PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Nils Holgersson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Omg Zulud (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Holgersson comes to the cage accompanied by Peukaloisen retket. Zulud is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Fedor Emelianenko Entrance song. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Holgersson
vs
Zulud

166 cm
24
147 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

155 cm
30
144 lbs
20 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nils Holgersson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Omg Zulud!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Zulud lands a jab-cross combination.

It looks like Nils Holgersson has been cut.

Zulud moves into the clinch.

Zulud has hold of one of Holgersson's legs. Holgersson is fighting the takedown attempt but Zulud gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Zulud stops Holgersson from standing up.
Holgersson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Zulud wants to stand but Holgersson is controlling his posture from full guard.
Zulud sitting in guard here, content to control.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Omg Zulud.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Holgersson.
Some wild striking there from Holgersson.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Zulud moves into the clinch.
Zulud has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Holgersson avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Holgersson blocks an elbow strike.

Zulud jumps into guard, dragging Holgersson to the mat.

Zulud manages to escape and get back to his feet.
Zulud misses with a combination
and Holgersson counters with a stiff right hand.
A nice inside leg kick there by Holgersson. That's going to slow Zulud down.
Holgersson throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Zulud.
Holgersson misses with a head kick.
Zulud scores with a decent looking hook.
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!
Zulud fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zulud avoids a kick to the body.
Holgersson thows a leg kick but Zulud checks it

and Zulud counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Zulud wants to stand up but Holgersson manages to regain full guard.
Zulud postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Zulud thows a big elbow that misses.
Zulud trying to control but Holgersson is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Zulud missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Zulud looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Nils Holgersson.
Holgersson is looking to chop away at Zulud's legs.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zulud shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Holgersson pinned against the cage. Holgersson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Nils Holgersson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omg Zulud.
Holgersson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Zulud ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Holgersson lands a head kick. Zulud smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Holgersson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Zulud.
Holgersson looks for the body kick but Zulud saw that one coming.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Holgersson throws a sloppy head kick

and Zulud counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zulud tries to stand but Holgersson is controlling from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Omg Zulud dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Nils Holgersson's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Zulud is trying hard to land a takedown here. Holgersson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Nice defenses there by Holgersson.

Zulud looking to score a takedown here. Holgersson is defending well but Zulud drives through and ends up in Holgersson's guard.
Zulud passes into half guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Zulud stops Holgersson from getting back to his feet.
Zulud tries to stand but his arm is trapped.

Zulud is working for a kimura but Holgersson is defending it quite comfortably.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zulud trying to control from half guard but Holgersson is working away.

Zulud is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Holgersson doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Zulud.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Zulud has decided to stand back up but his arm is trapped. Whilst he's worrying about his arm, Holgersson works to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson keeping full guard, as Zulud tries to pass.
Holgersson wants to get back to his feet but Zulud is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Zulud pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Holgersson is keeping the position for now.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Omg Zulud was stalling too much, according to the referee.
A head kick misses from Holgersson.
Omg Zulud is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Zulud stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Holgersson.
Holgersson misses with a kick to the body.
Holgersson pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Zulud closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Zulud tries to score with some ground and pound. Holgersson controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Zulud tries to advance to mount but Holgersson denies him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Omg Zulud showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Nils Holgersson's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

A jab from Zulud finds it's way through Holgersson's defenses.
Zulud walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Holgersson checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Zulud throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A head kick misses from Holgersson.
Zulud fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Holgersson avoids it really well and circles away.
Zulud moves away from the strike by Holgersson.
Zulud attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Holgersson thows a leg kick but Zulud checks it

and Zulud counters by clinching up.
Zulud jumps guard but Holgersson stands there with Zulud around his waist. Zulud gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Zulud taking a breather.
Zulud is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Holgersson is defending well for now.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right hook to the body lands for Holgersson.
Zulud takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Zulud tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Holgersson just stands there and leans against the cage.
Nils Holgersson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omg Zulud.
Zulud lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Zulud trying to control the position but instead, Holgersson has worked for underhooks and has pushed Zulud into the cage.
Holgersson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A right hand to the body from Holgersson.
Holgersson is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Zulud jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Holgersson walks away with a smile on his face. Zulud gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Holgersson throws a front kick aimed at Zulud's knee but Zulud avoids it well.
Zulud tries to clinch but Holgersson is having none of it.
Zulud fails with a takedown attempt.
Nils Holgersson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Zulud chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Holgersson can pounce on him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson throws a head kick that misses.
Zulud checks a low kick from Holgersson.
Zulud tries to close the distance and clinch up but Holgersson swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Zulud tries for a takedown but Holgersson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Zulud avoids the head kick by Holgersson.
Holgersson with a hook.
Holgersson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zulud blocks the body kick.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Zulud lands a leg kick that knocks Holgersson off balance momentarily.
Holgersson throws a leg kick
and Zulud counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Zulud is trying hard to land a takedown here. Holgersson sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Holgersson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Holgersson wants it to stay on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A cross from Holgersson lands.
Zulud shoots in and drives through. Holgersson sprawls well.
A thudding body kick lands there by Holgersson!
Holgersson with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Holgersson wants to slow Zulud down by chopping away at his legs.
Holgersson throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Zulud avoids the head kick by Holgersson.
Holgersson stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Holgersson wants it to stay on the feet.
Holgersson lands with an uppercut that bounces Zulud off the cage and back into rage.
A good leg kick by Holgersson.
Holgersson dips to his left and cracks Zulud with an uppercut!
Zulud fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson lands a head kick!
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!
Holgersson takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Holgersson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Zulud misses with a takedown attempt
and Holgersson counters with a body kick that stops Zulud in his tracks momentarily.
Zulud on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Holgersson connects with an inside leg kick.
Holgersson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Zulud moves in looking to clinch but Holgersson pushes him off.
Nice body kick there by Holgersson.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Zulud shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Holgersson as he avoids it easily.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Zulud crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Holgersson - the referee stops the clock and Zulud gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Holgersson. Zulud manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Zulud steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Holgersson. That one must have hurt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nils Holgersson clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Nils Holgersson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Holgersson lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Holgersson will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Holgersson throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Nils Holgersson is winning the standup battle so far.
Zulud shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Holgersson sprawls well. Holgersson wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Zulud gets slowly back to his feet.
Holgersson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Nice sprawl there from Holgersson as Zulud shoots in.
Holgersson thows a body shot but no joy.
Holgersson throws a body punch but Zulud moves out of range.
Holgersson throws a leg kick but Zulud sees it coming and moves out of range.

Zulud changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Holgersson looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Zulud wants to control but Holgersson is keeping him busy.
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.
Zulud looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Holgersson is avoiding damage well.

Zulud decides to stand back up. Zulud steps back and let's Holgersson get back to his feet.
Holgersson misses with a body kick.
Holgersson throws a head kick but Zulud moves out of range.
Holgersson throws a leg kick

and Zulud counters with a takedown into side control.
Zulud controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Zulud stands up.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Zulud tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Holgersson paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Zulud checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Holgersson steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Zulud. That one must have hurt.
Zulud shoots in but Holgersson avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nils Holgersson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omg Zulud.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Zulud drives through with a takedown into guard.
Zulud wants to control from the top but Holgersson keeps moving.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Omg Zulud.
Holgersson looks to land a body kick but Zulud moved away.
Holgersson cracks the inside of Zulud's front leg.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Zulud.
Holgersson misses with a few strikes there.
Zulud tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Holgersson was well out of range. Poor timing from Zulud.
Holgersson misses with the combination.
Holgersson throws a shot from downtown. Zulud moves away and avoids it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Zulud closes this distance looking for a takedown but Holgersson circles away.
Holgersson throws a sloppy head kick and Zulud moves out of range easily.
A jab from Holgersson finds it's way through Zulud's defenses.
Zulud shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Holgersson as he jumps to the side.
Holgersson connects with a high kick.
Zulud misses with a head kick.
Zulud fails with the takedown.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Holgersson takes a swing at Zulud's ribcage but misses.
Holgersson stuffs the takedown attempt from Zulud. Zulud gets slowly back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Omg Zulud dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Nils Holgersson's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Holgersson moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Holgersson misses with a head kick.
Zulud looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Holgersson is fending him off so far but Zulud persists. Nope, Holgersson circles away and we're back to standing.
Zulud wants to clinch up but Holgersson keeps it at a distance.
Holgersson swats away the attempt to clinch by Zulud.
Zulud checks a low kick from Holgersson.
Zulud chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Holgersson can pounce on him.
Holgersson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Holgersson throws a half hearted mid kick.
Holgersson circles away from the clinch attempt.
Zulud misses with a head kick.
Holgersson throws a quick inside leg kick.
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.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holgersson looks to score with a jab to the body but Zulud is just out of range.
Holgersson explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Holgersson turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Zulud shoots in for a takedown but Holgersson shows good takedown defense.
Nils Holgersson is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Holgersson dips to his left and cracks Zulud with an uppercut!
Holgersson pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Zulud shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Holgersson as he jumps to the side.
Nils Holgersson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Omg Zulud.
Zulud stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Holgersson.
A slapping leg kick lands for Holgersson.
Holgersson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Holgersson takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Zulud tries to clinch but Holgersson moves out of range.
Omg Zulud is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holgersson bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Zulud's head backwards.
Zulud slips a straight right by Holgersson.
Zulud avoids the head kick by Holgersson.
Zulud checks the leg kick.
Zulud throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Zulud chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Holgersson can pounce on him.
A head kick by Holgersson misses
and Zulud counters with a one-two to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A low kick from Holgersson misses
and Zulud counters with a two punch combo.
Zulud shoots in for a takedown but Holgersson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Holgersson misses with an uppercut.
Zulud wants to clinch up but Holgersson keeps it at a distance.
Holgersson throws a combination that misses
and Zulud counters with a left and a right that stings Holgersson.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Holgersson.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zulud fails with a takedown attempt.
Holgersson misses with a head kick.
Zulud tries to score a power double leg takedown but Holgersson sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Zulud somewhat.
Holgersson misses with a body kick.
Holgersson throws a shot from downtown. Zulud moves away and avoids it.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Zulud keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Holgersson's efforts to push away.
Nils Holgersson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zulud decides to pull guard.
Zulud wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Omg Zulud was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Zulud moves in looking to clinch but Holgersson pushes him off.

Zulud shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Zulud showed some decent athleticism there.
Zulud prevents Holgersson from standing back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nils Holgersson showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Zulud 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 47:48
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 47:48
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 47:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Omg Zulud! Omg Zulud retains his bantamweight title!