LMMA 5: Backstrom vs Weichel 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Denis Boldyrev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I don't know about you partner, but I'm pumped for this one!

Veljanovski
vs
Boldyrev

182 cm
25
234 lbs
12 - 7 - 0

191 cm
25
228 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Very confident

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 12 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Denis Boldyrev!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, Sam Margolis and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Veljanovski pushes Boldyrev up against the cage in a clinch.
Veljanovski gets underhooks to prevent Boldyrev's takedown attempt.

Boldyrev manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Veljanovski decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Veljanovski throws a big shot that misses.
Boldyrev fails with an attempt to clinch.
Boldyrev uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Veljanovski.

Boldyrev tries to keep at a distance but Veljanovski has taken the fight into the clinch.
Veljanovski wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Boldyrev has him pressed against the cage.
Veljanovski content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Boldyrev has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Veljanovski after a bit of a struggle.
Veljanovski stalling against the cage.
Veljanovski misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Veljanovski as Boldyrev tries to tie him up.
Boldyrev tries to break free but Veljanovski pushes him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boldyrev tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Nikola Veljanovski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denis Boldyrev.

Boldyrev breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Veljanovski swings wildly with an uppercut but Boldyrev uses good head movement to avoid it.
Veljanovski is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Veljanovski on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Veljanovski misses with some punches.
Stalling in the clinch from Veljanovski.
Veljanovski lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Boldyrev wants a takedown.
Boldyrev keeps control of Veljanovski as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Veljanovski working hard to break the clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Veljanovski.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A frustrated look appears on Veljanovski's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Veljanovski misses with a short punch on the inside.
Veljanovski digs a right hand underneath Boldyrev's ribcage. Boldyrev let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Veljanovski misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Veljanovski taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Boldyrev is trying to break free.
Veljanovski is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Veljanovski is trying to force a seperation but Boldyrev has the dominant position.
Veljanovski is trying to break the clinch but Boldyrev is controlling him.
Veljanovski is trying to break free.
Boldyrev wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski avoiding damage as Boldyrev throws knees to the body.
Veljanovski has had enough of the clinch but Boldyrev keeps him there for the moment.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Veljanovski.
Veljanovski gets through Boldyrev's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Boldyrev letting Veljanovski take a breather here.
Veljanovski wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Boldyrev has him pressed against the cage.
Veljanovski blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Boldyrev blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Veljanovski blocks an elbow strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Boldyrev.
Boldyrev drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Veljanovski gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Veljanovski is trying to break free.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Boldyrev tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Veljanovski circles away from the clinch attempt.
Boldyrev doesn't manage to clinch there - Veljanovski circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Boldyrev looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Veljanovski clinches up with Boldyrev and pushes him back against the cage.
Boldyrev looking to stall.
Veljanovski is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Boldyrev looking for a takedown.
Veljanovski is trying to break the clinch but Boldyrev has him pressed against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Veljanovski as the two fighters clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Boldyrev tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Veljanovski smiles and moves away.
Boldyrev tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Veljanovski counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Veljanovski stops a takedown attempt from Boldyrev.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Veljanovski keeps the fight on the outside.

Veljanovski moves into the clinch.
Veljanovski stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Veljanovski lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Veljanovski lands a right hand.
Boldyrev is trying to push Veljanovski away but Veljanovski has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Boldyrev wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Veljanovski has him pressed against the cage.
Veljanovski throws a punch but it's blocked by Boldyrev.
Boldyrev wants a takedown.
Boldyrev has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Veljanovski pushes Boldyrev back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Boldyrev wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Veljanovski taking a breather.
Veljanovski lands with a light punch inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Veljanovski misses with some punches.
Boldyrev is trying to break the clinch but Veljanovski is controlling him.
Veljanovski wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Veljanovski displaying some good clinch control by pressing Boldyrev up against the cage.
Nikola Veljanovski has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A short right from Veljanovski on the inside.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Veljanovski throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Boldyrevs head.
Veljanovski tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Boldyrev tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Veljanovski's elbow.
Veljanovski gets underhooks to prevent Boldyrev's takedown attempt.
Veljanovski has a couple of punches blocked by Boldyrev.
Veljanovski can't break the clinch.
Boldyrev drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nikola Veljanovski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denis Boldyrev.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boldyrev is trying to pull guard but Veljanovski has him pressed against the cage.
Boldyrev wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Veljanovski working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Boldyrev tries to circle away but Veljanovski has him pinned against the cage.
Boldyrev is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Veljanovski is keeping busy.
Veljanovski stalling.
Veljanovski is trying to break the clinch but Boldyrev has him pressed against the cage.
Veljanovski wants to break free but Boldyrev has control.
A nice left hand lands by Veljanovski.
Veljanovski lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Boldyrev backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Boldyrev is trying to break the clinch but Veljanovski is controlling him.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Boldyrev blocking some punches.

Veljanovski's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Boldyrev misses with a head kick.

Veljanovski moves into range and clinches up with Boldyrev.
Boldyrev is working for takedown but Veljanovski is calmly controlling the position for now.
Veljanovski is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Boldyrev tries to circle away but Veljanovski has him pinned against the cage.
Veljanovski taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Veljanovski cracks Boldyrev with a nice body shot.
Boldyrev is breathing heavily.
Veljanovski misses with some punches.
Veljanovski avoiding damage.
Veljanovski misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski has had enough of the clinch but Boldyrev keeps him there for the moment.
Veljanovski taking a breather.
Boldyrev looking to stall.
Veljanovski is looking to break free of the clinch but Boldyrev has double underhooks.
Boldyrev misses with a hook to the ribs.
Veljanovski throws a punch but it's blocked by Boldyrev.
Veljanovski lands on the inside with an uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski stalling in the clinch.

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

Veljanovski pushes Boldyrev up against the cage in a clinch.

Veljanovski escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Veljanovski has closed the distance and engaged Boldyrev in a clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Veljanovski.
Boldyrev misses with the head strike.
Veljanovski slowing the pace effectively.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Nikola Veljanovski.
Veljanovski tries to close the distance and clinch up but Boldyrev swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Boldyrev thuds a left hand into Veljanovski's body.
Boldyrev tries to clinch up

and Veljanovski counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Boldyrev misses with a jab, cross combination.

Veljanovski fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Boldyrev, pushing him back against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Boldyrev tries to score a body lock takedown but Veljanovski shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Boldyrev has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Veljanovski digs a right hand underneath Boldyrev's ribcage. Boldyrev let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Boldyrev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Boldyrev tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Veljanovski just stands there and leans against the cage.
Boldyrev blocks a body shot from Veljanovski.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Veljanovski fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Boldyrev is trying to pull guard but Veljanovski has him pressed against the cage.
Nikola Veljanovski has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denis Boldyrev.
Boldyrev looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Veljanovski is looking to break free of the clinch but Boldyrev has double underhooks.
Veljanovski is trying to break the clinch but Boldyrev is controlling him.
Veljanovski is stalling here.

Veljanovski's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Denis Boldyrev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Boldyrev swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Boldyrev misses with a looping left.

Boldyrev tries to keep at a distance but Veljanovski has taken the fight into the clinch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Boldyrev tries to pull guard but Veljanovski forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Veljanovski is pressed up against the cage. Boldyrev has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Veljanovski down to the mat. Veljanovski avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Veljanovski manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski looking to throw knees to the head but Boldyrev is blocking nicely.
Boldyrev tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Boldyrev blocks a body shot from Veljanovski.
Veljanovski with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Come on Veljanovski - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Veljanovski can't break the clinch.
Boldyrev is trying to push Veljanovski away but Veljanovski has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Boldyrev wants to get back to striking at distance but Veljanovski won't allow it.
Veljanovski goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A short right from Veljanovski on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A head punch on the inside from Veljanovski fails to land.
Veljanovski is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Veljanovski avoiding damage as Boldyrev throws knees to the body.
Veljanovski has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Boldyrev keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Veljanovski's efforts to push away.
Veljanovski tries to circle away but Boldyrev has him pinned against the cage.
Boldyrev missing with knees to the body.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Boldyrev prevents Veljanovski from breaking the clinch.
Veljanovski pushes off an throws an elbow but Boldyrev leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Veljanovski lands with a short shot to the head.
Denis Boldyrev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nikola Veljanovski is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Boldyrev just misses with a elbow thrown towards Veljanovski's brow.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikola Veljanovski showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Veljanovski, 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikola Veljanovski!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Mark Barnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Raphael Davis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Raphael Davis was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Barnett
vs
Davis

180 cm
25
205 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

182 cm
25
212 lbs
0 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Determined

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Mark Barnett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Raphael Davis!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, Phil Schofield and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barnett wants to clinch up but Davis keeps it at a distance.
Davis dives in and grabs Barnett's left leg, looking for a takedown. Barnett pushes down on Davis's head and hops out.
Davis closes the distance and clinches up with Barnett, looking for a takedown. Davis pushes Barnett against the cage but Barnett circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
No joy there for Barnett, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Davis shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Davis showed some decent athleticism there.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Barnett wants to control but Davis passes into side.
Barnett tries to bench press Davis off him but Davis keeps the position.
Barnett wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Davis working away.
Barnett is pushing Davis's head away, looking to escape. Davis manages to hold on to the position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnett tries to improve position but can't.
Barnett manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Davis can do anything to dispel that myth.
Barnett is just content to waste time from the top position. Davis takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Davis wants to stand up but Barnett is controlling him.
Barnett working some strikes from top position.
Barnett pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Davis is keeping the position for now.
Barnett wants to control from the top but Davis keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnett wants to stand and escape but instead Davis has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Davis trying to control the position from guard on top but Barnett is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Davis won't allow Barnett to sweep him here.
Davis postures up.
Davis trying to control but Barnett is working from the bottom.
Barnett is trying to keep Davis in close.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Davis wants to control from the top but Barnett keeps moving.

Barnett working for submissions but it's allowed Davis to get to half guard.
Barnett is trying to control but can't.

Davis is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Barnett defends it well.
Davis is thwarting Barnett's attempts to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnett gets full guard.
Barnett controlling Davis's posture.

Davis stands up from guard. Let's bang!

Davis looking to score a takedown here. Barnett is defending well but Davis drives through and ends up in Barnett's guard.
Davis is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
This has been an exciting period of action!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barnett working a defensive guard here.
Barnett 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.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Raphael Davis will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Barnett pushes Davis up against the cage in a clinch.
Barnett tries to pull guard but Davis won't allow it.

Barnett manages to break the clinch.
Davis tries to clinch but Barnett is having none of it.
Barnett with a poor takedown

and Davis holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Davis tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Barnett tries to pull guard but Davis won't allow it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mark Barnett. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Davis breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Davis closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Davis lands in his opponent's guard.
Barnett is controlling Davis's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Davis passes Barnett's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Barnett trying to control but Davis postures up.
Barnett is in a bad position, trying to hold on for dear life but he is really struggling to maintain any sort of control.
Davis is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Davis wants to take a breather but Barnett is having none of it.
Davis not landing any meaningful shots this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Barnett trying to control here.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Davis passes into side control, despite Barnett's attempt to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Davis wants to control but Barnett is keeping him busy.
Barnett tries to escape but Davis is in control.
Davis working away.
Davis wants to control but Barnett is keeping him busy.
Davis wants to take a breather but Barnett manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Davis.
Barnett is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Davis trying to control but Barnett is working from the bottom.
Davis preventing the sweep.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Barnett gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Davis counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Davis is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Davis seems to have lost interest with the ground game and is thinking about standing back up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnett is looking for a sweep. Davis is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Davis tries to pass to full mount but Barnett defends it.
It looks like Davis is going to stand back up.
Raphael Davis has got the better of the ground game so far.
Davis thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Barnett's head.

Barnett looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barnett slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Raphael Davis showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Barnett shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Barnett closes the distance and clinches up with Davis, looking for a takedown. Barnett pushes Davis against the cage but Davis circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Barnett shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Davis pinned against the cage. Davis gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Mark Barnett. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barnett shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Davis sprawls well. Davis wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Barnett gets slowly back to his feet.
Mark Barnett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Davis throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Barnett was covering up waiting for the punch and Davis finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Barnett wants to stand but Davis is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Davis stands and steps away. Barnett gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

Barnett gets tackled into the cage by Davis. Davis maintains the clinch.
Barnett has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Davis after a bit of a struggle.
Davis blocks an elbow strike.

Davis pulls guard.
Davis wants to sweep but no luck.
Davis is looking to stand up but Barnett isn't so interested in that idea.
Davis looking to hit a scissor sweep but Barnett is one step ahead there.
Davis has control of Barnett's left arm, preventing Barnett from doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Davis is trying to control the position but Barnett postures up.
Davis bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Barnett's guard.

Barnett kicks Davis off and gets to his feet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Davis decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Barnett trying to hold on to Davis's head to control him but Davis postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barnett slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Barnett has control of Davis's left arm, preventing Davis from doing any damage.
Davis controlling from the top position.
Davis tries to stand but Barnett is controlling from the bottom.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnett is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Mark Barnett wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Davis fails with an attempt to clinch.
Davis shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Barnett but Barnett pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Barnett looks to land a combination but Davis avoids it well.
Barnett tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

Davis shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Davis performing his best blanket impression for a moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
Raphael Davis comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Davis 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight 27:30
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Raphael Davis!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Blagoi Mladenov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mohammad Al Nasser (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Blagoi Mladenov has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Mladenov
vs
Al Nasser

180 cm
25
193 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

178 cm
29
190 lbs
10 - 19 - 1

Good wrestling
Brawler
Good chin

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Knockout power

Firebird Designs - 10% Laundry commission

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 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Blagoi Mladenov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 19 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mohammad Al Nasser!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Phil Schofield and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Nasser tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Mladenov throws a head kick but Al Nasser moves out of range.
Mladenov throws a head kick that misses.
Al Nasser closes this distance looking for a takedown but Mladenov circles away.
Mladenov misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Mladenov misses with the combination.
Al Nasser slips a jab and a cross from Mladenov.
Mladenov misses with a leg kick.
Mladenov throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Mladenov throws a body punch but Al Nasser moves out of range.
Al Nasser dives in for a single leg takedown but Mladenov sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Mladenov struggles to land a body shot inside as Al Nasser controls his hands.
Mladenov tries to circle away but Al Nasser has him pinned against the cage.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Al Nasser is trying to break free.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Al Nasser moves into the clinch.
Al Nasser has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Mladenov is trying to break the clinch but Al Nasser has him pressed against the cage.
Al Nasser is trying to force a seperation but Mladenov has the dominant position.
Mladenov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Al Nasser's efforts to push away.
Mladenov looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Al Nasser keeps control of Mladenov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Mladenov has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Mladenov is trying to break free.

Al Nasser escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Al Nasser fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Blagoi Mladenov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mohammad Al Nasser.
Al Nasser misses with a takedown

and Mladenov counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Al Nasser!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Mladenov wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling his arm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser trying to control but Mladenov flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!
Al Nasser tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Mladenov manages to capitalize on a mistake by Al Nasser to take his back!
Al Nasser wants to escape the position.
Al Nasser wants to control his opponent's hands but Mladenov gets his hands free.
Mladenov doesn't have the hooks in and Al Nasser manages to turn into his guard.
Al Nasser wants to get up but he can't break Mladenov's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser wants to control from the top but Mladenov keeps moving.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Mladenov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Al Nasser stops Mladenov from standing up.
Al Nasser wants to stand but Mladenov is controlling his posture from full guard.
Al Nasser wants to pass the guard but Mladenov is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Mohammad Al Nasser was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Mladenov just misses with a punch to the body.
Al Nasser shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Mladenov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Al Nasser's guard.
Al Nasser is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Al Nasser thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mladenov looks like he's trying to stand up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Blagoi Mladenov dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Mladenov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.

Al Nasser looking to score a takedown here. Mladenov is defending well but Al Nasser drives through and ends up in Mladenov's guard.
Mladenov wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling the position.
Al Nasser throws an elbow that misses. Mladenov uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Al Nasser's guard. Nice move by Mladenov!
Blagoi Mladenov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Mladenov tries to stand but Al Nasser is controlling from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Nasser trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Mladenov postures up.
Al Nasser is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Al Nasser is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Al Nasser not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser controlling the pace.
Al Nasser thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Al Nasser wants to get back to his feet.
Al Nasser is taking a breather. Mladenov says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Mohammad Al Nasser.
Al Nasser wants to clinch up but Mladenov keeps it at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser shoots and misses

and Mladenov counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Al Nasser's guard now.
Al Nasser trying to control the position.
Mladenov wants to stand and escape but instead Al Nasser has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Mladenov wants to stand up but Al Nasser is controlling him.
Al Nasser trying to control the position from guard on top but Mladenov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling the position.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.

Mohammad Al Nasser has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Al Nasser ducks under a wild hook from Mladenov.
Al Nasser fails with the takedown

and Mladenov counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Al Nasser's guard now.
Blagoi Mladenov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mohammad Al Nasser.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mladenov wanted to stand there but Al Nasser had control of the position.
Al Nasser working a defensive guard here.
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 Blagoi Mladenov will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Al Nasser shoots in for a double leg but Mladenov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Al Nasser slips a jab and a cross from Mladenov.
Horrible takedown by Al Nasser or perhaps it was just good defense by Mladenov which made him look bad.
Mladenov throws a right and a left that Al Nasser avoids nicely.
Al Nasser checks the leg kick nicely there.
Al Nasser with a lazy takedown attempt

and Mladenov counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Al Nasser!
Blagoi Mladenov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Mohammad Al Nasser.
Al Nasser tries to strike but it doesn't land.
Mladenov tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Nasser gets back to half guard.
Mladenov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Al Nasser on the ground.
Mladenov is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Al Nasser is pressing down on Mladenov's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Mladenov won't allow Al Nasser to sweep him here.
Mladenov wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser looking to control.
Al Nasser wants to sweep but no luck.

Blagoi Mladenov has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Mladenov enables Al Nasser to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Mladenov manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Al Nasser postures up in Mladenov's guard and throws a big left but Mladenov blocks it.
Al Nasser is looking to stand up but Mladenov won't let him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Mladenov wants to stand but Al Nasser is controlling the position.
Al Nasser throws a strike but Mladenov rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Al Nasser trying to keep a closed guard but Mladenov is proving a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Mladenov wants to stand but Al Nasser has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Al Nasser will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Mladenov thows a body shot but no joy.
Mohammad Al Nasser has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Al Nasser moves in looking to clinch but Mladenov pushes him off.
Al Nasser with a poor takedown

and Mladenov counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Al Nasser is trying to get back to full guard.

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 Blagoi Mladenov.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Mladenov, 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 30:27
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27
Judge William Gold scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Blagoi Mladenov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jake Coleman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tamao Serizawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tamao Serizawa is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Coleman
vs
Serizawa

183 cm
25
192 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

184 cm
28
200 lbs
11 - 17 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Firebird Designs - 10% Laundry commission

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jake Coleman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 17 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tamao Serizawa!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Paul Tew and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Serizawa tries to close the distance and clinch up but Coleman swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Coleman shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Coleman is looking to pass Serizawa's guard but actually Serizawa recovers to full guard.
Coleman controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Serizawa wants to stand and escape but Coleman is having none of it.
Coleman loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Coleman throws an elbow that misses. Serizawa uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Coleman's guard. Nice move by Serizawa!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Coleman has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Serizawa can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Serizawa trying to stand up but can't free himself from Coleman's guard.
Coleman trying to strike off his back.

Coleman looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Serizawa passes into side control.
Coleman is trying to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coleman looking for a sweep but Serizawa has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Coleman wants to hold on but Serizawa pushes him away.
Coleman is working to get back to half guard.
Coleman tries to buck Serizawa off but he can't manage it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Serizawa wants to get back to his feet but Coleman is holding on tight.
Coleman tries to hold on but Serizawa postures up.
Coleman is working to get back to half guard.
Serizawa blocks Coleman's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.

Serizawa stands up from the dominant position. He obviously fancies his chances standing.

Coleman scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coleman sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Serizawa defending well though.
Coleman controlling the pace.

Serizawa pushes Coleman off and gets back to his feet.

Coleman gets a double leg takedown into Serizawa's guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Serizawa avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Serizawa preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Coleman trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Serizawa moves to clinch but Coleman breaks away

so Coleman counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Coleman wants to control from the top but Serizawa keeps moving.
Coleman throwing strikes from guard but Serizawa blocks nicely.
Coleman trying to control but Serizawa is working from the bottom.
Coleman slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Coleman throws an elbow that misses. Serizawa uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Coleman's guard. Nice move by Serizawa!
Coleman manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Coleman trying to control but Serizawa is having none of it.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Coleman cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coleman punishing his opponent with strikes.

Coleman jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Serizawa is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Serizawa and Coleman has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.
Serizawa is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Coleman is controlling him well.
Coleman lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Coleman grinds an elbow into Serizawa's temple.
Serizawa tries to escape but Coleman is in control.
Coleman postures up a little and throws a couple of hammerfists but they don't connect properly.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coleman wants to lay and pray for a moment but Serizawa keeps working.
A lull in the action here as Coleman stalls from top position.
Serizawa dodges the ground and pound from Coleman.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Serizawa takes a nasty elbow to the side of the head.
The ground and pound from Coleman seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Coleman fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Coleman controlling the position.
Coleman throwing ground and pound but whilst doing so, he forgets to control position and Serizawa works his way back to half guard. Good composure under pressure.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Coleman landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Coleman changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Serizawa looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Coleman throws an elbow but Serizawa slips to the side and avoids it well.
Serizawa is not content to let Coleman control the position.
Serizawa is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Coleman has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Coleman tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Coleman working the strikes but Serizawa uses the opportunity to regain half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Serizawa looks like he's trying to stand up.
Serizawa is staying active underneath Coleman, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Serizawa keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Coleman throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Serizawa to regain full guard.
Coleman looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Coleman is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coleman stands and throws Serizawa's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Coleman is trying to ground and pound but Serizawa uses the momentary lack of control by Coleman to regain half guard.

Coleman is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Serizawa sees it coming and defends easily.
Serizawa looks like he's trying to stand up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coleman trying to control the action but Serizawa is working from the bottom.
Coleman throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Serizawa to regain full guard.
Serizawa keeping moving, preventing Coleman from controlling successfully.
Coleman prevents Serizawa from getting back to his feet.
Coleman connects with a couple of short punches.
Coleman pushes down on Serizawa's leg and manages to get into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Serizawa looks like he's trying to stand up.
Coleman is trying to control the action in half guard but Serizawa is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Serizawa looks like he's trying to stand up.

Coleman is working for a submission of some sort.
Tamao Serizawa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ground and pound from Coleman.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jake Coleman showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Coleman 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:27
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Glass scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jake Coleman!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Niklas Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicholas Weichel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Backstrom
vs
Weichel

183 cm
24
154 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

183 cm
25
162 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niklas Backstrom!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Nicholas Weichel!
The judges for this bout are Steven Brown, Paul Tew and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Weichel drives through with a takedown into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Backstrom can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Weichel controls the pace.
Weichel trying to control but Backstrom is working from the bottom.
Backstrom looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Backstrom has his foot on Weichel's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Weichel works his way back into a safe position though.
Weichel wants to control from the top but Backstrom keeps moving.
Weichel slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Backstrom tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Weichel throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Weichel moves into full mount!
Backstrom wants to improve position but instead he's given up his back.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Weichel has managed to slip his arm under Backstrom's chin. This could be all over... yep, Backstrom is tapping out! Submission win for Weichel.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Nicholas Weichel!
Nicholas Weichel is the new lightweight champion!