Infinity 97: Breakdown PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jesus Metsola (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Krzysiek Oki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jesus Metsola could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Krzysiek Oki's chin.

Metsola
vs
Oki

172 cm
20
176 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

175 cm
22
175 lbs
4 - 8 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jesus Metsola!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Krzysiek Oki!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oki scoring well with a low kick there.
Oki shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Metsola eats them both and turns towards Oki to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Oki wants to clinch up but Metsola keeps it at a distance.
Oki throws a one two combo.
Metsola scores with a three punch combo!

Metsola clinches.
Metsola pressing his opponent against the cage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Oki drags the fight down to the ground.

Metsola gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Oki lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Oki lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Metsola has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Oki.
Metsola misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Oki defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Metsola.
Oki with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
An inside leg kick lands from Oki.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Metsola wants to clinch.
Oki moves in looking to clinch but Metsola pushes him off.
Oki fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Oki gets a clinch.
Oki tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Metsola smiles and moves away.
Oki rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Metsola moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Oki lands a nice shot that snaps Metsola's head back.
Metsola on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Metsola shoots in looking for a takedown. Oki tries to sprawl out of it but Metsola keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Oki manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jesus Metsola. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Oki looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Oki tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Metsola takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Oki stuffs the takedown attempt from Metsola. Metsola gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Oki tries to clinch but Metsola is having none of it.
Oki scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
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!
Metsola doesn't manage to clinch there - Oki circles away.
Oki lands a leg kick that knocks Metsola off balance momentarily.
Metsola is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
Danga de danga de dang - Oki scores with a four punch combination!
Oki bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Metsola's head.

Metsola is rocked!
Metsola takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Oh Metsola is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Oki is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Oki fails in his attempt to clinch.
Metsola wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Oki scores with a one two! Metsola had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Metsola is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.

Oki rushes Metsola and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Oki fails to pull guard.

Metsola manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Metsola is trying to control the position but Oki postures up.
Metsola seems to have got his legs back now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Oki wants to stand up, so he's looking to wriggle free of Metsola's closed guard. He's half up but Metsola has locked on to an arm! Uh oh! Metsola pivots and extends the arm, Oki falls face first to the mat and taps??... does he?? YES! He's tapping! Excellent counter grappling there by Metsola! Well done that man!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Jesus Metsola!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
68%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Niilo Hamalainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Braxton Brinkley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hamalainen comes to the cage accompanied by Face the Pain. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Hamalainen
vs
Brinkley

183 cm
24
185 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

185 cm
20
185 lbs
0 - 4 - 0

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niilo Hamalainen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Braxton Brinkley!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Marco Blurström and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hamalainen throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Brinkley tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Hamalainen is in Brinkley's guard.
Hamalainen slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Brinkley really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Hamalainen. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Hamalainen working some strikes from top position.
Hamalainen lands a couple of digs.
Hamalainen is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Hamalainen's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hamalainen won't allow Brinkley to get back to his feet.
Hamalainen controlling from the top position.
Brinkley wants to stand and escape but Hamalainen is having none of it.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hamalainen goes for a double leg but Brinkley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Brinkley continues to drive forward.

Brinkley forces Hamalainen back against the cage and clinches.
Brinkley misses with a punch to the body.
Brinkley wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Hamalainen turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Brinkley tries to escape but Hamalainen is in control.
Hamalainen moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamalainen prevents Brinkley from escaping the position.

Brinkley sneaks out the side door and pushes Hamalainen away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.
Hamalainen looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.

Hamalainen closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Hamalainen lands in his opponent's guard.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Hamalainen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Hamalainen lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
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!
Hamalainen lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Both fighters have adopted an aggressive gameplan on the ground!
Brinkley wants to stand and escape but Hamalainen is having none of it.
Hamalainen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hamalainen showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Hamalainen working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Brinkley's head.
Hamalainen scoring with punches to the head and body.
Hamalainen 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.
Hamalainen connects with a couple of short punches.
Brinkley has momentary wrist control but Hamalainen slips an elbow through the middle.
Hamalainen working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Brinkley's head.
Brinkley is looking to stand up but Hamalainen isn't so interested in that idea.
Hamalainen with a nice head shot there.
Brinkley is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Hamalainen dives into side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Brinkley wants to get back to his feet but Hamalainen drags him back down.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamalainen scoring with punches from side control.
We've been informed that Brinkley has been working hard on his conditioning in the buildup to the fight.
Brinkley is looking to get back to his feet here but Hamalainen is keeping cool and he's managed to take Brinkley's back.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.

Brinkley showing good submission defense here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Brinkley wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niilo Hamalainen dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Brinkley throws a right and a left that Hamalainen avoids nicely.

Brinkley moves into range and clinches up with Hamalainen.
Brinkley is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hamalainen is defending well for now.
Hamalainen misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Brinkley.

Hamalainen has clasped his hands together around Brinkley's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Niilo Hamalainen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
A lull in the action here as Hamalainen stalls from top position.
Hamalainen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Brinkley can do to turn this around?
Brinkley is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brinkley bucks up and tries to throw Hamalainen off but instead Hamalainen has got his back!
Hamalainen lands punches and elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hamalainen connects with a series of strikes and the referee is calling for Brinkley to escape the position.
Hamalainen is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Brinkley. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
Brinkley is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Hamalainen.
Brinkley is trying to get back to his feet but Hamalainen has full control of the position and if anything, Brinkley has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Hamalainen gets his hooks in and is throwing strikes.
Hamalainen throwing damaging strikes from the back! Brinkley could be in trouble here!
Hamalainen is riding his opponent, not letting Brinkley buck him off.
Brinkley wants to get back to his feet.
Brinkley is trapped and Hamalainen is scoring with shots to the head and body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamalainen is riding his opponent, not letting Brinkley buck him off.
Brinkley trying to get back to his feet but Hamalainen is in full control for now.
Hamalainen trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Brinkley doesn't escape.
Hamalainen is working the ground and pound. Can Brinkley escape?
I would not like to be Brinkley right now.
Hamalainen softening up his opponent with strikes here.
Brinkley is trying to get back to his feet but Hamalainen has full control of the position and if anything, Brinkley has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Hamalainen has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Brinkley wants to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brinkley takes a big shot to the side of the head.
Brinkley covers up after taking a massive shot to the side of the head.
Hamalainen lands with a big left hand that may well have hurt his opponent. Can Brinkley hold on?!
Brinkley is trying to stand back up.
Hamalainen is looking to finish with some ground and pound!
Brinkley is trying to stand back up.
Hamalainen softening up his opponent with strikes here.
Hamalainen landing with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hamalainen lands shots from the back.
Hamalainen biding his time, looking for the opening.
Brinkley is trying to remain composed but Hamalainen is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Brinkley is trying to remain composed but Hamalainen is hammering down strikes to the side of his head.
Brinkley is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hamalainen lands a punch that was close to the back of the head but the ref thinks it's OK.
Hamalainen controlling from the back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niilo Hamalainen dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Hamalainen is trying hard to land a takedown here. Brinkley sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hamalainen fails with the takedown.
Crunch! Brinkley slams his shin into Hamalainen's torso.
Nice takedown defense from Brinkley. No joy for Hamalainen on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Niilo Hamalainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Brinkley throws a nice head kick!
Brinkley throws a nice head kick!
Niilo Hamalainen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hamalainen tries for a takedown but Brinkley circles away easily
and Brinkley counters with a nice body kick.
Hamalainen has a takedown stuffed.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Brinkley throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Brinkley bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hamalainen with a lazy takedown attempt

and Brinkley counters with a combination of strikes to the head and body that crumple Hamalainen!

Hamalainen is rocked!
This has been an exciting period of action!

Brinkley stands up and beckons Hamalainen to join him on the feet.
Oh Hamalainen is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Brinkley closes the distance and clinches.

Brinkley manages to break the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Brinkley. No joy for Hamalainen on that attempt.

Brinkley closes the distance and clinches.
Brinkley lands a shoulder strike.
Brinkley working aggressively here.
Hamalainen seems to have got his legs back now.
Brinkley missing with knees to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hamalainen.
Hamalainen dodges an elbow strike from Brinkley.

Hamalainen gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Hamalainen seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Brinkley does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hamalainen trying to control the pace.
Brinkley tries to kick Hamalainen off but Hamalainen keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hamalainen scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Hamalainen lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Brinkley is trying to stand back up but Hamalainen is controlling him
Brinkley avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hamalainen.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hamalainen stops Brinkley from getting back to his feet.
Hamalainen content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Brinkley is trying to stand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hamalainen is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Brinkley defends it well.
Hamalainen controlling the action here.
Brinkley is trying to stand up here but Hamalainen is controlling him well.
Brinkley taking some punishment here, with Hamalainen in his half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Hamalainen in particular looking to stall.
Brinkley is looking to escape.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Hamalainen goes for a double leg but Brinkley avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Brinkley continues to drive forward.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Hamalainen.
Brinkley throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hamalainen.
Brinkley misses with a two punch combination.
Brinkley throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Hamalainen.
Brinkley throws a head kick that misses.
Hamalainen seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Hamalainen shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Brinkley sprawls well. Brinkley wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Hamalainen gets slowly back to his feet.
Brinkley with the counter takedown but Hamalainen avoids it easily.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Brinkley.

And that's the end of the fight!
Braxton Brinkley comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Hamalainen 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:27
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:27
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Niilo Hamalainen!
Niilo Hamalainen took to the mic in his post fight interview and said 'I'm the man of the hour, too sweet to be sour. What you see is what you get and what you don't is better yet!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Charles Kota (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kalja Turpa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kota's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Airplanes - B.o.B ft Hayley Williams. Kalja Turpa acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Kota
vs
Turpa

183 cm
27
214 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

181 cm
22
220 lbs
1 - 11 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very strong

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Charles Kota!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kalja Turpa!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Turpa.
Turpa connects with a high kick.

It looks like Charles Kota has been cut.
Turpa doesn't manage to clinch there - Kota circles away.

Kota looking to score a takedown here. Turpa is defending well but Kota drives through and ends up in Turpa's guard.

Kota drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kota jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kota works over Turpa with some ground and pound from guard.
Kota 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.

Kota drops back for a leg here. A bit of a high risk move... He's looking for a kneebar by the looks of things. Now both of them are looking for submissions. Kota seems to have locked his on tight now - Turpa screams in pain and taps out furiously! It certainly was a high risk move but it's paid off for Kota, as he picks up the win!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kneebar). Charles Kota!
A very excited looking Charles Kota made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
91%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ronaldo Abreu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Teijo Fredrikson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Abreu
vs
Fredrikson

191 cm
22
211 lbs
13 - 5 - 0

188 cm
22
205 lbs
5 - 5 - 1

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ronaldo Abreu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Teijo Fredrikson!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Roosa Järviläinen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Fredrikson closes the distance and pushes Abreu back into the cage.

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

Fredrikson closes the distance and clinches.
Fredrikson lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Fredrikson lands with a left to the head.

It looks like Ronaldo Abreu has been cut.
Fredrikson is leaning against Abreu and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Fredrikson landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Abreu is breathing heavily.
Fredrikson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Fredrikson lands with a short shot to the head.
Nice body punch from Fredrikson.
Abreu takes an elbow to the temple.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Fredrikson gets through Abreu's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Fredrikson with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.

Ronaldo Abreu's cut is getting worse.
Fredrikson connects with a nasty looking knee right to Abreu's face.

Abreu is rocked!
Fredrikson creates some distance for himself and unleashes a massive uppercut that sends Abreu's eyes rolling into the back of his head! Abreu drops to his knees and Fredrikson pours it on with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Teijo Fredrikson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
78%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Clifton Barnes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nyyrikki Takaraivo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nyyrikki Takaraivo has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Clifton Barnes's chin.

Barnes
vs
Takaraivo

190 cm
34
210 lbs
20 - 14 - 0

179 cm
30
220 lbs
15 - 13 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 20 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Clifton Barnes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Nyyrikki Takaraivo!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barnes connects with a solid leg kick.
Takaraivo lands a front kick.
Nice defenses there by Barnes.
Barnes moves away from the strike by Takaraivo.
Barnes throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Takaraivo tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Takaraivo misses with a head kick.
A head kick misses from Takaraivo.
Barnes will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Barnes pivots, looking for a leg kick but Takaraivo is out of range and Barnes settles back down.
Takaraivo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Barnes feinted with a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses.
A left lands for Barnes.
Takaraivo swings widly with a right hand
and Barnes counters with a nice uppercut.
Barnes slips a jab and a cross from Takaraivo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A leg kick checked by Barnes.
Barnes moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Barnes has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Qube MMA in the buildup to the fight.
Barnes lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Barnes misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Takaraivo.
Takaraivo scores with a kick to the body.
Takaraivo throws a nice outside leg kick.
A solid body kick from Takaraivo.
Takaraivo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Takaraivo throws a sloppy head kick and Barnes moves out of range easily.
As Takaraivo backs away, Barnes returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Takaraivo tries a head kick but it misses.

Takaraivo moves into range and clinches up with Barnes.
Barnes is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Barnes lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Takaraivo avoids a wild elbow strike from Barnes.

Barnes breaks from the clinch.
A head kick by Takaraivo misses
and Barnes connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Takaraivo sizes up Barnes with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Nice uppercut lands for Barnes. That snapped Takaraivo's head back.
Takaraivo throws a series of strikes that have Barnes backpedaling.

It looks like Clifton Barnes has been cut.
Barnes tried to score with a low kick but Takaraivo checks it.
Barnes swats away the attempt to clinch by Takaraivo.
Takaraivo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Barnes.
Takaraivo thinks about the counter body kick.
Takaraivo throws a sloppy head kick
and Barnes counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A head kick misses from Barnes.
Takaraivo pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
It looked like Barnes wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takaraivo throws a body kick that misses.
Barnes lands a nice hook to Takaraivo's body. Takaraivo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Barnes lands with a slapping head kick.
Barnes checks a low kick from Takaraivo.
A big right from Barnes misses.
Jab by Barnes.
Takaraivo fails in his attempt to clinch.
Barnes comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Takaraivo throws a sloppy head kick and Barnes moves out of range easily.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Takaraivo.
Takaraivo gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Barnes.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that Barnes semi-blocks.
Barnes is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Donk. Barnes catches Takaraivo right on the button with a cross.
Nyyrikki Takaraivo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Takaraivo's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Barnes connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Takaraivo scrambles back to his feet.
Takaraivo looks to score with a jab to the body but Barnes is just out of range.
Barnes throws a head kick but Takaraivo moves out of range.
Takaraivo punishes Barnes's body with a nice straight punch.
Barnes has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Takaraivo.
Barnes throws a body shot but no joy.
Barnes throws a series of punches but Takaraivo moves out of range.
Takaraivo fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barnes manages to avoid it.
Barnes catches Takaraivo with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Takaraivo swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Left hook, right uppercut from Barnes.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Barnes avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Barnes is looking to score with low kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Clifton Barnes dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Clifton Barnes'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.

Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses.
Barnes lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Clifton Barnes is winning the standup battle so far.
Takaraivo is looking to land body kicks.

Takaraivo lands a big head kick that sends Barnes tumbling to the mat! Takaraivo takes a step backwards and waves Barnes back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Barnes looks to score with a jab to the body but Takaraivo is just out of range.
Barnes fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Takaraivo checks it well.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Barnes avoids the head kick by Takaraivo.
Takaraivo looks for the body kick but Barnes saw that one coming.
Takaraivo misses with a body kick.
Barnes blocks a head kick by Takaraivo.
Takaraivo tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Barnes counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Takaraivo pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Barnes is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Takaraivo lands a slapping body shot.
Barnes takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Barnes looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnes connects with a solid leg kick.
Barnes avoids the head kick by Takaraivo.
Barnes misses with a head kick.
Barnes throws a low kick but Takaraivo moves out of range easily.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Barnes pivots, looking for a leg kick but Takaraivo is out of range and Barnes settles back down.
Barnes lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Takaraivo looks to score with a jab to the body but Barnes is just out of range.
Takaraivo tries to land a front kick but Barnes steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Barnes lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Barnes avoids the head kick by Takaraivo.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnes avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A little feinted left hand from Barnes on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Takaraivo throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Takaraivo throws a right and a left that both miss.
Barnes misses with a wild body shot.
Takaraivo raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Takaraivo throws a shot to the body.
Barnes blocks the body kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Takaraivo has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Barnes.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses.
Takaraivo lands a front kick.
A nice combination there by Barnes.
Barnes checks a low kick from Takaraivo.
Nyyrikki Takaraivo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Barnes gets tackled into the cage by Takaraivo. Takaraivo maintains the clinch.
Barnes wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Takaraivo has him pressed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barnes lands a knee to the head.

Takaraivo is rocked!

It looks like Nyyrikki Takaraivo has been cut.
Barnes lands a left hand that snaps the head of Takaraivo backwards.
Takaraivo is still on wobbly legs! Can Barnes finish him?
Barnes pushes Takaraivo against the cage. Barnes is working some dirty boxing. Barnes pushes off with a quick right hook! Takaraivo goes down! Takaraivo tries to stand but stumbles back to his kness! Barnes moves in to finish and the ref steps in to prevent any more damage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:21 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Clifton Barnes!
A very excited looking Clifton Barnes made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
67%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Multtuli Margabiaru (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenpachi Zaraki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look pumped up here. Let's hope this is a good fight!

Margabiaru
vs
Zaraki

225 cm
29
299 lbs
11 - 5 - 0

200 cm
29
240 lbs
11 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Multtuli Margabiaru!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Kenpachi Zaraki!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Roosa Järviläinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Margabiaru jabs Zaraki right on the nose. Zaraki blinks but takes it well.
Margabiaru swings away with a body shot that misses
and Zaraki makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Margabiaru really felt that one!
Zaraki swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Margabiaru throws a shot from downtown. Zaraki moves away and avoids it.
Zaraki throws a counter combo.
Zaraki attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Margabiaru jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Zaraki throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Margabiaru's head.
Margabiaru avoids the body shot from Zaraki.
Margabiaru moves out of range of the body kick.
Zaraki throws a right and a left that Margabiaru avoids nicely.
A little feinted left hand from Margabiaru on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zaraki wants to slow Margabiaru down by chopping away at his legs.
Kenpachi Zaraki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zaraki misses with a low kick.
Margabiaru punishes Zaraki's body with a nice straight punch.
Margabiaru blocks the body kick.
Zaraki ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zaraki feints and then cracks Margabiaru's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Margabiaru down.
A head kick misses from Zaraki.
Margabiaru misses with a body shot.
Zaraki swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Multtuli Margabiaru is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Zaraki will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Margabiaru blocks a head kick by Zaraki.
Zaraki takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Zaraki shoots in but Margabiaru avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Margabiaru is looking to counter punch.
Margabiaru ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Zaraki misses with a low kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Zaraki, right into the meat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Margabiaru moves out of range as Zaraki strikes.
Zaraki wants to clinch up but Margabiaru keeps it at a distance.
Margabiaru chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Zaraki can pounce on him.
Zaraki misses with an uppercut.
Margabiaru tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Margabiaru bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Margabiaru misses with a jab, cross combination.

Margabiaru lands a left and a right that send Zaraki crashing to the mat, dazed. Margabiaru thinks about following him to the mat but decides to wave him back up to his feet!

Zaraki is rocked!

It looks like Kenpachi Zaraki has been cut.
Margabiaru drops a shoulder and throws a monster hook that connects perfectly to the side of Zaraki's head, knocking him out cold! Margabiaru is extatic as he celebrates with his cornermen.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Multtuli Margabiaru!
Kenpachi Zaraki was interviewed post fight and said 'Minha pica estava doendo'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Hugues De Payens (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Werkka Easterlund (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). De Payens comes to the cage accompanied by Rage against the machine - Bombtrack. Easterlund is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Harbinger of Sorrow. Werkka Easterlund has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Hugues De Payens's chin.

De Payens
vs
Easterlund

187 cm
28
189 lbs
19 - 4 - 0

188 cm
29
196 lbs
18 - 19 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

****160Q Energy for $150****

Bad Man Clothing (Nothing Over $40)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hugues De Payens!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Werkka Easterlund!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Easterlund drives through and clinches with De Payens against the cage.
De Payens misses with some punches.
De Payens lands a body punch in the clinch.

De Payens breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Easterlund misses with a double jab

and De Payens counters by clinching up.
Easterlund blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Easterlund breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
De Payens throws the kick towards the body but Easterlund avoids it.
De Payens lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
De Payens cracks Easterlund with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Easterlund has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by De Payens.
Easterlund pulls out of a head kick attempt.
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!
De Payens on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
De Payens lands a nice knee to the body.
De Payens working some nice short punches in the clinch.
I was talking to De Payens's coach per-fight and he was telling me that they'd been working on the clinch in the runup to this fight.

That's one minute gone in the round.
De Payens tries to land a knee to the head but Easterlund blocks with his arms.
De Payens tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Easterlund avoids it.
De Payens misses with a hook from the clinch.

Easterlund gets control of De Payens's arms and successfully pulls guard. Easterlund will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
De Payens throwing strikes but missing.
De Payens looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

De Payens got a little sloppy there for a moment and Easterlund has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, De Payens has managed to get both his arms back between Easterlund's legs - danger averted.
De Payens is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Easterlund throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Easterlund has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at Irish Collar-and-Elbow Academy. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
De Payens wants to control from the top but Easterlund keeps moving.
De Payens has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Easterlund is working an open guard so De Payens takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
De Payens lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
De Payens throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
De Payens avoids the body shot from Easterlund.
De Payens throws a good cross that connects.
Easterlund takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Easterlund fails to land with a series of punches.
Easterlund shoots in looking for a takedown. De Payens tries to sprawl out of it but Easterlund keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. De Payens manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

De Payens gets in close and instigates a clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for De Payens.
De Payens misses with some punches.
De Payens tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
De Payens gets underhooks to prevent Easterlund's takedown attempt.
De Payens misses with a knee to the head.
De Payens gets underhooks to prevent Easterlund's takedown attempt.
Hugues De Payens has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Werkka Easterlund.
De Payens fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Easterlund jumps guard but De Payens turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
De Payens is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Easterlund has had enough of the clinch but De Payens keeps him there for the moment.
Easterlund wants to break free but De Payens has control.
De Payens lands a left hand that snaps the head of Easterlund backwards.
De Payens lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Easterlund fails to pull guard.

Easterlund breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Easterlund dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Easterlund tries to land a body kick
and De Payens counters with a slapping leg kick.
Easterlund has a takedown stuffed.
Easterlund misses with a low kick.
De Payens is looking to counter punch.
Easterlund throws a right and a left that De Payens avoids nicely.
Easterlund throws a head kick that misses.
Easterlund gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
De Payens circles away from the clinch attempt.
De Payens keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
De Payens moves out of range of the body kick.
De Payens slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
De Payens throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
De Payens cracks a nice hook into Easterlund's ribs.

De Payens gets caught napping as Easterlund dives in and scores a takedown. De Payens manages to retain guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hugues De Payens dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

De Payens misses with a double jab.
Easterlund tries to close the distance and clinch but De Payens swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Easterlund takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
De Payens connects with a body shot that sends Easterlund's belly button to the back.
Easterlund throws out a leg kick but De Payens moves out of range and Easterlund only half commits.

Easterlund has De Payens up against the cage in a clinch.
A short right from De Payens on the inside.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Easterlund is looking for a takedown up against the cage. De Payens gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Still in the clinch, De Payens scores with a nice short uppercut.

Easterlund is rocked!
De Payens lands an uppercut in the clinch that drops Easterlund to his knees! De Payens keeps firing more shots against his stricken opponent and the referee jumps in to save him!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:48 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hugues De Payens!
Hugues De Payens retains his middleweight title!
Hugues De Payens looked relieved post fight as he said the following; 'It's no secret that my opponent had the plan to take me down and lay and pray! Well I'm here and I'm the one who is victorious! Hemmo, you are like a hemmeroid, your time is not yet arrived. I admire your spirit, but not your fighting style, you are a human slug my friend! One love! Broken Ha'.