MMA HELSINKI 18 - #1 Contender PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ray Johnstone (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Enrico Vargas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Johnstone
vs
Vargas

175 cm
18
173 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

188 cm
22
179 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Dangerous GnP
Brawler
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ray Johnstone!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Enrico Vargas!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vargas forces Johnstone back against the cage and clinches.
Johnstone is trying to push Vargas away but Vargas has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Johnstone tightens his grip and picks Vargas up, before dumping him to the ground. Vargas manages to land in guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Johnstone pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Vargas is keeping the position for now.
Johnstone wants to control from the top but Vargas keeps moving.
Johnstone throws a big right hand that misses.
Johnstone postures up.
Vargas wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Enrico Vargas hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.

Vargas has taken the fight to the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vargas trying to land knees to the body.
A hook to the body from Vargas.
Vargas tries to land knees in the clinch but Johnstone avoids the damage to the body.
Vargas is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Johnstone is defending well for now.
Vargas prevents the takedown attempt.
Vargas tries to work over Johnstone's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Johnstone avoiding damage as Vargas throws knees to the body.
Vargas lands a nice shot to the body.
Johnstone has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Vargas avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Johnstone goes for a takedown attempt but Vargas pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Johnstone. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Vargas rushes Johnstone and presses him up against the cage.
Johnstone is trying to drag Vargas to the mat but Vargas just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Johnstone drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Johnstone tries to score a body lock takedown but Vargas shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vargas prevents a takedown attempt there.
Johnstone is breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A quick uppercut on the inside from Vargas.
Vargas missing with knees to the body.
Johnstone avoiding damage as Vargas throws knees to the body.
Johnstone trying to stall but Vargas improves his position.
Johnstone is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Vargas tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Johnstone avoids it.
Vargas tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Johnstone avoids it.
Johnstone managing to block the knees to the body from Vargas.
Vargas missing with knees to the body.
Vargas tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Johnstone looking for a takedown.
Vargas prevents the takedown attempt.
Johnstone managing to block the knees to the body from Vargas.
Vargas works on Johnstone's body with a couple of short punches.
Vargas lands a knee to the body.
A body shot lands from Vargas.
Vargas landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Vargas tries to work over Johnstone's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vargas pulls guard successfully.
Johnstone has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Johnstone tries to free his leg and advance position but Vargas is retaining full guard.

Johnstone drops back looking for a leg! Vargas is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Vargas manages to kick Johnstone off! Johnstone jumps back into Vargas's guard.
Johnstone being controlled here momentarily.

Vargas has butterfly guard. He's looking to stand up here. He pushes Johnstone off him and springs to his feet nicely. The crowd applauds.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Vargas moves into range and clinches up with Johnstone.
Vargas putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Johnstone in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Vargas lands a good knee to the midsection. Johnstone won't want to take too many of those.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Vargas gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Vargas lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Vargas working some strikes from top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vargas stands up over Johnstone, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Vargas lands a couple of digs.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vargas stands up over Johnstone, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Vargas connects with a couple of short punches.
Vargas working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Johnstone's head.
Vargas scoring with punches to the head and body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Johnstone clinches.
Vargas stops a takedown attempt from Johnstone.
Johnstone drops down looking for an ankle pick but Vargas pulls his leg out and moves away.

Vargas fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Johnstone, pushing him back against the cage.
Johnstone tries for a takedown but Vargas manages to get underhooks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Johnstone. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vargas is pressed up against the cage. Johnstone has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Vargas down to the mat. Vargas avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Vargas instigates a clinch.
Vargas missing with knees to the body.
Vargas lands a good knee to the midsection. Johnstone won't want to take too many of those.
Johnstone managing to block the knees to the body from Vargas.
Vargas scores a nice knee to the body.
Johnstone managing to block the knees to the body from Vargas.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vargas looking to throw knees to the head but Johnstone is blocking nicely.
Vargas stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vargas scores with a hook to the body.
Still in the clinch, Vargas scores with a nice short uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Johnstone blocks a body shot from Vargas.
Vargas lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Johnstone.

Vargas pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Vargas drives through and clinches with Johnstone against the cage.
Vargas prevents a takedown attempt there.
Vargas has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vargas digs a right hand into Johnstone's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Johnstone's gas tank.
Vargas unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Vargas lands a body punch in the clinch.
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!

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

Vargas moves into the clinch.
Vargas prevents the takedown attempt.
Vargas unloads a knee to the mid-section. Johnstone lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Vargas tries a body shot but Johnstone blocks it.
Johnstone tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Vargas just stands there and leans against the cage.
A left hand lands to the body for Vargas.

Vargas lands a takedown into guard.

Vargas avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Vargas lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vargas content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Vargas is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Vargas scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Vargas working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Vargas scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Vargas working some strikes from top position.
Vargas chips away with some ground and pound.
Johnstone has momentary wrist control but Vargas slips an elbow through the middle.
Vargas is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Vargas keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Johnstone's head.
Vargas has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Vargas with a nice head shot there.
Vargas scoring with punches to the head and body.
Vargas is in close to Johnstone's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Johnstone has momentary wrist control but Vargas slips an elbow through the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vargas postures up and lands a big shot to Johnstone's brow.
Johnstone throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

Johnstone looking for a guillotine here but Vargas defends easily.

Johnstone is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Johnstone has momentary wrist control but Vargas slips an elbow through the middle.
Vargas is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Johnstone is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Vargas defends well.
Vargas distracts Johnstone with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Vargas is in close to Johnstone's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Johnstone might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Vargas with a nice head shot there.
Vargas scoring with punches to the head and body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vargas working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Johnstone's head.
Vargas landing some decent shots from guard.

Johnstone is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Johnstone has momentary wrist control but Vargas slips an elbow through the middle.
Oh Johnstone is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Vargas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Johnstone seems to have got his legs back now.
Vargas with a nice head shot there.
Johnstone on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Johnstone tries to get out of the position.
Vargas keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Johnstone's head.

Johnstone is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Vargas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vargas with a nice head shot there.
Vargas lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Vargas scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Vargas works over Johnstone with some ground and pound from guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Enrico Vargas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Vargas closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Vargas using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Johnstone is trying to stall.
Vargas utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Vargas lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Johnstone or not.
Vargas can't break the clinch.
Vargas is working Johnstone over against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vargas tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Johnstone avoids it.
A body shot lands from Vargas.
Vargas lands a nice shot to the body.

Vargas's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Vargas moves into the clinch successfully.
Vargas goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Vargas working Johnstone over with knees to the body.
Vargas landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Johnstone takes a shot to the head.
Johnstone 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.
Johnstone drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Vargas misses with a body punch.
Vargas misses with a hook to the ribs.
Enrico Vargas seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Vargas lands a body punch in the clinch.

Vargas's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Vargas moves into the clinch.
Johnstone avoiding damage as Vargas throws knees to the body.
Johnstone tries to score a body lock takedown but Vargas shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ray Johnstone. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vargas throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Good body shot from Vargas.
Vargas lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Johnstone.
A left hand lands to the body for Vargas.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A hook to the body from Vargas.
Vargas lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Vargas is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Johnstone drops down looking for an ankle pick but Vargas pulls his leg out and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vargas moves into range and clinches up with Johnstone.
Johnstone managing to block the knees to the body from Vargas.
Vargas scores a nice knee to the body.
A short body shot lands from Vargas as the two fighters clinch.
Vargas cracks Johnstone with a nice body shot.
Vargas landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Vargas landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Vargas stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Johnstone avoiding damage as Vargas throws knees to the body.
Johnstone tries for a takedown but Vargas manages to get underhooks.
A body shot lands from Vargas.
Vargas digs a right hand into Johnstone's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Johnstone's gas tank.
Vargas wants to break free but Johnstone has control.
Vargas misses with a punch to the body.
Vargas works on Johnstone's body with a couple of short punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vargas crunches a lovely knee into Johnstone's ribcage.
Vargas lands a body punch.
Vargas misses with a punch to the body.
Vargas cracks Johnstone with a nice body shot.
Vargas tries to throw a body punch but Johnstone avoids it by throwing Vargas back against the cage.
Vargas tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Johnstone avoids it.
Johnstone avoiding damage as Vargas throws knees to the body.
Johnstone tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Vargas just stands there and leans against the cage.
Johnstone blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Vargas lands a body punch.

Vargas gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Johnstone regains guard.
Vargas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Vargas working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Johnstone's head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Vargas with a nice head shot there.
Enrico Vargas has got the better of the ground game so far.
Johnstone throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Vargas scoring with some ground and pound.
Vargas content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vargas postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Vargas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Ray Johnstone has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Johnstone throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Vargas stands up over Johnstone, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Vargas connects with a couple of short punches.

Johnstone working for a triangle but Vargas defends it easily.
Vargas is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vargas scoring with some ground and pound.
Vargas postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Enrico Vargas is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Vargas keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Johnstone's head.

And that's the end of the fight!
Enrico Vargas comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Vargas 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 26:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 26:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Enrico Vargas!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Juhani Jarvela (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Dane Stelios (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Dane Stelios has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Jarvela
vs
Stelios

180 cm
25
200 lbs
6 - 15 - 0

188 cm
20
188 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good takedowns
Brawler
Very confident

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 6 - 15 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juhani Jarvela!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Dane Stelios!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stelios keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Stelios shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Jarvela is trying to defend but Stelios finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Jarvela avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Stelios.
Jarvela wants to get back to full guard.
Jarvela keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Stelios postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Jarvela to stand up.
Jarvela fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Jarvela!
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!
Jarvela throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Stelios.
Nice shot by Jarvela.
Jarvela throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Stelios stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

Stelios moves into the clinch.

Stelios is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Jarvela can't fight it off and eventually Stelios manages to take the fight to the floor. Jarvela looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Stelios stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jarvela swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stelios stopping the sweep attempt from Jarvela.
Stelios pushing down on Jarvela's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Stelios decides to return to a standing position.

Stelios fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Jarvela to the ground. Stelios is now in Jarvela's guard.
Stelios sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Jarvela's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jarvela blocking the ground and pound attempt from Stelios.

Stelios stands up and beckons Jarvela to join him on the feet.
Jarvela is breathing heavily.

Stelios fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Jarvela sprawls well initially but Stelios persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Stelios landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Jarvela knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Stelios on the ground.

Stelios gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Jarvela ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jarvela throws an overhand right from the outside, which connects and sends Stelios stumbling backwards into the cage! Stelios bounces back off the cage towards Jarvela, who cracks him with a two punch combination that drops him to his knees! Jarvela lands two more shots before the referee has chance to intervene - what a finish! Jarvela celebrates with his corner as the crowd cheer loudly.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Juhani Jarvela!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
91%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Caballero (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Springsteen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Caballero
vs
Springsteen

190 cm
22
265 lbs
6 - 7 - 0

196 cm
27
245 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Bruno Caballero!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Paul Springsteen!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Arvi Lind and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Caballero moves out of range of the strikes.
Springsteen comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Springsteen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Caballero.
Springsteen tries to bum rush Caballero with a series of wild strikes but Caballero uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Springsteen misses the shot to the body.
Caballero connects with a left and a right that sees a clearly hurt Springsteen covering up! Caballero comes in with a big uppercut and Springsteen goes doooown! He's slumped up against the cage, eyes staring blankly into space.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:17 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Bruno Caballero!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
87%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Muru Aalto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bobby Bruce (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bruce has chosen Joy Division - Atmosphere as his entrance music. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Aalto
vs
Bruce

175 cm
27
160 lbs
5 - 5 - 0

169 cm
26
164 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Experienced

Good wrestler
World class MT
Powerful

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 5 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Muru Aalto!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Bobby Bruce!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bruce slips under a jab from Aalto.
Aalto takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Aalto takes a shot right to the bread basket.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Bruce.
Aalto looks to throw the jab but Bruce is out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Bruce has taken the fight to the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Bruce.
Bruce throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Aaltos head.

Aalto is rocked!
Bruce lands a shoulder strike.
Oh Aalto is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Clinched against the cage, Bruce lands a big elbow that drops Aalto! The ref dives in to save him from more shots - Aalto is complaining that he's OK but he was done.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bobby Bruce!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kivi Kasvo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chie Sung (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kasvo's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Danzig Mother. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kasvo
vs
Sung

190 cm
27
300 lbs
9 - 8 - 1

150 cm
19
338 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Kivi Kasvo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Chie Sung!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Arvi Lind and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sung shoots in for a takedown but Kasvo shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Sung scores a takedown into full mount!
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Kasvo tries to lock up and control but Sung gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Kasvo can't escape the position.
Sung trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kasvo tries to hold on but Sung pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kasvo is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.
Kasvo wants to control but Sung is having none of it.
Kasvo is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasvo tries to lock up and control but Sung gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Kasvo is working to get back to half guard.
Kasvo doing his best to control the position. Can he escape?

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kivi Kasvo wasn't doing enough on the ground.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Sung.
Kasvo stuffs the takedown attempt from Sung. Sung gets slowly back to his feet.
Kivi Kasvo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chie Sung.
Kasvo tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sung paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasvo dips to his left and cracks Sung with an uppercut!

It looks like Chie Sung has been cut.
Kasvo lands with a nice combination. Sung backs away looking to recover.
Sung looks gassed!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A jab from Kasvo does it's job there.

Sung gets tackled into the cage by Kasvo. Kasvo maintains the clinch.
Kasvo lands a nice shot to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kasvo.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kasvo.

Sung is rocked!
Kasvo lands a body shot.
Sung is still on wobbly legs! Can Kasvo finish him?
Kasvo lands a big right hand that drops Sung! The killer instinct kicks in and Kasvo finishes his opponent with a series of strikes from mount. A dominating finish by Kasvo!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:36 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kivi Kasvo!
A victorious Kivi Kasvo thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Armas Paakku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maik Taison (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Paakku
vs
Taison

180 cm
24
176 lbs
10 - 11 - 0

179 cm
25
178 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Armas Paakku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Maik Taison!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Paakku throws a left that rocks Taison and follows with a right that sends him tumbling to the canvas! Paakku dives into side control, looking to finish! Can Taison regain composure!

Taison is rocked!

It looks like Maik Taison has been cut.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Paakku landing a few strikes.
Taison is still in real trouble! Can Paakku finish him?
Paakku lands a strong strike to the head of Taison. That's dazed him! Paakku looking to finish here. Taison is waving his arms around trying to block but he's hurt badly - Paakku lands more strikes and the referee steps in to end the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Armas Paakku!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Lauri Puukko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and West Rupp (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Lauri Puukko has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Puukko
vs
Rupp

180 cm
25
180 lbs
13 - 10 - 0

176 cm
22
169 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good knees
Good chin

ADCC Champion
Basic striking
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lauri Puukko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, West Rupp!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Puukko leaves Rupp with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Rupp lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Puukko circles away quickly and effectively.
Rupp dodges the punch combination from Puukko.
Rupp swings widly with a right hand
enabling Puukko to counter with a crisp jab.
Puukko misses with a head kick.
Rupp dives in and grabs Puukko's left leg, looking for a takedown. Puukko pushes down on Rupp's head and hops out.
Rupp shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Puukko sprawls well. Puukko wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Rupp gets slowly back to his feet.
Lauri Puukko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of West Rupp.
Puukko throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Rupp.
Puukko throws a sloppy head kick and Rupp moves out of range easily.
Rupp shoots and misses
and Puukko counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Horrible takedown by Rupp or perhaps it was just good defense by Puukko which made him look bad.
Puukko throws a head kick but Rupp moves out of range.
Lauri Puukko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Puukko throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Puukko displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Rupp shoots in for a takedown but Puukko shows good takedown defense.
Rupp looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Puukko is fending him off so far but Rupp persists. Nope, Puukko circles away and we're back to standing.
Rupp has his takedown stuffed
and Puukko counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Rupp blocks a head kick by Puukko.
Puukko stuffs the takedown.
Rupp doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Puukko counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Puukko misses with a wild combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Puukko leaves Rupp with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Puukko tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Puukko lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Rupp circles away quickly and effectively.
Rupp throws a right hand that Puukko ducks under and follows up with a left that Puukko also avoids with ease.
Rupp shoots in for a double leg but Puukko sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A combination from Rupp does no damage.
A punch combination from Puukko misses.
Rupp misses with a straight right.
Puukko throws a sloppy head kick and Rupp moves out of range easily.
Puukko throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Rupp's head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Puukko misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Puukko misses with a double jab.

Rupp manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Puukko on his heels. He'll look to pass Puukko's guard now, I'm sure.

Rupp is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Rupp trying to control the position from guard on top but Puukko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Rupp pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Puukko is keeping the position for now.
Rupp passes Puukko's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Rupp seems to be looking for submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rupp trying to mount his opponent but Puukko defends it.

Rupp is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Puukko is just riding it out for now. Rupp eventually gives up the hold.
Rupp is keen to just control but Puukko is a slippery customer.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Rupp seems to be looking for submissions.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Puukko is trying to stand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but West Rupp will probably get the nod.
That's time! Puukko's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Rupp shoots for a double leg takedown but Puukko sprawls well. He's pushed Rupp's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Rupp takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Rupp shoots in but Puukko avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Puukko avoids a punch combination nicely.
Rupp shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Puukko pinned against the cage. Puukko gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Lauri Puukko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of West Rupp.
Rupp misses with a head kick.
Puukko misses with a two punch combination.
Puukko misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Lauri Puukko is winning the standup battle so far.
Puukko looks to land a combination but Rupp avoids it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rupp shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Rupp is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Rupp drops back looking for a leg! Puukko is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Puukko manages to kick Rupp off! Rupp jumps back into Puukko's guard.

Rupp is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Puukko has his feet on Rupp's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Puukko.
Rupp fails with the takedown.

Rupp shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Puukko looks like he's trying to stand up.
Rupp is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Puukko!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Puukko is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Rupp locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Puukko is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:04 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). West Rupp!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Muuli Potku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Salocin Zerep (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Salocin Zerep is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Potku
vs
Zerep

174 cm
20
155 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

168 cm
27
165 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Dangerous knees
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

Adrenaline

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Muuli Potku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Salocin Zerep!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zerep misses with a hook to the body

and Potku counters by clinching up.
Potku misses with a knee to the head.
Zerep lands with a light punch inside.
Zerep working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Zerep breaks the clinch.
Zerep throws a jab when Potku was well out of range.
Potku doesn't manage to clinch there - Zerep circles away.
Potku tries to clinch but Zerep is having none of it.
Potku fails in his attempt to clinch.
Salocin Zerep seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zerep connects with a good right hand that stumbles Potku. Potku circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

It looks like Muuli Potku has been cut.

Potku takes the fight into the clinch.
Zerep misses with a hook to the ribs.
Zerep pushes Potku back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Potku connects with a nasty looking knee right to Zerep's face.

It looks like Salocin Zerep has been cut.
Zerep tries to work over Potku's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Potku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zerep stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Potku taking a breather.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Potku prevents a body shot from Zerep.
Potku is looking to control Zerep's arms but Zerep gets an underhook and turns him. Now Potku has his back to the cage.
Potku scores with a knee to the head.
Potku connects with a nasty looking knee right to Zerep's face.
Potku throws a knee to the head but misses.
Zerep tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Potku misses with a knee to the head.
Zerep slows down the pace here.
Potku tries a knee to the head but Zerep blocks it.
A right hook to the body lands for Zerep.
Potku looking to throw knees to the head but Zerep is blocking nicely.

Zerep breaks from the clinch.
Zerep will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Zerep avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zerep avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Potku tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Zerep counters with a series of strikes. Potku will be more careful next time no doubt.
Potku tries to close the distance and clinch but Zerep swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Zerep throws a good cross that connects.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Potku gets a clinch.
Potku blocks a body shot from Zerep.
Zerep on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Zerep.
Zerep lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Potku is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Zerep misses with a punch to the body.
Potku throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Zerep blocks it with crossed arms.
Zerep goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Potku with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Potku landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Zerep works on Potku's body with a couple of short punches.
Potku using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Zerep has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Zerep tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Potku's elbow.
Potku looking to throw knees to the head but Zerep is blocking nicely.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Zerep.
Zerep misses with a punch to the body.
Potku tries to stall but Zerep uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Potku with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Potku manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Zerep tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Zerep lands with a left to the head.
Potku tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Potku tries to land a knee to the head but Zerep blocks with his arms.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Potku is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Zerep is defending well for now.
Zerep lands a right hand that snaps the head of Potku backwards.
Zerep goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Zerep.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Zerep lands a body shot in the clinch.
Zerep scores with a shot to the side of Potku's head.
Zerep taking a breather.
Potku tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Zerep avoids it.
Zerep misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A frustrated look appears on Potku's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Zerep lands a body punch.
Potku stalling in the clinch but Zerep improves position.
Potku trying to land knees to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Potku is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Zerep is keeping busy.
Potku tries to land a knee to the head but Zerep blocks with his arms.
Potku is breathing heavily.

Zerep manages to break the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Salocin Zerep dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Potku takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Zerep keeps the fight on the outside.
Zerep circles away from the clinch attempt.
Potku moves to clinch but Zerep breaks away
and Zerep counters with a nice uppercut.
Potku cracks the inside of Zerep's front leg.

Potku clinches.
Potku with a knee to the head.
Potku with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Zerep has had enough of the clinch but Potku keeps him there for the moment.
Zerep on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Zerep is trying to stall.
Potku throws a knee to the head but misses.

Potku's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Potku tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Zerep counters with a nice uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Zerep scores with a three punch combo!

Potku is rocked!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zerep lands with a right that hurts Potku. Potku looks to clinch but Zerep throws a short knee that drops Potku. This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:06 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punch and Knee). Salocin Zerep!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Maurice McDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark van Bommel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). van Bommel is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Metallica-Battery . Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

McDonald
vs
van Bommel

180 cm
23
184 lbs
10 - 9 - 1

188 cm
23
172 lbs
12 - 1 - 1

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
KO power

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Maurice McDonald!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 1 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mark van Bommel!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
van Bommel lands a lovely overhand right.
van Bommel digs a good body shot into McDonald's ribs.
McDonald misses with a low kick.
McDonald lands a leg kick that knocks van Bommel off balance momentarily.
McDonald looks to land a body kick but van Bommel moved away.
van Bommel checks a low kick from McDonald.
McDonald wants to clinch up but van Bommel keeps it at a distance.
van Bommel throws a hook to the side of McDonald's head but McDonald sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
van Bommel uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
van Bommel tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
McDonald checks a low kick from van Bommel.
McDonald throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
van Bommel bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps McDonald's head backwards.
Nice jab there from van Bommel.
A big left from van Bommel misses.
van Bommel connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
van Bommel misses with a looping right.
van Bommel moves out of range as McDonald throws a body kick.
The fighters circling - van Bommel throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McDonald takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
McDonald throws out a leg kick but van Bommel moves out of range and McDonald only half commits.
van Bommel scores with a jab to the jaw.
van Bommel has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by McDonald.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by van Bommel.
van Bommel scores with a hook to the body. McDonald takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
McDonald takes a jab right on the kisser.
van Bommel misses the shot to the body.
van Bommel thows a left - swing and a miss!
McDonald swings and misses with a hook to the body.
McDonald ducks right into an uppercut from van Bommel.
van Bommel punishes McDonald's body with a nice straight punch.
van Bommel has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
van Bommel tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
van Bommel scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
van Bommel misses with a head kick.
van Bommel is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! McDonald had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
van Bommel ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! McDonald crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from van Bommel - the referee stops the clock and McDonald gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says van Bommel. McDonald manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
McDonald slips under a jab from van Bommel.
van Bommel wants to land a leg kick but McDonald is out of range.
Mark van Bommel seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
van Bommel connects with a body shot.
van Bommel swings widly with a right hand
and McDonald counters with a head kick.
Mark van Bommel is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McDonald is breathing heavily.
McDonald takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
van Bommel scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
van Bommel cracks McDonald with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McDonald lands with a thumping leg kick.
McDonald misses with a body shot.
van Bommel lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
van Bommel throws a good cross that connects.
van Bommel lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
van Bommel scores with a nice head shot.
van Bommel jabs McDonald right on the nose. McDonald blinks but takes it well.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A lazy left from van Bommel finds it's target.
van Bommel throws a sloppy head kick and McDonald moves out of range easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mark van Bommel dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

van Bommel connects with a leg kick. McDonald looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
van Bommel scores with a nice head shot.
van Bommel connects with a single shot there.
McDonald scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
van Bommel misses with a straight left.
McDonald takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
van Bommel steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McDonald.
McDonald fakes high and swings low for a body shot but van Bommel manages to avoid it.
van Bommel avoids the head kick by McDonald.
van Bommel misses with a hook. McDonald ducked under it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
van Bommel lands a lovely overhand right.
van Bommel lands a right hook to the body.
A left lands for van Bommel.
van Bommel connects with a jab.
van Bommel connects with a looping right hand.
van Bommel throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent McDonald stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
van Bommel connects with a body shot that sends McDonald's belly button to the back.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
van Bommel connects with a right that clearly hurt McDonald. He's backed up against the cage with nowhere to go as van Bommel proceeds to tee off with vicious combinations till McDonald collapses and taps out under the pressure!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Mark van Bommel!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
80%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Rod Brave (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Matti Nykanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Brave comes to the cage accompanied by Eco, Eco (somos de taleco). Matti Nykanen has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Brave
vs
Nykanen

170 cm
23
150 lbs
10 - 10 - 0

165 cm
26
133 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rod Brave!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Matti Nykanen!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Matti Vanhoillinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Nykanen feints and as Brave raises his hands in defense, Nykanen changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Brave working a defensive guard here.
Brave has Nykanen pulled in close to control his posture.
Nykanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Brave is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nykanen throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Brave utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Brave looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nykanen is one step ahead there.
Nykanen throws and elbow that misses. Brave uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nykanen's guard. Nice move by Brave!
Nykanen keeping full guard, as Brave tries to pass.
Brave loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Brave lands a couple of elbows.
Brave trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nykanen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Brave is controlling him.
Nykanen keeping moving, preventing Brave from controlling successfully.
Nykanen is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Brave with a flurry of punches that miss.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Nykanen can do anything to dispel that myth.
Brave trying to control but Nykanen is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nykanen is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Brave pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nykanen is keeping the position for now.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Brave throwing strikes but missing.
Nykanen utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Nykanen really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Brave. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Brave trying to control the position from guard on top but Nykanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nykanen is looking to stand up but Brave isn't so interested in that idea.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Brave passes Nykanen's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Brave wants to control but Nykanen is keeping him busy.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nykanen tries to kick Brave off but Brave keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Brave thows a huge punch but Nykanen dodges it nicely.
Brave prevents Nykanen from standing back up.
Brave trying to control from half guard but Nykanen is working away.

Nykanen manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Brave, right into the meat.
Brave lands with a nice body kick.
Nykanen looks gassed!
Brave throws a lazy right hand but Nykanen sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A nice leg kick lands there from Brave.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Brave moves into the clinch successfully.
A knee to the head by Brave.
Brave lands an elbow just above Nykanen 's eye.
Brave with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Brave.
Brave gets through Nykanen's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Brave connects with a knee to the head.
Brave unloads a knee to the mid-section. Nykanen lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Brave lands a damaging elbow.
Brave lands a good knee to the midsection. Nykanen won't want to take too many of those.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Brave obliges.
Brave lands a nice uppercut.
Brave lands a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brave crunches a lovely knee into Nykanen's ribcage.
Brave lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nykanen backwards.

Nykanen is rocked!
Brave unloads a knee to the mid-section.

Brave pulls guard successfully.
Brave looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Brave not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Nykanen wants to control from the top but Brave keeps moving.
Brave controls Nykanen momentarily but Nykanen frees himself.
Nykanen throws a big right hand that misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Brave lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Nykanen!
Brave wants to control the pace but Nykanen is squirming around nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rod Brave dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Brave is looking to score with low kicks.
Brave lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Nykanen at a distance.
Brave tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Brave throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Rod Brave seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nykanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
A head kick misses from Brave.

Nykanen gets tackled into the cage by Brave. Brave maintains the clinch.
Brave tries to land knees in the clinch but Nykanen avoids the damage to the body.
Brave is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.

Nykanen wants the takedown. Brave is fighting it off but Nykanen persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Brave's guard against the cage.
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!

Brave looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Nykanen is breathing heavily.
Brave manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nykanen manages to get himself to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nykanen can't keep his opponent in guard - Brave advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Nykanen makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

Brave gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Brave lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Nykanen!
Nykanen is bucking up trying to escape but Brave cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Nykanen takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Nykanen avoids a series of strikes thrown by Brave.
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!
Brave looking to ground and pound but Nykanen is blocking nicely.
Rod Brave overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Brave with shots to the head and body - Nykanen looks very uncomfortable down there.
Nykanen is still in real trouble! Can Brave finish him?
Brave throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.
Brave misses with a head shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Nykanen somehow manages to escape the mount and get back to his feet!

Brave feints and as Nykanen raises his hands in defense, Brave changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Nykanen is looking to stand up but Brave isn't so interested in that idea.
Brave thows a big elbow that misses.
Nykanen seems to have recovered his senses.
Brave forces his way into half guard.
Brave trying to pass the guard but Nykanen defending well.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Brave not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Brave not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Brave trying to control the action but Nykanen is working from the bottom.
Brave not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brave wants to pass to mount but Nykanen is defending the position.
Brave trying to control from half guard but Nykanen is working away.
Nykanen blocking the ground and pound attempt from Brave.

Brave is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Brave stops Nykanen from getting back to his feet.
Brave thows a huge punch but Nykanen dodges it nicely.
Nykanen is staying active underneath Brave, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Brave wants to pass the guard but Nykanen is defending well.

Brave wants to work for an arm triangle but Nykanen is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Brave not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Nykanen is trying to stand up here but Brave is controlling him well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Brave thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Nykanen wants to get back to his feet.
Brave lands strikes from half guard.
Nykanen is refusing to be controlled, as Brave sits in half guard.

Brave is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Nykanen has managed to free his arm - good work.
Brave is pressing down on Nykanen's thigh, looking to free his foot. Nykanen is holding on for now.
Brave prevents Nykanen from standing back up.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nykanen is staying active underneath Brave, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Brave missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Nykanen is trying to stand up here but Brave is controlling him well.
Brave passes the guard and advances to mount!
Nykanen is trying to stand up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rod Brave dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Nykanen tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

Brave has Nykanen up against the cage in a clinch.

Nykanen works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Brave seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nykanen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Brave is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nykanen can do to turn this around?
Nykanen distracts Brave with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Brave keeping moving, preventing Nykanen from controlling successfully.
Nykanen throws a big right hand that misses.

Brave looking for a guillotine here but Nykanen defends easily.
Nykanen connects with a couple of short punches.
Nykanen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Brave bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Nykanen's guard.
Brave's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Nykanen wants to stand up but Brave is controlling him.
Brave keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Nykanen's head.
Brave trying to control but Nykanen is working from the bottom.
Brave prevents Nykanen from getting back to his feet.
Nykanen preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Nykanen keeping moving, preventing Brave from controlling successfully.
Nykanen wants to stand and escape but Brave is having none of it.
Brave tries to free his leg and advance position but Nykanen is retaining full guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Brave passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Nykanen wants to get back to his feet but Brave drags him back down.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Brave throws an elbow but Nykanen slips to the side and avoids it well.

Brave working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Brave tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Brave works to advance to full mount. Nykanen defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Brave pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.

Brave has control of Nykanen's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Nykanen regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Brave postures up and throws a couple of big shots that have Nykanen in real trouble here! The ref calls for Nykanen to improve his position which he doesn't do, so the referee has no choice but to end the fight due to the strikes!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:03 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rod Brave!
Rod Brave retains his featherweight title!