EFC 5: Veljanovski vs Astakhov PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ramazan Abdulkerimov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kamil Gadzhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Abdulkerimov
vs
Gadzhiev

188 cm
26
250 lbs
8 - 13 - 0

193 cm
23
279 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Experienced

Good takedowns
Brawler
Solid chin

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 8 - 13 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ramazan Abdulkerimov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kamil Gadzhiev!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Vladimir Khabensky and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Abdulkerimov has managed to clinch.
Abdulkerimov can't break the clinch.

Gadzhiev has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Abdulkerimov clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Gadzhiev slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Let's hope that Gadzhiev has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Abdulkerimov tries to escape but Gadzhiev has the hooks in and won't let him break free.

Abdulkerimov is in a bad position with Gadzhiev working for a choke. Abdulkerimov manages to spin nicely into guard and the danger is over for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gadzhiev working a defensive guard but Abdulkerimov passes into half guard.
Gadzhiev wants to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gadzhiev is looking to control Abdulkerimov's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Gadzhiev avoid being mounted?

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kamil Gadzhiev was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Abdulkerimov closes the distance and clinches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Abdulkerimov's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
A punch combination from Abdulkerimov misses.

Abdulkerimov has taken the fight to the clinch.

Abdulkerimov breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ramazan Abdulkerimov is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Abdulkerimov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Abdulkerimov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Gadzhiev has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Abdulkerimov finds it's way round the side to connect with Gadzhiev's head.

It looks like Kamil Gadzhiev has been cut.
Gadzhiev slips a jab and a cross from Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Gadzhiev closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Abdulkerimov did well to prevent Gadzhiev getting side control.
Gadzhiev slows the pace down in half guard.

Gadzhiev wants to work for an arm triangle but Abdulkerimov is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gadzhiev keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Gadzhiev tries to pass the half guard into mount. Abdulkerimov knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Kamil Gadzhiev was stalling too much, according to the referee.

Abdulkerimov forces Gadzhiev back against the cage and clinches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gadzhiev has hold of one of Abdulkerimov's legs. Abdulkerimov is fighting the takedown attempt but Gadzhiev gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Abdulkerimov being controlled here, momentarily.
Abdulkerimov wants to sweep here but Gadzhiev controlling him for the moment.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Kamil Gadzhiev hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Abdulkerimov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gadzhiev swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Abdulkerimov moves into the clinch.

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

A close round but Kamil Gadzhiev will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Kamil Gadzhiev's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Abdulkerimov takes a swing at Gadzhiev's ribcage but misses.

Gadzhiev gets a double leg takedown into Abdulkerimov's guard.
Abdulkerimov keeping moving, preventing Gadzhiev from controlling successfully.
Gadzhiev trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Kamil Gadzhiev wasn't active enough on the ground.

Abdulkerimov gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Abdulkerimov wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gadzhiev is looking to pass into half guard but Abdulkerimov pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Abdulkerimov is in guard.
Abdulkerimov preventing the sweep.
Gadzhiev keeps trying to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

We're going to have a standup here because Ramazan Abdulkerimov wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Abdulkerimov enables Gadzhiev to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Abdulkerimov manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Abdulkerimov knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gadzhiev on the ground.
Abdulkerimov has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Gadzhiev wants to control from the top but Abdulkerimov keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Abdulkerimov rushes Gadzhiev and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Abdulkerimov breaks from the clinch.

Gadzhiev manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Abdulkerimov on his heels. He'll look to pass Abdulkerimov's guard now, I'm sure.
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!
Gadzhiev trying to control the position from guard on top but Abdulkerimov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Kamil Gadzhiev hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Abdulkerimov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Ramazan Abdulkerimov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Abdulkerimov tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gadzhiev swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gadzhiev swats away the attempt to clinch by Abdulkerimov.

Abdulkerimov forces Gadzhiev back against the cage and clinches.

Gadzhiev has picked Abdulkerimov up - he's going for a ride! Gadzhiev dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.
Gadzhiev is controlling the pace.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Abdulkerimov is looking to control Gadzhiev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Abdulkerimov avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Kamil Gadzhiev wasn't active enough on the ground.
Abdulkerimov swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Gadzhiev.
Gadzhiev circles away from the clinch attempt.

Gadzhiev throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Abdulkerimov tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Gadzhiev is in Abdulkerimov's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gadzhiev looking to pass the guard.
Gadzhiev is breathing heavily.
Gadzhiev trying to control the position from guard on top but Abdulkerimov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Kamil Gadzhiev.

Abdulkerimov moves into the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kamil Gadzhiev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kamil Gadzhiev's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Abdulkerimov tries to bum rush Gadzhiev with a series of wild strikes but Gadzhiev uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Gadzhiev shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Abdulkerimov is trying to defend but Gadzhiev finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Gadzhiev 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.
Gadzhiev content to control rather than advance.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Abdulkerimov is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kamil Gadzhiev has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Gadzhiev shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Abdulkerimov's guard.
Gadzhiev trying to control but Abdulkerimov is working from the bottom.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Kamil Gadzhiev wasn't active enough on the ground.
Abdulkerimov throws a big shot that misses.

Gadzhiev drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Abdulkerimov wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Abdulkerimov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Abdulkerimov tries to get out of the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Ramazan Abdulkerimov wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

Gadzhiev closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Gadzhiev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Abdulkerimov is doing well to control the position and prevent Gadzhiev from advancing to side control.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Gadzhiev.
Abdulkerimov tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gadzhiev wants to lay and pray for a moment but Abdulkerimov keeps working.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Kamil Gadzhiev has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Kamil Gadzhiev.

Gadzhiev drives through with a takedown into Abdulkerimov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Abdulkerimov keeping full guard, as Gadzhiev tries to pass.
Gadzhiev stands and throws Abdulkerimov's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Ramazan Abdulkerimov has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kamil Gadzhiev is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gadzhiev tries to advance position but instead Abdulkerimov slips a leg back in to half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kamil Gadzhiev comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Gadzhiev winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 27:30
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 27:30
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kamil Gadzhiev!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between David Haggstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James MacDonald (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Haggstrom
vs
MacDonald

183 cm
25
162 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

181 cm
25
162 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, David Haggstrom!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, James MacDonald!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Aleksandr Martynov and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
MacDonald shoots for a double leg takedown but Haggstrom sprawls well. He's pushed MacDonald's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.

Haggstrom looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for MacDonald!
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Haggstrom tries to advance to mount but can't.
Haggstrom creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
MacDonald trying his best to control but Haggstrom has mounted him.
MacDonald is trying to stand.
Haggstrom tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Haggstrom lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Haggstrom won't let MacDonald get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.

Haggstrom working from mount. He moves in close and looks like he might be going for an arm triangle... He's hopped off to the side and he's transitioned into an Anaconda choke. MacDonald turning a nasty shade of purple. He's refusing to tap but he's gone! He's out! The ref rips Haggstrom off and cradles MacDonald's limp body as Haggstrom celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Anaconda Choke). David Haggstrom!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Milos Petrasek (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Carl Draiman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Carl Draiman looks lathargic as he enters the arena. Wake up son, you're about to have a fight!

Petrasek
vs
Draiman

182 cm
25
192 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

178 cm
28
184 lbs
10 - 9 - 1

Good wrestling
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Knockout power

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Milos Petrasek!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Carl Draiman!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Draiman throws the kick towards the body but Petrasek avoids it.
Petrasek shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Draiman defends it nicely.
Draiman swats away the attempt to clinch by Petrasek.
Petrasek tries a head kick but it misses.
Draiman circles away from the clinch attempt.
Draiman tries to clinch but Petrasek is having none of it.

Petrasek looking to score a takedown here. Draiman is defending well but Petrasek drives through and ends up in Draiman's guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Draiman is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Petrasek is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Petrasek trying to control but Draiman is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Petrasek postures up in Draiman's guard and throws a big left but Draiman blocks it.

Petrasek stands up and waves to Draiman to follow him.
Draiman fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Petrasek.

Draiman clinches with his opponent.

Draiman gets control of Petrasek's arms and successfully pulls guard. Draiman will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Draiman is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Draiman has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Petrasek is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Petrasek won't allow Draiman to sweep him here.
Draiman not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Draiman is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Petrasek wants to stand but Draiman has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Petrasek stays in close to Draiman's body and controls the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Carl Draiman.
Petrasek will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Draiman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Petrasek misses with a series of wild punches.

Petrasek manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Draiman on his heels. He'll look to pass Draiman's guard now, I'm sure.
Draiman is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Petrasek is looking to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Draiman wants to get back to his feet.
Petrasek throws a strike from the bottom but Draiman passes into side control!
Draiman tries to stand but Petrasek is controlling his head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Petrasek is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Draiman is controlling him well.
Draiman tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Milos Petrasek dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Draiman swinging wildly here.
Petrasek throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Draiman's waist but Draiman gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Petrasek off to one side.
Draiman throws a sloppy head kick and Petrasek moves out of range easily.
Draiman tries to clinch up but Petrasek circles away and keeps his distance.
Draiman tries to close the distance and clinch up but Petrasek swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Petrasek tries for a takedown but Draiman sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Draiman gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Draiman gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Petrasek tries to roll over but Draiman keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
It looks like Draiman is going to stand back up.
Petrasek knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Draiman on the ground.
Petrasek is trying to control but can't.
Petrasek preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Petrasek is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Petrasek pushes Draiman off looking to stand but Draiman dives back in and keeps control.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Draiman throws a right and a left that Petrasek avoids nicely.
Draiman keeps the fight on the outside.
Draiman blocks a low kick nicely.
Petrasek shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
The fight stays on the outside here - Draiman looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
A shot to the liver by Draiman. Beautiful body shot.
Carl Draiman is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Petrasek.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Milos Petrasek. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Draiman throws a low kick but Petrasek avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Draiman stuffs the takedown.
Draiman fails with an attempt to clinch.
Draiman doesn't manage to clinch there - Petrasek circles away.
Jab from Draiman.
The fight stays on the outside here - Draiman looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Draiman gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Petrasek is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Draiman is keeping busy.

Draiman drags the fight down to the ground.
Draiman seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Petrasek connects with a couple of short punches.
Petrasek wants to control from the top but Draiman keeps moving.
Draiman seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Petrasek sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Draiman controlling the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Carl Draiman 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. And we move into the final round!

Draiman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Petrasek throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Petrasek shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Draiman defends it nicely.
Draiman wants to clinch up but Petrasek keeps it at a distance.
Draiman tries to clinch up but Petrasek circles away and keeps his distance.
Draiman tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Petrasek looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Petrasek darts in looking for a takedown but Draiman gets double underhooks and turns Petrasek into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Milos Petrasek. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Draiman turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Draiman decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Petrasek darts in looking for a takedown but Draiman gets double underhooks and turns Petrasek into the cage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Draiman ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Draiman no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
Petrasek is looking to stand up but Draiman won't let him.
Petrasek throws a big right hand that misses.
Petrasek's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Petrasek wants to control from the top but Draiman keeps moving.
Draiman is trying to control the position but Petrasek postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Milos Petrasek.
Draiman tries to clinch but Petrasek moves out of range.
Petrasek misses with a head kick.
A head kick misses from Petrasek.
Milos Petrasek is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Draiman moves out of range of the body kick from Petrasek.
Draiman misses with the combination.
A leg kick checked by Petrasek.
Draiman moves in looking to clinch but Petrasek pushes him off.
Draiman fails in his attempt to clinch.

Draiman takes the fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Draiman tries to pull guard but Petrasek forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

Draiman drags the fight down to the ground.
Petrasek wants to stand and escape but instead Draiman has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Petrasek looking to control.
Draiman tries to stand but Petrasek is controlling from the bottom.
Draiman stopping the sweep attempt from Petrasek.
Draiman trying to stand up but can't free himself from Petrasek's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Petrasek looking for a sweep. Not yet Petrasek, not yet.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Petrasek throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Draiman wants to stand and escape but instead Petrasek has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Draiman throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Petrasek controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Petrasek seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Draiman for as long as he can get away with.

And that's the end of the fight!
Carl Draiman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Draiman 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Carl Draiman!
An out of breath Carl Draiman thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sandor Orkas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikael Saarrinen (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 Mikael Saarrinen was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Orkas
vs
Saarrinen

190 cm
25
237 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

188 cm
23
210 lbs
2 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Sandor Orkas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mikael Saarrinen!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Aleksei Zolotukhin and Ivan Kurochkin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saarrinen tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Orkas paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Saarrinen throws a nice looking combination but Orkas bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Saarrinen uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Orkas.
Mikael Saarrinen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saarrinen tries to clinch but Orkas moves away

and Orkas counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Saarrinen!
Saarrinen seems a little lost for a moment, as Orkas dominates the positioning.

Orkas stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Saarrinen misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Saarrinen tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Orkas manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Orkas circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saarrinen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Orkas swats away the attempt to clinch by Saarrinen.
Donk. Saarrinen catches Orkas right on the button with a cross.

It looks like Sandor Orkas has been cut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saarrinen tries to clinch up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Saarrinen gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Orkas to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Saarrinen can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Orkas controls the pace.
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.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sandor Orkas has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Saarrinen tries to clinch there but Orkas circles away.
Orkas showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Saarrinen.
Saarrinen swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Saarrinen tries to clinch up but Orkas circles away and keeps his distance.
Orkas keeps the fight on the outside.
Orkas avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Saarrinen wants to clinch.
Orkas slips a jab and a cross from Saarrinen.
Saarrinen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Some wild striking there from Saarrinen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Orkas changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Saarrinen looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Saarrinen is trying to escape the position but Orkas is controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Orkas decides to stand back up. Orkas steps back and let's Saarrinen get back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Saarrinen.
Saarrinen fails with an attempt to clinch.
Saarrinen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Saarrinen looks winded!
Saarrinen is looking to clinch but Orkas is avoiding it.
Saarrinen is looking to clinch.
Saarrinen tries to clinch

and Orkas counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Saarrinen's guard now.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Orkas stands up from Saarrinen's guard - Orkas perhaps looking for a knockout.
Saarrinen misses with a series of wild punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sandor Orkas dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Sandor Orkas's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Orkas changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Saarrinen looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Orkas taking a breather here.
Orkas has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Sandor Orkas overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Orkas moves into full mount!
Saarrinen tries to buck Orkas off but he can't manage it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orkas controlling his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

Sandor Orkas has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Saarrinen wants to clinch.
Saarrinen tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orkas uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Saarrinen.
Saarrinen moves in looking to clinch but Orkas pushes him off.

Orkas bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Orkas decides to stand back up.
Saarrinen is breathing heavily.
Saarrinen tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Orkas manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Saarrinen misses with a double jab.

Orkas shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Saarrinen's guard.
Orkas slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Orkas staying calm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Orkas decides to take the fight back to the feet.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saarrinen doesn't manage to clinch there - Orkas circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sandor Orkas dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Sandor Orkas'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!

Orkas bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.

Orkas decides to stand back up. Orkas steps back and let's Saarrinen get back to his feet.
Saarrinen tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Orkas manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Saarrinen is looking to clinch but Orkas is avoiding it.
Saarrinen misses with a few strikes there.
Left hook, right uppercut from Saarrinen.
Orkas circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saarrinen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Orkas circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saarrinen looks to land a combination but Orkas avoids it well.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saarrinen tries to clinch there but Orkas circles away.
Saarrinen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Saarrinen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Saarrinen tries to clinch but Orkas is having none of it.
A combination from Saarrinen does no damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

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

Orkas stands up from half guard.
Saarrinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Saarrinen tries to clinch but Orkas moves out of range.

Orkas feints and as Saarrinen raises his hands in defense, Orkas changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Orkas controlling from the top position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Orkas decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Orkas closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Saarrinen's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Orkas controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Orkas passes easily into side control. Nice work.

Orkas decides to stand back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarrinen moves in looking to clinch but Orkas pushes him off.
Mikael Saarrinen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mikael Saarrinen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Orkas avoids a punch combination nicely.

Orkas gets the takedown into side control.
Orkas just content to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Orkas passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Saarrinen!
Sandor Orkas 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.
Orkas looking to control and managing it successfully.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sandor Orkas showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Orkas, 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 Igor Prikhodko scores the fight 30:27
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sandor Orkas!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Shamil Astakhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Veljanovski
vs
Astakhov

182 cm
26
227 lbs
18 - 7 - 0

182 cm
25
210 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 18 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shamil Astakhov!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Valeri Chadov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Veljanovski moves into the clinch successfully.
Veljanovski is pressed up against the cage. Astakhov 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.
Veljanovski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Astakhov counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Veljanovski's guard now.
Veljanovski avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Veljanovski had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Astakhov defends it easily.
Astakhov landing with the ground and pound.
Astakhov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Veljanovski is keeping the position for now.
Astakhov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Astakhov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Astakhov is fighting to break Veljanovski's control of his arms but Veljanovski is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Veljanovski seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Astakhov has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Astakhov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Astakhov loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Veljanovski has Astakhov pulled in close to control his posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Veljanovski controls Astakhov momentarily but Astakhov frees himself.
Veljanovski bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Astakhov's guard.
Astakhov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.

Astakhov looking for a triangle here. Veljanovski is fighting it but it looks tight! Astakhov pulls the arm across and this one won't last much longer! Nope, Veljanovski is tapping out - this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Shamil Astakhov!
Shamil Astakhov is the new heavyweight champion!