PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between John McLachlan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nate North (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). McLachlan comes to the cage accompanied by Funeral For a Friend - 'History'. Nate North acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

McLachlan
vs
North

178 cm
20
181 lbs
6 - 2 - 0

177 cm
20
175 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Granite chin

CEC Nutrition Q160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John McLachlan!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nate North!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Anni Minnemäki and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
North shoots in but no luck this time.
McLachlan misses with a straight right.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
North misses with a hook from the clinch.
McLachlan prevents a body shot from North.
North struggles to land a body shot inside as McLachlan controls his hands.
McLachlan is trying to maintain a safe position but North gets an underhook and turns McLachlan into the cage.
McLachlan misses with some punches.
North stalling.
North stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
North tries to score a body lock takedown but McLachlan shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
The referee is keeping an eye on North - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
North is pressed up against the cage. McLachlan has hold of a leg and is looking to drag North down to the mat. North avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
North wants to clinch.
McLachlan ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.

North darts in and clinches McLachlan up against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from North fails to land.
North drops down looking for an ankle pick but McLachlan pulls his leg out and moves away.
John McLachlan has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Nate North.
McLachlan avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
North moves in looking to clinch but McLachlan pushes him off.

North clinches up with McLachlan and pushes him back against the cage.
North scores with a shoulder strike.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
McLachlan blocks a body shot from North.
North has McLachlan pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. McLachlan manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
McLachlan blocking some punches.
North gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from McLachlan.
McLachlan looking to slow down the pace here.
North tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
North tries a body shot but McLachlan blocks it.
North struggles to land a body shot inside as McLachlan controls his hands.
A short body shot lands from North as the two fighters clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
North taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
North tries to work over McLachlan's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
North scores with an uppercut up the middle.
North lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down McLachlan.
North throws a head punch that misses.
North pressing his opponent against the cage.

North has hold of one of McLachlan's legs. McLachlan is fighting the takedown attempt but North gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
McLachlan bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in North's guard.

North looking for a guillotine here but McLachlan defends easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
McLachlan chips away with some ground and pound.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
McLachlan trying to control but North is working from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
McLachlan is stalling in the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nate North dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

North lands a straight punch to the body, keeping McLachlan at a distance.

McLachlan scores with a takedown into North's guard.
North is looking to stand up but McLachlan isn't so interested in that idea.
North keeping moving, preventing McLachlan from controlling successfully.
North preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McLachlan looking to sit in guard and control but North gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
McLachlan not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
North throws a big right hand that misses.
North throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
North throwing strikes from guard but McLachlan blocks nicely.
McLachlan avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
North throwing strikes from guard but McLachlan blocks nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
North missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
McLachlan is adopting a defensive guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as North accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
North throws a big right hand that misses.
McLachlan utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
North postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
McLachlan wants to stand and escape but North is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
North throws a big right hand that misses.
North is looking to work some ground and pound but McLachlan has wrist control.
North postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
North throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
North throws a strike but McLachlan rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
McLachlan slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
McLachlan stands and throws North's legs to the side, diving into side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan misses with the ground and pound.
McLachlan trying to control the action but North is working from the bottom.
McLachlan throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
North dodges the ground and pound from McLachlan.
McLachlan trying to control the position but North is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that John McLachlan will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

North throws a lazy right hand but McLachlan sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
McLachlan lands with a hook. North tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
McLachlan is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
North is on the wrong end of a nice combination from McLachlan.
North fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but McLachlan is out of range.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from McLachlan.

McLachlan closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - McLachlan lands in his opponent's guard.
McLachlan throwing strikes from guard but North blocks nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McLachlan not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
McLachlan with a flurry of punches that miss.
McLachlan looking to sit in guard and control but North gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
North throwing strikes from guard but McLachlan blocks nicely.
McLachlan manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. North manages to get himself to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan stands and throws North's legs to the side, diving into side control.
North taking a bit of punishment here - McLachlan scoring with strikes.
McLachlan in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
McLachlan lands a decent elbow from side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
McLachlan working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan trying to control the action but North is working from the bottom.
North is being controlled here.
McLachlan in side control, throwing shots but North defends.
McLachlan is trying to move to mount but North reverses beautifully and ends up in McLachlan's guard.
McLachlan looking for a sweep. Not yet McLachlan, not yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
North lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
McLachlan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
McLachlan has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
North trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
North throws an elbow that misses. McLachlan uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in North's guard. Nice move by McLachlan!
McLachlan looking to sit in guard and control but North gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McLachlan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John McLachlan clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

North misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from McLachlan.
McLachlan lands with a cross.
McLachlan lands a jab to the nose.
North misses with a looping right.
North fails in his attempt to clinch.
Nice body punch from McLachlan.
McLachlan throws a hook to the side of North's head but North sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
North fails with an attempt to clinch.

North closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. McLachlan quickly recovers to half guard.
North landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
McLachlan blocking the ground and pound attempt from North.
North sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. McLachlan defending well though.

That's one minute gone in the round.
North throws a strike but McLachlan avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
North working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of McLachlan's head.
North trying to control the position from guard on top but McLachlan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
North working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
North tries to free his leg and advance position but McLachlan is retaining full guard.
McLachlan trying to control the position here.
North loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

North postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! McLachlan is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of North, into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan advances position into side control!
McLachlan misses with the ground and pound.
McLachlan trying to control the action but North is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
McLachlan cracks North with an elbow. That is naaassty.
McLachlan has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for North!
McLachlan with shots to the head and body - North looks very uncomfortable down there.
McLachlan with shots to the head and body - North looks very uncomfortable down there.
John McLachlan overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
McLachlan trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan breaks from North's wrist control and lands an elbow.
McLachlan can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as North is looking to escape.
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!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John McLachlan had his way with Nate North in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

North throws a body punch but McLachlan moves out of range.
McLachlan tries to score a power double leg takedown but North sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten McLachlan somewhat.
McLachlan is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
North shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says McLachlan as he avoids it easily.
North ducks down and throws a hook to the body but McLachlan moves away.
McLachlan has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
North slips under a jab from McLachlan.
North leaves McLachlan with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
McLachlan looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? North is fending him off so far but McLachlan persists. Nope, North circles away and we're back to standing.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for John McLachlan. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
North takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
McLachlan misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
McLachlan keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
North slips a straight right by McLachlan.
North loads up on a big right hand but McLachlan slips the punch.
Left hook, right uppercut from North.
McLachlan scores with a hook.
McLachlan lands a head shot.
McLachlan just misses with a punch to the body.

North has McLachlan up against the cage in a clinch.
McLachlan blocks a body shot from North.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
North has McLachlan pushed against the cage.
North cracks McLachlan with a nice body shot.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
North has a couple of punches blocked by McLachlan.
North tries to score a body lock takedown but McLachlan shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
North stalling the fight.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
North misses with a shot to the kidneys.
North misses with some punches.
North leaning his opponent against the cage.
North drops down looking for an ankle pick but McLachlan pulls his leg out and moves away.
McLachlan misses the shot to the body.
McLachlan misses with a two punch combination.

McLachlan manages to get an easy takedown there - catching North on his heels. He'll look to pass North's guard now, I'm sure.
McLachlan looking to sit in guard and control but North gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McLachlan can't keep his opponent in guard - North advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
John McLachlan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
McLachlan blocking the ground and pound attempt from North.
McLachlan trying to control here.
North thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed McLachlan's head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
McLachlan avoiding damage under a succession of punches from North.
Nate North has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
North with the ground and pound but McLachlan uses the opportunity to regain guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nate North comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think McLachlan has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 48:47
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 48:47
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John McLachlan!
Jumping up and down and very excited, John McLachlan waved his t-shirt featuring CEC Nutrition Q160's logo in front of the cameras.