IF 36: December to Remember PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Thor Hammer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alberto Del Rio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hammer's entrance music is Amon Amarth - The Pursuit of Vikings. A fine choice. Del Rio has chosen Requiem for a dream as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Hammer
vs
Del Rio

182 cm
22
215 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

197 cm
22
200 lbs
2 - 5 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Intelligent

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Thor Hammer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alberto Del Rio!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Arvi Lind and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hammer scores with a decent looking hook.
Hammer misses with a jab, cross combination.
Del Rio throws a head kick that misses.
Thor Hammer seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Del Rio misses with a head kick.
Hammer is looking to land body kicks.
Hammer misses with a low kick.

Del Rio gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Del Rio wants to break free but Hammer has control.

Del Rio manages to pull guard.
Hammer postures up and lands a big shot to Del Rio's brow.
Del Rio preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Hammer trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Hammer throws a big right hand that misses.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Del Rio has his feet on Hammer's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Del Rio darts in and clinches Hammer up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammer throws an elbow that misses.
Hammer swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Del Rio fails to pull guard.
Hammer taking a breather.
A head punch on the inside from Hammer fails to land.
Del Rio lands a shoulder strike.
Hammer keeps control of Del Rio as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Hammer is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Del Rio is defending well for now.
Del Rio tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Hammer lands with a light punch inside.
Hammer swings wildly with an uppercut but Del Rio uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hammer lands a right hand.
Del Rio goes for a takedown in the clinch but Hammer prevents it.
Thor Hammer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alberto Del Rio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hammer misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Del Rio scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Del Rio tries a knee to the head but Hammer blocks it.
Hammer misses with a hook from the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Hammer is pressed up against the cage. Del Rio has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hammer down to the mat. Hammer avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Del Rio closes the distance and pushes Hammer back into the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hammer tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Del Rio breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Hammer moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Hammer connects with a leg kick. Del Rio looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.

Hammer gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer misses with the head strike.
Hammer misses with a short punch on the inside.
Del Rio throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Hammers head.
Hammer misses with some punches.
Hammer blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Del Rio throws a knee to the head but misses.
Del Rio tries for a takedown. No joy.
Hammer tries to work over Del Rio's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Del Rio misses with an elbow strike.
Hammer connects with a knee to the head.

It looks like Alberto Del Rio has been cut.
Hammer misses with a short punch on the inside.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Hammer creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Del Rio jumps guard but Hammer stands there with Del Rio around his waist. Del Rio gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Hammer throws a punch but it's blocked by Del Rio.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Del Rio effectively controlling the action here.
Del Rio looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hammer.
Hammer misses with the head strike.
Del Rio looking to throw knees to the head but Hammer is blocking nicely.
Hammer trying to stall but Del Rio improves his position.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Hammer.
Del Rio using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Hammer has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Hammer has a couple of punches blocked by Del Rio.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Del Rio looking for a takedown.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Del Rio lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Del Rio blocks an elbow strike from Hammer.
Hammer lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Thor Hammer dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Alberto Del Rio's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Del Rio has closed the distance and engaged Hammer in a clinch.
Del Rio is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Hammer to keep the fight standing.
Del Rio controlling the action here for a moment.
Del Rio is trying to break the clinch but Hammer has him pressed against the cage.
Hammer throws a punch but it's blocked by Del Rio.
Hammer can't find room to land a body shot as Del Rio controls the action.
Hammer lands an elbow inside that Del Rio shrugs off.
Del Rio avoids a wild elbow strike from Hammer.
Hammer throws a punch but it's blocked by Del Rio.
Hammer taking a breather.
A short left from Hammer.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Del Rio avoids the elbow strike from Hammer, against the cage.
Hammer throws a head punch that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Del Rio has Hammer pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Hammer manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Del Rio avoiding damage as Hammer throws knees to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Del Rio.
Hammer looking to slow down the pace here.
A nice left hand lands by Hammer.
Hammer pushes off an throws an elbow but Del Rio leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Del Rio is trying to break the clinch but Hammer is controlling him.
Del Rio blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A bit of stalling here from Del Rio.

Del Rio pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Del Rio misses with a head kick.
Hammer throws a nice head kick!
Hammer blocks a head kick by Del Rio.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Del Rio clinches with his opponent.
Hammer swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Del Rio jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Hammer walks away with a smile on his face. Del Rio gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Thor Hammer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alberto Del Rio.

Del Rio clinches with his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Del Rio wants to break free but Hammer has control.
Hammer tries to work over Del Rio's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Del Rio lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Del Rio throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Del Rio lands a body shot in the clinch.
Del Rio effectively controlling the action here.

Del Rio's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Hammer throws a right and a left that Del Rio avoids nicely.

Hammer rushes Del Rio and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Del Rio has Hammer pushed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Del Rio fails to pull guard.
Del Rio tries to pull guard but Hammer holds him up against the cage and eventually Del Rio drops back down to his feet.
Del Rio wants to break free but Hammer has control.
Hammer struggles to land a body shot inside as Del Rio controls his hands.
Del Rio is trying to break free.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Hammer.
Del Rio tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hammer's elbow.

Del Rio jumps into guard, dragging Hammer to the mat.
Del Rio keeping moving, preventing Hammer from controlling successfully.
Hammer throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Del Rio works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammer postures up in Del Rio's guard and throws a big left but Del Rio blocks it.
Hammer with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hammer might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Hammer throws a big elbow that misses.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Hammer accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Hammer loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hammer throws an elbow that misses. Del Rio uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Hammer's guard. Nice move by Del Rio!
Hammer wants to get back to his feet but Del Rio passes into half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Del Rio escapes and gets back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Thor Hammer will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Alberto Del Rio's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Hammer blocks a jab.
Hammer scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Del Rio closes the distance and pushes Hammer back into the cage.
Hammer tries to land knees in the clinch but Del Rio avoids the damage to the body.
Hammer wants to stall.
Del Rio tries a knee to the head but Hammer blocks it.
Hammer is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Del Rio throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Hammer blocks it with crossed arms.
With the fighters up against the cage, Hammer throws an elbow but misses.

Del Rio breaks the clinch.

Hammer clinches.
Hammer trying to stall but Del Rio improves his position.
Del Rio misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Hammer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Del Rio tries to land a knee to the head but Hammer blocks with his arms.
Hammer throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Hammer lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Hammer is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Del Rio is keeping busy.
Hammer keeps control of Del Rio as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Del Rio is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Del Rio throws an elbow but it misses.
Hammer trying to stall but Del Rio improves his position.
Still in the clinch, Del Rio scores with a nice short uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A nice right hand lands inside from Del Rio.
Hammer struggles to land a body shot inside as Del Rio controls his hands.
Hammer creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Del Rio stalling in the clinch.
Del Rio blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Del Rio gets control of Hammer's arms and successfully pulls guard. Del Rio will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Del Rio is on top in guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Del Rio content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Del Rio decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Hammer, up you get!
Del Rio has a takedown stuffed.

Del Rio gets tackled into the cage by Hammer. Hammer maintains the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hammer gets through Del Rio's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Hammer throws an elbow that misses.
Hammer misses with a punch on the inside.
Hammer misses with a short punch on the inside.
Del Rio tries to circle away but Hammer has him pinned against the cage.
Hammer lands a shoulder strike.
Hammer lands with a right to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hammer misses with an elbow strike.
Del Rio tries a knee to the head but Hammer blocks it.
Del Rio pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.

Del Rio is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Hammer can't fight it off and eventually Del Rio manages to take the fight to the floor. Hammer looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Del Rio stopping the sweep attempt from Hammer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammer is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Del Rio dives into side control.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hammer tries to bench press Del Rio off him but Del Rio keeps the position.

Del Rio stands up.
Hammer looks to land a body kick but Del Rio moved away.
Thor Hammer is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Del Rio throws a series of punches but Hammer moves out of range.
Alberto Del Rio has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Hammer gets in close and instigates a clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Thor Hammer.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Hammer, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Thor Hammer!
Thor Hammer took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'The age of the Vikings is back! Thor, son of Odin, will once again rise!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
78%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Leto Atreides (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Akimichi Choji (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Atreides
vs
Choji

200 cm
25
251 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

200 cm
29
300 lbs
5 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Good chin

Good wrestler
Good kicks
Powerful

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Leto Atreides!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Akimichi Choji!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Choji fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Choji misses with a takedown attempt - Atreides sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

Choji shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Choji throwing shots but Atreides is blocking nicely.
Choji sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Choji looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Choji frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Choji is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Atreides can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

It looks like Leto Atreides has been cut.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Choji looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.

Choji swings around for an armbar and he's got it! Wow, that came out of nowhere! What a finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Akimichi Choji!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
83%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nenad Subotic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Asylbek Malybaev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Subotic
vs
Malybaev

200 cm
24
280 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

186 cm
21
270 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nenad Subotic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Asylbek Malybaev!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Roosa Järviläinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Malybaev clinches up against the cage.

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

Subotic tries to keep at a distance but Malybaev has taken the fight into the clinch.
Subotic gets underhooks to prevent Malybaev's takedown attempt.
Subotic digs a right hand into Malybaev's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Malybaev's gas tank.
Subotic has Malybaev pressed against the cage, preventing Malybaev from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A nice right hand lands inside from Subotic.
Malybaev can't break the clinch.

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

Subotic gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Subotic pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Malybaev has a takedown stuffed.
Malybaev looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Malybaev wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Subotic closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Malybaev did well to prevent Subotic getting side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Malybaev manages to get to full guard.
Subotic with a flurry of punches that miss.
Malybaev can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Subotic controls the pace.
Subotic wants to control from the top but Malybaev keeps moving.
Subotic trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Subotic engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Nenad Subotic.
Subotic throws a good cross that connects.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Subotic darts in and clinches Malybaev up against the cage.
Subotic avoiding damage as Malybaev throws knees to the body.

Subotic pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nenad Subotic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Subotic moves into range and clinches up with Malybaev.
Malybaev prevents a takedown attempt there.

Subotic manages to break the clinch.
Subotic keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Nenad Subotic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Asylbek Malybaev.
Malybaev will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Malybaev looks gassed!
Subotic lands a nice hook to Malybaev's body. Malybaev takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Malybaev tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Subotic swivels and escapes.

Subotic moves into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Subotic has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Malybaev regains guard immediately.
Subotic will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Subotic engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Malybaev avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Subotic content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Subotic is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Malybaev trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.
Malybaev preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Subotic has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Malybaev keeping moving, preventing Subotic from controlling successfully.
Malybaev should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Subotic showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Subotic content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Subotic missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Subotic wants to stand and escape but instead Malybaev has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Malybaev would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Malybaev decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Subotic, up you get!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Subotic tries to close the distance and clinch but Malybaev swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Malybaev has closed the distance and engaged Subotic in a clinch.
Malybaev wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Subotic has him pressed against the cage.
Malybaev is looking for a takedown.
Malybaev is trying to push Subotic away but Subotic has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.

Subotic breaks from the clinch.
A shot to the liver by Malybaev. Beautiful body shot.
Subotic is trying hard to land a takedown here. Malybaev sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Subotic just leaning against Malybaev, taking a breather.
Subotic lands with a short shot to the head.

Subotic's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Subotic fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Subotic. No joy for Malybaev on that attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Malybaev moves into the clinch successfully.
Malybaev jumps guard but Subotic turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Nenad Subotic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Asylbek Malybaev.
Malybaev fails to pull the fight into his guard.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Malybaev has eaten all the pies!
Malybaev is breathing heavily.

Subotic escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Malybaev defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Subotic.
Subotic tries to clinch up.
Malybaev connects with a high kick.
Malybaev looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Malybaev takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Nenad Subotic is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
A right-left combo lands from Subotic.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Malybaev instigates a clinch.

Subotic pulls Malybaev into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malybaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Subotic is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nenad Subotic overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Malybaev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Subotic works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Malybaev drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Malybaev jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Subotic manages to escape and get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Subotic clinches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Subotic stalling.
Subotic pushes Malybaev back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

Subotic gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Subotic is looking to stall here but Malybaev recovers full guard.
Subotic won't allow Malybaev to get back to his feet.
Subotic tries to free his leg and advance position but Malybaev is retaining full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malybaev not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Malybaev can do anything to dispel that myth.
Malybaev has a closed guard, preventing Subotic from standing up.
Subotic won't allow Malybaev to get back to his feet.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Malybaev utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Subotic postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Subotic not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Malybaev is trying to keep Subotic in close.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Asylbek Malybaev hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Malybaev rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Subotic moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nenad Subotic dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Subotic lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Subotic manages to break the clinch.
Jab by Subotic.
Malybaev leaves Subotic with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Malybaev with a lazy takedown attempt
and Subotic counters with a lovely straight right hand!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Malybaev closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Nenad Subotic has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Subotic is leaning against Malybaev and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Malybaev wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Subotic has him pressed against the cage.
Subotic is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Malybaev can do to turn this around?
Subotic lands with a left to the head.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Subotic has Malybaev pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Malybaev manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Malybaev wants to get back to striking at distance but Subotic won't allow it.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Subotic.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malybaev is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Subotic pulls him back up using the underhooks.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Subotic for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Malybaev trying to control the position but instead, Subotic has worked for underhooks and has pushed Malybaev into the cage.
Malybaev tries to pull guard but Subotic holds him up against the cage and eventually Malybaev drops back down to his feet.
Nenad Subotic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Asylbek Malybaev.
Subotic works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Malybaev is trying desperately to land a takedown but Subotic is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Malybaev.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Subotic.

Subotic escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Nenad Subotic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Malybaev tries to keep at a distance but Subotic has taken the fight into the clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.

Malybaev successfully pulls guard.
Subotic postures up.

Subotic stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Subotic darts in and clinches Malybaev up against the cage.

Subotic has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Malybaev is trying to keep an underhook but Subotic manages to get the takedown into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Subotic content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Subotic seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Malybaev for as long as he can get away with.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Malybaev keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Malybaev is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Nenad Subotic wasn't doing enough on the ground.
A telegraphed right hand from Malybaev misses the target.

Malybaev moves into the clinch.
Malybaev is trying to maintain a safe position but Subotic gets an underhook and turns Malybaev into the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Subotic pulls guard effortlessly.

Subotic pushes Malybaev off and gets back to his feet.
Subotic fails in his attempt to clinch.
Subotic is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Subotic drives through with a takedown into guard.
Malybaev is controlling Subotic's posture.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Subotic is pushing down on Malybaev's leg trying to pass to half guard. Malybaev is fighting to maintain full guard but Subotic has managed to sneak the leg through.
Asylbek Malybaev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
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!
Malybaev scores with a few weak punches.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nenad Subotic showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Subotic 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nenad Subotic!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Charles Payette (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joonas Karjalainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Payette 's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Sick Puppies- Youre Going Down. Karjalainen has chosen Eminem: Go to Sleep as his entrance music. Joonas Karjalainen has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Payette
vs
Karjalainen

187 cm
27
128 lbs
10 - 18 - 0

171 cm
19
145 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 18 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Charles Payette !
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Joonas Karjalainen!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Roosa Järviläinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Payette darts in trying to clinch
and Karjalainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Karjalainen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

It looks like Charles Payette has been cut.
Payette wants to clinch but Karjalainen slips to the side
and Karjalainen counters with a left to the body.
Karjalainen lands with a good body shot.
Karjalainen scores with a punch to the head.
Karjalainen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Payette with a poor takedown
and Karjalainen counters with a left and a right that stings Payette .

Payette is rocked!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Payette looks up at the clock. Bad move! Karjalainen lands a right hand from hell, dropping Payette . Karjalainen pounces and finishes the fight with a flurry of punches and elbows.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Joonas Karjalainen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
76%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Page Knight (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sopheap Seng (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). On his way into the cage it seems that Page Knight has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Page Knight seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Knight
vs
Seng

183 cm
24
144 lbs
10 - 9 - 0

169 cm
27
145 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Page Knight!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sopheap Seng!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Tarja Halkonen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Seng fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Knight, pushing him back against the cage.
Knight letting Seng take a breather here.
Seng missing with knees to the body.
Seng tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Seng connects with a nasty looking knee right to Knight's face.

Knight manages to pull guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Seng pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Knight is keeping the position for now.

Knight is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Seng is aware though and is defending well.
Seng stays in close to Knight's body and controls the position.

Knight working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Seng doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Seng manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Knight has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Seng can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Seng has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Knight is proving hard to escape from.

Knight escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Seng gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Knight has his foot on Seng's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Seng works his way back into a safe position though.

Knight escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Seng gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Seng wants to control from the top but Knight keeps moving.
Seng really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Knight. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Knight looking for a guillotine here but Seng defends easily.
Seng wants to control from the top but Knight keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Knight has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Seng can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Seng trying to control the position from guard on top but Knight is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Seng might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Knight kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.

Knight is looking for a triangle but Seng pushes his legs off easily.
Knight will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Knight has his foot on Seng's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Seng works his way back into a safe position though.
Knight keeping moving, preventing Seng from controlling successfully.

Seng avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Knight escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Seng gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Knight looking for a guillotine here but Seng defends easily.
Seng trying to stand up but can't free himself from Knight's guard.

Knight is looking for a triangle here but Seng uses the submission attempt to pass into side control.

Seng decides to stand back up.
Knight chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Seng can pounce on him.
Seng with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Knight shoots in and drives through. Seng sprawls well.
Knight looks for the body kick but Seng saw that one coming.
Sopheap Seng is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Seng misses with a head kick.
Seng lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.

Seng pushes Knight up against the cage in a clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Knight managing to block the knees to the body from Seng.
The referee is keeping an eye on Seng - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Page Knight dominated that round.
That's time! Knight's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Knight shoots for a double leg takedown but Seng sprawls well. He's pushed Knight's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Seng wants to slow Knight down by chopping away at his legs.

Seng closes the distance and clinches.
Seng wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Knight has him pressed against the cage.
Knight tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Seng smiles and moves away.
Knight doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Seng counters with a low kick, right behind Knight 's knee.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Page Knight. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Seng drives through and clinches with Knight against the cage.
Seng using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Knight has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Knight avoiding damage as Seng throws knees to the body.
Knight is trying to pull guard but Seng turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Knight on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Knight prevents Seng from breaking the clinch.
Knight tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Seng smiles and moves away.
Sopheap Seng seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Seng throws a right and a left that both miss.
Seng throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

Seng closes the distance and clinches.
Come on Seng - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Seng looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knight prevents Seng from breaking the clinch.
Seng is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Knight is defending well for now.

Knight jumps into guard, dragging Seng to the mat.
Knight has a closed guard, preventing Seng from standing up.

Knight is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Seng defends well.

Knight had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Seng defends it easily.
Seng tries to stand but Knight is controlling from the bottom.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Seng pushing down on Knight's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

Knight looking for submissions off his back.
Seng seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Knight does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

Seng is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Knight sees it coming and defends easily.

Knight is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Seng pulls his head out easily.
Knight wants to improve his position but Seng is controlling well.

Knight looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Page Knight overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Knight looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Seng gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sopheap Seng 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. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

A jab lands there for Seng.

Seng pushes Knight up against the cage in a clinch.
Seng landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Seng is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Seng unloads a knee to the mid-section. Knight lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Stalling in the clinch from Seng.
Knight tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Seng smiles and moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Seng clinches with his opponent.
Seng tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Knight avoids it.
Seng manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Knight fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Knight takes a knee to the side of the body.
Seng tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Knight avoids it.
Knight is trying to pull guard but Seng turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Page Knight. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Knight tries to pull guard but Seng holds him up against the cage and eventually Knight drops back down to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Seng misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Knight.
Seng trying to land knees to the body.
Seng is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Knight is defending well for now.
Seng looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Seng lands an elbow that stopped Knight in his tracks for a moment.

Knight jumps into guard, dragging Seng to the mat.
Seng trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Knight looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Knight really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Seng trying to control but Knight is working from the bottom.

Knight is looking for a triangle but Seng pushes his legs off easily.
Seng wants to control from the top but Knight keeps moving.

Knight working for a triangle but Seng defends it easily.
Seng wants to control from the top but Knight keeps moving.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Knight has his foot on Seng's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Seng works his way back into a safe position though.
Seng trying to control but Knight is working from the bottom.
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!
Seng trying to stand up but can't free himself from Knight's guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sopheap Seng comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Seng has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sopheap Seng!
After winning the bout, Sopheap Seng thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Fransico Junior (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mohamed al Hadj (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying al Hadj's choice of entrance music: Lebanon. Mohamed al Hadj has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Junior
vs
al Hadj

188 cm
26
184 lbs
15 - 6 - 0

191 cm
24
200 lbs
8 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

BJJ Purple Belt
World class MT
Granite chin

Katukauppa.com

Fight Club Clothing est. 09™
Fight Club Clothing est. 09™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 15 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Fransico Junior!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mohamed al Hadj!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
al Hadj avoids the body shot from Junior.
Junior throws a lazy uppercut
and al Hadj counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Junior avoids a kick to the body.
al Hadj slips a straight right by Junior.
al Hadj lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
al Hadj lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
The fighters circling - al Hadj throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Junior ducks under a wild hook from al Hadj.
Junior lands a glancing blow to the side of al Hadj's head.
al Hadj stuffs the takedown attempt from Junior. Junior gets slowly back to his feet.
Junior throws a low kick but it's checked well by al Hadj.
al Hadj throws a looping overhand right but Junior ducks down to avoid it.
al Hadj bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Junior's head.
al Hadj uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Junior.
Junior throws a sloppy body shot
and al Hadj makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Junior really felt that one!

That's one minute gone in the round.
al Hadj ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nice body punch from Junior.
Junior takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
A left and a right from al Hadj both land. Nice combination.
Junior throws a hook to the side of al Hadj's head but al Hadj sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
al Hadj tries a head kick but it misses.

Junior shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Junior was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Junior misses with a head shot.
al Hadj can't escape the position.
al Hadj taking shots to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Junior lands a big shot there that rocks al Hadj but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Junior scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish al Hadj?
Junior scoring with strikes but al Hadj is staying in there.
Junior looking to finish with strikes here!
Junior trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Junior with a couple of short strikes.
Junior sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
A nice elbow there by Junior.
Junior controlling from the full mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
al Hadj holding onto his opponent's waist for dear life, as Junior tries to land some strikes to get him to release his grip.
al Hadj is working to get back to half guard.
Junior lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Junior looking to control but al Hadj is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Junior punching from mount but al Hadj doing a good job of avoiding damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
al Hadj blocking the ground and pound.
Junior scoring with strikes but al Hadj is staying in there.
Junior looking to control and managing it successfully.
Junior throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Junior looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Junior looking to finish al Hadj with some ground and pound. This is bad for al Hadj!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Junior looking to control but al Hadj is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Junior cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fransico Junior dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

al Hadj looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Junior circles away from the clinch attempt.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as al Hadj checks a leg kick.
Junior shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says al Hadj as he avoids it easily.
A good leg kick by Junior.
al Hadj moves away from the strike by Junior.
Junior takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Junior throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Junior tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but al Hadj swivels and escapes.
Junior tries to score a power double leg takedown but al Hadj sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Junior somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fransico Junior. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jab, jab by al Hadj - just one landing.
al Hadj throws a head kick but Junior moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Junior shoots in and gets a takedown into al Hadj's guard.
Junior wants to pass the guard but al Hadj is keeping the position.
Junior trying to control the position from guard on top but al Hadj is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Junior throwing strikes but missing.
Junior is looking to work some ground and pound but al Hadj has wrist control.
al Hadj utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Junior missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Junior throws a big elbow that misses.
Junior trying to control the position from guard on top but al Hadj is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
al Hadj is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Junior landing with the ground and pound.
Junior wants to control from the top but al Hadj keeps moving.
Junior throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Fransico Junior overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
al Hadj wants to sweep but no luck.
Junior throwing strikes from guard but al Hadj blocks nicely.
Junior wants to pass the guard but al Hadj is keeping the position.
al Hadj controlling Junior's posture.
Junior works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Junior not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Junior throwing shots but al Hadj is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Junior thows a huge punch but al Hadj dodges it nicely.
Junior sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. al Hadj defending well though.
al Hadj is looking for a sweep. Junior is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
al Hadj regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Junior.
Junior is pushing down on al Hadj's leg trying to pass to half guard. al Hadj is fighting to maintain full guard but Junior has managed to sneak the leg through.
al Hadj is refusing to be controlled, as Junior sits in half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Junior moves nicely into side control.
al Hadj regains half guard, as Junior was trying to land strikes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fransico Junior dominated that second round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Junior misses with a double jab.
Junior throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Good work by al Hadj as he checks the leg kick.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Junior.
Junior lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

It looks like Mohamed al Hadj has been cut.
al Hadj goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
al Hadj takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Junior looks for a takedown but al Hadj sprawls well.
al Hadj lands with a slapping head kick.
Junior throws a hook to the side of al Hadj's head but al Hadj sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Junior looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
al Hadj trying to control the position.
Junior trying to control the position from guard on top but al Hadj is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Junior tries to free his leg and advance position but al Hadj is retaining full guard.
Junior with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Junior throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Junior has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Junior throwing strikes but missing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Junior lands a couple of digs.
al Hadj wants to stand but Junior is controlling the position.
al Hadj trying to control the position.
Junior wants to control from the top but al Hadj keeps moving.
Junior is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that al Hadj can do to turn this around?
Junior throws a big elbow that misses.
Junior postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Junior showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Junior is looking to work some ground and pound but al Hadj has wrist control.
al Hadj working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Junior.
Junior is looking to work some ground and pound but al Hadj has wrist control.
Junior loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Junior accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
al Hadj preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Junior is stalling in the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Junior works over al Hadj with some ground and pound from guard.
Junior missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Junior missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
al Hadj can't keep his opponent in guard - Junior advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Junior throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
al Hadj takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Junior thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed al Hadj's head.
Junior is looking to take a break and control but al Hadj is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fransico Junior clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Mohamed al Hadj's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Junior swings widly with a right hand
and al Hadj finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Junior fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
al Hadj throws a head kick but Junior moves out of range.
Junior fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Junior lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
al Hadj throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
al Hadj on the wrong end of a nice hook.

Junior looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
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!
Junior wants to control from the top but al Hadj keeps moving.
Junior wants to pass the guard but al Hadj is keeping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Junior connects with a couple of short punches.
Junior trying to control the position from guard on top but al Hadj is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Junior trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but al Hadj manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Junior is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Fransico Junior just wasn't active enough.
al Hadj throws a body punch but Junior moves out of range.
Junior fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt al Hadj.
al Hadj checks a leg kick nicely.
Junior misses with a looping left.
Junior tries a low kick but al Hadj avoids it.
al Hadj connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A big left from Junior misses.
al Hadj looks to land a right hand but Junior moved out of range.
al Hadj connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Junior momentarily.
Junior lands an overhand right.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Junior throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
A solid leg kick lands there for al Hadj.
al Hadj missing with a left hand there. Junior was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
al Hadj throws a jab but it's blocked by Junior.
al Hadj throws a nice head kick!
al Hadj is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Junior throws a lazy right hand but al Hadj sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Junior thows a body shot but no joy.
Junior works the jab nicely.
Junior lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Junior pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Junior misses with a jab to the body

and al Hadj counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by al Hadj.
al Hadj gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Junior has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
al Hadj trying to land knees to the body.
With the fighters up against the cage, al Hadj throws an elbow but misses.
Junior tried to land a shot to the body but connects with al Hadj's elbow.
Junior tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
al Hadj prevents a body shot from Junior.
al Hadj is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Junior jumps guard but al Hadj turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
With the fighters up against the cage, al Hadj throws an elbow but misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Junior working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Junior blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Junior tries to pull guard but al Hadj won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Fransico Junior. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Junior gets control of al Hadj's arms and successfully pulls guard. Junior will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
al Hadj working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Junior's head.
al Hadj must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
al Hadj being controlled here momentarily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Fransico Junior had his way with Mohamed al Hadj in that round.
The cut man is working on Mohamed al Hadj's cut.
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!

A telegraphed right hand from Junior misses the target.

al Hadj clinches with his opponent.
al Hadj lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Junior swings wildly with an uppercut but al Hadj uses good head movement to avoid it.
al Hadj using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Junior has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
al Hadj putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Junior in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Junior misses with a punch to the body.
Junior avoiding damage as al Hadj throws knees to the body.
Junior tries a body shot but al Hadj blocks it.
A short left from al Hadj.
Junior lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down al Hadj.
A short body shot lands from Junior as the two fighters clinch.
al Hadj is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Junior breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Junior blocks a leg kick.
al Hadj tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Junior was well out of range. Poor timing from al Hadj.
al Hadj stuffs the takedown.
Fransico Junior seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
al Hadj looks for the body kick but Junior saw that one coming.
Junior connects with a leg kick. al Hadj looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
al Hadj stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and al Hadj wants it to stay on the feet.
al Hadj ducks under a wild hook from Junior.
al Hadj uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Junior.
Mohamed al Hadj is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Junior throws out a powerful jab.
Junior misses with a lunging right hand
and al Hadj counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
al Hadj has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Junior.
al Hadj throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fransico Junior is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Junior throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Junior lands with a straight right. al Hadj didn't see that one coming.
al Hadj lunges at Junior with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Junior's hand.
al Hadj moves out of range of the strikes.
Jab, jab by al Hadj - just one landing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Junior lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Junior on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
al Hadj keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Junior cracks al Hadj with a good jab.
Junior looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Junior throws a series of punches but al Hadj avoids them all with ease.
Junior throws a hook but al Hadj avoids it easily.
Mohamed al Hadj has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
al Hadj throws out a leg kick but Junior moves out of range and al Hadj only half commits.
al Hadj throws a head kick that misses.
al Hadj keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Junior moves out of range as al Hadj throws a body kick.
Junior scores with a crisp jab that stopped al Hadj in his tracks.
al Hadj misses with a straight right.
Junior moves away from the strike by al Hadj.
al Hadj moves in looking to clinch but Junior pushes him off.

Junior closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. al Hadj quickly recovers to half guard.
al Hadj tries to roll over but Junior keeps him under control.
Junior sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. al Hadj defending well though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Junior lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Junior winds up and cracks al Hadj with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Junior is looking to take a break and control but al Hadj is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Junior is controlling the pace.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
al Hadj is in trouble now - Junior has advanced to mount!

And that's the end of the fight!
Fransico Junior showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Junior 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 50:45
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 50:45
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Fransico Junior!
Fransico Junior retains his middleweight title!
An out of breath and clearly excited Fransico Junior thanked Katukauppa.com for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
90%

Main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kurt Uzi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Corpus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Uzi comes to the cage accompanied by Slayer - Angel of Death . John Corpus will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Uzi
vs
Corpus

192 cm
23
292 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

185 cm
24
278 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

Great wrestler
Solid Muay Thai
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Katukauppa.com

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the super heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kurt Uzi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Corpus!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Corpus fails to land with a series of punches.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Uzi is defended easily by Corpus.
Uzi takes one on the button.

It looks like Kurt Uzi has been cut.
Corpus connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Corpus tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Uzi was well out of range. Poor timing from Corpus.
Corpus swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Corpus ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Uzi moves away.
Uzi shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Corpus but Corpus pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Uzi misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kurt Uzi. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corpus tries to bum rush Uzi with a series of wild strikes but Uzi uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Corpus uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Corpus scores with a nice head shot.
Uzi takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Uzi closes this distance looking for a takedown but Corpus circles away.
Corpus lands a body shot.
Uzi is breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Corpus throws a jab but it's blocked by Uzi.
John Corpus is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uzi walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Corpus misses with a looping left.
Uzi closes the distance and clinches up with Corpus, looking for a takedown. Uzi pushes Corpus against the cage but Corpus circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Corpus swinging wildly here.
Uzi blocks a jab.
Corpus misses with a left hand

and Uzi counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Corpus's guard now.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Corpus is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Corpus is looking to stand up but Uzi isn't so interested in that idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Corpus wants to sweep here but Uzi controlling him for the moment.
Corpus working a defensive guard here.
Corpus manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Uzi manages to get himself to full guard.
Corpus trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Corpus accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Uzi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Corpus throws a strike but Uzi rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uzi postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Corpus wants to stand up but Uzi is controlling him.
Corpus trying to control the position.
Uzi throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Corpus trying to control the position.

John Corpus has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Horrible takedown by Uzi or perhaps it was just good defense by Corpus which made him look bad.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Corpus dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kurt Uzi's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Corpus missing with a left hand there. Uzi was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Corpus throws a head kick that misses.
Nice takedown defense from Corpus. No joy for Uzi on that attempt.
No joy there for Corpus, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A swing and a miss from Corpus.
Kurt Uzi is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Corpus misses with a jab, cross combination.
Corpus lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Uzi fails with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Corpus stuns Uzi with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Corpus misses with an uppercut.

Uzi feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Uzi chips away with some ground and pound.
Uzi stops Corpus from standing up.
Uzi won't allow Corpus to sweep him here.
Corpus is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Corpus looking to control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uzi throws a big elbow that misses.
Corpus wants to sweep here but Uzi controlling him for the moment.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Uzi throwing strikes from guard but Corpus blocks nicely.
Corpus is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Uzi working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Uzi pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Corpus is keeping the position for now.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uzi won't allow Corpus to sweep him here.
Uzi won't allow Corpus to get back to his feet.
Uzi trying to control the position from guard on top but Corpus is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Corpus wants to improve his position but instead Uzi has moved into half guard.
Corpus tries to roll over but Uzi keeps him under control.
Uzi tries to pass to full mount but Corpus defends it.
Corpus tries to kick Uzi off but Uzi keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uzi works his way into full mount!
Uzi landing strikes, looking to finish!
Uzi lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Uzi raining down hammerfists from mount.
Uzi avoids the attempt from Corpus to control.
Corpus really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Corpus is breathing heavily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Uzi softens up his opponent with a couple of shots there and then CRACK! One massive shot lands there and Corpus is out cold! Uzi jumps to his feet and celebrates on the cage with the fans, who are, quite frankly, going absolutely mental!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kurt Uzi!
Kurt Uzi retains his super heavyweight title!