EFC 11: Astakhov vs Velja 2 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Robin Verhoeven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Arne Saarrinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Arne Saarrinen is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Verhoeven
vs
Saarrinen

195 cm
25
240 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

193 cm
23
239 lbs
0 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Hates pizza

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

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 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Robin Verhoeven!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Arne Saarrinen!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Sam Margolis and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Saarrinen misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Saarrinen fails to land the takedown.
Saarrinen defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Verhoeven.
Saarrinen tests Verhoeven's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Verhoeven stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Verhoeven wants it to stay on the feet.
Saarrinen fails with a takedown attempt.
Robin Verhoeven has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Arne Saarrinen.
Saarrinen wants to clinch.
Saarrinen defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Verhoeven.
Saarrinen tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Verhoeven counters with a stiff right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Verhoeven drives through with a takedown into Saarrinen's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Verhoeven slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Verhoeven seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Saarrinen for as long as he can get away with.
Verhoeven throws a big right hand that misses.
Saarrinen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Verhoeven controls from within his opponent's guard.
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 Robin Verhoeven wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.

Verhoeven rushes Saarrinen and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarrinen trying to land knees to the body.

Verhoeven manages to break the clinch.
Saarrinen tries to clinch but Verhoeven moves out of range.
Verhoeven connects with a nice looking jab.
Verhoeven doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Saarrinen counters with a one-two to the body.
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!

Verhoeven closes the distance and pushes Saarrinen back into the cage.
Saarrinen swings away with an uppercut that misses.

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

Verhoeven moves into the clinch.
A nice left hand lands by Verhoeven.
Saarrinen tries to score a body lock takedown but Verhoeven shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Verhoeven lands a knee to the body.
Saarrinen looks winded!
Saarrinen is looking to break free of the clinch but Verhoeven has double underhooks.
Saarrinen is trying to pull guard but Verhoeven has him pressed against the cage.
Saarrinen blocks an elbow strike from Verhoeven.
Verhoeven working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Verhoeven breaks from the clinch.
Saarrinen moves in looking to clinch but Verhoeven pushes him off.
Verhoeven lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Verhoeven tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Saarrinen swivels and escapes.

Verhoeven has taken the fight to the clinch.

Verhoeven pulls Saarrinen into guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Verhoeven pulls Saarrinen in close to prevent any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Verhoeven is working actively from the bottom, looking for submissions. He's escaped his hips to the side and he's going for an armbar! Saarrinen has his hands clasped together but Verhoeven extends and breaks Saarrinen's desperate grasp, forcing a tap out due to armbar! Nice BJJ displayed there by Verhoeven.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:22 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Robin Verhoeven!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Eugene Carl Alexander Burns (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacques Gabriel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jacques Gabriel will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Carl Alexander Burns
vs
Gabriel

170 cm
29
197 lbs
14 - 10 - 0

182 cm
28
200 lbs
17 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Granite chin

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 14 - 10 - 0, fighting out of London, Eugene Carl Alexander Burns!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jacques Gabriel!
The judges for this bout are Richard Clark, James Glass and Steven Brown.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Burns displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Gabriel throws out the jab.
Burns drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Burns slips under a jab.

Gabriel closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Gabriel lands in his opponent's guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Burns not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Burns is on top in guard.

Gabriel throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Burns escapes and throws Gabriel's legs to the side, diving into side control!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel is looking to regain half guard here but Burns keeps moving and retains side control.
Gabriel looking for a sweep but Burns has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Gabriel is trying to escape the mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel keeps trying to improve his position.
Gabriel wants to control but Burns is having none of it.
Gabriel is trying to escape the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel is still trying to improve position.
Gabriel gets back to half guard.
Gabriel is looking to improve his position.

Gabriel is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Burns pulls his head out easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel wants to get back to his feet.
Gabriel is concentrating on defense, preventing Burns from advancing position.
Gabriel is trying to stand back up but Burns is controlling him
Burns is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Burns is thwarting Gabriel's attempts to control the position.
Gabriel tries to get to full guard but Burns has control of the leg.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gabriel shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Burns manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Burns keeping moving, preventing Gabriel from controlling successfully.
Gabriel tries to free his leg and advance position but Burns is retaining full guard.

Gabriel decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Burns, up you get!

Gabriel changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Burns looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gabriel swings around for an armbar but Burns sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Gabriel's guard.
Gabriel looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Burns puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Gabriel tries to get to full guard but Burns has control of the leg.
Gabriel is trying to maintain the position but Burns is very close to passing his half guard.
Jacques Gabriel has got the better of the ground game so far.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel wants to get back to his feet.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Burns prevents Gabriel from improving his position.

Jacques Gabriel has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Gabriel shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Gabriel lands with a punch from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel stalling.
Gabriel is looking to advance position but Burns won't allow it.
Gabriel is trying to control. Burns wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gabriel not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Burns regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Gabriel.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Gabriel is pushing down on Burns's leg trying to pass to half guard. Burns is fighting to maintain full guard but Gabriel has managed to sneak the leg through.
Gabriel trying to pass the guard but Burns defending well.

Gabriel is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gabriel working to pass to mount. He's got his hand pressing down on Burns's thigh. Burns counters though and makes it back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jacques Gabriel showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! And we move into the final round!

Gabriel blocks a head kick by Burns.
Gabriel has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Burns is landing a low percentage of strikes.

Gabriel looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Burns!
Gabriel looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Burns is avoiding damage well.
Burns taking punishment in the form of punches.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gabriel tries for a kimura but Burns is defending well.
Gabriel wants to control for a moment but Burns uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Gabriel throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Burns to regain full guard.
Burns keeping moving, preventing Gabriel from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel lands a couple of elbows.
Gabriel throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Burns pulls Gabriel in close to his closed guard and prevents Gabriel from doing any damage or advancing position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Gabriel throws a big right hand that misses.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Gabriel accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gabriel is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Burns is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Burns has escaped and now he's on top!

Gabriel working for a triangle but Burns defends it easily.
Gabriel has a closed guard, preventing Burns from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Burns might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Gabriel is trying to control the position from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jacques Gabriel comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Gabriel 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 Richard Clark scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jacques Gabriel!
Jacques Gabriel thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
28%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Barnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ramazan Abdulkerimov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Barnett
vs
Abdulkerimov

193 cm
22
220 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

188 cm
26
250 lbs
8 - 15 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Knockout power

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, James Barnett!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 15 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ramazan Abdulkerimov!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Donald Grub and Daniel Bishop.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch but Barnett moves out of range.

Barnett closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Barnett lands in his opponent's guard.
Barnett looking to pass the guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Abdulkerimov can do anything to dispel that myth.

Barnett gets to his feet. Abdulkerimov looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Abdulkerimov clinches with his opponent.
Barnett keeps control of Abdulkerimov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Barnett breaks from the clinch.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up but Barnett circles away and keeps his distance.
Abdulkerimov fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Barnett paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Abdulkerimov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Barnett paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Abdulkerimov throws a jab but it's blocked by Barnett.
Abdulkerimov fails in his attempt to clinch.
Barnett circles away from the clinch attempt.
Barnett lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

Barnett dives in and scores a takedown into Abdulkerimov's guard.
Barnett trying to control the position from guard on top but Abdulkerimov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Abdulkerimov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Abdulkerimov looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because James Barnett just wasn't active enough.
Abdulkerimov moves to clinch but Barnett breaks away
and Barnett counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Abdulkerimov closes the distance but Barnett moves to the side
and Barnett finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Barnett swats away the attempt to clinch by Abdulkerimov.

Barnett drives through with a takedown into Abdulkerimov's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Abdulkerimov seems keen to control Barnett's posture.
Abdulkerimov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Abdulkerimov escapes and gets back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch there but Barnett circles away.
Ramazan Abdulkerimov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Abdulkerimov wants to clinch.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up but Barnett circles away and keeps his distance.
Barnett ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

Barnett takes the fight into the clinch.

Barnett breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Barnett manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Abdulkerimov fails with an attempt to clinch.
Barnett swats away the attempt to clinch by Abdulkerimov.

Barnett closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Abdulkerimov's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnett being controlled here momentarily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Let's hope that Abdulkerimov 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.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Barnett swats away the attempt to clinch by Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov moves in looking to clinch but Barnett pushes him off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Abdulkerimov misses with a hook

and Barnett moves into the clinch.

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

Abdulkerimov drives through and clinches with Barnett against the cage.
Barnett prevents a body shot from Abdulkerimov.
Barnett stalling in the clinch but Abdulkerimov improves position.

Barnett manages to pull guard.
Abdulkerimov postures up.

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

Abdulkerimov gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Barnett avoids a wild elbow strike from Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov is looking to break free of the clinch but Barnett has double underhooks.
Abdulkerimov wants to get back to striking at distance but Barnett won't allow it.
Abdulkerimov tries to break the clinch but Barnett is controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Abdulkerimov is trying to break the clinch but Barnett is controlling him.

Barnett gets control of Abdulkerimov's arms and successfully pulls guard. Barnett will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Barnett has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Abdulkerimov is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Barnett.
Abdulkerimov has control of an arm but Barnett manages to advance to Abdulkerimov's back!
Barnett doesn't have the hooks in and Abdulkerimov manages to turn into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Abdulkerimov gets to his feet - Barnett follows without any prompting.

Barnett gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Barnett taking a breather.

Barnett gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Abdulkerimov pulls Barnett in to control the position.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Abdulkerimov doesn't manage to clinch there - Barnett circles away.
James Barnett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Barnett closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Abdulkerimov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov is holding on to half guard well.
Barnett throws a strike but Abdulkerimov avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Barnett has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Abdulkerimov is controlling Barnett's posture.
Abdulkerimov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Barnett manages to get himself to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

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

Barnett shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Barnett was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Abdulkerimov manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Abdulkerimov is positioning himself well to prevent Barnett advancing to mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Abdulkerimov falls off balance throwing a combination
and Barnett counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up but Barnett circles away and keeps his distance.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch but Barnett moves out of range.
Abdulkerimov moves in looking to clinch but Barnett pushes him off.

Barnett shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Abdulkerimov napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Both fighters take a look at the clock.
Abdulkerimov gets back to half guard.
Abdulkerimov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Barnett's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Barnett's back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov avoiding Barnett 's attempts to control his hands.

Abdulkerimov stands up.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch there but Barnett circles away.
Abdulkerimov wants to clinch up but Barnett keeps it at a distance.
Barnett throws a one two combo.
Ramazan Abdulkerimov seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Abdulkerimov tries to sprawl but Barnett drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Barnett is trying to work for a kimura but Abdulkerimov is defending well.
Abdulkerimov slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Abdulkerimov has control of Barnett's left arm, preventing Barnett from doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abdulkerimov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Barnett wants to sweep but Abdulkerimov has passed to side control!

Abdulkerimov decides to take the fight back to the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Abdulkerimov looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Barnett dodges the punch combination from Abdulkerimov.
Abdulkerimov is looking to clinch but Barnett is avoiding it.
Abdulkerimov tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Barnett paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Abdulkerimov tries to clinch up.
Barnett keeps the fight on the outside.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Abdulkerimov in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Abdulkerimov moves in looking to clinch but Barnett pushes him off.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Abdulkerimov misses with an uppercut
and Barnett counters with a nice uppercut.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Barnett.

Barnett gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Barnett has picked Abdulkerimov up - he's going for a ride! Barnett dumps his opponent to the mat with a thud and settles into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ramazan Abdulkerimov.
I think Abdulkerimov 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 29:29
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 29:29
Judge Daniel Bishop scores the fight 28:29

The fight is ruled a majority draw!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Sandor Orkas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kamil Gadzhiev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sandor Orkas has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Orkas
vs
Gadzhiev

190 cm
25
237 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

193 cm
23
279 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Sandor Orkas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kamil Gadzhiev!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, James Ackerman and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gadzhiev with a poor takedown

and Orkas decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gadzhiev's guard.
Orkas has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Orkas has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Gadzhiev is proving hard to escape from.
Gadzhiev is trying to control the position but Orkas postures up.
Orkas stays in close to Gadzhiev's body and controls the position.
Orkas postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Sandor Orkas wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Gadzhiev with a poor takedown

and Orkas counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Orkas.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Orkas wants to stand but Gadzhiev is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gadzhiev trying to control the position.
Gadzhiev has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Orkas has passed into side control.
Orkas controls the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gadzhiev tries to bench press Orkas off him but Orkas keeps the position.
You can see the frustration on Gadzhiev's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Orkas slows the pace down.
Gadzhiev tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Orkas moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Sandor Orkas.
Gadzhiev fails with the takedown.
Sandor Orkas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kamil Gadzhiev.
Horrible takedown by Orkas or perhaps it was just good defense by Gadzhiev which made him look bad.
Gadzhiev shoots in and drives through. Orkas sprawls well.
Gadzhiev doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Orkas counters with a shoot takedown. Gadzhiev fights it but they end up in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orkas engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

Orkas avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Orkas controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Gadzhiev shoots in and drives through. Orkas sprawls well.
Gadzhiev misses with a takedown attempt

and Orkas counters by clinching up.

Gadzhiev turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Gadzhiev in the domination position with Orkas hanging on.
Orkas tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Gadzhiev is looking to take a break and control but Orkas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Orkas is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orkas is looking to regain half guard here but Gadzhiev keeps moving and retains side control.
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.
You can see the frustration on Orkas's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orkas tries to buck Gadzhiev off but Gadzhiev is having none of it.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Gadzhiev trying to control the action but Orkas is working from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Gadzhiev misses with a takedown

and Orkas moves into the clinch.
Sandor Orkas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kamil Gadzhiev.
Orkas prevents the takedown attempt.

Orkas's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Gadzhiev fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gadzhiev with a poor takedown

and Orkas counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Orkas.
Gadzhiev is breathing heavily.
Orkas sitting in guard here, content to control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Sandor Orkas wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Gadzhiev tries for a takedown but Orkas circles away easily

so Orkas counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Sandor Orkas overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Gadzhiev working a defensive guard but Orkas manages to pass into side control anyway.
Orkas moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orkas wants to stand but Gadzhiev has his arm trapped.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gadzhiev is trying to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sandor Orkas dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Orkas misses with a takedown attempt - Gadzhiev sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Gadzhiev shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Orkas decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Gadzhiev's guard.
Gadzhiev is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Orkas looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

We're going to have a standup here because Sandor Orkas wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Gadzhiev tries for a takedown but Orkas circles away easily
and Orkas counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gadzhiev with a poor takedown

and Orkas holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Sandor Orkas has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kamil Gadzhiev.
Gadzhiev prevents the takedown attempt.
Gadzhiev drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Orkas tightens his grip and picks Gadzhiev up, before dumping him to the ground. Gadzhiev manages to land in guard.
Orkas sitting in guard, not really doing much.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Orkas wants to stand but Gadzhiev is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Sandor Orkas wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Orkas fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gadzhiev avoids it really well and circles away.
Gadzhiev closes this distance looking for a takedown but Orkas circles away.
Kamil Gadzhiev seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gadzhiev has his takedown stuffed

and Orkas counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Gadzhiev takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orkas passes the guard and advances to mount!
Orkas content just to control the position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gadzhiev is trying desperately to improve position.
Orkas content just to control the position here.
Kamil Gadzhiev has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sandor Orkas is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Gadzhiev is desperately trying to improve his position but Orkas has a good base and remains in mount.

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 Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 30:27
Judge Sam Margolis 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
32%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Blagoi Mladenov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rafael Almeida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Mladenov
vs
Almeida

184 cm
25
192 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

191 cm
29
195 lbs
10 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
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 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Blagoi Mladenov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rafael Almeida!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Bishop, James Atkins and Richard Clark.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Almeida tries to clinch up.
Almeida tries to land a front kick but Mladenov steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Mladenov looks to throw the jab but Almeida is out of range.
Almeida connects with a single shot there.
Almeida throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Mladenov.
Almeida looks to land a combination but Mladenov avoids it well.
Mladenov blocks a leg kick.
Rafael Almeida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Almeida throws a series of strikes that have Mladenov backpedaling.

Mladenov shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Mladenov showed some decent athleticism there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Almeida taking some punishment here, with Mladenov in his half guard.

Mladenov is working for a kimura but Almeida is defending it quite comfortably.
Mladenov misses with a head shot. Almeida uses the momentum to regain guard.
Almeida preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Mladenov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Almeida tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Almeida keeping moving, preventing Mladenov from controlling successfully.
Mladenov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Mladenov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov looking to pass the guard.
Almeida utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Almeida controlling Mladenov's posture.
Almeida keeping full guard, as Mladenov tries to pass.
Mladenov throws a big right hand that misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov tries to free his leg and advance position but Almeida is retaining full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Mladenov wants to control from the top but Almeida keeps moving.
Mladenov is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Almeida is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Mladenov slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Blagoi Mladenov.
Mladenov fails with an attempt to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mladenov throws an off balance right hand
letting Almeida counter with a right hand.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Almeida enables Mladenov to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Almeida manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Mladenov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Mladenov trying to control but Almeida is working from the bottom.
Almeida lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Mladenov!
Mladenov is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mladenov bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Almeida is on top in guard.
Mladenov wants to sweep here but Almeida controlling him for the moment.
Mladenov throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

Mladenov working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Almeida has passed into half guard!
Mladenov regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Mladenov has an active guard here but Almeida has managed to pass into half guard.
Mladenov wants to get back to full guard.
Blagoi Mladenov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Almeida decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.

Mladenov tries to keep at a distance but Almeida has taken the fight into the clinch.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Almeida is trying to force a seperation but Mladenov has the dominant position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Almeida is trying to maintain a safe position but Mladenov gets an underhook and turns Almeida into the cage.
Almeida scores with a hook to the body.
Almeida wants to break the clinch but can't.

Almeida's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Almeida is looking to clinch but Mladenov is avoiding it.

Mladenov scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Mladenov working Almeida over with strikes.
Almeida slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Almeida working a defensive guard here.

Mladenov drops back, looking for a kneebar! Almeida looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Almeida looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Almeida!
Almeida has control of an arm but Mladenov manages to advance to Almeida's back!
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.
Mladenov has the hooks in. Almeida is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.
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.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Mladenov takes one on the button.
Almeida looks to land a combination but Mladenov avoids it well.

Almeida instigates a clinch.
Mladenov tries to score a body lock takedown but Almeida shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Almeida manages to break the clinch.

Almeida clinches up with Mladenov and pushes him back against the cage.
Mladenov is trying to drag Almeida to the mat but Almeida just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Mladenov changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Almeida fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Blagoi Mladenov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mladenov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Almeida misses with a jab, cross combination.
Mladenov tries for a takedown but Almeida sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

Almeida closes the distance and clinches.
Almeida prevents a takedown attempt there.
Almeida has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Almeida is trying to force a seperation but Mladenov has the dominant position.
Mladenov has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Almeida avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Mladenov is looking to take this one to the mat.
Almeida misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Mladenov.
Mladenov wants a takedown but no success here.
Almeida wants to break free but Mladenov has control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov is working for takedown but Almeida is calmly controlling the position for now.

Almeida breaks the clinch.
Mladenov dodges the punch combination from Almeida.
Mladenov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Almeida counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Almeida tries to close the distance and clinch but Mladenov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Mladenov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Almeida sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mladenov somewhat.
Almeida connects with a good right hand that stumbles Mladenov. Mladenov circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mladenov fails to land the takedown.
Rafael Almeida has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Almeida tries to close the distance and clinch up but Mladenov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Mladenov fails with the takedown.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rafael Almeida comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Mladenov has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Daniel Bishop scores the fight 29:28
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 29:28
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 29:29

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

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Shamil Astakhov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Astakhov
vs
Veljanovski

182 cm
25
210 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

182 cm
26
227 lbs
19 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Knockout power

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 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Shamil Astakhov!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 19 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, Steven Brown and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Astakhov circles away easily

and Astakhov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Astakhov stopping the sweep attempt from Veljanovski.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Veljanovski can do anything to dispel that myth.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Shamil Astakhov.
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Astakhov circles away easily

and Astakhov counters by moving into the clinch.

Veljanovski manages to break the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Astakhov. No joy for Veljanovski on that attempt.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nikola Veljanovski.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Veljanovski tries for a takedown but Astakhov sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Veljanovski moves into the clinch successfully.
Veljanovski is working Astakhov over against the cage.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Veljanovski has a takedown stuffed.
Nikola Veljanovski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Veljanovski gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Astakhov counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Astakhov throwing strikes from guard but Veljanovski blocks nicely.
Astakhov is looking to work some ground and pound but Veljanovski has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Astakhov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Veljanovski has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Astakhov trying to control the position from guard on top but Veljanovski is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Astakhov wants to pass the guard but Veljanovski is keeping the position.
Veljanovski looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Nikola Veljanovski.
Nice sprawl there from Astakhov as Veljanovski shoots in.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski looks to throw the jab but Astakhov is out of range.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a takedown. Astakhov tries to sprawl out of it but Veljanovski keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Astakhov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Veljanovski has his takedown stuffed

and Astakhov counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Veljanovski's guard now.
Astakhov missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Astakhov is working Veljanovski over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Veljanovski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Astakhov.
Astakhov postures up.
Astakhov wants to pass the guard but Veljanovski is keeping the position.
Veljanovski controls Astakhov momentarily but Astakhov frees himself.
Veljanovski working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Astakhov.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Veljanovski keeping moving, preventing Astakhov from controlling successfully.
Astakhov trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Veljanovski lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Astakhov at a distance.

Veljanovski gets a clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Astakhov looking for a takedown.
Veljanovski will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Astakhov up against the cage.
Astakhov drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Veljanovski gets the underhooks and prevents it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Veljanovski throws a lazy right hand but Astakhov sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Veljanovski shoots in for a takedown but Astakhov shows good takedown defense.
Nikola Veljanovski is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Veljanovski fails in his attempt to clinch.
Astakhov slaps away a takedown attempt from Veljanovski, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Veljanovski shoots in and drives through. Astakhov sprawls well.
Shamil Astakhov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nikola Veljanovski.
Astakhov keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Veljanovski fails to land the takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Veljanovski.
Astakhov sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Veljanovski trying to pass the guard but Astakhov defending well.
Veljanovski is thwarting Astakhov's attempts to control the position.
Astakhov gets full guard.
Veljanovski tries to stand but Astakhov is controlling from the bottom.
Astakhov doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Astakhov keeping moving, preventing Veljanovski from controlling successfully.
Veljanovski slips nicely into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski prevents Astakhov from improving his position.
Astakhov gets back to full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Veljanovski pushes down on Astakhov's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Astakhov is trying to maintain the position but Veljanovski is very close to passing his half guard.
Veljanovski wants to control but Astakhov is keeping him busy.
Astakhov wants to improve his position but Veljanovski is controlling well.

Astakhov looking for submissions off his back.
Veljanovski thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Veljanovski's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Veljanovski's back!

Astakhov working for a choke but Veljanovski is defending well.

Veljanovski defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Astakhov's arms.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Veljanovski covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Astakhov trying to control momentarily.

Veljanovski is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Astakhov gets his way!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is trying to break free.
Veljanovski controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad spot.
Oooh a big shot gets through from Astakhov. Many more shots like that and the referee will have to think about stepping in!
Astakhov punishes Veljanovski with strikes from the back mount.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Veljanovski grimaces as he takes a shot to the body.
Veljanovski covers up after that shot from Astakhov.
Veljanovski trying to control but not successfully.
Veljanovski manages to reverse the position and now he's in Astakhov's guard. Nice work there by Veljanovski.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Veljanovski shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Astakhov decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Veljanovski's guard.
Astakhov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Veljanovski trying to keep a closed guard but Astakhov is proving a slippery customer.
Astakhov working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Veljanovski's head.
Astakhov stopping the sweep attempt from Veljanovski.
Astakhov scoring with punches to the head and body.
Astakhov throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Veljanovski works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Astakhov throwing strikes from guard but Veljanovski blocks nicely.
Astakhov won't allow Veljanovski to get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski has momentary wrist control but Astakhov slips an elbow through the middle.
Astakhov stays in close to Veljanovski's body and controls the position.
Astakhov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Veljanovski is keeping the position for now.
Astakhov is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Veljanovski is on top in guard.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.
Veljanovski won't allow Astakhov to sweep him here.

Astakhov working for a triangle but Veljanovski defends it easily.
Astakhov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Astakhov escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Veljanovski gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Astakhov trying to keep a closed guard but Veljanovski is proving a slippery customer.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Veljanovski working some strikes from top position.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.
Astakhov is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Veljanovski stands up over Astakhov, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Astakhov is looking to sweep but instead, Veljanovski has passed into half guard.

Veljanovski seems to be working for a kimura but Astakhov defends the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura here.
Veljanovski stalling.

Veljanovski is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Veljanovski throwing shots but Astakhov is blocking nicely.
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.
Astakhov works his way to full guard. Good work.
Shamil Astakhov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Astakhov has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Veljanovski can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Astakhov looking to control.
Astakhov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Veljanovski keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Astakhov's head.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.
Veljanovski might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Astakhov haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Astakhov tries to strike from the bottom.
Veljanovski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Astakhov manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shamil Astakhov clearly takes that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Veljanovski looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Astakhov defends it well.
Veljanovski wants to control but Astakhov is keeping him busy.
Astakhov moves into full guard.
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Astakhov keeps moving.

Veljanovski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Astakhov has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Veljanovski is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Astakhov.
Veljanovski creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Astakhov wants to control but Veljanovski postures up.
Astakhov is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Veljanovski off and has taken his back!
Astakhov is landing with strikes. Veljanovski can't take much more of this.
Astakhov throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Veljanovski trying to control but not successfully.
Astakhov trying to control momentarily.

Astakhov is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Veljanovski knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Veljanovski for a finish.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is really stuck here.
Veljanovski is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Astakhov lands a shot to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
You can see the frustration on Veljanovski's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

Astakhov looking for the choke but no joy.
Veljanovski covering up well under a series of strikes from Astakhov.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Astakhov has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Veljanovski has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!

Astakhov is persistently looking for the submission but Veljanovski is defending it well.
Astakhov scores with some strikes to the side of the head there. Good, points scoring shots.
I really don't envy Veljanovski right now.
Astakhov scores with strikes from the back.
Astakhov has the hooks in. Veljanovski is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski staying busy and making it hard for Astakhov to control.
Astakhov is landing with strikes from the back.
Astakhov wants to control but Veljanovski is keeping busy.
Astakhov lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Veljanovski is taking damage to the body and head.
Astakhov lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Veljanovski.

Veljanovski showing good submission defense here.
Veljanovski trying to control the position but Astakhov manages to sink in the hooks.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Astakhov lands an elbow to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Shamil Astakhov had his way with Nikola Veljanovski in that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Astakhov gets tackled into the cage by Veljanovski. Veljanovski maintains the clinch.

Veljanovski breaks from the clinch.
Veljanovski moves in looking to clinch but Astakhov pushes him off.
Veljanovski shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Astakhov defends it nicely.
Veljanovski with a lazy takedown attempt

and Astakhov counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Astakhov.
Astakhov wants to control from the top but Veljanovski keeps moving.
Astakhov controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Astakhov pushes down on Veljanovski's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Astakhov with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astakhov not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Veljanovski is not content to let Astakhov control the position.
Astakhov slips a nice elbow through Veljanovski's hands, connecting with Veljanovski's forehead.
Astakhov is stalling here. Veljanovski is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Astakhov seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Veljanovski has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Veljanovski trying to control the position but Astakhov is working away.
You can see the frustration on Astakhov's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Veljanovski in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Astakhov manages to get back to half guard.
Veljanovski moves into side control, avoiding the strikes from Astakhov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski working away.
Veljanovski scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Astakhov to see if he's OK.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Veljanovski cracks Astakhov with a big right hand but Astakhov just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Astakhov is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
Veljanovski working away.
Astakhov takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.

Veljanovski is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Astakhov knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Veljanovski is looking to take a break and control but Astakhov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski working the head and body with strikes.
Astakhov is looking for a sweep.
Veljanovski working the head and body with strikes.
Astakhov can't do much from the bottom here.
Veljanovski trying to control the position but Astakhov is working away.
Veljanovski working away.
Veljanovski wants to control but Astakhov is keeping him busy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astakhov gets back to half guard.
Astakhov wants to improve his position but Veljanovski is controlling well.
Astakhov is working hard here to advance position.

Veljanovski seems to be looking for submissions.
Nikola Veljanovski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Astakhov tries to roll over but Veljanovski keeps him under control.
Shamil Astakhov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

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 Shamil Astakhov.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Astakhov, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 50:45
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 50:45
Judge William Gold scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Shamil Astakhov!
Shamil Astakhov retains his heavyweight title!