PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kai Kangaskokko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lawrence Uranium (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kangaskokko comes to the cage accompanied by TRC - H.A.T.E.R.S. Kai Kangaskokko had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 206.4lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. 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.

Kangaskokko
vs
Uranium

190 cm
21
224 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

206 cm
21
220 lbs
6 - 6 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Good knees
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Good kicks
Knockout power

CEC Nutrition Q160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kai Kangaskokko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 6 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lawrence Uranium!
The judges for this bout are Nard Betker, Paul Aken and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Uranium fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kangaskokko wants to clinch up but Uranium keeps it at a distance.

Kangaskokko instigates a clinch.
Kangaskokko can't get the takedown.
Uranium looking to stall.
Uranium gets through Kangaskokko's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Uranium blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Knees to the body from Uranium.
Kangaskokko lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Uranium is trying to drag Kangaskokko to the mat but Kangaskokko just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Knees to the body from Uranium.
Uranium is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Kai Kangaskokko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lawrence Uranium.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Uranium breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Uranium fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Kangaskokko looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch up.
Kangaskokko wants to clinch
letting Uranium counter with a right hand.
Kangaskokko closes the distance looking to clinch
and Kangaskokko takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Uranium fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.

Uranium fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kangaskokko, pushing him back against the cage.
Uranium gets underhooks to prevent Kangaskokko's takedown attempt.
Kangaskokko working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Uranium is working for takedown but Kangaskokko is calmly controlling the position for now.
A head punch on the inside from Uranium fails to land.
Kangaskokko blocking some punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kangaskokko throws a punch but it's blocked by Uranium.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kangaskokko.
Kangaskokko goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kangaskokko misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kangaskokko lands a left hand.

Kangaskokko tightens his grip and picks Uranium up, before dumping him to the ground. Uranium manages to land in guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Uranium 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.

Uranium has his foot on Kangaskokko's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kangaskokko works his way back into a safe position though.
Kangaskokko trying to control but Uranium is working from the bottom.
Uranium is looking to stand up but Kangaskokko isn't so interested in that idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kangaskokko being controlled here momentarily.
Kangaskokko trying to control the position from guard on top but Uranium is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Kai Kangaskokko.

Kangaskokko moves into the clinch.
Uranium is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Uranium.
Uranium is trying to break free.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Uranium just misses with a elbow thrown towards Kangaskokko's brow.
Kangaskokko doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kangaskokko has a couple of punches blocked by Uranium.
Kangaskokko has Uranium pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Uranium manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Kangaskokko wants the takedown. Uranium is fighting it off but Kangaskokko persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Uranium's guard against the cage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kangaskokko pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Uranium is keeping the position for now.
Kangaskokko seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Uranium trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Uranium is pulling down on Kangaskokko's head. It's preventing any offense from Kangaskokko, at least for the moment.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kangaskokko throws a big elbow that misses.
Uranium is pulling down on Kangaskokko's head to control his posture.
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 Kai Kangaskokko will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kangaskokko uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Uranium.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch but Uranium moves out of range.
Uranium circles away from the clinch attempt.
Uranium misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Uranium dips to his left and cracks Kangaskokko with an uppercut!
Kangaskokko tries to close the distance and clinch but Uranium swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Uranium shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Kangaskokko but Kangaskokko pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Uranium keeps the fight on the outside.
Uranium shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kangaskokko pinned against the cage. Kangaskokko gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kangaskokko tries to close the distance and clinch but Uranium swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kangaskokko wants to clinch
and Uranium counters with a nice body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Horrible takedown by Uranium or perhaps it was just good defense by Kangaskokko which made him look bad.
Kai Kangaskokko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lawrence Uranium.
Kangaskokko is looking to clinch.
Kangaskokko fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kangaskokko takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kangaskokko tries to close the distance and clinch but Uranium swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Uranium pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kangaskokko tries to close the distance and clinch up but Uranium swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch
and Uranium counters with a left and a right that stings Kangaskokko.
Kangaskokko takes one to the chin there.
Uranium shoots for a double leg takedown but Kangaskokko sprawls well. He's pushed Uranium's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Uranium is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Uranium circles away from the clinch attempt
and Uranium counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kangaskokko is looking to clinch but Uranium is avoiding it.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch up but Uranium circles away and keeps his distance.
Uranium throws a head kick that misses

and Kangaskokko counters by clinching up.
Kangaskokko with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kangaskokko throws a punch but it's blocked by Uranium.
Uranium blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
A short right from Uranium on the inside.
Stalling in the clinch from Kangaskokko.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Uranium lands a takedown into guard.
Uranium sitting in guard here, content to control.
Uranium wants to pass the guard but Kangaskokko is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kangaskokko pulls Uranium in close to prevent any damage.
Kangaskokko might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Kangaskokko throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Kangaskokko looking to control.
Kangaskokko wants to stand but Uranium is controlling the position.

We're going to have a standup here because Kai Kangaskokko wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
A punch lands to the side of Kangaskokko 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Uranium keeps the fight on the outside.
Uranium has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Uranium lands with a nice body punch.
Good exchange - Uranium coming out on top.
Kangaskokko is looking to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Uranium instigates a clinch.
Uranium is working for takedown but Kangaskokko is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kangaskokko lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Uranium backwards.
Kangaskokko misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kangaskokko can't get the takedown.
Kangaskokko tries for a takedown. No joy.
Uranium taking a breather.
Kangaskokko can't get the takedown.

Uranium is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Kangaskokko can't fight it off and eventually Uranium manages to take the fight to the floor. Kangaskokko looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Uranium pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kangaskokko is keeping the position for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lawrence Uranium showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Kangaskokko avoids the body shot from Uranium.
Kangaskokko darts in trying to clinch
and Uranium makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch
and Uranium counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Some wild striking there from Uranium.
Uranium throws a leg kick but Kangaskokko sees it coming and moves out of range.

Kangaskokko forces Uranium back against the cage and clinches.
Kangaskokko throws a head punch that misses.
Uranium scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Uranium tries to stall but Kangaskokko uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Uranium is trying to drag Kangaskokko to the mat but Kangaskokko just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kangaskokko is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Kangaskokko is pressed up against the cage. Uranium has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kangaskokko down to the mat. Kangaskokko avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Kai Kangaskokko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Lawrence Uranium.
Kangaskokko wants to clinch up but Uranium keeps it at a distance.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch up.
Lawrence Uranium seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Uranium throws a sloppy head kick and Kangaskokko moves out of range easily.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch but Uranium moves out of range.
Uranium keeps the fight on the outside.
Uranium connects with a nice looking jab.
Kangaskokko is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Uranium throws a good cross that connects.
Uranium bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kangaskokko's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Uranium swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nice straight punches there by Uranium. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Uranium.
Uranium fails with a takedown attempt.
Uranium swats away the attempt to clinch by Kangaskokko.
Kangaskokko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kangaskokko is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Lawrence Uranium seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Uranium dives in and grabs Kangaskokko's left leg, looking for a takedown. Kangaskokko pushes down on Uranium's head and hops out.
Kai Kangaskokko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Uranium circles away from the clinch attempt
and Uranium counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Uranium manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Kangaskokko tries to clinch up
and Uranium counters with a one-two to the body.
Kangaskokko is looking to clinch but Uranium is avoiding it.
Kangaskokko tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Uranium counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Kangaskokko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Uranium.
Kangaskokko closes the distance looking to clinch
and Uranium counters with a nice uppercut.
Kangaskokko doesn't manage to clinch there - Uranium circles away.
Some wild striking there from Uranium.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kangaskokko gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Uranium has Kangaskokko pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kangaskokko manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kangaskokko taking a breather.
A short body shot lands from Kangaskokko as the two fighters clinch.
Uranium takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Uranium is trying to drag Kangaskokko to the mat but Kangaskokko just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Kangaskokko blocks an elbow strike.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kangaskokko misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kangaskokko scores a nice knee to the body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kangaskokko is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Uranium pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Uranium tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kai Kangaskokko showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kangaskokko 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 29:28
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 29:28
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kai Kangaskokko!
After the fight, Kai Kangaskokko was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.