PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Katla Vanagandr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Alfred Hammarskjold (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hammarskjold has chosen Rasmus på luffen - Luffarvisan 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.

Vanagandr
vs
Hammarskjold

199 cm
25
230 lbs
8 - 1 - 0

183 cm
24
290 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Katla Vanagandr!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alfred Hammarskjold!
The judges for this bout are Viktor Lagutenko, Illya Tyunina and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Hammarskjold rushes Vanagandr and presses him up against the ropes.
Hammarskjold is looking to control Vanagandr's arms but Vanagandr gets an underhook and turns him. Now Hammarskjold has his back to the ropes.
Vanagandr is stalling here.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A battle for position here, against the ropes.
Vanagandr trying to control the position but instead, Hammarskjold has worked for underhooks and has pushed Vanagandr into the ropes.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Katla Vanagandr.
Vanagandr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hammarskjold manages to avoid it.
Hammarskjold misses with a body shot.
Vanagandr fails with the takedown.

Hammarskjold scores with a takedown into Vanagandr's guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

Hammarskjold stands up from Vanagandr's guard - Hammarskjold perhaps looking for a knockout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanagandr closes the distance and clinches up with Hammarskjold, looking for a takedown. Vanagandr pushes Hammarskjold against the ropes but Hammarskjold circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Vanagandr gets caught flat footed, as Hammarskjold shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Vanagandr on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Vanagandr tries to get out of the position.

Vanagandr wriggles free and stands up.
Vanagandr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hammarskjold.
Vanagandr misses with a body shot.
Vanagandr shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hammarskjold as he jumps to the side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katla Vanagandr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hammarskjold. Vanagandr does a little dance to reset his feet.

Hammarskjold closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Hammarskjold is trying to maintain a safe position but Vanagandr gets an underhook and turns Hammarskjold into the ropes.
Vanagandr wants to stall.
Hammarskjold is pushing Vanagandr up against the ropes, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Hammarskjold is looking to control Vanagandr's arms but Vanagandr gets an underhook and turns him. Now Hammarskjold has his back to the ropes.
Hammarskjold taking a break, stalling in the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Alfred Hammarskjold.
Hammarskjold takes a body punch but keeps moving.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vanagandr takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Vanagandr scores a takedown into full mount!
Vanagandr wants to control the pace but Hammarskjold is squirming around nicely.
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.
Hammarskjold is trying to stand.
Hammarskjold looks gassed!
Vanagandr trying to control but Hammarskjold is having none of it.
You get the feeling that Hammarskjold really doesn't like being in this position too much.

Vanagandr stands up from the dominant position. He obviously fancies his chances standing.

Hammarskjold drives through with a takedown into Vanagandr's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Vanagandr wants to stand but Hammarskjold is controlling the position.
Hammarskjold would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanagandr is looking to stand up but Hammarskjold isn't so interested in that idea.

The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Hammarskjold stands up and waves to Vanagandr to follow him.
Vanagandr misses with a wild body shot.
Hammarskjold tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vanagandr was well out of range. Poor timing from Hammarskjold.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vanagandr.
Vanagandr thows a body shot but no joy.

Hammarskjold scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Hammarskjold stands up and beckons Vanagandr to his feet.
Hammarskjold misses with a body shot.

Vanagandr bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Hammarskjold explodes and escapes back to his feet! Nice escape there!
Hammarskjold stuffs the takedown attempt from Vanagandr. Vanagandr gets slowly back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammarskjold displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vanagandr.
Vanagandr is looking to wear down Hammarskjold with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

Hammarskjold closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Vanagandr's guard.

Hammarskjold stands up from Vanagandr's guard - Hammarskjold perhaps looking for a knockout.
Hammarskjold misses with a wild body shot.
Hammarskjold leaves Vanagandr with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hammarskjold with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Hammarskjold cracks a nice hook into Vanagandr's ribs.
A shot to the liver by Hammarskjold. Beautiful body shot.
Hammarskjold scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hammarskjold dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Hammarskjold scores with a shot to the body.

Hammarskjold shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Vanagandr's guard.

Vanagandr is working an open guard so Hammarskjold takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Vanagandr takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfred Hammarskjold dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Hammarskjold punishes Vanagandr's body with a nice straight punch.
Hammarskjold lands with a good body shot.
Hammarskjold changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Vanagandr shoots in for a takedown but Hammarskjold shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Hammarskjold lands with a nice body punch.

Hammarskjold drives through with a takedown into Vanagandr's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
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!

Hammarskjold gets to his feet - Vanagandr follows without any prompting.
Hammarskjold ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vanagandr moves away.
Vanagandr takes a body punch but keeps moving.

Hammarskjold throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Vanagandr was covering up waiting for the punch and Hammarskjold finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Hammarskjold stands up and waves to Vanagandr to follow him.

Hammarskjold closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Hammarskjold decides to stand back up. Hammarskjold steps back and let's Vanagandr get back to his feet.
Hammarskjold digs a good hook to Vanagandr's body.
Hammarskjold dips down and scores with a jab to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hammarskjold misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Vanagandr.
Vanagandr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hammarskjold.
Hammarskjold keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vanagandr shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hammarskjold pinned against the ropes. Hammarskjold gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

Hammarskjold drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Alfred Hammarskjold seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Hammarskjold closes the distance and clinches.
Hammarskjold is trying to stall.
Hammarskjold seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
Vanagandr wants to stall.
Hammarskjold wants to stall.

Hammarskjold turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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!
Vanagandr is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Hammarskjold is controlling him well.

Hammarskjold decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Vanagandr takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Hammarskjold uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vanagandr.

Hammarskjold decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Hammarskjold has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vanagandr pushes Hammarskjold off looking to stand but Hammarskjold dives back in and keeps control.

Hammarskjold decides to stand and escape the position.

Hammarskjold looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Alfred Hammarskjold has got the better of the ground game so far.

Hammarskjold postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Vanagandr to stand up.

Hammarskjold shoots in and bounces Vanagandr off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet. Vanagandr looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanagandr swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Hammarskjold shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.

Vanagandr has his feet on Hammarskjold's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.

Hammarskjold scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Hammarskjold stands up and beckons Vanagandr to his feet.
Nice takedown defense from Hammarskjold. No joy for Vanagandr on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katla Vanagandr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hammarskjold comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hammarskjold throws a body punch but Vanagandr moves out of range.

Hammarskjold fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Vanagandr to the ground. Hammarskjold is now in Vanagandr's guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Vanagandr has a closed guard, preventing Hammarskjold from standing up.

Vanagandr kicks Hammarskjold off and gets to his feet.

Hammarskjold fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Vanagandr, pushing him back against the ropes.
Vanagandr is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Hammarskjold is keeping busy.
Vanagandr will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Hammarskjold up against the ropes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammarskjold trying to control the position but instead, Vanagandr has worked for underhooks and has pushed Hammarskjold into the ropes.
The referee calls for Vanagandr to work.
Hammarskjold displaying some good clinch control by pressing Vanagandr up against the ropes.
Vanagandr is looking to control Hammarskjold's arms but Hammarskjold gets an underhook and turns him. Now Vanagandr has his back to the ropes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hammarskjold has Vanagandr pushed against the ropes.
Hammarskjold stalling in the clinch but Vanagandr improves position.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Alfred Hammarskjold.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vanagandr.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfred Hammarskjold showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Hammarskjold fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vanagandr manages to avoid it.

Hammarskjold fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Vanagandr sprawls well initially but Hammarskjold persists and gets the takedown into half guard.

Hammarskjold stands up and beckons Vanagandr to join him on the feet.
Vanagandr misses with a wild body shot.
Hammarskjold throws a hard body shot but it just misses.

Hammarskjold scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.

Vanagandr sneaks out the side door and pushes Hammarskjold away - he's back to his feet. The crowd show their appreciation for the escape.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Vanagandr enables Hammarskjold to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Vanagandr manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hammarskjold is looking to stand up but Vanagandr won't let him.

Vanagandr pushes Hammarskjold off and gets back to his feet.
Hammarskjold stuffs the takedown attempt from Vanagandr. Vanagandr gets slowly back to his feet.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Vanagandr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanagandr shoots for a takedown but Hammarskjold saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Vanagandr gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Hammarskjold misses with a body shot.
Hammarskjold uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vanagandr.

Hammarskjold gets a double leg takedown into Vanagandr's guard.
Hammarskjold tries to stand but Vanagandr is controlling from the bottom.
Vanagandr knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Hammarskjold on the ground.
Vanagandr wants to stand but Hammarskjold is controlling the position.

Hammarskjold stands and steps away. Vanagandr gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Vanagandr gets caught flat footed, as Hammarskjold shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Hammarskjold has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Vanagandr is proving hard to escape from.
Hammarskjold is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Vanagandr wants to get back to his feet but Hammarskjold is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vanagandr pushes Hammarskjold off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Hammarskjold misses with a body shot.
Vanagandr misses with a takedown attempt - Hammarskjold sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katla Vanagandr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hammarskjold scores with a body shot.
A shot to the liver by Hammarskjold. Beautiful body shot.

Hammarskjold shoots in and bounces Vanagandr off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet - Vanagandr follows without any prompting.
Vanagandr shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Hammarskjold defends it nicely.
Vanagandr keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Vanagandr looks to score with a jab to the body but Hammarskjold is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hammarskjold is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Vanagandr's half guard.

Hammarskjold stands up out of the half guard.
Hammarskjold takes a swing at Vanagandr's ribcage but misses.
Hammarskjold ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Vanagandr moves away.
Hammarskjold throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Vanagandr shoots in and drives through. Hammarskjold sprawls well.
Hammarskjold avoids the body shot from Vanagandr.
Vanagandr shoots in and drives through. Hammarskjold sprawls well.

Hammarskjold scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Vanagandr tries to escape but Hammarskjold is in control.

Hammarskjold stands up.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Hammarskjold bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Hammarskjold prevents Vanagandr from escaping the position.

Hammarskjold has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Vanagandr takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammarskjold tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Vanagandr was well out of range. Poor timing from Hammarskjold.
Hammarskjold leaves Vanagandr with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.

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

Hammarskjold stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Vanagandr to get to his feet.
Vanagandr shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Hammarskjold sprawls well. Hammarskjold wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Vanagandr gets slowly back to his feet.

Hammarskjold instigates a clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Hammarskjold looking to slow down the pace here.
Vanagandr tries to stall but Hammarskjold uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfred Hammarskjold really dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Hammarskjold misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Vanagandr.

Hammarskjold gets the takedown into side control.
Vanagandr is trying to buck Hammarskjold off.

Hammarskjold stands up and beckons Vanagandr to his feet.
A looping hook to the body misses from Vanagandr. Hammarskjold does a little dance to reset his feet.
Hammarskjold lands with a good body shot.
Hammarskjold stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Hammarskjold wants it to stay on the feet.
Hammarskjold misses the shot to the body.

Hammarskjold has closed the distance and engaged Vanagandr in a clinch.
Vanagandr wants to stall.
Hammarskjold is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the ropes.
Vanagandr is looking to control Hammarskjold's arms but Hammarskjold gets an underhook and turns him. Now Vanagandr has his back to the ropes.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Vanagandr looking to stall.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A battle for position here, against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Hammarskjold is trying to maintain a safe position but Vanagandr gets an underhook and turns Hammarskjold into the ropes.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Katla Vanagandr.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Vanagandr!

It looks like Alfred Hammarskjold has been cut.
Hammarskjold lands with a good body shot.

Hammarskjold throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Vanagandr tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Hammarskjold is in Vanagandr's guard.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet. Vanagandr looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vanagandr.
Hammarskjold thows a body shot but no joy.

Hammarskjold scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Vanagandr tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hammarskjold was well out of range. Poor timing from Vanagandr.

Hammarskjold gets a double leg takedown into Vanagandr's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vanagandr kicks Hammarskjold off and gets to his feet.

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

Hammarskjold stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Vanagandr to get to his feet.
Hammarskjold looks to score with a jab to the body but Vanagandr is just out of range.
Hammarskjold stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katla Vanagandr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Vanagandr shoots for a double leg takedown but Hammarskjold sprawls well. He's pushed Vanagandr's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hammarskjold misses with a body shot.

Hammarskjold closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Vanagandr to the mat! Vanagandr manages to get full guard.

Hammarskjold decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Vanagandr tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hammarskjold was well out of range. Poor timing from Vanagandr.
Hammarskjold lands a nice shot to the body.
Hammarskjold works Vanagandr's body with a nice hook.

Hammarskjold shoots in and gets a takedown into Vanagandr's guard.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanagandr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hammarskjold manages to avoid it.
Vanagandr thows a body shot but no joy.
Hammarskjold misses the shot to the body.
Hammarskjold misses the shot to the body.
Vanagandr uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hammarskjold.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vanagandr.

Hammarskjold shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Hammarskjold wants to control the pace but Vanagandr is squirming around nicely.
Vanagandr wants to use the ropes to get back to his feet here.
Hammarskjold trying to control but he's not successful this time.

Hammarskjold stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Vanagandr shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Hammarskjold pinned against the ropes. Hammarskjold gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammarskjold ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vanagandr is trying hard to land a takedown here. Hammarskjold sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Hammarskjold throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Hammarskjold thuds a left hand into Vanagandr's body.

Vanagandr gets caught napping as Hammarskjold dives in and scores a takedown. Vanagandr manages to retain guard.
Hammarskjold stops Vanagandr from standing up.

Hammarskjold stands up and waves to Vanagandr to follow him.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hammarskjold. Vanagandr does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vanagandr misses the shot to the body.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vanagandr misses with a body shot.

Hammarskjold gets the takedown into side control.

Hammarskjold decides to stand back up.
Vanagandr stuns Hammarskjold with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Hammarskjold shoots in and bounces Vanagandr off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alfred Hammarskjold dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Alfred Hammarskjold'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. This is the final round!

Horrible takedown by Vanagandr or perhaps it was just good defense by Hammarskjold which made him look bad.
Vanagandr fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hammarskjold avoids it really well and circles away.
Vanagandr shoots in and drives through. Hammarskjold sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Katla Vanagandr. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Hammarskjold avoids the body shot from Vanagandr.
Hammarskjold lands a nice shot to the body.

Hammarskjold closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Vanagandr did well to prevent Hammarskjold getting side control.

Hammarskjold stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Vanagandr to get to his feet.

Hammarskjold closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Vanagandr quickly recovers 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!
Vanagandr tries to kick Hammarskjold off but Hammarskjold keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
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.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet - back to striking we go!

Hammarskjold closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Hammarskjold lands in his opponent's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanagandr is looking to stand up but Hammarskjold isn't so interested in that idea.

Hammarskjold stands and steps away. Vanagandr gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Vanagandr shoots in and drives through. Hammarskjold sprawls well.
Hammarskjold works Vanagandr's body with a nice hook.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Vanagandr enables Hammarskjold to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Vanagandr manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Hammarskjold prevents Vanagandr from getting back to his feet.

Hammarskjold stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Hammarskjold fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Hammarskjold shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Vanagandr manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Vanagandr is working an open guard so Hammarskjold takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.

Hammarskjold closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Hammarskjold decides to stand up, so the ref orders Vanagandr to his feet.
Alfred Hammarskjold is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vanagandr throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Hammarskjold's waist but Hammarskjold gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Vanagandr off to one side.
Hammarskjold works Vanagandr's body with a nice hook.
Vanagandr fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Hammarskjold manages to avoid it.
Vanagandr throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hammarskjold ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Hammarskjold looks to score with a jab to the body but Vanagandr is just out of range.
Hammarskjold throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Vanagandr works Hammarskjold's body with a nice hook.

Vanagandr gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Hammarskjold wants to stand but Vanagandr has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Hammarskjold stops Vanagandr from standing up.
Hammarskjold wants to stand but Vanagandr is controlling his posture from full guard.
Hammarskjold won't allow Vanagandr to get back to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hammarskjold stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Vanagandr shoots in but no luck this time.
Hammarskjold leaves Vanagandr with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Hammarskjold throws a shot to the body.
Vanagandr doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Hammarskjold fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Hammarskjold swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Hammarskjold shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Vanagandr's guard.
Vanagandr wants to get back to his feet but Hammarskjold is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Vanagandr will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Hammarskjold gets to his feet. Vanagandr looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

Hammarskjold feints and as Vanagandr raises his hands in defense, Hammarskjold changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vanagandr wants to stand and escape but Hammarskjold is having none of it.

Vanagandr is working an open guard so Hammarskjold takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Vanagandr throws a body punch but Hammarskjold moves out of range.
Hammarskjold lands with a nice body punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hammarskjold dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Vanagandr tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Hammarskjold swivels and escapes.
Hammarskjold fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hammarskjold scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Vanagandr doesn't seem bothered though.
Vanagandr dives in and grabs Hammarskjold's left leg, looking for a takedown. Hammarskjold pushes down on Vanagandr's head and hops out.
Hammarskjold scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hammarskjold works Vanagandr's body with a nice hook.

Hammarskjold shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Hammarskjold stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Vanagandr to get to his feet.

Hammarskjold closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.

Hammarskjold decides to stand up, so the ref orders Vanagandr to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vanagandr fails to land the takedown.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Hammarskjold.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alfred Hammarskjold comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Hammarskjold has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight for Alfred Hammarskjold!
Judge Illya Tyunina scores the fight for Alfred Hammarskjold!
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight for Alfred Hammarskjold!

Alfred Hammarskjold wins by unanimous decision!
Alfred Hammarskjold is the new heavyweight champion!
Alfred Hammarskjold decided to call for a title shot in his post fight interview, which was very strange given the fact this fight was for a title and he's already the champion. I guess that's what getting punched in the head does for you.