PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Wanderlei Machida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sauli Niinisto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Machida's entrance music is Concrete Schoolyard. A fine choice. Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Machida
vs
Niinisto

185 cm
23
184 lbs
9 - 6 - 0

190 cm
22
178 lbs
9 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Good elbows
Granite chin

Fight Club Clothing™
Fight Club Clothing™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Wanderlei Machida!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Sauli Niinisto!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Sergei Dronov and Viktor Lagutenko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Machida fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Machida throws a leg kick
and Niinisto cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Niinisto stuffs the takedown.
Machida shoots in looking for a takedown but Niinisto manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Machida's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderlei Machida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Niinisto throws a sloppy head kick and Machida moves out of range easily.
Machida fails with a takedown attempt.
Some bone on bone action there as Machida checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Niinisto is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machida misses with a takedown attempt - Niinisto sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Niinisto motions for Machida to come forward. Niinisto throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Niinisto throws the kick towards the body but Machida avoids it.
Machida checks the leg kick.
Machida throws a big shot that misses.
A low kick from Machida misses
and Niinisto counters with an inside leg kick.
Machida shoots for a double leg takedown but Niinisto sprawls well. He's pushed Machida's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Machida on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Niinisto. Niinisto obviously looking to wear him down.
Sauli Niinisto is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Machida changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Niinisto tries to avoid it but Machida manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Niinisto to the ground. Niinisto escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Machida throws a body punch but Niinisto moves out of range.
Niinisto throws a low kick but it's checked well by Machida.
Niinisto throws a leg kick but Machida sees it coming and moves out of range.
A chopping leg kick lands by Niinisto.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A leg kick checked by Machida.

Niinisto moves into the clinch.

Machida has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Niinisto regains guard immediately.
Niinisto looking for a sweep. Not yet Niinisto, not yet.
Niinisto keeping moving, preventing Machida from controlling successfully.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto seems keen to control Machida's posture.
Machida is stalling in the full guard.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Niinisto attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Nice sprawl there from Niinisto as Machida shoots in.
Horrible takedown by Machida or perhaps it was just good defense by Niinisto which made him look bad.
Niinisto connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.

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.
Machida closes this distance looking for a takedown but Niinisto circles away.
A good leg kick by Niinisto.
Machida will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Niinisto slaps away a takedown attempt from Machida, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Machida is breathing heavily.
Niinisto connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Machida momentarily.
Niinisto walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Machida checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Machida keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Niinisto.
Machida closes the distance and clinches up with Niinisto, looking for a takedown. Machida pushes Niinisto against the cage but Niinisto circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Machida gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Niinisto counters with a nice low kick that buckles Machida's knee momentarily.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Machida fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Niinisto avoids it really well and circles away.
Niinisto throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Niinisto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Niinisto misses with a body shot.
Niinisto scoring well with a low kick there.
Niinisto connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Machida shoots in looking for a takedown. Niinisto tries to sprawl out of it but Machida keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Niinisto manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Machida shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Machida throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Niinisto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Good leg kick by Niinisto there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Niinisto tries a low kick but Machida avoids it.
Niinisto throws a sloppy head kick and Machida moves out of range easily.
Machida takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Machida shoots in for a takedown but Niinisto shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Niinisto moves into range and clinches up with Machida.
Machida blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Machida avoids the elbow strike from Niinisto, against the cage.
Machida tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Niinisto just stands there and leans against the cage.
Machida blocks the elbow strike.
Machida is trying to drag Niinisto to the mat but Niinisto just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Machida looking for a takedown.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Niinisto is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Machida is defending well for now.
Machida fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Machida fails to pull guard.
Machida takes an elbow to the temple.
Machida tries to pull guard but Niinisto holds him up against the cage and eventually Machida drops back down to his feet.
Machida tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Niinisto smiles and moves away.
Machida checks a leg kick.
Niinisto tries to land a leg kick but Machida saw it coming and moves away.
Niinisto throws a leg kick but Machida sees it coming and moves out of range.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Niinisto throws a head kick that misses.

Niinisto rushes Machida and presses him up against the cage.
Niinisto comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Niinisto working Machida over with knees to the body.
Machida tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Niinisto throws an elbow that misses.
Niinisto lands a knee to the body.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Niinisto landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.

It looks like Wanderlei Machida has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Niinisto lands a nice knee to the body.
Niinisto landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
The referee is keeping an eye on Niinisto - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Niinisto unloads a knee to the mid-section. Machida lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Niinisto lands a damaging elbow.
Niinisto lands an elbow that stopped Machida in his tracks for a moment.
Niinisto lands a good knee to the midsection. Machida won't want to take too many of those.
Nice elbow from Niinisto.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Machida up against the cage.
Machida is trying to drag Niinisto to the mat but Niinisto just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Niinisto lands a damaging elbow.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.
Niinisto lands an elbow that stopped Machida in his tracks for a moment.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Knees to the body from Niinisto.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Niinisto creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Niinisto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside that Machida shrugs off.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Niinisto.
Niinisto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Machida managing to block the knees to the body from Niinisto.
Machida tries to pull guard but Niinisto won't allow it.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Machida tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Niinisto just stands there and leans against the cage.
Niinisto pushes off an throws an elbow but Machida leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Niinisto lands a good knee to the midsection. Machida won't want to take too many of those.
Niinisto is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Machida is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Niinisto pulls him back up using the underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sauli Niinisto dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Wanderlei Machida's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Machida tries to keep at a distance but Niinisto has taken the fight into the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Niinisto.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Machida takes an elbow to the temple.
Niinisto trying to control the position but instead, Machida has worked for underhooks and has pushed Niinisto into the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Niinisto.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.

Machida tightens his grip and picks Niinisto up, before dumping him to the ground. Niinisto manages to land in guard.
Niinisto managing to control the position.
Machida postures up in Niinisto's guard and throws a big left but Niinisto blocks it.
Niinisto is controlling Machida's posture.
Machida wants to control from the top but Niinisto keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Machida works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Machida seems to be looking for submissions.
Niinisto is trying to control but can't.
Machida trying to pass the guard but Niinisto defending well.
Machida moves into full mount! Niinisto won't be happy about that!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Machida pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Niinisto is squirming around, avoiding Machida's attempts to control the action.
Machida tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

Machida is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Niinisto to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Niinisto shrugs it off.
Machida controlling from mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto is desperately trying to improve his position but Machida has a good base and remains in mount.
Machida tries to control but Niinisto wriggling away.
Machida throws some wild stikes that Niinisto manages to avoid easily.
Niinisto is in all sorts of trouble here.
Machida wants to control the pace but Niinisto is squirming around nicely.
Niinisto tries to hold on but Machida postures up.

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.
Niinisto is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Niinisto is squirming around, avoiding Machida's attempts to control the action.
Niinisto is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Machida lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Niinisto hang on?

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Machida wants to take Niinisto's back but he can't do it this time.
Niinisto is squirming around, avoiding Machida's attempts to control the action.
Machida unloads with some shots from mount but Niinisto bucks and avoids them well.
Machida wants to take his opponent's back but Niinisto doesn't allow it.
Niinisto's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.

Machida jumps to the side looking to secure the arm triangle…. Ooooh, that looks tight… Niinisto is gargling but he's managed to escape! Nice work there by Niinisto and Machida has given up the dominant position trying to land that submission.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Machida with the ground and pound but Niinisto regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Machida seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Niinisto does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Niinisto trying to control from the bottom.
Machida is looking to take a break and control but Niinisto is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Niinisto avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Machida.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto wants to get back to his feet.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Niinisto is staying active underneath Machida, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Machida wants to pass the guard but Niinisto is defending well.
Machida trying to control from half guard but Niinisto is working away.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Wanderlei Machida wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Nice sprawl there from Niinisto as Machida shoots in.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Machida has a takedown stuffed.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Machida shoots in but Niinisto avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderlei Machida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head kick from Niinisto lands but Machida takes it in his stride.
Wanderlei Machida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A low kick from Niinisto is predictable there
and Machida counters with a nice uppercut.
Machida misses with a kick to the body
and Niinisto counters with a straight right hand.
Machida moves out of range of the body kick.
Niinisto tries to close the distance and clinch but Machida swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Machida throws a right hand that misses
and Niinisto counters with an inside leg kick.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Niinisto stuffs the takedown attempt from Machida. Machida gets slowly back to his feet.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Niinisto, as that shot connected.
Machida looks for a takedown but Niinisto sprawls well.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Machida lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Niinisto has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Niinisto and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
A looping hook to the body misses from Machida. Niinisto does a little dance to reset his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Machida throws out a leg kick but Niinisto moves out of range and Machida only half commits.
Niinisto throws a right and a left that Machida avoids nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wanderlei Machida dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Wanderlei Machida's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Machida fails to land the takedown.
Niinisto will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Machida shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Niinisto as he jumps to the side.
Niinisto slaps away a takedown attempt from Machida, before circling back to the center of the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderlei Machida. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Niinisto pushes Machida up against the cage in a clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Niinisto pressing his opponent against the cage.
Niinisto putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Machida in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.
Niinisto with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Niinisto taking a breather.
Niinisto landing knees to the body.
Niinisto landing knees to the body.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Niinisto just misses with a elbow thrown towards Machida's brow.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.
Niinisto working Machida over with knees to the body.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside that Machida shrugs off.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Niinisto is trying to stall.
Sauli Niinisto seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Niinisto lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Niinisto lands an elbow that stopped Machida in his tracks for a moment.
Machida avoiding damage as Niinisto throws knees to the body.
Niinisto putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Machida in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Niinisto pressing his opponent against the cage.
Niinisto lands an elbow that stopped Machida in his tracks for a moment.
Niinisto lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Niinisto obliges.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto throws an elbow but it misses.
Machida takes an elbow to the temple.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.

Machida manages to pull guard.

Niinisto decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Niinisto throws a low kick but Machida moves out of range easily.
A big right from Machida misses.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Machida checks a leg kick.
Machida misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Machida throws the kick towards the body but Niinisto avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Machida.
Niinisto tries to clinch up but Machida circles away and keeps his distance.
Niinisto throws a leg kick but Machida moved away.
Niinisto feints and then cracks Machida's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Machida down.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Niinisto.
Machida misses with a takedown attempt - Niinisto sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That kick from Niinisto tenderised Machida's leg. Machida is trying to keep his angry face on.

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.
Machida checks a low kick from Niinisto.
Niinisto fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Machida.
Niinisto finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

Niinisto drives through and clinches with Machida against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Niinisto - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Machida goes for a takedown in the clinch but Niinisto prevents it.
Niinisto lands an elbow that stopped Machida in his tracks for a moment.
Machida drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Niinisto landing knees to the body.
Niinisto using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
The referee is keeping an eye on Niinisto - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Niinisto missing with knees to the body.
Niinisto landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Niinisto crunches a lovely knee into Machida's ribcage.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Machida tries for a takedown. No joy.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Niinisto comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Niinisto is pushing Machida up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Niinisto lands a damaging elbow.
Machida has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Niinisto avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Niinisto trying to control the position but instead, Machida has worked for underhooks and has pushed Niinisto into the cage.
Nice elbow from Niinisto.
Niinisto crunches a lovely knee into Machida's ribcage.
Niinisto lands a damaging elbow.
Niinisto creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Niinisto trying to land knees to the body.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Niinisto tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Machida avoids it.
Machida is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Niinisto stalling.
Machida has Niinisto pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Niinisto manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Niinisto landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Niinisto crunches a lovely knee into Machida's ribcage.
Machida letting Niinisto take a breather here.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Machida is defending well for now.

Machida has hold of one of Niinisto's legs. Niinisto is fighting the takedown attempt but Machida gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Niinisto wants to get back to his feet but Machida is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Machida trying to control but Niinisto is working from the bottom.
Niinisto keeping full guard, as Machida tries to pass.
Machida prevents Niinisto from getting back to his feet.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Machida with a flurry of punches that miss.
Machida trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Machida wants to control from the top but Niinisto keeps moving.
Niinisto keeping full guard, as Machida tries to pass.
Niinisto tries to land a sweep but no joy.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Machida trying to control but Niinisto is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Machida will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Niinisto defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Machida.
Niinisto connects with a solid leg kick.
Machida displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Niinisto throws out the jab.
Niinisto leaves Machida with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

Niinisto moves into the clinch.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Niinisto has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Machida looking for a takedown.
Niinisto using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Niinisto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Machida is trying to drag Niinisto to the mat but Niinisto just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Niinisto crunches a lovely knee into Machida's ribcage.
Machida takes an elbow to the temple.
Niinisto scores with a knee to the head.
Niinisto creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Knees in the clinch landing for Niinisto.
Niinisto working Machida over with knees to the body.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto landing knees to the body.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Niinisto working Machida over with knees to the body.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
The referee is keeping an eye on Niinisto - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Machida tries to pull guard but Niinisto won't allow it.
Machida fails to pull guard.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Niinisto.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Machida tries for a takedown but Niinisto manages to get underhooks.
Niinisto using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Machida is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Niinisto gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Niinisto leaning his opponent against the cage.
Machida tries for a takedown but Niinisto manages to get underhooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sauli Niinisto really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Wanderlei Machida's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

A low kick from Machida misses
and Niinisto counters with a left to the body.

Niinisto has closed the distance and engaged Machida in a clinch.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Niinisto lands an elbow that stopped Machida in his tracks for a moment.
Machida can't break the clinch.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside that Machida shrugs off.
Machida has Niinisto pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Niinisto manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Machida drops down looking for an ankle pick but Niinisto pulls his leg out and moves away.
Wanderlei Machida is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Niinisto is looking to clinch but Machida is avoiding it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Machida keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Niinisto tried to score with a low kick but Machida checks it.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A head kick misses from Machida.
Niinisto fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Machida has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.

Niinisto closes the distance and clinches.
Machida changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Niinisto fights it off and pushes away nicely.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderlei Machida. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Niinisto clinches up with Machida and pushes him back against the cage.
Niinisto throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Machida tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Niinisto smiles and moves away.

Niinisto instigates a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Machida takes an elbow to the temple.

Wanderlei Machida's cut is getting worse.
Machida tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Niinisto just stands there and leans against the cage.
Machida tries for a takedown. No joy.
Machida avoids a wild elbow strike from Niinisto.
Machida managing to block the knees to the body from Niinisto.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Machida drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Niinisto lands a nice knee to the body.
Niinisto crunches a lovely knee into Machida's ribcage.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Niinisto obliges.
Knees in the clinch landing for Niinisto.
Niinisto connects with a nasty looking knee right to Machida's face.
Knees to the body from Niinisto.
Niinisto with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Niinisto lands a nice knee to the body.
Machida takes an elbow to the temple.
A knee to the head by Niinisto.
Niinisto landing knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Machida goes for a takedown attempt but Niinisto pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

Machida shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Niinisto napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Niinisto is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Machida is trying to move to mount but Niinisto reverses beautifully and ends up in Machida's guard.

Machida is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machida looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Niinisto puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Machida is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto is pressing down on Machida's thigh, looking to free his foot. Machida is holding on for now.
Machida trying to control but Niinisto postures up.
Machida wants to improve his position but Niinisto is controlling well.
Niinisto with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Machida moves into full guard.

Machida is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Niinisto defends well.

Machida isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Niinisto stacks Machida on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Niinisto!
Machida is looking for a sweep.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
Machida is looking for a sweep.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Machida sneaks back into half guard.
Machida is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Niinisto moves nicely into side control.
Machida manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Machida wants to sweep but Niinisto has passed to side control!
Machida manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Machida tries to roll over but Niinisto keeps him under control.
Wanderlei Machida overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Machida is looking to control Niinisto's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Machida avoid being mounted?
Machida tries to roll over but Niinisto keeps him under control.
Niinisto sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Machida is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sauli Niinisto dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Wanderlei Machida's cut.
That's time! Machida's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Niinisto checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Niinisto looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Niinisto throws a head kick that misses.
Nice takedown defense from Niinisto. No joy for Machida on that attempt.
Machida tries to score a power double leg takedown but Niinisto sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Machida somewhat.
Machida shoots in looking for a takedown. Niinisto tries to sprawl out of it but Machida keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Niinisto manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Wanderlei Machida. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Niinisto moves into range and connects with a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Niinisto is looking to clinch.
Niinisto throws a push kick but Machida slaps the foot to one side.
Machida lands a slapping body shot.
Machida fails with the takedown
and Niinisto counters with a slapping leg kick.
Machida closes the distance and clinches up with Niinisto, looking for a takedown. Machida pushes Niinisto against the cage but Niinisto circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Niinisto pulls out of a head kick attempt.

That's two 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.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Niinisto.
A bone on bone clash there as Machida blocks the leg kick.
Niinisto throws a low kick but it's checked well by Machida.
Niinisto tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Machida stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Niinisto.
Machida with a poor takedown
and Niinisto counters with an inside leg kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Niinisto. That's going to slow Machida down.
Niinisto throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Niinisto throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Niinisto moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Niinisto darts in and clinches Machida up against the cage.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice elbow from Niinisto.
Niinisto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Niinisto unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Niinisto comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Niinisto pushes off an throws an elbow but Machida leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Niinisto gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Machida avoids a wild elbow strike from Niinisto.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside that Machida shrugs off.
Niinisto misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Machida.
Niinisto is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Niinisto prevents the takedown attempt.
Niinisto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Machida has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Niinisto is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Knees to the body from Niinisto.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Machida tries for a takedown. No joy.
Knees to the body from Niinisto.
Niinisto is pressed up against the cage. Machida has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Niinisto down to the mat. Niinisto avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Niinisto throws a front kick aimed at Machida's knee but Machida avoids it well.
Machida avoids the head kick by Niinisto.
Niinisto is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Machida fails with the takedown
and Niinisto finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Machida blocks a head kick by Niinisto.
Machida blocks a low kick nicely.
Niinisto does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto throws a front kick aimed at Machida's knee but Machida avoids it well.
Niinisto fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Machida.
Niinisto lands with a slapping head kick.
Machida checks the leg kick.
Machida moves out of range of the leg kick from Niinisto.
Machida with a lazy takedown attempt

and Niinisto moves into the clinch.
Niinisto misses with an elbow strike.
Niinisto misses with an elbow strike.
Machida takes an elbow to the forehead.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.
Niinisto landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Niinisto unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Come on Niinisto - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Niinisto creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Machida's defenses.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto is pushing Machida up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Niinisto utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Niinisto lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Niinisto tries to land knees in the clinch but Machida avoids the damage to the body.
Machida tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Niinisto just stands there and leans against the cage.
Niinisto lands an elbow inside.
Machida is working for takedown but Niinisto is calmly controlling the position for now.
Nice elbow from Niinisto.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.
Niinisto slows down the pace here.
Nice elbow from Niinisto.
Machida is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Niinisto gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Machida blocks an elbow strike from Niinisto.
Machida on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
A bit of stalling here from Niinisto.
Machida tries to pull guard but Niinisto holds him up against the cage and eventually Machida drops back down to his feet.
Niinisto lands an elbow just above Machida 's eye.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Niinisto.
Machida blocks an elbow strike.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Niinisto comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Niinisto lands a nice elbow.
Machida changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Niinisto fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Machida avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Machida tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Niinisto was well out of range. Poor timing from Machida.
Niinisto misses with a body shot.
Machida shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Niinisto pinned against the cage. Niinisto gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Wanderlei Machida has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Niinisto is looking to clinch but Machida is avoiding it.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Niinisto fakes the leg kick and cracks Machida in the body.
Niinisto scores with a leg kick.
Good leg kick by Niinisto there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Machida tries to clinch but Niinisto moves away

and Niinisto counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Niinisto.
Machida tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Niinisto smiles and moves away.
Sauli Niinisto seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Niinisto misses with a wild body shot.
Machida lands a nice looking body kick.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Machida shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Niinisto sprawls well. Niinisto wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Machida gets slowly back to his feet.
Niinisto tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Machida manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Machida has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Niinisto.
Niinisto throws a predictable looking body shot
and Machida counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Machida shoots in but no luck this time.
Niinisto connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.

Niinisto clinches up with Machida and pushes him back against the cage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sauli Niinisto comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Niinisto has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 46:49
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 46:49
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sauli Niinisto!