PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Paul Kruger (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vasily Tymoshenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tymoshenko has chosen Hearts On Fire as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. 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 Vasily Tymoshenko was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Kruger
vs
Tymoshenko

182 cm
33
165 lbs
13 - 2 - 1

178 cm
30
164 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Lethal high kicks
Granite chin

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 - 2 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Paul Kruger!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Vasily Tymoshenko !
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tymoshenko thuds a left hand into Kruger's body.
Tymoshenko takes a swing at Kruger's ribcage but misses.
Kruger was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Tymoshenko on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Kruger feints and then cracks Tymoshenko 's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tymoshenko down.
Tymoshenko throws a body punch but Kruger moves out of range.
Kruger misses with an uppercut. Tymoshenko saw that one coming.
Tymoshenko is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
No joy there for Kruger, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Kruger cracks a nice hook into Tymoshenko 's ribs.
Tymoshenko swings for the body but Kruger moves out of range.
Tymoshenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kruger moves away.
Tymoshenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kruger was well out of range. Poor timing from Tymoshenko .
Tymoshenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tymoshenko checks a leg kick nicely.
Kruger tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Tymoshenko paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Tymoshenko looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kruger fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Tymoshenko looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Tymoshenko is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kruger rather than just go for the knockout.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Kruger changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Tymoshenko looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kruger in side control, throwing shots but Tymoshenko defends.
Kruger definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
An elbow from Kruger crashes against the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tymoshenko is trying to control Kruger's posture but Kruger avoids it.
Tymoshenko is not content to let Kruger control the position.
Kruger throws a strike aimed at the side of Tymoshenko 's head but Tymoshenko avoids it well.
Tymoshenko is looking for a sweep.
Kruger trying to control the action but Tymoshenko is working from the bottom.
Tymoshenko seems a little lost for a moment, as Kruger dominates the positioning.
Tymoshenko tries to bench press Kruger off him but Kruger keeps the position.
Kruger staying calm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Tymoshenko wants to control but Kruger postures up.

Kruger thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Tymoshenko is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
The ground and pound from Kruger seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Tymoshenko wants to control but Kruger postures up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Tymoshenko manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Kruger wants to free his trapped foot but Tymoshenko is holding on for dear life with his legs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tymoshenko wants to control but Kruger is keeping busy.
Kruger trying to control the action but Tymoshenko is working from the bottom.
Kruger scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kruger is trying to control. Tymoshenko wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Tymoshenko tries to roll over but Kruger keeps him under control.
Kruger wants to pass the guard but Tymoshenko is defending well.
Kruger prevents Tymoshenko from improving his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Kruger looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Kruger trying to control from Tymoshenko 's half guard. Tymoshenko has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Kruger postures up.

Tymoshenko is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kruger is aware though and is defending well.
Kruger lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Tymoshenko wants to sweep here but Kruger controlling him for the moment.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tymoshenko looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Kruger dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Kruger has closed the distance and engaged Tymoshenko in a clinch.
Kruger lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Tymoshenko on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kruger tries to land a knee to the head but Tymoshenko blocks with his arms.
Kruger is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Tymoshenko is defending well for now.
Tymoshenko has Kruger pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kruger manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kruger gets through Tymoshenko 's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kruger is struggling to control the position.
Kruger is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Kruger lands a right hand that snaps the head of Tymoshenko backwards.
Kruger misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kruger works on Tymoshenko 's body with a couple of short punches.
Tymoshenko is trying to drag Kruger to the mat but Kruger just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Paul Kruger has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vasily Tymoshenko .
Kruger lands on the inside with an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tymoshenko tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kruger throws a head punch that misses.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Kruger just misses with a elbow thrown towards Tymoshenko 's brow.
Tymoshenko changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kruger fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Tymoshenko walks into a jab.
Kruger wants to clinch.
Tymoshenko unleashes a big counter combination but Kruger bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Kruger is looking to clinch.
Tymoshenko fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kruger has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Tymoshenko misses with a right hand
and Kruger counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Tymoshenko throws a solid leg kick but Kruger takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tymoshenko .
Kruger shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
The fighters circling - Tymoshenko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kruger swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kruger misses with a takedown attempt - Tymoshenko sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kruger throws a front kick that sends Tymoshenko stumbling back into the cage.

Kruger shoots in and bounces Tymoshenko off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kruger passes Tymoshenko 's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Tymoshenko moves into full guard.
Kruger is pushing down on Tymoshenko 's leg trying to pass to half guard. Tymoshenko is fighting to maintain full guard but Kruger has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kruger looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Paul Kruger overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kruger wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tymoshenko keeps working.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tymoshenko is looking to improve his position.

Kruger is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Tymoshenko sees it coming and defends easily.
Kruger throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Kruger is looking to pass Tymoshenko 's guard but actually Tymoshenko recovers to full guard.
Tymoshenko wants to sweep but no luck.
Tymoshenko has his hands on Kruger's head, controlling the position.
Tymoshenko looking to control.
Kruger is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Tymoshenko can do to turn this around?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Tymoshenko has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Kruger wants to control from the top but Tymoshenko keeps moving.
Kruger controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Tymoshenko jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Tymoshenko .
Kruger moves out of range as Tymoshenko strikes.
Tymoshenko looks to throw the jab but Kruger is out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Paul Kruger dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Kruger connects with a crisp jab.
Tymoshenko throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kruger is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Tymoshenko .
Tymoshenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kruger moves away.
Tymoshenko is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Kruger.
Tymoshenko 's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Kruger connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tymoshenko scrambles back to his feet.
Kruger throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kruger shoots in looking for a takedown. Tymoshenko tries to sprawl out of it but Kruger keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Tymoshenko manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Kruger clinches with his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tymoshenko drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kruger gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Tymoshenko takes a shot to the head.
Kruger lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Paul Kruger has scored more points in the clinch so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kruger is struggling to control the position.
Tymoshenko drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kruger gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Tymoshenko is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Kruger is defending well.
Paul Kruger has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vasily Tymoshenko .
Tymoshenko wants a takedown.
Tymoshenko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tymoshenko blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A short right from Kruger.
Tymoshenko 's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kruger lands a knee to the head.
Tymoshenko looking for a takedown.
Tymoshenko wants to take the fight to the mat but Kruger manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Kruger lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Tymoshenko goes for a takedown attempt but Kruger pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big right from Tymoshenko misses.
Kruger's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Kruger duly obliges.
Kruger connects with a leg kick. Tymoshenko looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kruger lands the left hand.
Kruger throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

Kruger darts in and clinches Tymoshenko up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Tymoshenko .
Kruger misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kruger tries to land knees in the clinch but Tymoshenko avoids the damage to the body.
Kruger crunches a lovely knee into Tymoshenko 's ribcage.
Tymoshenko tries for a takedown but Kruger manages to get underhooks.
Kruger is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kruger taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Kruger stops a takedown attempt from Tymoshenko .

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kruger is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Kruger has a couple of punches blocked by Tymoshenko .
Kruger has a couple of punches blocked by Tymoshenko .
Kruger tries a knee to the head but Tymoshenko blocks it.
Kruger lands a hook to the side of the head.
Tymoshenko tries to score a body lock takedown but Kruger shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Tymoshenko blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kruger is pressed up against the cage. Tymoshenko has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kruger down to the mat. Kruger avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Kruger lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Kruger tries to clinch but Tymoshenko is having none of it.
Tymoshenko now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kruger with a jab.
Tymoshenko connects with a single shot there.
Tymoshenko on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kruger. Kruger obviously looking to wear him down.
Kruger lands a slapping body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Kruger rushes Tymoshenko and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Paul Kruger is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tymoshenko dodges an elbow strike from Kruger.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tymoshenko gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Tymoshenko takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Vasily Tymoshenko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kruger wants to control but Tymoshenko is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kruger tries to roll over but Tymoshenko keeps him under control.
Tymoshenko thows a huge punch but Kruger dodges it nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kruger is trying to control but Tymoshenko passes into side control!
Tymoshenko trying to control the position but Kruger is working away.
Tymoshenko lands some shots froms side control.

And that's the end of the fight!
Paul Kruger showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kruger has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Paul Kruger!
A pretty intense looking Paul Kruger took the opportunity post-fight to ask for a shot at the title.