PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Jorde Runkputte (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nuno Martins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nuno Martins will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Runkputte
vs
Martins

177 cm
20
165 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

173 cm
19
166 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Backyard Fighting
Perkele!

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jorde Runkputte!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Nuno Martins!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Daniel Franklin and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Runkputte forces Martins back against the cage and clinches.
Martins misses with a hook to the ribs.
Martins wants to break free but Runkputte has control.
Martins tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Runkputte scores with a shot to the side of Martins's head.
Runkputte scores with a shot to the side of Martins's head.
Runkputte lands a shot to the body.
Runkputte lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Runkputte lands a body punch.
Runkputte prevents a body shot from Martins.
Martins misses with a body punch.
Martins can't find room to land a body shot as Runkputte controls the action.

Martins manages to break the clinch.
Jab from Martins.
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!
Martins throws out a leg kick but Runkputte moves out of range and Martins only half commits.
Runkputte fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Martins manages to avoid it.
Martins throws a leg kick that is checked

and Runkputte counters by moving into the clinch.
Martins doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Martins doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Runkputte pushes Martins back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Martins tries to work over Runkputte's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

Runkputte breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Martins misses with a leg kick.
Runkputte cracks Martins with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Martins thumps Runkputte with a low kick.
Runkputte wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Runkputte stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Martins.
Runkputte tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Martins manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A big right from Runkputte misses.
Nuno Martins seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Runkputte tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Martins swivels and escapes.
Martins attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
That kick from Martins tenderised Runkputte's leg. Runkputte is trying to keep his angry face on.
A swing and a miss from Runkputte.
Martins throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Runkputte sees it coming and avoids it easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Good work by Runkputte as he checks the leg kick.
Runkputte moves out of range of the leg kick from Martins.
Nuno Martins is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Martins. Runkputte shrugs it off though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Runkputte connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Martins momentarily.
Martins scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Runkputte has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Martins.
Martins avoids a kick to the body.
Martins dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Runkputte. That did some damage!

Runkputte dives in and scores a takedown into Martins's guard.
Martins utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Runkputte looking to pass the guard.
Runkputte throwing strikes from guard but Martins blocks nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Runkputte trying to control but Martins is working from the bottom.
Runkputte working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Runkputte wants to control from the top but Martins keeps moving.
Martins working a defensive guard here.
Runkputte working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Martins is trying to keep Runkputte in close.
Martins working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Runkputte.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Martins managing to control the position.
Martins is trying to keep Runkputte in close.

Nuno Martins has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Martins throws a looping overhand right but Runkputte ducks down to avoid it.
Runkputte throws a combination. Martins tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Runkputte throws a combination. Martins tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Runkputte moves out of range of the body kick.
Martins misses with a leg kick.
Runkputte lands with a straight right. Martins didn't see that one coming.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Martins fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Martins scores with a kick to the midsection.
Runkputte takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jorde Runkputte dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Martins throws a sloppy head kick and Runkputte moves out of range easily.
Runkputte misses with a body kick.
Runkputte swings for the body but Martins moves out of range.
Runkputte lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Martins fakes the leg kick and cracks Runkputte in the body.
Martins connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Martins defending well as Runkputte loads up on a big left hand.
Martins throws a front kick that sends Runkputte stumbling back into the cage.
Martins tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Runkputte is able to avoid easily.
Runkputte takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Martins scores with the left hand. Runkputte knows he should have avoided that one.
Runkputte rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Martins moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Runkputte fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Runkputte takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Martins connects with a solid leg kick.
Martins misses with an attempted mid kick.
Runkputte checks a low kick from Martins.
The fighters circling - Martins throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Runkputte throws a chopping leg kick but Martins manages to avoid taking any serious damage.

Runkputte scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Martins avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Runkputte.
Runkputte prevents Martins from improving his position.
Martins is looking to control Runkputte's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Martins avoid being mounted?
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Runkputte lands a nice short elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Runkputte thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Martins is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Martins has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Runkputte is working away from the top position though.
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!
Martins tries to roll over but Runkputte keeps him under control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Well, if Runkputte is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Runkputte sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Martins defending well though.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Runkputte missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Martins trying to control from the bottom.
Runkputte thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Martins's head.
Runkputte 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Runkputte scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Runkputte seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Martins does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Runkputte is thwarting Martins's attempts to control the position.
Runkputte wants to pass to mount but Martins is defending the position.
Runkputte takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Martins is staying active underneath Runkputte, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Runkputte thows a huge punch but Martins dodges it nicely.
Runkputte throwing shots but Martins is blocking nicely.
Martins on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Runkputte wants to pass to mount but Martins is defending the position.
Runkputte throwing shots but Martins is blocking nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Runkputte not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Martins regains full guard, whilst avoiding punches from Runkputte.
Runkputte postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Runkputte throws a strike but Martins rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Martins would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Runkputte looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Martins wanted to stand there but Runkputte had control of the position.
Jorde Runkputte overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Runkputte looking for a sweep. Not yet Runkputte, not yet.
Martins wanted to stand there but Runkputte had control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Runkputte chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Martins can pounce on him.
Runkputte misses with a wild body shot.
Martins cracks the inside of Runkputte's front leg.
Runkputte checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Martins throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Runkputte.
Runkputte scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Runkputte looks to score with a jab to the body but Martins is just out of range.
Martins looks for the body kick but Runkputte saw that one coming.
Martins lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Runkputte lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Runkputte on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Runkputte shoots in but no luck this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Martins attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
A left lands for Martins.
Martins lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Martins leaves Runkputte with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Runkputte. Those never looked like landing.
A clash of legs there as Runkputte blocks the low kick.
A good leg kick by Martins.
Martins moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Martins.
Runkputte misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Martins counters with a thumping low kick.
Martins throws a front kick aimed at Runkputte's knee but Runkputte avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Martins misses with a head kick.
Runkputte takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Martins tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Martins misses with a low kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Runkputte lands a jab to the nose.
Runkputte tries to score with a low kick but Martins moves his leg out of the way.
Martins wants to slow Runkputte down by chopping away at his legs.
Martins misses with a body kick.
Martins stuns Runkputte with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Runkputte avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Martins misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Martins tries to work over Runkputte's front leg with a kick but Runkputte checks it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martins pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Runkputte takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Runkputte throws a wild body kick that Martins sees coming a mile off.
Martins looks for the body kick but Runkputte saw that one coming.
Martins looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Runkputte cracks Martins with a right hand to the side of the head.
Good leg kick by Martins there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Martins cracks the inside of Runkputte's front leg.
Martins throws a leg kick but Runkputte checks it.
Runkputte avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Runkputte lands a glancing blow to the side of Martins's head.
Martins throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Martins throws out a loose jab but Runkputte uses good head movement to avoid it.
Runkputte throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Runkputte is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Runkputte checks a leg kick.
Martins throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Runkputte's corner calls for a 1-2. Runkputte obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Runkputte blocks the body kick.
Martins lands with a kick to the ribs.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Martins throws a low kick, looking for Runkputte's leg but Runkputte calmly moves out of range.

Martins gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Runkputte to score an easy takedown into full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Runkputte stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Martins swivels though and keeps the full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nuno Martins really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Runkputte closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Runkputte misses the shot to the body.
Runkputte will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Runkputte lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Runkputte throws a shot from downtown. Martins moves away and avoids it.

Runkputte manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Martins on his heels. He'll look to pass Martins's guard now, I'm sure.
Martins is trying to control the position but Runkputte postures up.
Martins 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.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Runkputte's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Martins keeping moving, preventing Runkputte from controlling successfully.
Martins trying to keep a closed guard but Runkputte is proving a slippery customer.

That's one minute gone in the round.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Runkputte tries to free his leg and advance position but Martins is retaining full guard.
Martins not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Runkputte trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Runkputte postures up in Martins's guard and throws a big left but Martins blocks it.
Martins seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Nuno Martins hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Runkputte takes a swing at Martins's ribcage but misses.
Martins throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Runkputte has taken the fight to the clinch.
Runkputte has a couple of punches blocked by Martins.
Runkputte lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Martins goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Martins wants to break free but Runkputte has control.

Runkputte has double underhooks and is working for a body lock takedown. He's got it. The fighters land in half guard but Martins regains guard immediately.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Runkputte trying to control the position from guard on top but Martins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Runkputte tries to free his leg and advance position but Martins is retaining full guard.
Runkputte is working Martins over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Runkputte looking to pass the guard.
Runkputte controlling from the top position.
Runkputte wants to control from the top but Martins keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Martins controls Runkputte momentarily but Runkputte frees himself.
Runkputte throws a big elbow that misses.
Runkputte throws a big right hand that misses.
Runkputte postures up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Martins misses with an attempted mid kick.
Runkputte goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Martins is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Runkputte.
Martins takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Martins misses with a low kick.
Runkputte fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Martins throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Runkputte tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Martins was well out of range. Poor timing from Runkputte.
Martins tries a low kick but Runkputte avoids it.
Martins lands a glancing blow to the side of Runkputte's head.
Runkputte moves out of range of the body kick.
Martins lands a leg kick that knocks Runkputte off balance momentarily.
Runkputte throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Runkputte gets a double leg takedown into Martins's guard.
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.
Runkputte won't allow Martins to sweep him here.
Runkputte slips nicely into half guard.
Runkputte moves nicely into side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jorde Runkputte had his way with Nuno Martins in that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Runkputte thows a left - swing and a miss!
Runkputte throws a hook to the side of Martins's head but Martins sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Martins fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Runkputte has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Runkputte throws a hook but Martins avoids it easily.
Martins throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
An inside leg kick from Martins misses.
That kick from Martins tenderised Runkputte's leg. Runkputte is trying to keep his angry face on.
Runkputte has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Martins.
Martins throws a leg kick but Runkputte moved away.

Runkputte decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Martins tries to roll over but Runkputte keeps him under control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Martins avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Runkputte.
Martins wants to improve his position but Runkputte is controlling well.
Martins trying to control from the bottom.
Runkputte misses with a head shot. Martins uses the momentum to regain guard.
Martins controls Runkputte momentarily but Runkputte frees himself.
Runkputte trying to control but Martins is working from the bottom.
Runkputte looking to pass the guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Runkputte trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Runkputte trying to control the position from guard on top but Martins is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Runkputte preventing the sweep.
Runkputte tries to free his leg and advance position but Martins is retaining full guard.
Martins is trying to control the position but Runkputte postures up.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Runkputte avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
A jab from Martins does it's job there.
Martins tries to score with a low kick but Runkputte moves his leg out of the way.
Runkputte throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Runkputte lands a right hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A cross from Martins lands.
Runkputte walks forward, straight into a front kick from Martins.
Nuno Martins seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Runkputte shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Runkputte takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Runkputte wants to pass to mount but Martins is defending the position.
Martins trying to hold on to Runkputte's head to control him but Runkputte postures up.
Runkputte takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Runkputte moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Martins avoids the body shot from Runkputte.
Martins throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Runkputte throws a hook to the side of Martins's head but Martins sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Martins does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Martins throws a front kick aimed at Runkputte's knee but Runkputte avoids it well.
A thudding body kick lands there by Martins!
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!
Martins looking to land some kicks to the body here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Martins throws a push kick but Runkputte slaps the foot to one side.
Martins waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Runkputte.
Nuno Martins has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jorde Runkputte is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Martins goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Jorde Runkputte.
I think Runkputte 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 Cecil Peabody scores the fight 49:46
Judge Daniel Franklin scores the fight 49:46
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jorde Runkputte!
Jorde Runkputte retains his lightweight title!
After winning the bout, Jorde Runkputte thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.