PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jovan Dickons (ranked 2831 p4p, 2699 weight class) and Juha Niska (ranked 382 p4p, 363 weight class). Dickons kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Sidung. 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?

Dickons
vs
Niska

196 cm
22
205
4 - 6 - 0

193 cm
36
212
26 - 20 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class 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 4 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jovan Dickons!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 20 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Juha Niska!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Fujiwara, Taro Takaoka and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Niska clinches with his opponent.
Dickons tries for a takedown but Niska manages to get underhooks.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Niska.
Dickons is trying to pull guard but Niska turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Dickons is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jovan Dickons. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Dickons tries to score a body lock takedown but Niska shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Dickons changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Niska fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Dickons shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Niska counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Dickons misses with an uppercut.
Niska keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Dickons moves out of the way of the counter high kick fromNiska.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Dickons gets a double leg takedown into Niska's guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Niska holds on and takes a little breather.

Dickons drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Niska dives on top into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Dickons wants to sweep but no luck.
Dickons is trying to control the position from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Niska would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Dickons looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Niska stands and steps away. Dickons gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Dickons fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Good shot there by Niska.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Niska fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Dickons, pushing him back against the cage.
Dickons tries to score a body lock takedown but Niska shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Dickons can't get the takedown.
Dickons looking for a takedown.

Niska manages to break the clinch.

Dickons gets a double leg takedown into Niska's guard.
Niska is looking to stand up but Dickons isn't so interested in that idea.
Niska keeping moving, preventing Dickons from controlling successfully.
Dickons postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Niska is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Dickons is controlling him.

Niska has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Dickons is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niska lands an elbow inside.
Dickons is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Niska pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Niska.
Dickons changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Niska fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Dickons circles away from the clinch attempt.
Dickons gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Niska counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Niska lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Dickons fails to land the takedown.
Dickons with a poor takedown
and Dickons takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Niska turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Niska scores with a jab to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Niska.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Dickons.
Dickons will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Niska appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Dickons is breathing heavily.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Niska drives through and clinches with Dickons against the cage.
Dickons is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Niska pulls him back up using the underhooks.

Niska manages to break the clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Dickons or perhaps it was just good defense by Niska, which made it look bad.
Dickons chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Niska can pounce on him.
Jovan Dickons seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Dickons has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Niska finds it's way round the side to connect with Dickons's head.

Niska forces Dickons back against the cage and clinches.
Niska's coach down at Sparks gym was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Niska's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Niska'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.
Dickons tries for a takedown. No joy.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Juha Niska dominated that round.
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.

Dickons tries for a takedown but Niska circles away easily
and Niska connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

Niska forces Dickons back against the cage and clinches.
Niska lands a left hand that snaps the head of Dickons backwards.
Niska's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Niska lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Dickons goes for a takedown in the clinch but Niska prevents it.
Dickons drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Niska gets the underhooks and prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jovan Dickons. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Dickons has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Niska avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Dickons is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Niska gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Niska breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Niska has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Niska misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Dickons goes for a double leg but Niska avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Niska continues to drive forward.
Dickons is trying to drag Niska to the mat but Niska just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Dickons can't get the takedown.
Niska is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Dickons is defending well for now.
A shot in the inside from Niska.
Niska will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Dickons up against the cage.
Niska tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Dickons's elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Dickons tries for a takedown but Niska manages to get underhooks.
Dickons being controlled against the cage.

Niska manages to break the clinch.
Juha Niska seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Niska with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Dickons fails with the takedown.
Niska lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Dickons takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Dickons is trying hard to land a takedown here. Niska sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Niska closes the distance and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Dickons closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

Dickons is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Niska has managed to free his arm - good work.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Niska wants to control but Dickons is keeping busy and won't allow it.

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

Dickons is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Niska sees it coming and defends easily.
Niska is trying to stand.
Niska is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Niska works his way to full guard. Good work.

Niska pushes Dickons off and gets back to his feet.
Dickons shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Niska counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Niska connects with a crisp jab.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Niska swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Juha Niska is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A jab from Niska finds it's way through Dickons's defenses.
Dickons avoids the head kick by Niska.

Dickons closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Dickons trying to control the action but Niska is working from the bottom.
Juha Niska has got the better of the ground game so far.
Niska is looking to reverse the position.
Dickons tries to stand but Niska is controlling his head.

Dickons swings around for an armbar but Niska sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Dickons's guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Juha Niska showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Niska uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Dickons dives in for a single leg takedown but Niska sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Dickons is looking to take this one to the mat.
Niska stalls.

Niska breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Niska connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Niska - that will leave a mark!
Dickons blocks a head kick by Niska.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice sprawl there from Niska as Dickons shoots in.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jovan Dickons. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Dickons shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Niska manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Niska is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
Juha Niska seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Dickons looking to slow down the pace here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Niska's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Dickons misses with a straight left.
Niska is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Dickons with a body shot.
Dickons throws an off balance right hand
and Niska counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Dickons misses with a takedown
and Niska counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Niska misses with a takedown attempt - Dickons sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Dickons shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Niska sprawls well. Niska wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Dickons gets slowly back to his feet.
Dickons fails to land the takedown.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A shot to the liver by Niska. Beautiful body shot.
Dickons fails with a takedown attempt.
Dickons avoids the head kick by Niska.
Dickons with a poor takedown
and Niska cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Dickons takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Niska throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.

Niska moves into the clinch.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Niska breaks from the clinch.
Dickons shoots in looking for a takedown but Niska manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Dickons's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Niska looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Dickons feinted with a counter takedown.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niska throws a head kick that misses.
Niska is looking to clinch but Dickons is avoiding it.
Dickons tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Niska swivels and escapes.
Niska works over Dickons's head and body with a nice combination.
Dickons doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Niska counters with a straight right hand.
Dickons doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Niska counters with an outside leg kick.
Dickons takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Niska digs a good hook to Dickons's body.

Niska darts in and clinches Dickons up against the cage.

Niska breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Dickons takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Dickons misses with a takedown

and Niska counters by clinching up.

Niska escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Dickons steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Niska. That one must have hurt.
Niska scores with a jab. Dickons acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Dickons gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Niska counters with a stiff right hand.
Juha Niska is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Niska gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Niska's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Dickons fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Dickons throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Niska counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Dickons thinking.
Jovan Dickons has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Dickons stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Niska.

And that's the end of the fight!
Juha Niska comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Niska has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Shigeki Fujiwara scores the fight 26:30
Judge Taro Takaoka scores the fight 26:30
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Juha Niska!
In his post fight interview, Juha Niska started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.