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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Alexander Kuznetsov (ranked 1601 p4p, 2063 weight class) and Hao Sawamura (ranked 233 p4p, 301 weight class). Alexander Kuznetsov could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Hao Sawamura's chin.
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| 180 cm
21
195
4 - 1 - 0 |
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197 cm
21
190
3 - 0 - 0 |
BJJ Purple Belt
World class boxer
Granite chin |
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BJJ Purple Belt
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexander Kuznetsov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Hao Sawamura!
The judges for this bout are Chad Campbell, Columbo Gatti and Bruno Lombardi.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kuznetsov throws a lazy uppercut
and Sawamura counters with a straight right hand.
Kuznetsov misses with a straight right.
Sawamura is looking to clinch but Kuznetsov is avoiding it.
Alexander Kuznetsov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuznetsov throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuznetsov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kuznetsov darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Sawamura thows a left - swing and a miss!
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sawamura uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Kuznetsov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sawamura circles away quickly and effectively.
Kuznetsov looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
The fighters circling - Kuznetsov throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sawamura ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura throws the left hand but Kuznetsov avoids the punch easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slapping leg kick lands for Sawamura.
Sawamura doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kuznetsov takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
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!
Sawamura moves out of range as Kuznetsov strikes.
Some wild striking there from Kuznetsov.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut
and Sawamura counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sawamura pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kuznetsov misses with a combination
and Sawamura counters with a slapping leg kick.
Sawamura on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Sawamura closes the distance but Kuznetsov moves to the side
and Kuznetsov counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Sawamura moved out of range nicely.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sawamura throws out a counter right but Kuznetsov avoids it with no problem.
Sawamura lands a lovely overhand right.
Kuznetsov throws a hook but Sawamura avoids it easily.
Kuznetsov clobbers Sawamura with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sawamura counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sawamura looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Sawamura throws a body punch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sawamura.
A countering left hand to the body from Sawamura misses.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov walks into a stiff left hand from Sawamura.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Sawamura is out of range.
Kuznetsov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
We've been informed that Sawamura has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Sawamura moves out of range.
Sawamura throws an overhand right that lands on Kuznetsov's shoulder, as Kuznetsov tries to avoid the shot.
Nice body kick from Sawamura.
Kuznetsov throws a big shot that misses.
A cross from Sawamura lands.
Sawamura jabs Kuznetsov to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A chopping leg kick lands by Sawamura.
Sawamura throws a lazy right hand but Kuznetsov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sawamura uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kuznetsov.
Sawamura ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sawamura looks like he wanted to counter with a high kick but didn't throw it.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the side of Sawamura's head but Sawamura sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sawamura. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sawamura throws a push kick but Kuznetsov slaps the foot to one side.
Sawamura is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Kuznetsov connects with a body shot that sends Sawamura's belly button to the back.
Kuznetsov blocks a leg kick.
Kuznetsov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov slips under a jab from Sawamura.
Kuznetsov lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kuznetsov throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuznetsov scores with a nice right hand.
Kuznetsov throws a shot from downtown. Sawamura moves away and avoids it.
Sawamura displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.
Sawamura looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot
and Sawamura counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kuznetsov swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook. Sawamura ducked under it nicely.
Sawamura has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Sawamura steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
A nice leg kick from Sawamura, right into the meat of the thigh.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov misses with a jab to the body
and Sawamura counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov throws a predictable looking body shot
letting Sawamura counter with a right hand.
Kuznetsov misses with a looping left.
Nice jab there from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov throws a sloppy body shot
and Sawamura counters with a straight right hand.
Sawamura lands a jab.
Kuznetsov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Sawamura digs a good hook to Kuznetsov's body.
Sawamura walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kuznetsov checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Sawamura ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura moves into range and clinches up with Kuznetsov.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov cracks Sawamura with a good jab.
Kuznetsov takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kuznetsov throws a combination that misses
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sawamura slips a jab from Kuznetsov.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Hao Sawamura will probably get the nod.
That's time! Kuznetsov's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
Sawamura ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kuznetsov moves away.
Kuznetsov jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sawamura ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut.
Kuznetsov moves forwards but Sawamura connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kuznetsov misses with a lunging right hand
and Sawamura counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut. Sawamura saw that one coming.
Sawamura throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Sawamura moves out of range.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Kuznetsov checks a leg kick.
It looked like Kuznetsov wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sawamura thuds his right hand into Kuznetsov's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sawamura. Kuznetsov does a little dance to reset his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov loads up on a big right hand but Sawamura slips the punch.
Sawamura throws out a counter right but Kuznetsov avoids it with no problem.
A nice inside leg kick there by Sawamura. That's going to slow Kuznetsov down.
Kuznetsov lands a jab to the nose.
Hao Sawamura seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sawamura scores with a decent looking hook.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sawamura scores with a nice strike.
Kuznetsov throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sawamura throws a low kick, looking for Kuznetsov's leg but Kuznetsov calmly moves out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook to the body
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Kuznetsov thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kuznetsov takes a swing at Sawamura's ribcage but misses.
Kuznetsov avoids a kick to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the side of Sawamura's head but Sawamura sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A telegraphed right hand from Kuznetsov misses the target.
Kuznetsov is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A jab from Kuznetsov misses.
Sawamura takes a swing at Kuznetsov's ribcage but misses.
Sawamura looks to score with a jab to the body but Kuznetsov is just out of range.
Sawamura wants to clinch up but Kuznetsov keeps it at a distance.
Kuznetsov swings for the body but Sawamura moves out of range.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab.
Sawamura walks into a straight right hand from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kuznetsov is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sawamura.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Kuznetsov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kuznetsov lands with a nice combination. Sawamura backs away looking to recover.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Kuznetsov misses with a body shot.
Kuznetsov takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Sawamura throws a head kick that misses.
Sawamura misses with a shot to the body
and Kuznetsov counters with a two punch combo.
Sawamura throws a jab but it's blocked by Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sawamura.
Sawamura connects with a high kick.
Kuznetsov takes a swing at Sawamura's ribcage but misses.
Kuznetsov looks to land a left hand but Sawamura moved out of range nicely.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sawamura manages to avoid it.
A nice leg kick lands there from Sawamura.
Kuznetsov steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sawamura.
Kuznetsov comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Sawamura cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sawamura throws a low kick but Kuznetsov moves out of range easily.
Kuznetsov misses the jab.
Kuznetsov just misses with a punch to the body.
Sawamura looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Kuznetsov misses with a hook.
Sawamura avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kuznetsov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kuznetsov misses the shot to the body.
Kuznetsov swinging wildly here.
Sawamura feints a counter leg kick.
Sawamura scores with a decent looking hook.
A shot to the body from Kuznetsov misses
and Sawamura counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kuznetsov lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sawamura circles away quickly and effectively.
Sawamura swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Sawamura counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice inside leg kick there by Sawamura. That's going to slow Kuznetsov down.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sawamura counters with a left to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sawamura digs a good body shot into Kuznetsov's ribs.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sawamura.
Sawamura shapes to counter with a head kick.
Jab, jab by Sawamura - just one landing.
Kuznetsov swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sawamura just misses with a punch to the body.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Sawamura was well out of range.
Kuznetsov ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sawamura moves away.
Kuznetsov misses with a double jab
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kuznetsov lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
and Sawamura cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kuznetsov is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Sawamura's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuznetsov misses with a right hand
and Sawamura counters with a slapping leg kick.
Sawamura tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kuznetsov is able to avoid easily.
Kuznetsov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
letting Sawamura counter with a right hand.
Kuznetsov misses with a lunging right hand
and Sawamura counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Hao Sawamura will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.
Kuznetsov throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Sawamura on the side of the head.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sawamura.
Kuznetsov throws a body shot but no joy.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Sawamura counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kuznetsov bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Sawamura with a series of wild strikes but Sawamura uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sawamura ducks under a wild hook from Kuznetsov.
A solid leg kick lands there for Sawamura.
Kuznetsov misses with an uppercut
and Sawamura counters with a leg kick.
Sawamura avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A punch combination from Kuznetsov misses.
Kuznetsov scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuznetsov on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Sawamura. Sawamura obviously looking to wear him down.
Sawamura moves into range and clinches up with Kuznetsov.
Kuznetsov blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kuznetsov misses with an elbow strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sawamura tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kuznetsov's elbow.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sawamura swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kuznetsov breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kuznetsov throws a jab when Sawamura was well out of range.
Kuznetsov tries to bum rush Sawamura with a series of wild strikes but Sawamura uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Sawamura only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Sawamura staying out of range there.
Sawamura swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sawamura bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sawamura swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kuznetsov throws an overhand right that lands on Sawamura's shoulder, as Sawamura tries to avoid the shot.
Kuznetsov looks to land a right hand but Sawamura moved out of range.
Kuznetsov looks to throw the jab but Sawamura is out of range.
Kuznetsov swings widly with a right hand
letting Sawamura counter with a right hand.
Kuznetsov looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Sawamura scores with a leg kick.
Sawamura sizes up Kuznetsov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kuznetsov scores with a jab. Sawamura acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Sawamura.
Kuznetsov takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
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!
Kuznetsov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Sawamura to score with a decent uppercut.
Hao Sawamura is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sawamura manages to avoid it.
Sawamura tries to close the distance and clinch but Kuznetsov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kuznetsov throws an off balance right hand
enabling Sawamura to counter with a crisp jab.
Kuznetsov waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sawamura.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sawamura counters with a body kick that stops Kuznetsov in his tracks momentarily.
Sawamura displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kuznetsov throws out the jab.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sawamura throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kuznetsov throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A jab from Kuznetsov misses.
Sawamura waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kuznetsov.
A swing and a miss from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Sawamura.
Kuznetsov tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sawamura was well out of range. Poor timing from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura defending well as Kuznetsov loads up on a big left hand.
Sawamura swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nice body punch from Kuznetsov.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sawamura steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kuznetsov.
Sawamura pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Sawamura's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kuznetsov under the eye.
Alexander Kuznetsov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sawamura jabs Kuznetsov right on the nose. Kuznetsov blinks but takes it well.
Kuznetsov takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sawamura ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
An inside leg kick lands from Sawamura.
Sawamura connects with an inside leg kick.
Kuznetsov throws a series of punches but Sawamura avoids them all with ease.
Kuznetsov throws a poor cross that misses
and Sawamura counters with a straight right hand.
Kuznetsov throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sawamura counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sawamura buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kuznetsov misses with a right hand
and Sawamura cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sawamura throws a leg kick which misses Kuznetsov's front leg but catches the back leg as Kuznetsov tries to avoid it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sawamura throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sawamura throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuznetsov checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Sawamura on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sawamura counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sawamura thumps Kuznetsov with a low kick.
Kuznetsov throws out a loose jab but Sawamura uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kuznetsov rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kuznetsov takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kuznetsov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Sawamura tries to clinch but Kuznetsov moves out of range.
Kuznetsov has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Sawamura finds it's way round the side to connect with Kuznetsov's head.
Sawamura throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kuznetsov lands a head shot.
Sawamura scores with a shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sawamura closes the distance and clinches.
Kuznetsov lands with a short shot to the head.
Sawamura prevents a body shot from Kuznetsov.
And that's the end of the fight!
Hao Sawamura comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Sawamura 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 Chad Campbell scores the fight 27:30
Judge Columbo Gatti scores the fight 27:30
Judge Bruno Lombardi scores the fight 28:29
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hao Sawamura!
Hao Sawamura seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
80% |
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