PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bjorn Svenson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenny Blankenship (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Blankenship's choice of entrance music: Dead Man's Party. Kenny Blankenship has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Svenson
vs
Blankenship

185 cm
22
201 lbs
9 - 3 - 1

186 cm
26
196 lbs
12 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Battalion Athletics

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bjorn Svenson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Kenny Blankenship!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Alexandre Firmino and Daniel Cesar.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Svenson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Svenson wants it to stay on the feet.
Blankenship avoids the body shot from Svenson.
Blankenship misses the jab.
Blankenship fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Svenson tries to clinch but Blankenship moves out of range.
Blankenship swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Svenson counters with a straight right hand.
A solid leg kick lands there for Svenson.
Blankenship tries a head kick but it misses.
Blankenship moves out of range of the body kick.
Blankenship looks to land a combination. Svenson sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.

Blankenship rushes Svenson and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Blankenship is trying to stall.
Svenson throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Blankenship takes a shot to the head.
Blankenship is trying to break the clinch but Svenson has him pressed against the cage.
Blankenship being controlled against the cage.
Blankenship wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Svenson has him pressed against the cage.
Svenson lands a right hand.
Blankenship looking to stall.
Blankenship scores with a shot to the side of Svenson's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Svenson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Blankenship or not.
Blankenship looks gassed!
Svenson lands a left hand.
Blankenship tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Svenson smiles and moves away.
Bjorn Svenson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Blankenship.
Svenson punishes Blankenship's body with a nice straight punch.
Svenson scores with a punch to the head.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Svenson lands with a hook. Blankenship tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Svenson throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Blankenship sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Blankenship gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Svenson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Svenson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Blankenship's head backwards.
Svenson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Svenson misses with a double jab.
Blankenship fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Blankenship takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nice uppercut lands for Svenson. That snapped Blankenship's head back.
Bjorn Svenson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Blankenship tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Svenson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Svenson lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Blankenship circles away quickly and effectively.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Svenson misses with a two punch combination.
Blankenship wants to clinch but Svenson slips to the side
and Svenson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Svenson lands with a hook. Blankenship tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

Svenson rushes Blankenship and presses him up against the cage.
Blankenship has Svenson pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Svenson manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Svenson scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Svenson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Svenson prevents Blankenship from breaking the clinch.
A shot in the inside from Svenson.
Nice body punch from Svenson.
A shot in the inside from Svenson.
Svenson lands a right hand.
Svenson lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Svenson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Blankenship looking to slow down the pace here.
Blankenship misses with a punch to the body.
Blankenship misses with a body punch.
Svenson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Nice body punch from Svenson.
Svenson lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Svenson as the two fighters clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Svenson lands an uppercut.
Svenson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Blankenship takes a shot to the head.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Nice body punch from Svenson - that landed with a thud.
Nice body punch from Svenson.
A nice left hand lands by Svenson.
Svenson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Blankenship backwards.
Blankenship is trying to stall.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Svenson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Blankenship.
Svenson lands with a right to the head.
Svenson digs a right hand into Blankenship's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Blankenship's gas tank.
Svenson gets through Blankenship's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Svenson lands an uppercut.
Svenson avoiding damage as Blankenship throws knees to the body.
Svenson slowing the pace effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Svenson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Blankenship backwards.
A bit of stalling here from Svenson.
Svenson is working Blankenship over against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Svenson.
Svenson digs a right hand into Blankenship's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Blankenship's gas tank.
A left hand lands to the body for Svenson.
Svenson will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Blankenship up against the cage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Svenson scores with a hook to the body.
Blankenship being controlled against the cage.
Svenson digs a right hand into Blankenship's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Blankenship's gas tank.
Blankenship throws a punch but it's blocked by Svenson.
A shot in the inside from Svenson.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A short right hand to the side of the head by Svenson.
Svenson blocking some punches.
Svenson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Blankenships head.
Svenson lands with a left to the head.
Blankenship tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bjorn Svenson dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Svenson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Blankenship backwards.
A right handed body shot lands from Blankenship.

Blankenship breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Blankenship cracks Svenson with a right hand to the side of the head.
Blankenship walks into a jab.
Bjorn Svenson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Blankenship fails with a takedown attempt.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Blankenship misses with a double jab.
Svenson looks to score with a jab to the body but Blankenship is just out of range.
Svenson swats away the attempt to clinch by Blankenship.
Blankenship takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Svenson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Blankenship wants to clinch.
Blankenship chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Svenson can pounce on him.
Svenson is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Svenson gets a clinch.
Svenson scores with a shot to the side of Blankenship's head.
Svenson stops a takedown attempt from Blankenship.
Svenson digs a right hand into Blankenship's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Blankenship's gas tank.
Svenson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Bjorn Svenson has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Svenson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Blankenship can't break the clinch.
Svenson lands a body punch in the clinch.
A short right from Svenson on the inside.
Svenson is working Blankenship over against the cage.
Svenson lands a right hand that snaps the head of Blankenship backwards.
Svenson lands with a left to the head.
Svenson prevents a body shot from Blankenship.
Good body shot from Svenson.
Blankenship is trying to stall.
Svenson lands a hook to the side of the head.
Svenson is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Blankenship wants to get back to striking at distance but Svenson won't allow it.
A short right from Svenson.
Blankenship working hard to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Svenson lands with a right to the head.
Svenson digs a right hand into Blankenship's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Blankenship's gas tank.
Svenson lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Svenson.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Svenson lands with a left to the head.
Svenson will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Blankenship up against the cage.
Svenson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Blankenship can do to turn this around?
Svenson scores with a shot to the side of Blankenship's head.
Svenson gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Blankenship.
Bjorn Svenson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Blankenship.
Svenson pushes Blankenship back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Svenson stalling.
Svenson lands a body punch in the clinch.
Svenson throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Blankenships head.
Blankenship swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Svenson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Blankenship.
A frustrated look appears on Blankenship's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Blankenship is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Svenson pushes Blankenship back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Svenson on the inside.
Svenson just leaning against Blankenship, taking a breather.
Svenson digs a right hand underneath Blankenship's ribcage. Blankenship let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Svenson on the inside.
Svenson presses Blankenship against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A body shot lands from Svenson.
Svenson lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Blankenship or not.
A short right from Svenson.
Svenson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Blankenship.
Svenson lands a right hand.
Svenson scores with a hook to the body.
Svenson lands a shoulder strike.
Svenson lands a body punch.
Blankenship working hard to break the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Svenson.
Svenson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Svenson lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Svenson keeps control of Blankenship as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Svenson avoiding damage.
Blankenship wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Svenson lands a shot to the body.
Svenson lands a nice uppercut.
Blankenship drops down looking for an ankle pick but Svenson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Blankenship misses with a hook. Svenson ducked under it nicely.
Blankenship avoids a kick to the body.
Svenson connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Svenson throws a body kick that misses.
Blankenship lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.

Blankenship gets the takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Blankenship tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Blankenship has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Svenson wants to get back to his feet but Blankenship drags him back down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bjorn Svenson dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Blankenship fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Svenson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Blankenship throws a front kick aimed at Svenson's knee but Svenson avoids it well.
Blankenship dives in and grabs Svenson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Svenson pushes down on Blankenship's head and hops out.
Svenson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Blankenship doesn't seem bothered though.
Blankenship throws a right and a left that Svenson avoids nicely.
Svenson's corner calls for a 1,2 combination and Svenson duly obliges.
Svenson lands a nice looking body shot.
Svenson throws a leg kick which misses Blankenship's front leg but catches the back leg as Blankenship tries to avoid it.
Svenson connects with a jab.
Blankenship takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Svenson looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Blankenship lands with a shot to the body.
Svenson throws a right hand that Blankenship ducks under and follows up with a left that Blankenship also avoids with ease.
Blankenship digs a good hook to Svenson's body.
Bjorn Svenson is winning the standup battle so far.
Svenson dodges the punch combination from Blankenship.
Blankenship dives in and grabs Svenson's left leg, looking for a takedown. Svenson pushes down on Blankenship's head and hops out.
Blankenship falls off balance throwing a combination

and Svenson counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Svenson is leaning against Blankenship and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Blankenship is trying to break the clinch but Svenson is controlling him.
Svenson is working Blankenship over against the cage.
Blankenship has had enough of the clinch but Svenson keeps him there for the moment.
A right hand to the body from Svenson.
A short right from Svenson on the inside.
Svenson is stalling here.
Svenson lands a nice uppercut.
Svenson has a couple of punches blocked by Blankenship.

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

Svenson clinches with his opponent.
Svenson works on Blankenship's body with a couple of short punches.
Blankenship can't break the clinch.

Blankenship decides to pull guard.
Blankenship controls Svenson momentarily but Svenson frees himself.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blankenship tries to clinch
and Svenson counters with a stiff right hand.
Blankenship is the more experienced fighter here and he's going to need to draw on some of that experience if he's going to pull this one out the bag.
Blankenship shoots in for a takedown but Svenson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Bjorn Svenson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Blankenship.
Svenson tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Blankenship paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Svenson lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Blankenship misses with a straight left.
A punch combination from Svenson misses.
Blankenship throws a series of punches but Svenson moves out of range.
Svenson stuffs the takedown.
Svenson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Blankenship manages to avoid it.
Svenson doesn't manage to clinch there - Blankenship circles away.
Blankenship misses with a jab, cross combination.
Svenson scores with a nice head shot.
Svenson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Blankenship manages to avoid it.
Svenson moves out of range of the body kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Blankenship. Svenson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Svenson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Blankenship looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
A slow jab from Svenson misses its intended target.
Blankenship tries to clinch up but Svenson circles away and keeps his distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Svenson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Blankenship, pushing him back against the cage.
Svenson looking to slow down the pace here.
Svenson swings wildly with an uppercut but Blankenship uses good head movement to avoid it.
Svenson keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Blankenship's efforts to push away.
Svenson is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.

Blankenship has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Svenson is trying to keep an underhook but Blankenship manages to get the takedown into half guard.

Blankenship is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Svenson on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Blankenship sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Svenson defending well though.
Svenson is refusing to be controlled, as Blankenship sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Svenson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Blankenship.

Svenson makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Kenny Blankenship has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Blankenship throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Blankenship throws a jab but it's blocked by Svenson.
Svenson misses with a hook. Blankenship ducked under it nicely.
Blankenship uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Svenson.
Svenson stuffs the takedown.

Svenson forces Blankenship back against the cage and clinches.
Come on Svenson - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Svenson is working Blankenship over against the cage.
Svenson lands a body punch.
Blankenship throws a head punch that misses.
Blankenship misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Svenson blocks a body shot from Blankenship.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bjorn Svenson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Svenson, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight for Bjorn Svenson!
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight for Bjorn Svenson!
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight for Bjorn Svenson!

Bjorn Svenson wins by unanimous decision!