Helsinki Fighting League: 24 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Cheyenne Rivera (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Amr Al As (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Amr Al As has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Rivera
vs
Al As

176 cm
25
180 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

185 cm
18
180 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Cheyenne Rivera!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Amr Al As!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Tarja Halkonen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al As looks to score with a jab to the body but Rivera is just out of range.
Al As jabs Rivera right on the nose. Rivera blinks but takes it well.
Al As throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Rivera stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Rivera shoots in looking for a takedown but Al As manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Rivera's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Rivera seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Rivera tries to clinch up.
Rivera takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Al As lands a nice shot that snaps Rivera's head back.
Al As looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al As moves out of range of the body kick.
Al As throws a hook but Rivera blocks it.
Al As throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Rivera is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Al As.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rivera just misses with a punch to the body.
It seemed like Al As was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

Al As gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Rivera to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Rivera looking to pass the guard.
Al As wants to sweep but no luck.
Rivera looking to pass the guard.
Rivera controls from within his opponent's guard.
Al As looking to hit a scissor sweep but Rivera is one step ahead there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rivera content to stall in guard here.
Al As really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Rivera. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Al As is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Rivera goes for a double leg but Al As avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Al As continues to drive forward.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good standup being displayed there by Al As as he connects with a hook.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Rivera.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Cheyenne Rivera. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Rivera tries to land a body kick
and Al As counters with a nice uppercut.
Al As has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Al As looks to throw the jab but Rivera is out of range.
Al As misses with a head kick.
Al As thows a leg kick but Rivera checks it

and Rivera counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rivera.
Rivera stops Al As from standing up.
Rivera passes into half guard.

Rivera is looking for a kimura but Al As is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Rivera to get the leverage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rivera is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Al As sees it coming and defends easily.
Rivera throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Rivera is looking to take a break and control but Al As is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Rivera wants to work for an arm triangle but Al As is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Rivera misses with a head shot. Al As uses the momentum to regain guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rivera engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Rivera thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Nice defenses there by Rivera.
Al As throws a leg kick but Rivera moved away.
As Al As looks to move away, Rivera throws a big counter combo but Al As just gets out of the way.
Al As scores with a shot to the body.
Rivera fails with the takedown
and Al As counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Rivera keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Al As.
Rivera wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al As misses with a hook. Rivera ducked under it nicely.
Al As throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Rivera sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Rivera looks to land a right hand but Al As moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al As scores with a jab. Rivera acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Rivera fails with an attempt to clinch.
Al As thows a leg kick but Rivera checks it

and Rivera counters with a takedown into side control.

Rivera tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Rivera has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Rivera thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Al As tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Rivera wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Rivera content to control the pace. The referee will try and keep them active though.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Rivera trying to control the position but Al As is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rivera tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.

Rivera is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Al As is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Rivera has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Al As!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rivera tries to control but Al As wriggling away.
Rivera wants to take his opponent's back but he's not managed it.
Rivera looking to ground and pound but Al As is blocking nicely.
Rivera looking to control and managing it successfully.
Al As is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Rivera is looking to work his way around to Al As's back. He needs to be careful though, as he's in danger of losing this dominant position.
Rivera throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.

Rivera moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Al As has worked his arm free - good work by Al As!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rivera controls the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rivera tries to score with some ground and pound. Al As controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Rivera is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Rivera'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.
Al As is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Rivera goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Al As has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Rivera but great work by Al As.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Rivera sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Rivera works his way to full guard. Good work.
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 Cheyenne Rivera will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Al As stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Al As wants it to stay on the feet.
Al As listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Al As tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Al As throws a leg kick but Rivera sees it coming and moves out of range.
Al As throws a body shot but no joy.
Al As misses with a hook.
It looked like Rivera was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Al As.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al As tries a head kick but it misses.
Al As lands a head kick. Rivera smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Al As throws a looping overhand right but Rivera ducks down to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rivera pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Al As connects with a solid leg kick.

Rivera is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Al As's half guard.
Rivera is trying to control the action in half guard but Al As is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Rivera controlling the action here.
Rivera not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Rivera is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Al As has managed to free his arm - good work.
Cheyenne Rivera overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Rivera is working for a submission of some sort.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Rivera is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Al As has managed to free his arm - good work.
Rivera works his way into side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rivera is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Al As knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Rivera trying to control the position but Al As is working away.
Rivera advances to mount.
Rivera fails to advance to Al As's back.
Rivera controlling from the full mount.

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.

Rivera has hold of an arm here, looking to extend it. He's committed to the armbar attempt here! Will he get it?! Yes! Al As is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:25 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Cheyenne Rivera!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
43%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Alexei Berdnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Edgar Savan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Edgar Savan struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 136.3lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Berdnikov
vs
Savan

168 cm
23
145 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
22
145 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Alexei Berdnikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Edgar Savan!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Berdnikov circles away from the clinch attempt.
Savan wants to clinch up but Berdnikov keeps it at a distance.
Berdnikov definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Savan tries to close the distance and clinch up but Berdnikov swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Berdnikov moves into range and clinches up with Savan.
Savan is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Berdnikov is defending well for now.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Berdnikov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savan is trying to stall.
Savan stalling in the clinch but Berdnikov improves position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Savan lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Berdnikov backwards.
Berdnikov being controlled against the cage.
Savan gets underhooks to prevent Berdnikov's takedown attempt.
Berdnikov tries to pull guard but Savan holds him up against the cage and eventually Berdnikov drops back down to his feet.
Savan looking to stall.
Savan stalling against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Edgar Savan.
Savan displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Berdnikov.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Alexei Berdnikov. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Berdnikov fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Savan, pushing him back against the cage.
Berdnikov is trying to pull guard but Savan turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Berdnikov is trying to force a seperation but Savan has the dominant position.
Savan stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Savan scores with a knee to the head.
Savan is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Berdnikov blocks a body shot from Savan.
Savan tries to land knees in the clinch but Berdnikov avoids the damage to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Savan manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
A left hand lands to the body for Savan.
Savan has Berdnikov pressed against the cage, preventing Berdnikov from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Savan using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Savan with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Berdnikov avoiding damage as Savan throws knees to the body.
Savan trying to stall but Berdnikov improves his position.
Berdnikov blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Berdnikov takes an elbow to the forehead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Savan is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Berdnikov being controlled against the cage.
Savan is trying to maintain a safe position but Berdnikov gets an underhook and turns Savan into the cage.
Savan stalling in the clinch but Berdnikov improves position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Edgar Savan.
The fight stays on the outside here - Savan looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Berdnikov was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
The fight stays on the outside here - Savan looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Berdnikov goes for a double leg but Savan avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Savan continues to drive forward.
Savan tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Berdnikov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A looping hook to the body misses from Berdnikov. Savan does a little dance to reset his feet.

Berdnikov has managed to clinch.
Savan has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Savan can't find room to land a body shot as Berdnikov controls the action.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Savan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Berdnikov holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Savan is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Berdnikov being controlled against the cage.
Savan stalls.
Berdnikov is trying to drag Savan to the mat but Savan just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Savan swings away with an uppercut that misses.

Berdnikov lands a takedown into guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Berdnikov forces his way into half guard.
Berdnikov trying to control the pace.
Savan wants to control but Berdnikov is keeping busy.
Berdnikov landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Berdnikov trying to control the pace.

Berdnikov is looking for a kimura but Savan is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Berdnikov to get the leverage.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Berdnikov slips a nice elbow through Savan's hands, connecting with Savan's forehead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Berdnikov is controlling the pace.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Berdnikov looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Berdnikov is pressing down on Savan's thigh, looking to free his foot. Savan is holding on for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Berdnikov looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Ground and pound from Berdnikov.

Berdnikov is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Berdnikov has hold of the far side arm. He's working for the Kimura, can Savan defend it? Berdnikov steps over the head and cranks it - Savan is tapping out! That was textbook stuff right there - nice submission victory for Berdnikov!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Alexei Berdnikov!
After winning the bout, Alexei Berdnikov thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
27%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Donnie Darko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gary Day (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Day has chosen Last minute - Great day to choke you out as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Darko
vs
Day

150 cm
21
150 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

178 cm
19
160 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Good knees
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

KnockOut
M.O. Fight Wear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Donnie Darko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Gary Day!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Anni Minnemäki and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Day lands with a good body shot.
Darko doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Day counters with a nice uppercut.
Day has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Darko is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Darko goes for a double leg but Day avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Day continues to drive forward.
Darko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Day's waist but Day gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Darko off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Donnie Darko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Day just misses with a punch to the body.

Day closes the distance and clinches.
Day lands with a short shot to the head.
Darko blocks a body shot from Day.
Darko has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Darko blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Darko landing knees to the body.
Darko misses with a knee to the head.
Day lands a body shot in the clinch.
Darko tries to work over Day's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Darko throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Day blocks it with crossed arms.

Day pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Darko shoots for a double leg takedown but Day sprawls well. He's pushed Darko's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
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!
Darko looks for a takedown but Day sprawls well.
Darko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Day.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Day throws a jab but it's blocked by Darko.
Day ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Darko moves away.
Day misses with a wild body shot.
A head kick misses from Day.
Darko shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Day sprawls well. Day wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Darko gets slowly back to his feet.
Day just misses with a punch to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Day misses the target.
Day connects with a body shot.
Gary Day is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Darko doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Day counters with a right hand to the body.

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

Day is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Darko pulls his head out easily.
Day is looking to control Darko's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Day avoid being mounted?
Day has a hand on Darko's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Darko takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Day gets back to half guard.
Darko trying to control from half guard but Day is working away.
Darko passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Day!
Day is looking to get to half guard.
Day tries to hold on but Darko pushes him away.
Day keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Day prevents Darko from taking his back.
Day keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Darko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Day is looking to escape.
Day keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Day throwing hammer fists to the chest of Darko. What's that going to do exactly?
Darko throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Day is flailing around like a fish out of water, trying to land strikes.
Darko throwing shots from mount but they're not landing.
Darko forces the positional change into back control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Darko is hanging on to Day's back as he tries to escape.
Day rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Day tries to roll over but Darko keeps him under control.
Darko thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

Day looking for submissions off his back.

Day is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Darko pulls his head out easily.
Darko uses his free foot to push down on Day's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Day.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Gary Day will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Darko shoots in but Day avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Darko wants to clinch.
Darko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Day throws out the jab.
Darko appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
A jab from Day misses.
Horrible takedown attempt by Darko or perhaps it was just good defense by Day, which made it look bad.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Day! But no joy.
Day throws a looping overhand right but Darko ducks down to avoid it.
Darko shoots in for a double leg but Day sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Donnie Darko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Day dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Darko. That did some damage!
Day is a very stocky fighter. Infact he's such a weird shape that he's almost like some sort of comedy character - it's hard to believe he's real.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Darko dives in for a single leg takedown but Day sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Darko fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Day avoids it really well and circles away.
Nice sprawl there from Day as Darko shoots in.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Darko tries to clinch but Day moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Day throws a head kick that half lands.

Day closes the distance and pushes Darko back into the cage.
Darko blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Day leaning his opponent against the cage.

Darko lands a takedown into guard.
Day has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

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

Day escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Darko gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Darko trying to control but Day is working from the bottom.
Day throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Darko stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Day swivels though and keeps the full guard.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Day is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Darko is aware though and is defending well.
Darko trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Darko avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Day looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Darko has picked Day up and slammed him! Day can't keep hold of the triangle and Darko manages to pass to side control!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
An elbow from Darko crashes against the mat.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Darko throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Day is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Darko wants to pass to mount but Day is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Day gets back to full guard.
Darko tries to free his leg and advance position but Day is retaining full guard.

Darko avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Darko throws a big elbow that misses.
Day being controlled here, momentarily.

Day working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Darko doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Darko manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Darko has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Day is proving hard to escape from.

That's four 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.
Darko trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Day keeping moving, preventing Darko from controlling successfully.
Darko tries to free his leg and advance position but Day is retaining full guard.

Darko avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Darko trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Day looking for a guillotine here but Darko defends easily.
Darko preventing the sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gary Day showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Darko has closed the distance and engaged Day in a clinch.

Day escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Darko manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Day on his heels. He'll look to pass Day's guard now, I'm sure.

Day is working an open guard so Darko takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Day tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Darko fails in his attempt to clinch.
Day is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.

Day closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Our sources have told us that Darko has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Day goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Day manages to break the clinch.
Day throws a sloppy head kick and Darko moves out of range easily.
Gary Day seems to be getting the better of the standup.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Darko.
Day stuffs the takedown attempt from Darko. Darko gets slowly back to his feet.
Darko blocks a jab.
Day waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Darko.
Darko fails with a takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Donnie Darko. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Day throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
The fight stays on the outside here - Day looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Darko has a takedown stuffed.
Day misses the shot to the body.
Darko shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Day defends it nicely.
A countering left hand to the body from Day misses.
Darko scores with a sloppy right hand. Day should have avoided that one.
Day looks to score with a jab to the body but Darko is just out of range.
Day slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Donnie Darko has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Darko tries to clinch there but Day circles away.
Horrible takedown attempt by Darko or perhaps it was just good defense by Day, which made it look bad.
Day misses with a head kick.
No luck for Darko with that takedown attempt.
Day moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Darko looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Darko doesn't manage to clinch there - Day circles away.
Day misses with a looping right.
Day moves into range and connects with a jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Day waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Darko.
Day scores with a jab to the body.

Darko decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Day actively working from the bottom here.
Darko tries to pass to full mount but Day defends it.

Day is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Darko pulls his head out easily.
Darko trying to pass the guard but Day defending well.
Gary Day is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Day avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Darko.
Day is looking to control Darko's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Day avoid being mounted?

Day is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Darko pulls his head out easily.
Darko blocks the strikes from Day.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Still in half guard, Darko seems content to control.
Darko blocks the strikes from Day.

Darko is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Day has managed to free his arm - good work.

Day is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Darko pulls his head out easily.
Darko missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Day tries to roll over but Darko keeps him under control.
Darko moves nicely into side control.

Darko tries for a kimura but Day is defending well.
Darko fails to land a wild elbow strike.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gary Day!
A victorious Gary Day thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Rod Raskolnikov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Manfred Von Richthoffen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Raskolnikov
vs
Von Richthoffen

173 cm
19
146 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

171 cm
18
147 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Decent wrestler
Decent elbows
KO power

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Rod Raskolnikov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Manfred Von Richthoffen!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Arvi Lind and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Raskolnikov rushes Von Richthoffen and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Raskolnikov.
Raskolnikov lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short left from Raskolnikov.
Raskolnikov lands a knee to the body.
Von Richthoffen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Raskolnikov working Von Richthoffen over with knees to the body.
Raskolnikov creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Von Richthoffen's defenses.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Raskolnikov utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Raskolnikov.
Knees in the clinch landing for Raskolnikov.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Raskolnikov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Von Richthoffen avoids it.
Raskolnikov crunches a lovely knee into Von Richthoffen's ribcage.
Raskolnikov has Von Richthoffen pressed against the cage.
Von Richthoffen wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Raskolnikov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Raskolnikov landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Von Richthoffen takes a shot to the head.
A frustrated look appears on Von Richthoffen's face as he tries to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Raskolnikov lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Von Richthoffen or not.
Von Richthoffen looks winded!
Raskolnikov working Von Richthoffen over with knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Raskolnikov.
Von Richthoffen can't break the clinch.
Von Richthoffen is trying to break the clinch but Raskolnikov is controlling him.
Raskolnikov landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Von Richthoffen has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Raskolnikov seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Von Richthoffen can turn it around.
Raskolnikov lands a nice elbow.
Von Richthoffen wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Raskolnikov slowing the pace effectively.
Raskolnikov lands a right hand that snaps the head of Von Richthoffen backwards.
Raskolnikov unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Raskolnikov unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Raskolnikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Von Richthoffen is looking to break free of the clinch but Raskolnikov has double underhooks.
Raskolnikov lands a knee to the body.
Raskolnikov working Von Richthoffen over with knees to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Raskolnikov lands with a right to the head.
Raskolnikov lands a nice knee to the body.
Von Richthoffen on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Von Richthoffen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Von Richthoffen tries to break free but Raskolnikov pushes him back against the cage.
Von Richthoffen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Raskolnikov lands a nice knee to the body.
Raskolnikov lands a nice knee to the body.
Raskolnikov with a knee to the head.
Raskolnikov lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Von Richthoffen takes an elbow to the forehead.
Raskolnikov lands an elbow that stopped Von Richthoffen in his tracks for a moment.
Raskolnikov with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Raskolnikov definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Raskolnikov tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Von Richthoffen avoids it.
Raskolnikov misses with a knee strike.
Raskolnikov landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Raskolnikov gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Von Richthoffen has had enough of the clinch but Raskolnikov keeps him there for the moment.
Raskolnikov trying to land knees to the body.
Von Richthoffen has had enough of the clinch but Raskolnikov keeps him there for the moment.
Knees in the clinch landing for Raskolnikov.
Von Richthoffen has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Von Richthoffen takes a knee right on the jaw!
Raskolnikov landing some nice looking knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Raskolnikov lands a left hand.
Raskolnikov keeps control of Von Richthoffen as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Von Richthoffen is trying to break the clinch but Raskolnikov has him pressed against the cage.
Raskolnikov scores with a knee to the head.
Von Richthoffen blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Von Richthoffen tries to circle away but Raskolnikov has him pinned against the cage.
Raskolnikov scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Raskolnikov using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Von Richthoffen has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Raskolnikov scores a nice knee to the body.
Von Richthoffen tries to circle away but Raskolnikov has him pinned against the cage.
Von Richthoffen can't break the clinch.
Raskolnikov lands an elbow just above Von Richthoffen 's eye.
Raskolnikov is struggling to control the position.
Von Richthoffen wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Raskolnikov avoiding damage.
Raskolnikov is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Von Richthoffen is defending well for now.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Raskolnikov creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Raskolnikov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Von Richthoffen.
Raskolnikov lands an elbow that stopped Von Richthoffen in his tracks for a moment.
Raskolnikov utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Von Richthoffen wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Raskolnikov throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Von Richthoffen blocks it with crossed arms.
Raskolnikov tries a body shot but Von Richthoffen blocks it.
A frustrated look appears on Von Richthoffen's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Von Richthoffen wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Von Richthoffen is trying to break free.
Raskolnikov lands a nice elbow.
Von Richthoffen tries to break the clinch but Raskolnikov is controlling the position.
Raskolnikov lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Von Richthoffen wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Raskolnikov lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Raskolnikov prevents Von Richthoffen from breaking the clinch.
Von Richthoffen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Raskolnikov lands with a short punch from the clinch.

Von Richthoffen is rocked!
Von Richthoffen working hard to break the clinch.
Von Richthoffen has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rod Raskolnikov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Raskolnikov throws an overhand right that lands on Von Richthoffen's shoulder, as Von Richthoffen tries to avoid the shot.
Von Richthoffen appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Von Richthoffen keeps the fight on the outside.

Raskolnikov gets a clinch.
Raskolnikov keeps control of Von Richthoffen as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Von Richthoffen tries to break the clinch but Raskolnikov is controlling the position.
Raskolnikov misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Von Richthoffen.
Raskolnikov keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Von Richthoffen's efforts to push away.
Raskolnikov keeps control of Von Richthoffen as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Raskolnikov scores with a shot to the side of Von Richthoffen's head.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Von Richthoffen is looking to break free of the clinch but Raskolnikov has double underhooks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Raskolnikov prevents Von Richthoffen from breaking the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Raskolnikov.
Raskolnikov lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Von Richthoffen backwards.
Raskolnikov tries to land knees in the clinch but Von Richthoffen avoids the damage to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Raskolnikov.
Raskolnikov digs a right hand underneath Von Richthoffen's ribcage. Von Richthoffen let out a lung full of air as it connected.

Von Richthoffen breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Raskolnikov lands a nice shot that snaps Von Richthoffen's head back.
Von Richthoffen is still on wobbly legs! Can Raskolnikov finish him?
Raskolnikov drops a shoulder and throws an uppercut that cracks Von Richthoffen right on the button. Von Richthoffen goes down! Raskolnikov follows him to the mat and finishes the job with more strikes! Raskolnikov gets the win via TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rod Raskolnikov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jon Axe (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ekber Hamzaoglu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ekber Hamzaoglu is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Axe
vs
Hamzaoglu

182 cm
18
183 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
165 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jon Axe!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ekber Hamzaoglu!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Axe clinches up against the cage.
Axe has a couple of punches blocked by Hamzaoglu.
Axe pushes Hamzaoglu back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Hamzaoglu has had enough of the clinch but Axe keeps him there for the moment.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Axe.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hamzaoglu.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hamzaoglu.
Axe lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Axe lands a nice uppercut.
Axe tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Hamzaoglu's elbow.
Still in the clinch, Axe scores with a nice short uppercut.
Axe blocks an uppercut.
Hamzaoglu is trying to push Axe away but Axe has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Hamzaoglu blocking some punches.
Axe throws a punch but it's blocked by Hamzaoglu.
Hamzaoglu misses with some punches.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Axe works on Hamzaoglu's body with a couple of short punches.
Axe definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Axe scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Axe lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Hamzaoglu stalling in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hamzaoglu throws a punch but it's blocked by Axe.
Hamzaoglu misses with some punches.
Axe lands with a left to the head.
Hamzaoglu blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Axe lands with a right to the head.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Axe lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Hamzaoglu or not.
Hamzaoglu wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Axe lands with a light punch inside.
Axe lands with a short head shot on the inside.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Hamzaoglu creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Hamzaoglu looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Axe misses with some punches.
Hamzaoglu working aggressively here.
Axe misses with some punches.
Axe scores with a shot to the side of Hamzaoglu's head.
A head punch on the inside from Axe fails to land.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Good body shot from Axe.
Hamzaoglu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axe lands with a left to the head.
Axe makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Axe lands an uppercut.
A body shot lands from Axe.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Hamzaoglu.
Axe lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hamzaoglu backwards.
Axe scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Axe lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Hamzaoglu backwards.
Axe lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hamzaoglu backwards.
Axe lands a right hand that snaps the head of Hamzaoglu backwards.
Axe lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Hamzaoglu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Axe working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Hamzaoglu stalling in the clinch but Axe improves position.
Hamzaoglu is trying to break the clinch but Axe is controlling him.
A frustrated look appears on Hamzaoglu's face as he tries to break the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Axe.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axe lands with a short shot to the head.
A shot in the inside from Axe.
Hamzaoglu misses with some punches.
Hamzaoglu working hard to break the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Hamzaoglu fails to land.
Hamzaoglu swings wildly with an uppercut but Axe uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hamzaoglu is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Axe is keeping busy.
Hamzaoglu fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Hamzaoglu misses with the head strike.
Axe lands with a short shot to the head.
Axe lands a left hand that snaps the head of Hamzaoglu backwards.
Axe misses with a hook to the ribs.
Axe lands with a short punch from the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hamzaoglu.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Axe lands a nice uppercut.

Hamzaoglu is rocked!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axe lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hamzaoglu is still on wobbly legs! Can Axe finish him?
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Axe lands a hook to the side of the head.
A shot in the inside from Axe.
Axe pushes Hamzaoglu against the cage. Axe is working some dirty boxing. Axe pushes off with a quick right hook! Hamzaoglu goes down! Hamzaoglu tries to stand but stumbles back to his kness! Axe moves in to finish and the ref steps in to prevent any more damage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:18 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jon Axe!
Jon Axe retains his welterweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Halfdan Ragnarsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luis Kasongo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Luis Kasongo is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Ragnarsson
vs
Kasongo

195 cm
27
210 lbs
11 - 3 - 0

188 cm
26
179 lbs
8 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Great elbows
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Halfdan Ragnarsson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Luis Kasongo!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Tarja Halkonen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kasongo throws a body shot but no joy.

Kasongo tries to keep at a distance but Ragnarsson has taken the fight into the clinch.
Knees in the clinch landing for Ragnarsson.
Kasongo looks winded!
Kasongo takes an elbow to the forehead.
Ragnarsson lands a nice knee to the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Ragnarsson obliges.
Ragnarsson landing some nice looking knees to the body.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Ragnarsson.
Ragnarsson lands with a short shot to the head.
Ragnarsson lands a nice elbow from 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!
Ragnarsson lands an elbow just above Kasongo 's eye.
A right handed body shot lands from Ragnarsson.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Ragnarsson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ragnarsson scores a nice knee to the body.
Ragnarsson lands an elbow just above Kasongo 's eye.
Ragnarsson creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Kasongo's defenses.
Nice elbow from Ragnarsson.
Ragnarsson lands an elbow inside.

Kasongo is rocked!
Ragnarsson creates a bit of space for himself and rocks Kasongo with a big uppercut! Kasongo tries to clinch up but Ragnarsson pushes him back against the cage and lands another monster strike that crumples Kasongo to the mat! Kasongo covers up and Ragnarsson unloads with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Halfdan Ragnarsson!
Halfdan Ragnarsson retains his light heavyweight title!
An out of breath Halfdan Ragnarsson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.