PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Mike Henderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rainer Varvaskoukku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Henderson's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, American Bad Ass. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the ring.

Henderson
vs
Varvaskoukku

176 cm
21
152 lbs
9 - 0 - 1

164 cm
22
143 lbs
5 - 3 - 2

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

ADCC Champion
Decent boxing
Good gas tank

Perkele!

Undead clothing. All items 10$

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 0 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Mike Henderson!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 3 - 2, fighting out of St Petersburg, Rainer Varvaskoukku!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Vladimir Khabensky and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Varvaskoukku walks into a left hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Henderson misses the target.
Henderson lands with an uppercut that bounces Varvaskoukku off the ropes and back into range.
Rainer Varvaskoukku seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Henderson misses with a looping left.

Varvaskoukku gets a clinch.
Henderson lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Henderson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Henderson takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Varvaskoukku fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Henderson lands a nice shot to the body.
A shot to the body from Varvaskoukku misses
and Henderson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Henderson fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Varvaskoukku is out of range.

Varvaskoukku moves into range and clinches up with Henderson.
Henderson misses with a punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Varvaskoukku successfully pulls guard.
Henderson will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Varvaskoukku is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Henderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Varvaskoukku is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Varvaskoukku has his foot on Henderson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Henderson works his way back into a safe position though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Henderson puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Henderson is keen to just control but Varvaskoukku is a slippery customer.
Henderson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Henderson trying to control from half guard but Varvaskoukku is working away.
Varvaskoukku is looking to improve his position.
Henderson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Varvaskoukku's head.
Henderson is keen to just control but Varvaskoukku is a slippery customer.
Varvaskoukku manages to get to full guard.
Varvaskoukku looking for a sweep. Not yet Varvaskoukku, not yet.
Henderson wants to control from the top but Varvaskoukku keeps moving.

Mike Henderson has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.

Henderson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Henderson showed some decent athleticism there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Henderson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.

Varvaskoukku looking for submissions off his back.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Varvaskoukku actively working from the bottom here.
Henderson content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Varvaskoukku is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Henderson scores with a couple of nice shots.
Varvaskoukku is trying to control but can't.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Varvaskoukku actively working from the bottom here.
Henderson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Henderson's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Varvaskoukku is looking for a sweep. Henderson is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Henderson is taking a breather. Varvaskoukku says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Mike Henderson has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Varvaskoukku takes a swing at Henderson's ribcage but misses.
Varvaskoukku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Henderson was well out of range. Poor timing from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku avoids the body shot from Henderson.
A combination from Henderson does no damage.
Varvaskoukku missing with a left hand there. Henderson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Henderson misses with a hook.
Varvaskoukku throws a leg kick but Henderson checks it.
Henderson lands a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Henderson was well out of range. Poor timing from Varvaskoukku.
Henderson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Henderson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Henderson.
Henderson just misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Henderson tries to avoid it but Varvaskoukku manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Henderson to the ground. Henderson escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Varvaskoukku is looking to land body kicks.
Nice takedown defense from Henderson. No joy for Varvaskoukku on that attempt.
Mike Henderson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rainer Varvaskoukku.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Henderson slaps away a takedown attempt from Varvaskoukku, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Varvaskoukku shoots in but Henderson avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Henderson attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Varvaskoukku misses with a takedown attempt
and Varvaskoukku takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Henderson is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Varvaskoukku moves out of range of the strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Henderson scores with a leg kick.
Varvaskoukku uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Henderson.
Varvaskoukku scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Varvaskoukku misses with a wild body shot.

Varvaskoukku feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Mike Henderson will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!

Varvaskoukku is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Varvaskoukku tries to clinch there but Henderson circles away.
Varvaskoukku throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Henderson's waist but Henderson gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Varvaskoukku off to one side.
Mike Henderson is winning the standup battle so far.
Varvaskoukku slips under a jab.
Varvaskoukku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Henderson was well out of range. Poor timing from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku moves out of range of the body kick from Henderson.
Varvaskoukku misses the shot to the body.
Henderson misses the shot to the body.
A slapping leg kick lands for Henderson.
Varvaskoukku misses with a looping right.
Varvaskoukku moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Varvaskoukku uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Henderson.

Varvaskoukku closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Henderson to the mat! Henderson manages to get full guard.
Varvaskoukku won't allow Henderson to sweep him here.
Henderson knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Varvaskoukku on the ground.
Varvaskoukku throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Rainer Varvaskoukku has got the better of the ground game so far.
Henderson keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Varvaskoukku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku trying to control but Henderson is working from the bottom.
Varvaskoukku working some strikes from top position.
Varvaskoukku looking to sit in guard and control but Henderson gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Varvaskoukku tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Henderson stays in close to Varvaskoukku's body and controls the position.
Henderson has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Henderson won't allow Varvaskoukku to sweep him here.

Varvaskoukku is looking for a triangle but Henderson pushes his legs off easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku wants to sweep here but Henderson controlling him for the moment.
Henderson stays in close to Varvaskoukku's body and controls the position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

Henderson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Henderson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Henderson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Varvaskoukku for as long as he can get away with.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Henderson accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Mike Henderson has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Varvaskoukku takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Varvaskoukku on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Henderson. Henderson obviously looking to wear him down.

Varvaskoukku shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Varvaskoukku showed some decent athleticism there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku throws a strike but Henderson avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Henderson wants to stand up but Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Henderson looking for a sweep. Not yet Henderson, not yet.
Henderson keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Henderson looking to control.
Varvaskoukku with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku throws a big elbow that misses.
Varvaskoukku missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Varvaskoukku throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Henderson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Varvaskoukku wants to pass the guard but Henderson is keeping the position.

Varvaskoukku postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Henderson is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Varvaskoukku, into his guard.
Varvaskoukku has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Henderson stopping the sweep attempt from Varvaskoukku.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Henderson trying to control but Varvaskoukku is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rainer Varvaskoukku showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Henderson misses with an uppercut.
Henderson ducks under a wild hook from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Henderson pinned against the ropes. Henderson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Varvaskoukku is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Henderson rather than just go for the knockout.
Henderson misses with an uppercut.

Varvaskoukku gets the takedown into side control.
Henderson stops Varvaskoukku from passing to mount.
Varvaskoukku in side control, throwing shots but Henderson defends.
Varvaskoukku working the strikes but Henderson uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Varvaskoukku sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Henderson defending well though.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Varvaskoukku is trying to control the action in half guard but Henderson is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Henderson is trying to get back to full guard.
Henderson is staying active underneath Varvaskoukku, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Rainer Varvaskoukku has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Varvaskoukku throws a jab but it's blocked by Henderson.
Varvaskoukku takes a swing at Henderson's ribcage but misses.
Varvaskoukku throws a shot from downtown. Henderson moves away and avoids it.
Varvaskoukku drops his hands momentarily and Henderson takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Henderson misses with an uppercut.
Varvaskoukku throws a right hand that misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Henderson keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Varvaskoukku jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Henderson keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Varvaskoukku tries to clinch there but Henderson circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Henderson swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Varvaskoukku misses with a looping left.
Henderson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Henderson misses with a straight right.
Varvaskoukku looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Mike Henderson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rainer Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku takes a kick to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Varvaskoukku closes the distance and clinches.
Varvaskoukku is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the ropes enables Henderson to keep the fight standing.

Varvaskoukku manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Henderson wants to stand but Varvaskoukku is controlling his posture from full guard.
Henderson is stalling in the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Varvaskoukku controls Henderson momentarily but Henderson frees himself.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Mike Henderson just wasn't active enough.
Henderson checks the leg kick nicely there.
Henderson just misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku thows a left - swing and a miss!
Henderson takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Henderson is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Henderson displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Varvaskoukku.
Henderson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Varvaskoukku tries to close the distance and clinch but Henderson swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Varvaskoukku tries to clinch up
and Henderson counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Jab from Henderson.
Henderson tries to work over Varvaskoukku's front leg with a kick but Varvaskoukku checks it.
Henderson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Varvaskoukku moves away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Henderson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Henderson.
A good leg kick by Henderson.
Varvaskoukku ducks under a wild hook from Henderson.
Varvaskoukku throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Varvaskoukku tries for a takedown but Henderson sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Varvaskoukku throws a body punch but Henderson moves out of range.
Varvaskoukku slips under a jab.
Henderson throws a body punch but Varvaskoukku moves out of range.
Varvaskoukku dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Varvaskoukku slips a straight right by Henderson.
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!

Henderson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Henderson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Varvaskoukku looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Mike Henderson did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Varvaskoukku missing with a left hand there. Henderson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Henderson just misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku circles away from the clinch attempt.
Henderson throws a leg kick but Varvaskoukku sees it coming and moves out of range.
Henderson avoids the body shot from Varvaskoukku.

Varvaskoukku drives through and clinches with Henderson against the ropes.
Varvaskoukku tries to pull guard but Henderson won't allow it.
Varvaskoukku jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Henderson walks away with a smile on his face. Varvaskoukku gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Henderson tries a low kick but Varvaskoukku avoids it.
Some wild striking there from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Henderson as he jumps to the side.
Mike Henderson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rainer Varvaskoukku.
Henderson scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Henderson swings for the body but Varvaskoukku moves out of range.
Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown but Henderson shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Varvaskoukku shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Henderson pinned against the ropes. Henderson gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Varvaskoukku pivots, looking for a leg kick but Henderson is out of range and Varvaskoukku settles back down.
Varvaskoukku is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Henderson throws a leg kick that misses.
Henderson getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Varvaskoukku is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Henderson punishes Varvaskoukku's body with a nice straight punch.
Varvaskoukku swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Varvaskoukku connects with a leg kick. Henderson looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Henderson tries to land a leg kick but Varvaskoukku saw it coming and moves away.
Henderson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Varvaskoukku moves away.
Henderson throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Varvaskoukku throws a shot from downtown. Henderson moves away and avoids it.
Henderson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku tries to clinch up.
Varvaskoukku throws out a loose jab but Henderson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Varvaskoukku checks the leg kick nicely there.
The crowd cheers as Henderson lands an impressive looking overhand right. Varvaskoukku doesn't seem phased though.
Varvaskoukku misses with a wild body shot.
Varvaskoukku avoids the body shot from Henderson.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice straight punches there by Henderson. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Henderson.
Henderson misses with a body kick.
Varvaskoukku takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Varvaskoukku misses the jab.
Varvaskoukku just misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku closes the distance and clinches up with Henderson, looking for a takedown. Varvaskoukku pushes Henderson against the ropes but Henderson circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Varvaskoukku fails in his attempt to clinch.
Henderson swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Varvaskoukku misses the shot to the body.
Varvaskoukku misses the shot to the body.
A decent looking cross lands there for Henderson.
Varvaskoukku uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Henderson.
Varvaskoukku fails with the takedown.
A slow jab from Henderson misses its intended target.
Henderson uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Varvaskoukku.
Henderson looks to score with a jab to the body but Varvaskoukku is just out of range.

Varvaskoukku gets a double leg takedown into Henderson's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Varvaskoukku drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Henderson manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Varvaskoukku has Henderson in his guard.
Varvaskoukku striking off his back but it's not causing Henderson any problems.
Henderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Varvaskoukku is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Henderson stopping the sweep attempt from Varvaskoukku.

Varvaskoukku is looking for a triangle but Henderson pushes his legs off easily.
Henderson trying to control but Varvaskoukku is working from the bottom.
Henderson postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Henderson is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Henderson trying to control but Varvaskoukku is working from the bottom.

We're going to have a standup here because Mike Henderson wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
The fighters circle momentarily. Varvaskoukku darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Henderson misses the jab.

Henderson gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Henderson lands a nice shot to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Henderson is trying to maintain a safe position but Varvaskoukku gets an underhook and turns Henderson into the ropes.
Henderson struggles to land a body shot inside as Varvaskoukku controls his hands.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Varvaskoukku tries to pull guard but Henderson forces him back to his feet, against the ropes.
Varvaskoukku wants a takedown.
Varvaskoukku is trying to pull guard but Henderson has him pressed against the ropes.
Varvaskoukku on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Mike Henderson will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Henderson connects with a good right hand that stumbles Varvaskoukku. Varvaskoukku circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Varvaskoukku takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Donk. Varvaskoukku catches Henderson right on the button with a cross.
Nice sprawl there from Henderson as Varvaskoukku shoots in.
Henderson misses with a low kick.
Varvaskoukku tries to clinch but Henderson is having none of it.
Varvaskoukku misses with a straight right.
Jab from Henderson.
Varvaskoukku misses with a takedown attempt - Henderson sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Varvaskoukku throws out a loose jab but Henderson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Henderson misses with a hook.
Varvaskoukku with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Henderson to score with a decent uppercut.
Henderson blocks a jab.
Varvaskoukku tried to score with a low kick but Henderson checks it.
Varvaskoukku looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Henderson is fending him off so far but Varvaskoukku persists. Nope, Henderson circles away and we're back to standing.
Mike Henderson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rainer Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Henderson.
Varvaskoukku slips a jab from Henderson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Henderson moves out of range as Varvaskoukku strikes.
Henderson ducks under a wild hook from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Henderson swivels and escapes.
Varvaskoukku is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Varvaskoukku throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Henderson throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Henderson jabs at Varvaskoukku's body.

Varvaskoukku drives through with a takedown into Henderson's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Varvaskoukku looking to pass the guard.
Varvaskoukku throws an elbow that misses. Henderson uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Varvaskoukku's guard. Nice move by Henderson!
Varvaskoukku is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Varvaskoukku has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Henderson has passed into side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku can't do much from the bottom here.
Varvaskoukku is trying to improve his position.
Henderson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Varvaskoukku keeps working.
Henderson wants to stand but Varvaskoukku is controlling his arm.
Varvaskoukku is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Henderson trying to control the action but Varvaskoukku is working from the bottom.
Varvaskoukku wants to control but Henderson postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku gets back to half guard.
Henderson tries to pass to full mount but Varvaskoukku defends it.
Varvaskoukku manages to get to full guard.
Varvaskoukku trying to control the position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Varvaskoukku is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Henderson wants to control from the top but Varvaskoukku keeps moving.
Henderson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Varvaskoukku swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Varvaskoukku has his feet on Henderson's thighs here. He's pushed Henderson off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Henderson screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:23 of round 5, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Rainer Varvaskoukku!
Rainer Varvaskoukku is the new featherweight champion!
Rainer Varvaskoukku decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.