kowalski stopping the sweep attempt from Mamaev.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalski wants to pass the guard but Mamaev is keeping the position.
Kowalski wants to control from the top but Mamaev keeps moving.
Mamaev can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Kowalski controls the pace.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mamaev uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kowalski.
Kowalski moves out of range of the body kick from Mamaev.
Kowalski appears to be looking for a counter takedown.

That's two 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.
Nice body punch from Mamaev.
Kowalski looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Mamaev scores with a sloppy right hand. Kowalski should have avoided that one.
Mamaev throws out a loose jab but Kowalski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Mamaev takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Kowalski turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Mamaev loads up on a big right hand but Kowalski slips the punch.
Mamaev throws the left hand but Kowalski avoids the punch easily.
Kowalski misses with a hook
and Mamaev counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kowalski thinking.
Mamaev scores with a nice right hand.
Mamaev lands a nice looking body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Nice uppercut lands for Kowalski. That snapped Mamaev's head back.
Mamaev tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kowalski appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
A head kick by Mamaev misses
letting Kowalski counter with a right hand.
Mamaev cracks Kowalski with a good jab.
Kowalski tries to clinch but Mamaev moves away
and Mamaev counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
A nice leg kick lands there from Mamaev.
A lazy left from Kowalski finds it's target.
Mamaev fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kowalski is out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalski tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mamaev swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kowalski lands with a hook. Mamaev tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kowalski.
Mamaev misses with a body punch
and Kowalski scores with a counter punch that sends Mamaev to the canvas! Kowalski smells blood - he's punishing Mamaev with more strikes and the ref has stopped it! Mamaev has no idea where he is - he's tackled the ref... oh dear, poor guy, the crowd is in hysterics!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:24 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Lenny Kowalski!
Lenny Kowalski retains his light heavyweight title!
During a confident post fight interview, Lenny Kowalski thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.
The defeated Denis Mamaev had this to say: 'This is number one bullshit!'.