PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Grisha Kamenov (ranked 3564 p4p, 404 weight class) and Max Handle (ranked 3323 p4p, 388 weight class). Kamenov comes to the cage accompanied by Linkin Park - Bleed It Out. Handle has chosen Right On as his entrance music. Grisha Kamenov has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Kamenov
vs
Handle

186 cm
33
194 lbs
16 - 17 - 3

170 cm
42
190 lbs
28 - 38 - 1

BJJ Brown Belt
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Sin City Allstars

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 16 - 17 - 3, fighting out of New York, Grisha Kamenov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 38 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Max Handle!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Johanna Lukiainen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Handle blocks a head kick by Kamenov.
Handle is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Handle keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Kamenov tries to clinch but Handle moves out of range.
Kamenov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Handle tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.

Kamenov takes the fight into the clinch.
Kamenov tries a knee to the head but Handle blocks it.
A short body shot lands from Kamenov as the two fighters clinch.
Kamenov landing knees to the head.
Kamenov throws a knee to the head but misses.

Handle breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Handle goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

Kamenov has Handle up against the cage in a clinch.
I was talking to Kamenov's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.
Handle is trying to push Kamenov away but Kamenov has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kamenov missing with knees to the body.
Kamenov throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Handle's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kamenov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
With the fighters up against the cage, Kamenov throws an elbow but misses.

Handle breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kamenov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kamenov defending well as Handle loads up on a big left hand.
Handle throws a right hand that misses
and Kamenov counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kamenov doesn't manage to clinch there - Handle circles away.
Handle lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kamenov circles away quickly and effectively.
Kamenov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Handle connects with a body shot.
Handle keeps the fight on the outside.
Handle is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kamenov tries to clinch up but Handle circles away and keeps his distance.
Handle fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kamenov manages to avoid it.
Handle lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kamenov's sensitive parts.
Kamenov moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kamenov misses with a body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kamenov misses with a kick to the body.
Handle tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Kamenov drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Handle ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kamenov moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Handle sizes up Kamenov with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Handle missing with a left hand there. Kamenov was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kamenov darts in trying to clinch
and Handle counters with a straight right hand.
Handle swings for the body but Kamenov moves out of range.
Handle throws out a loose jab but Kamenov uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kamenov seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Kamenov defending well as Handle loads up on a big left hand.
Handle lands a really nice looking cross but Kamenov seems unphased.
Kamenov tries a head kick but it misses.
Kamenov blocks a head kick by Handle.
Kamenov slips under a jab from Handle.
Handle waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kamenov.
Kamenov misses with a kick to the body

and Handle counters with a takedown into side control.
Kamenov tries to improve position but can't.
Handle wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kamenov keeps working.
Kamenov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Handle wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Handle cracks Kamenov with a big right hand but Kamenov just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Kamenov can't do much from the bottom here.
Kamenov tries to buck Handle off but Handle is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kamenov is working hard here to advance position.
Kamenov manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Handle gets back to full guard.
Kamenov looking to sit in guard and control but Handle gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Kamenov tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kamenov pulls Handle in close to prevent any damage.
Kamenov is trying to keep Handle in close.
Handle throwing strikes but missing.
Handle tries to free his leg and advance position but Kamenov is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov managing to control the position.
Handle looking to pass the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kamenov is on top in guard.

Kamenov stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Handle ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kamenov moves away.
Handle throws a sloppy head kick and Kamenov moves out of range easily.
Handle fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
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!
Kamenov wants to clinch.
Kamenov wants to clinch but Handle slips to the side
and Handle counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kamenov takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Handle keeps the fight on the outside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Max Handle dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Handle throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kamenov misses with a head kick.
Kamenov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Handle misses with a looping right.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Kamenov!
Kamenov is looking to clinch.
Handle looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kamenov misses with a wild body shot.
Handle looks to land a body kick but Kamenov moved away.
A head kick misses from Kamenov.
A big right from Handle misses.
Kamenov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Handle.
Handle tried to score with a low kick but Kamenov checks it.
Kamenov connects with a crisp jab.
Kamenov moves in looking to clinch but Handle pushes him off.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kamenov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Handle throws out the jab.
Kamenov lands a jab to the head.
Handle misses with the combination.
Kamenov tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Handle manages to circle out of the way.
Kamenov throws a head kick that half lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Handle thows a left - swing and a miss!
Handle pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kamenov swings for the body but Handle moves out of range.
Handle lands a nice looking body shot.
Kamenov tries to clinch but Handle moves out of range.

Kamenov clinches with his opponent.

Handle escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Handle throws a right and a left that both miss.
Handle tries a head kick but it misses.
Kamenov checks a low kick from Handle.
It looked like Kamenov was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Kamenov lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Handle gets tackled into the cage by Kamenov. Kamenov maintains the clinch.
Kamenov misses with a knee to the head.
Kamenov throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Handle avoids a wild elbow strike from Kamenov.

Handle escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov throws a head kick but Handle moves out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Handle looks to land a left hand but Kamenov moved out of range nicely.
Handle throws a right and a left that Kamenov avoids nicely.
Handle throws a body shot but no joy.
As Handle tries to get set, Kamenov tries to push him back and clinch up but Handle manages to avoid the attempt.
Kamenov wants to clinch up but Handle keeps it at a distance.
Handle lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Kamenov circles away quickly and effectively.
Handle tries to bum rush Kamenov with a series of wild strikes but Kamenov uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kamenov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Kamenov moves into range and clinches up with Handle.

Handle breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Handle misses with a kick to the body.
Kamenov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Handle throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A looping hook to the body misses from Handle. Kamenov does a little dance to reset his feet.
Handle throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kamenov tries to clinch but Handle moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
A head kick misses from Kamenov.
Handle avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Kamenov ducks under a wild hook from Handle.
A nice leg kick lands there from Handle.
Kamenov blocks the body kick.
Kamenov tries a head kick but it misses.
Handle thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kamenov is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Handle.
Grisha Kamenov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kamenov throws a head kick that misses.
Handle misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kamenov tries to clinch up but Handle circles away and keeps his distance.
Handle slips a jab and a cross from Kamenov.
Kamenov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Handle looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Kamenov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Handle misses with a double jab.
Kamenov tries a head kick but it misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov tries to clinch but Handle moves away
and Handle counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Kamenov throws a sloppy head kick and Handle moves out of range easily.
Handle shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kamenov pinned against the cage. Kamenov gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Grisha Kamenov is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Handle clobbers Kamenov with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Handle lands a nice hook to Kamenov's body. Kamenov takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Kamenov tries a head kick but it misses.
Handle lands the left hand.
Kamenov goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kamenov wants to clinch up but Handle keeps it at a distance.
Kamenov is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kamenov dodges the punch combination from Handle.
Kamenov avoids the head kick by Handle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Max Handle will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Kamenov throws a head kick that Handle semi-blocks.
Handle chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kamenov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kamenov throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Handle.
Handle avoids the head kick by Kamenov.
It seemed like Handle was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Handle blocks a head kick by Kamenov.
Kamenov tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Handle connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kamenov takes one to the chin there.
Handle tests Kamenov's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Handle throws a leg kick that misses.
Kamenov went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Kamenov throws a sloppy head kick and Handle moves out of range easily.
Kamenov throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kamenov is looking to clinch but Handle is avoiding it.
Kamenov fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Handle looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Kamenov moves into range and clinches up with Handle.
Kamenov prevents Handle from breaking the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Handle's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Kamenov looks to throw the jab but Handle is out of range.
Kamenov tries to clinch but Handle is having none of it.
Handle tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kamenov displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Handle throws out the jab.
Kamenov uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Handle.
Kamenov throws a sloppy head kick and Handle moves out of range easily.
Kamenov blocks a head kick by Handle.
Kamenov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Handle.
Handle throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kamenov punishes Handle's body with a nice straight punch.
Kamenov stuns Handle with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
A head kick misses from Handle.
Kamenov throws a sloppy head kick
and Handle counters with a leg kick.
Kamenov defending well as Handle loads up on a big left hand.
Kamenov throws a sloppy head kick and Handle moves out of range easily.
Handle swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kamenov blocks a jab.
Kamenov takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A head kick misses from Kamenov.
Handle tries to counter with a clinch but Kamenov shakes him off and moves away.
Handle connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Handle scores with a punch to the head.
Kamenov throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Kamenov tries to clinch but Handle is having none of it.
Kamenov misses with a head kick.
Handle lands a nice looking body shot.
Kamenov throws a head kick but Handle moves out of range.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kamenov moves to clinch but Handle breaks away

and Handle counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Kamenov!
Handle lands a nice forearm strike.
Kamenov takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Kamenov struggling a bit here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Handle is looking to take a break and control but Kamenov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Handle lands a few punches from side control.
Kamenov is trying to get back to his feet.
Kamenov is trying to control Handle's posture but Handle avoids it.
Handle throws an elbow but Kamenov slips to the side and avoids it well.
Handle working the head and body with strikes.
Handle landing a few strikes.
Handle working the ground and pound.

Handle is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Kamenov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Handle prevents Kamenov from escaping the position.
You can see the frustration on Kamenov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Max Handle is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Handle stands up and beckons Kamenov to his feet.
Handle does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Kamenov looked to counter with a high kick but didn't commit.
Kamenov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Handle ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Kamenov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Handle lands with a straight right. Kamenov didn't see that one coming.
Kamenov has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Handle.
Kamenov throws a head kick that Handle semi-blocks.
Grisha Kamenov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Handle avoids the head kick by Kamenov.
Kamenov throws a head kick but Handle moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kamenov throws a combination that misses
and Handle counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Kamenov drops his hands momentarily and Handle takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Kamenov throws a head kick but Handle moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
Max Handle comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Handle winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Max Handle!
A very excited looking Max Handle made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Grisha Kamenov was interviewed post fight and said 'Man this guy beats me 3 times I'm very dissapointed. Sorry guys I'm going to come back with the victory thank you for the support.'.