PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Miroslav Nurmagomedov (ranked 24667 p4p, 4204 weight class) and Peter Kropotkin (ranked 495 p4p, 381 weight class). Nurmagomedov comes to the cage accompanied by Russia National Anthem . I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Peter Kropotkin was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Nurmagomedov
vs
Kropotkin

178 cm
19
155
0 - 1 - 0

180 cm
20
145
2 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

Conquer

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Miroslav Nurmagomedov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Peter Kropotkin!
The judges for this bout are Franklyn Lucas, David Schapiro and Anthony Taglia.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kropotkin clinches with his opponent.
Nurmagomedov tries to score a body lock takedown but Kropotkin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Kropotkin is pushing Nurmagomedov up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Nurmagomedov is working for takedown but Kropotkin is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kropotkin leaning his opponent against the cage.
Kropotkin dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kropotkin dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Kropotkin stalling in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Peter Kropotkin.
Kropotkin takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Kropotkin connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kropotkin tries to clinch up.
Kropotkin cracks Nurmagomedov with an open hand slap.
Kropotkin comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kropotkin fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Kropotkin has taken the fight to the clinch.
Nurmagomedov goes for a takedown attempt but Kropotkin pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Nurmagomedov looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Miroslav Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kropotkin tries to clinch up but Nurmagomedov circles away and keeps his distance.
Kropotkin is looking to score with low kicks.
Nurmagomedov closes the distance and clinches up with Kropotkin, looking for a takedown. Nurmagomedov pushes Kropotkin against the cage but Kropotkin circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Nurmagomedov with that takedown attempt.
Kropotkin scores with a three punch combo!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kropotkin stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kropotkin wants it to stay on the feet.

Nurmagomedov drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kropotkin has control of Nurmagomedov's left arm, preventing Nurmagomedov from doing any damage.
Kropotkin can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Nurmagomedov controls the pace.
Kropotkin keeping moving, preventing Nurmagomedov from controlling successfully.
Kropotkin is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Kropotkin dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Nurmagomedov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Danga de danga de dang - Kropotkin scores with a four punch combination!
Kropotkin throws a front kick that sends Nurmagomedov stumbling back into the cage.
Kropotkin lands a nice hook to Nurmagomedov's body. Nurmagomedov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Nurmagomedov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Kropotkin finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

Kropotkin drives through and clinches with Nurmagomedov against the cage.
A short uppercut from Kropotkin.
Kropotkin has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kropotkin is stalling here.
Kropotkin has Nurmagomedov pushed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Kropotkin takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kropotkin gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nurmagomedov wants to take the fight to the mat but Kropotkin manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Nurmagomedov is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Kropotkin gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Miroslav Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurmagomedov letting Kropotkin take a breather here.
Nurmagomedov is working for takedown but Kropotkin is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kropotkin is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

Nurmagomedov works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.

Kropotkin pushes Nurmagomedov off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Peter Kropotkin is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Kropotkin rushes Nurmagomedov and presses him up against the cage.
Kropotkin lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Nurmagomedov backwards.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nurmagomedov has Kropotkin pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kropotkin manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kropotkin leaning against his opponent.
Nurmagomedov wants a takedown but no success here.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Nurmagomedov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kropotkin pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kropotkin digs a good body shot into Nurmagomedov's ribs.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Kropotkin showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Nurmagomedov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kropotkin keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Kropotkin throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Nurmagomedov changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Kropotkin lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nurmagomedov tries to move into range but Kropotkin moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Donk. Kropotkin catches Nurmagomedov right on the button with a cross.

Kropotkin instigates a clinch.
Nurmagomedov tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kropotkin is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurmagomedov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Miroslav Nurmagomedov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurmagomedov is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kropotkin is defending well.
Nurmagomedov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kropotkin is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kropotkin leaning against his opponent.
Nurmagomedov drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nurmagomedov wants a takedown but no success here.
Kropotkin stalling the fight.
Kropotkin dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Kropotkin lands a left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurmagomedov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kropotkin gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Nurmagomedov takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kropotkin is struggling to control the position.
Kropotkin is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Kropotkin creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nurmagomedov's defenses.

It looks like Miroslav Nurmagomedov has been cut.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nurmagomedov letting Kropotkin take a breather here.
Miroslav Nurmagomedov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Peter Kropotkin is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Nurmagomedov tries to score a body lock takedown but Kropotkin shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
Peter Kropotkin comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kropotkin has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Franklyn Lucas scores the fight 26:30
Judge David Schapiro scores the fight 26:30
Judge Anthony Taglia scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Peter Kropotkin!
Peter Kropotkin gave a mention to Conquer in his post fight interview. That will please them (and hopefully generate some sales).
In defeat, Miroslav Nurmagomedov stepped up to the mic, saying 'All I want to say, is that I will come back stronger, faster, smarter and hungrier than ever before. Rossiya, my budem chempionami, nesmotrya ni na chto!'.