PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kebab Nurminen (ranked 45 p4p, 119 weight class) and Grey Ape (ranked 8 p4p, 17 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Nurminen
vs
Ape

180 cm
34
177
21 - 13 - 0

185 cm
28
177
17 - 5 - 1

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Voodoo Nutrition
Conquer

Brooklyn Threads
Paddy's Enhancing Drugs (160Q)

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 21 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kebab Nurminen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Grey Ape!
The judges for this bout are James Atkins, Paul Tew and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nurminen misses with a looping left.
Ape connects with a good right hand that stumbles Nurminen. Nurminen circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nurminen jabs Ape right on the nose. Ape blinks but takes it well.
Nurminen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nurminen connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Ape momentarily.

Nurminen tries to keep at a distance but Ape has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ape with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Ape throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Nurminen blocks it with crossed arms.
Ape trying to land knees to the body.
Ape is pushing Nurminen up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Ape lands a right hand.
Nurminen tries to throw a body punch but Ape avoids it by throwing Nurminen back against the cage.
Nurminen tries to score a body lock takedown but Ape shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Nurminen goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Nurminen managing to block the knees to the body from Ape.
Ape lands a good knee to the midsection. Nurminen won't want to take too many of those.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ape is working Nurminen over against the cage.
Nurminen misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ape tries a knee to the head but Nurminen blocks it.
Nurminen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Ape obliges.
Knees to the body from Ape.
Nurminen blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Ape using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Nurminen has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Nurminen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nurminen lands a shoulder strike.
Ape stalling in the clinch but Nurminen improves position.
Nurminen lands a body punch.
Nurminen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Ape blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nurminen letting Ape take a breather here.
Ape's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Nurminen tries a body shot but Ape blocks it.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ape.
Nurminen blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Nurminen definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Nurminen looking for a takedown.
Nurminen goes for a takedown attempt but Ape pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kebab Nurminen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nurminen fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Ape throws a head kick that misses
and Ape takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Ape has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Nurminen bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Nurminen cracks Ape with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Ape fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Nurminen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

Ape has closed the distance and engaged Nurminen in a clinch.
Ape looking to throw knees to the head but Nurminen is blocking nicely.

Nurminen manages to break the clinch.
Nurminen takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ape defending well as Nurminen loads up on a big left hand.
Grey Ape is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Nurminen shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Ape is trying to defend but Nurminen finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Nurminen working over Ape with some ground and pound. Ape looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen is trying to control. Ape wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Ape is trying to stand up here but Nurminen is controlling him well.
Ape keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ape wants to get back to his feet.
Nurminen lands strikes from half guard.
Ape is looking to improve his position.
Ape is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nurminen landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Nurminen is thwarting Ape's attempts to control the position.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Ape is looking for a sweep. Nurminen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ape avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurminen.
Nurminen trying to control the action but Ape is working from the bottom.
Ape wants to improve his position but Nurminen is controlling well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nurminen thows a huge punch but Ape dodges it nicely.
Ape is staying active underneath Nurminen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Nice strikes from Nurminen there.
Nurminen missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Ape keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Nurminen is trying to control the action in half guard but Ape is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Nurminen sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Ape defending well though.
Ape is not content to let Nurminen control the position.
Nurminen looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Kebab Nurminen will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Nurminen with a poor takedown
and Ape counters with a thumping low kick.
Nurminen misses with a straight right.
Nice defenses there by Nurminen.
Nice defenses there by Nurminen.
Nurminen avoids the head kick by Ape.
Ape moves out of range of the strikes.
Nurminen misses the jab.
Ape fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nurminen manages to avoid it.
Kebab Nurminen is winning the standup battle so far.
Ape with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Nurminen throws a looping overhand right but Ape ducks down to avoid it.
Ape checks a leg kick.
Ape scoring well with a low kick there.
Nurminen misses with a hook. Ape ducked under it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nurminen takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Ape takes the fight into the clinch.
Ape misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Nurminen.
Ape tries to land knees in the clinch but Nurminen avoids the damage to the body.
Nurminen misses with a body punch.
Grey Ape seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ape looking to throw knees to the head but Nurminen is blocking nicely.
Ape missing with knees to the body.
Nurminen lands with a light punch inside.
Ape lands a knee to the body.
Ape stalling.
Ape trying to land knees to the body.
Nurminen tries to throw a body punch but Ape avoids it by throwing Nurminen back against the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Ape.
Ape is trying to maintain a safe position but Nurminen gets an underhook and turns Ape into the cage.
Ape tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Ape taking a breather.
Nurminen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ape fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Ape lands a nice leg kick that just misses Nurminen's sensitive parts.
Nurminen misses with a looping left.
Ape misses with a wild body shot.
Nurminen misses with a body shot.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Ape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ape lands a nice leg kick that just misses Nurminen's sensitive parts.
Nurminen is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Nurminen connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nurminen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Nurminen's jab looks to have found its range, popping Ape under the eye.
A leg kick checked by Nurminen.
Ape throws a solid leg kick but Nurminen takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Ape.
Nurminen throws a low kick, looking for Ape's leg but Ape calmly moves out of range.
Nurminen ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ape moves away.
Nurminen looks to throw the jab but Ape is out of range.
Nurminen throws a nice inside leg kick.
A solid body kick from Ape.
Ape misses with a low kick.
Nurminen keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Ape uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nurminen.
Nurminen tries for a takedown but Ape sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kebab Nurminen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurminen tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Ape misses with a low kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ape comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Nurminen blocks a leg kick.
Ape tries to score with a low kick but Nurminen moves his leg out of the way.
Nurminen connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Ape's hands.
Nurminen punishes Ape's body with a nice straight punch.
Ape throws the left hand but Nurminen avoids the punch easily.
Nurminen scores with a sloppy right hand. Ape should have avoided that one.
No luck for Nurminen with that takedown attempt.
Nurminen misses with a low kick.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ape.
Ape defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Nurminen.

Ape gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Ape stops a takedown attempt from Nurminen.
Ape has Nurminen pushed against the cage.
Ape is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nurminen is defending well for now.
Nurminen is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ape gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ape misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nurminen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ape fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Ape punishes Nurminen's body with a nice straight punch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ape connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.

Ape closes the distance and clinches.
Nurminen working aggressively here.
Ape is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nurminen is defending well for now.
A hook to the body from Nurminen.

Nurminen has clasped his hands together around Ape's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.
Nurminen is chipping away with strikes.
Ape struggling a bit here.
Ape is working to avoid the ground and pound but Nurminen connects with a decent elbow.
Nurminen cracks Ape with a big right hand but Ape just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Grey Ape showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Nurminen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Nurminen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nurminen swings widly with a right hand
and Ape counters with a solid body kick.
Ape takes one to the side of the head.

Ape clinches up with Nurminen and pushes him back against the cage.
Ape tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Nurminen avoids it.
Ape lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Nurminen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Ape backwards.
Nurminen is leaning against Ape and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Ape misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Nurminen tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Ape's elbow.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nurminen.
Ape tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ape lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Nurminen or not.
A knee to the head by Ape.
Ape trying to land knees to the body.
Nurminen goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ape prevents it.
Ape using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Nurminen has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurminen is working for takedown but Ape is calmly controlling the position for now.
Nurminen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Apes head.
Nurminen avoiding damage as Ape throws knees to the body.
Nurminen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ape throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Nurminen blocks it with crossed arms.
Nurminen misses with a body punch.
Nurminen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Nurminen goes for a takedown attempt but Ape pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kebab Nurminen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurminen lands a jab to the nose.

Ape closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Nurminen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Nurminen misses with a hook to the ribs.
Ape throws a knee to the head but misses.
Ape tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Nurminen avoids it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ape lands a good knee to the midsection. Nurminen won't want to take too many of those.
Nurminen is working for takedown but Ape is calmly controlling the position for now.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ape is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Nurminen throws a punch but it's blocked by Ape.
Ape is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ape is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nurminen is defending well for now.
Nurminen lands a nice shot to the body.
Nurminen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Nurminen drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Nurminen goes for a takedown in the clinch but Ape prevents it.
Nurminen is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Nurminen managing to block the knees to the body from Ape.
Ape trying to land knees to the body.
Nurminen is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Ape throws a punch but it's blocked by Nurminen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen looking for a takedown.
Ape tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Nurminen works on Ape's body with a couple of short punches.
Ape prevents a body shot from Nurminen.
Nurminen has a couple of punches blocked by Ape.
Nurminen lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ape utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Nurminen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Nurminen lands a left hand that snaps the head of Ape backwards.
Nurminen is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ape gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nurminen scores with a shot to the side of Ape's head.
Nurminen managing to block the knees to the body from Ape.
Ape stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Ape is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Nurminen looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen throws a punch but it's blocked by Ape.
Nurminen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Ape trying to control the position but instead, Nurminen has worked for underhooks and has pushed Ape into the cage.
Ape landing knees to the body.
Nurminen can't find room to land a body shot as Ape controls the action.
Ape stops a takedown attempt from Nurminen.
Nurminen lands a left hand.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ape landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Ape goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ape utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Ape taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Nurminen fails to land.
Ape blocking some punches.
Nurminen swings wildly with an uppercut but Ape uses good head movement to avoid it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Grey Ape just about did enough to take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Jab by Ape.
Nurminen checks a low kick from Ape.
Ape misses with the combination.
A little feinted left hand from Nurminen on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.

Nurminen drives through with a takedown into guard.
Nurminen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Nurminen content to stall in guard here.
Nurminen working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ape is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Ape working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Nurminen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurminen chips away with some ground and pound.
Nurminen throwing strikes but missing.
Nurminen content to stall in guard here.
Ape utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Nurminen 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.
Ape is trying to control the position but Nurminen postures up.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Nurminen is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Nurminen makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Nurminen postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ape has momentary wrist control but Nurminen slips an elbow through the middle.
Ape looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nurminen is one step ahead there.

Ape pushes Nurminen off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

Ape closes the distance and clinches.
Nurminen lands with a light punch inside.
Nurminen gets through Ape's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Ape using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Nurminen has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Nurminen lands with a short shot to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Nurminen tries a body shot but Ape blocks it.
Nurminen lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Nice body punch from Nurminen.
Nurminen avoiding damage as Ape throws knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Nurminen pushes Ape back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Ape is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Nurminen digs a right hand into Ape's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Ape's gas tank.
Ape with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Ape scores with a knee to the head.
Nice body punch from Nurminen.
Nurminen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Ape fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Nurminen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Ape on the side of the head.
Nurminen misses with a hook
and Ape counters with a leg kick.
Nurminen misses with a straight right.
Nurminen tries to score with a low kick but Ape moves his leg out of the way.
Ape blocks a jab.

Ape has closed the distance and engaged Nurminen in a clinch.
Ape is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Nurminen is defending well for now.
Nurminen has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ape after a bit of a struggle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ape tries to stall but Nurminen uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
A body shot lands from Nurminen.
Ape is pressed up against the cage. Nurminen has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ape down to the mat. Ape avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kebab Nurminen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ape checks a low kick from Nurminen.
Nurminen lands with a straight right. Ape didn't see that one coming.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ape is looking to chop away at Nurminen's legs.

Ape takes the fight into the clinch.
Ape tries to land a knee to the head but Nurminen blocks with his arms.
Ape tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Nurminen avoids it.
Nurminen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Nurminen throws a head punch that misses.
Ape tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Nurminen avoids it.
Nurminen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ape takes a shot to the head.
Ape landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Ape lands a good knee to the midsection. Nurminen won't want to take too many of those.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Kebab Nurminen will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Ape throws the kick towards the body but Nurminen avoids it.
Nurminen wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
A solid leg kick lands there for Ape.
Ape getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Ape takes a swing at Nurminen's ribcage but misses.
Nurminen waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ape.
A swing and a miss from Ape.
Ape chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ape throws a head kick that Nurminen semi-blocks.
Nurminen misses with a hook.
It seemed like Ape was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Nurminen misses the shot to the body.
Nurminen lands with an uppercut that bounces Ape off the cage and back into range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ape misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A quick step to the side and Nurminen tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nurminen missing with a left hand there. Ape was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ape is looking to slow Nurminen down with leg kicks.
Nurminen with a nice cross.
Nurminen lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nurminen fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ape avoids it really well and circles away.
Ape only half commits to the counter leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nurminen thuds a left hand into Ape's body.
Nurminen slips a straight right by Ape.
Nurminen checks a leg kick nicely.
Nurminen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ape loads up on a big right hand but Nurminen slips the punch.

Nurminen gets a takedown into half guard.

Ape kicks off Nurminen and gets to his feet.
Ape buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Nurminen misses with an uppercut
and Ape counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ape's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Nurminen connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Ape scrambles back to his feet.
Nurminen fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Ape steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Nurminen.
Nurminen backing away here, and Ape unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Ape sizes up Nurminen with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Ape walks into a stiff left hand from Nurminen.
Nurminen misses with a hook. Ape ducked under it nicely.
Nurminen takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Ape looks to land a right hand but Nurminen moved out of range.
Nurminen doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Nurminen lets loose with a powerful body kick. Ape will feel that in the morning.
Ape fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Nurminen.
A solid leg kick lands there for Ape.
Nurminen looks to score with a jab to the body but Ape is just out of range.
Ape uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nurminen.
Ape misses with an uppercut. Nurminen saw that one coming.
Ape takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.

Nurminen closes the distance and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen scores with a shot to the side of Ape's head.
Ape stalls.
Nurminen has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ape is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Nurminen is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Nurminen misses with a body punch.
Nurminen lands with a left to the head.
Nurminen has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Ape is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kebab Nurminen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nurminen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Ape backwards.

Nurminen gets a trip takedown into half guard.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Nurminen thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Ape's head.
Nurminen thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Ape's head.
Ape avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Nurminen.
Nurminen is keen to just control but Ape is a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nurminen throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Nurminen not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Nurminen trying to control from Ape's half guard. Ape has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Ape is pulling down on Nurminen's head to control his posture.
Ape is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Ape is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Nurminen won't allow Ape to sweep him here.
Ape not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Nurminen is looking to work some ground and pound but Ape has wrist control.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Kebab Nurminen.
I think Nurminen 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 48:48
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 47:49
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 48:47

The fight is ruled a draw!
Kebab Nurminen retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!