PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Michael McCulloch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Naru Jarkko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McCulloch kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Drowning Pool - Bodies. Jarkko has chosen Hawaii 78 & E ala E as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

McCulloch
vs
Jarkko

183 cm
27
160 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
155 lbs
9 - 5 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Solid boxing
Very quick

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Fossington & Blythe: Gentlemen's Fight Attire
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Michael McCulloch!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 5 - 0, fighting out of London, Naru Jarkko!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Chris Edwards and Paul Tew.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McCulloch staying out of range there.
McCulloch looks to throw the jab but Jarkko is out of range.
McCulloch uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Jarkko.
McCulloch scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McCulloch fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Jarkko looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
McCulloch waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Jarkko.
McCulloch thows a body shot but no joy.
McCulloch keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Jarkko darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Jarkko tries to pass the half guard into mount. McCulloch knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Jarkko is trying to work for a kimura but McCulloch is defending well.
Jarkko seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but McCulloch does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
McCulloch is trying to maintain the position but Jarkko is very close to passing his half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McCulloch is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Jarkko is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
McCulloch is staying active underneath Jarkko, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
McCulloch moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Jarkko chips away with some ground and pound.
Jarkko pushes down on McCulloch's leg and manages to get into half guard.
McCulloch is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. McCulloch manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Jarkko pushing down on McCulloch's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Jarkko thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed McCulloch's head.
McCulloch has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Jarkko is working away from the top position though.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jarkko works his way into side control.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Jarkko wants to lay and pray for a moment but McCulloch keeps working.
McCulloch tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Jarkko wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Jarkko landing strikes.
McCulloch managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Jarkko.
Jarkko controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jarkko tries to cartwheel into mount but he doesn't manage it.
Jarkko working the ground and pound.
McCulloch tries to buck Jarkko off but Jarkko is having none of it.
McCulloch defending against the ground and pound.
Jarkko tries to advance to mount but McCulloch denies him.
Jarkko advances to mount.
Jarkko breaks from McCulloch's wrist control and lands an elbow.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McCulloch is squirming around, avoiding Jarkko's attempts to control the action.
McCulloch holds on to Jarkko as tight as he can, avoiding damage.
McCulloch is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Jarkko putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

McCulloch is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Jarkko working McCulloch over with strikes here.
Oh McCulloch is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
A big strike lands for Jarkko! That's really hurt McCulloch and he's turned his back - Jarkko keeps firing away and the ref dives in to stop the fight! Jarkko jumps to his feet to celebrate the victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Naru Jarkko!
A victorious Naru Jarkko thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.