PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Josh Gardner (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kauko Velaskuez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Josh Gardner has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Gardner
vs
Velaskuez

188 cm
24
230 lbs
13 - 6 - 0

188 cm
28
245 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Josh Gardner!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kauko Velaskuez!
The judges for this bout are Sergei Dronov, Dmitry Maklakov and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gardner looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Velaskuez takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Velaskuez shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gardner as he avoids it easily.
Velaskuez fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Velaskuez fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Gardner avoids it really well and circles away.
Josh Gardner has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kauko Velaskuez.
Velaskuez shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Velaskuez crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Gardner - the referee stops the clock and Velaskuez gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Gardner. Velaskuez manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Velaskuez takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Velaskuez misses with a takedown attempt - Gardner sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Gardner getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Gardner lands an overhand right.
Gardner throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Velaskuez moves out of range of the body kick.
Josh Gardner seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Velaskuez takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Gardner's corner calls for a 1-2. Gardner obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Gardner scores with a jab. Velaskuez acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Gardner dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Velaskuez takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Velaskuez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Gardner sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velaskuez walks forward, straight into a front kick from Gardner.
Velaskuez shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Gardner but Gardner pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Velaskuez looks gassed!
Velaskuez will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Gardner lands a nice shot to the body.
Gardner throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Gardner connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Velaskuez momentarily.
Velaskuez has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Gardner.
Velaskuez has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Gardner.
Velaskuez is trying desperately to land a takedown but Gardner is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Velaskuez.
Velaskuez has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Gardner.
Gardner delivers a nice body kick.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Velaskuez closes the distance and clinches up with Gardner, looking for a takedown. Velaskuez pushes Gardner against the cage but Gardner circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Gardner scores with a head kick.
Gardner lands a right hook to the body.
Gardner scores with a jab to the jaw.
Velaskuez takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Velaskuez on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Gardner lands a high kick!

It looks like Kauko Velaskuez has been cut.
Gardner scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Velaskuez walks into a straight right hand from Gardner.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gardner works Velaskuez's body with a nice hook.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Gardner.
Gardner feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Velaskuez's calf.
Velaskuez tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Gardner swivels and escapes.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Gardner scores with a nice strike.
Velaskuez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Velaskuez on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Gardner bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Velaskuez's head.
Gardner throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Gardner stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Gardner wants it to stay on the feet.
Gardner digs a good body shot into Velaskuez's ribs.
Gardner cracks the inside of Velaskuez's front leg.
Gardner is looking to slow Velaskuez down with leg kicks.
Velaskuez has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Gardner.
Gardner lands a nice leg kick that just misses Velaskuez's sensitive parts.
Gardner ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Josh Gardner is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Velaskuez takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Gardner slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Gardner lands a nice shot that snaps Velaskuez's head back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner lands a jab to the nose.
Gardner lands with a nice body kick.
A thudding body kick lands there by Gardner!
Gardner connects with a high kick.

Velaskuez is rocked!
Gardner bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Velaskuez's head.
Velaskuez is still on wobbly legs! Can Gardner finish him?
Gardner throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Velaskuez stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Velaskuez seems to have recovered his senses.
Gardner lands with a kick to the temple. Velaskuez shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Velaskuez closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Gardner wants to get back to full guard.
Velaskuez looks to land a strike but Gardner avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Velaskuez prevents Gardner from getting back to his feet.
Velaskuez throws a big right hand that misses.
Velaskuez throwing strikes from guard but Gardner blocks nicely.
Velaskuez with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gardner working a defensive guard here.
Velaskuez throws a big elbow that misses.
Velaskuez postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Velaskuez landing with the ground and pound.
Velaskuez works over Gardner with some ground and pound from guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Velaskuez is in close to Gardner's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Velaskuez throws a big right hand that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh Gardner dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kauko Velaskuez's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Velaskuez takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Gardner lands with a shot to the body.
Gardner clobbers Velaskuez with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Velaskuez shoots in for a takedown but Gardner shows good takedown defense.
Velaskuez takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Gardner.
Velaskuez shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Gardner sprawls well. Gardner wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Velaskuez gets slowly back to his feet.
Velaskuez has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Gardner scores with a decent looking hook.
Velaskuez tries to move into range but Gardner moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Jab by Gardner.
A lazy left from Gardner finds it's target.
Gardner scores with a body shot.
Gardner lands a really nice looking cross but Velaskuez seems unphased.
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!
Gardner throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Velaskuez shoots for a double leg takedown but Gardner sprawls well. He's pushed Velaskuez's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Josh Gardner has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kauko Velaskuez.
Velaskuez is breathing heavily.
Gardner bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Gardner scores with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gardner lunges at Velaskuez with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Velaskuez's hand.
Velaskuez walks forward, straight into a front kick from Gardner.
Velaskuez takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Gardner scores with a kick to the body.
Nice uppercut there from Gardner.
Gardner lands a jab to Velaskuez's midsection.
Gardner fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Gardner listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Velaskuez takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Gardner sizes up Velaskuez with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gardner scores with a jab to the body.
Gardner lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Velaskuez at a distance.
Gardner jabs at Velaskuez's body.
Velaskuez drops his hands momentarily and Gardner takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Gardner with a body punch. A glancing blow.
A solid leg kick lands there for Gardner.
A nice inside leg kick there by Gardner. That's going to slow Velaskuez down.
Gardner throws a shot to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Velaskuez on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Gardner. Gardner obviously looking to wear him down.
Gardner feints and then cracks Velaskuez's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Velaskuez down.
Gardner chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Gardner explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Velaskuez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Gardner is fending him off so far but Velaskuez persists. Nope, Gardner circles away and we're back to standing.
Gardner lands with a straight right. Velaskuez didn't see that one coming.
Gardner lands a glancing blow to the side of Velaskuez's head.
Gardner lands a nice shot that snaps Velaskuez's head back.
Gardner connects with a high kick.
Velaskuez's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Gardner sizes up Velaskuez with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Velaskuez has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Gardner finds it's way round the side to connect with Velaskuez's head.
Good standup being displayed there by Gardner as he connects with a hook.
Gardner scores with a kick to the midsection.
Gardner moves out of range as Velaskuez strikes.
Gardner is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Velaskuez can do to turn this around?
Nice jab there from Gardner.
Gardner lands with a kick to the ribs.
Velaskuez takes a shot right to the bread basket.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Gardner keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Velaskuez takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
The fighters circle momentarily. Gardner darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Gardner tests Velaskuez's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A punch lands to the side of Velaskuez 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Gardner throws a front kick that sends Velaskuez stumbling back into the cage.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Gardner.
Josh Gardner is winning the standup battle so far.
Nice body kick there by Gardner.
Velaskuez takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Gardner wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
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!
Velaskuez closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Gardner jabs at Velaskuez's body.
Gardner's jab looks to have found its range, popping Velaskuez under the eye.
Gardner with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Velaskuez drops his hands momentarily and Gardner takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gardner thumps Velaskuez with a low kick.
Gardner throws a good cross that connects.
Gardner bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Gardner scores with a nice body kick.
Gardner with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Velaskuez.
Gardner throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Velaskuez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Gardner sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Velaskuez takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Velaskuez takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
A slapping leg kick lands for Gardner.
Gardner connects with an inside leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Nice body kick there by Gardner.
Gardner lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Velaskuez at a distance.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Gardner.
Gardner connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Josh Gardner dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kauko Velaskuez's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Nice shot by Gardner.
Gardner lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Gardner paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Gardner moves into range and connects with a jab.
Gardner fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Velaskuez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Gardner explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Velaskuez fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Gardner lets loose with a powerful body kick. Velaskuez will feel that in the morning.
Gardner fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Velaskuez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Gardner lands a nice hook to Velaskuez's body. Velaskuez takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Gardner explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gardner scores with a shot to the body.
Velaskuez steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Gardner. That one must have hurt.
Good standup being displayed there by Gardner as he connects with a hook.
Velaskuez takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Velaskuez takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gardner lands with a kick to the ribs.
Gardner lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Velaskuez crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Gardner - the referee stops the clock and Velaskuez gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Gardner. Velaskuez manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Gardner feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Velaskuez's calf.
Velaskuez takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Gardner thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Velaskuez if he has to take too many more of those.
A nice leg kick lands there from Gardner.
Gardner lunges at Velaskuez with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Velaskuez's hand.
Velaskuez walks forward, straight into a front kick from Gardner.
Gardner ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Velaskuez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Velaskuez fails with the takedown.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Gardner - that will leave a mark!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice uppercut lands for Gardner. That snapped Velaskuez's head back.
Gardner stuns Velaskuez with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Gardner lands a glancing blow to the side of Velaskuez's head.
Gardner fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Velaskuez looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Gardner lands a nice looking body kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut lands for Gardner. That snapped Velaskuez's head back.
Gardner moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Velaskuez drops his hands momentarily and Gardner takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Nice body punch from Gardner.
Gardner throws a wild body kick that Velaskuez sees coming a mile off.
Velaskuez steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Gardner. That one must have hurt.
Nice sprawl there from Gardner as Velaskuez shoots in.
Josh Gardner has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kauko Velaskuez.
Gardner throws a shot to the body.
Gardner scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Velaskuez shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Gardner as he avoids it easily.
Gardner throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Nice uppercut there from Gardner.
Gardner throws out a powerful jab.
Gardner chopping away at his opponent's legs.
A jab lands there for Gardner.
Gardner stuffs the takedown.
Gardner fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Velaskuez on the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gardner lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Gardner throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Velaskuez stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Gardner getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Gardner lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Gardner throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Gardner fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Velaskuez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Good leg kick by Gardner there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Gardner bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Gardner lands with a nice body punch.
Gardner throws a head kick but Velaskuez moves out of range.
Gardner throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Gardner defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Velaskuez.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Gardner, as that shot connected.
Velaskuez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Gardner is fending him off so far but Velaskuez persists. Nope, Gardner circles away and we're back to standing.
Gardner smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gardner lands a nice leg kick that just misses Velaskuez's sensitive parts.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velaskuez on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Velaskuez tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Gardner throws a wild body kick that Velaskuez sees coming a mile off.
Velaskuez shoots in looking for a takedown. Gardner tries to sprawl out of it but Velaskuez keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Gardner manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Velaskuez gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Gardner.
Good standup being displayed there by Gardner as he connects with a hook.
Gardner scores with a body shot.
Josh Gardner is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gardner catches Velaskuez with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
A decent looking cross lands there for Gardner.
Gardner bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Gardner throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Gardner tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gardner connects with a solid leg kick.
Gardner scores with a shot to the body.
Kauko Velaskuez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Velaskuez looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Josh Gardner showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Gardner, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Sergei Dronov scores the fight 30:25
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 30:25
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Josh Gardner!