PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jynkka Levanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicolas Karkmananis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Levanen
vs
Karkmananis

190 cm
30
215 lbs
6 - 5 - 1

185 cm
25
215 lbs
4 - 6 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 5 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jynkka Levanen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nicolas Karkmananis!
The judges for this bout are Jack Bonds, Timothy Bukovac and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Karkmananis throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

Karkmananis moves into the clinch successfully.
Karkmananis working hard to break the clinch.
Levanen wants a takedown but no success here.

Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Karkmananis throws the left hand but Levanen avoids the punch easily.
Levanen looks for a takedown but Karkmananis sprawls well.
Karkmananis keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jynkka Levanen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Karkmananis displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Levanen.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Levanen.
Some wild striking there from Karkmananis.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Karkmananis is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Levanen is keen to just control but Karkmananis is a slippery customer.
Karkmananis is trying to stand back up but Levanen is controlling him
Levanen wants to take a breather but Karkmananis is having none of it.
Karkmananis wants to get back to full guard.
Karkmananis blocking the ground and pound attempt from Levanen.
Levanen working over Karkmananis with some ground and pound. Karkmananis looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Levanen 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.
Karkmananis is looking for a sweep. Levanen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Levanen trying to control from half guard but Karkmananis is working away.

Levanen looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Levanen seems to be looking for submissions.
Karkmananis preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Levanen wants to work for an arm triangle but Karkmananis is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Levanen takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Levanen seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Karkmananis moves into full guard.
Karkmananis is trying to keep Levanen in close.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Levanen wants to pass the guard but Karkmananis is keeping the position.
Karkmananis is controlling Levanen's posture.
Levanen passes Karkmananis's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Levanen sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Karkmananis is trying to get back to full guard.
Karkmananis gets full guard.
Karkmananis looking to control.
Levanen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

Jynkka Levanen has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Levanen swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Karkmananis as Levanen shoots in.
Karkmananis tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Levanen manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Levanen is trying hard to land a takedown here. Karkmananis sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Karkmananis lands a nice hook to Levanen's body. Levanen takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
No luck for Levanen with that takedown attempt.
Karkmananis swinging wildly here.

Karkmananis clinches with his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Levanen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Levanen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Karkmananis fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Levanen fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
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 Jynkka Levanen will probably get the nod.
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.

An inside leg kick lands from Karkmananis.
Levanen misses with a lunging right hand
and Karkmananis counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Levanen changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Karkmananis tries to avoid it but Levanen manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Karkmananis to the ground. Karkmananis escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Levanen misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Karkmananis rushes Levanen and presses him up against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

Karkmananis breaks from the clinch.
Karkmananis throws a sloppy head kick and Levanen moves out of range easily.
Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Levanen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Karkmananis connects with a crisp jab.
Levanen misses with a straight left.
Karkmananis fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karkmananis tries a head kick but it misses.
Levanen walks into a straight right hand from Karkmananis.
Levanen misses with a jab, cross combination.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Levanen is defended easily by Karkmananis.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jynkka Levanen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Karkmananis slaps away a takedown attempt from Levanen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Karkmananis closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Karkmananis lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Karkmananis throws a head kick that misses.
Karkmananis tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Levanen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Levanen.
Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Karkmananis wants to clinch up but Levanen keeps it at a distance.
Karkmananis throws a right and a left that Levanen avoids nicely.
Karkmananis slips under a jab from Levanen.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Levanen moves out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Karkmananis looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
No joy there for Levanen, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Karkmananis clinches with his opponent.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Karkmananis can't find room to land a body shot as Levanen controls the action.
Karkmananis is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Levanen is keeping busy.
Levanen dodges an elbow strike from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Karkmananis misses with a body punch.

Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Karkmananis ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Levanen moves away.
Karkmananis scores with a three punch combo!
Karkmananis throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Karkmananis throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

Levanen shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Karkmananis manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Karkmananis is on top in guard.

Karkmananis gets to his feet. Levanen looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Nicolas Karkmananis is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Karkmananis is looking to clinch but Levanen is avoiding it.

Karkmananis moves into the clinch.
Karkmananis wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Levanen is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Karkmananis pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Karkmananis gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Levanen.
Karkmananis is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.

Karkmananis breaks the clinch.
Karkmananis tries to clinch up but Levanen circles away and keeps his distance.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Levanen is having none of it.

Karkmananis takes the fight into the clinch.

Levanen works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Levanen drops back looking for a leg! Karkmananis is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Karkmananis manages to kick Levanen off! Levanen jumps back into Karkmananis's guard.
Karkmananis keeping full guard, as Levanen tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolas Karkmananis showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Levanen fails with the takedown.
Levanen avoids the body shot from Karkmananis.

Karkmananis forces Levanen back against the cage and clinches.
Karkmananis gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Levanen.
Still in the clinch, Karkmananis scores with a nice short uppercut.
Karkmananis lands with a left to the head.
Karkmananis throws a head punch that misses.
Karkmananis wants to break the clinch but can't.
Karkmananis is looking to control Levanen's arms but Levanen gets an underhook and turns him. Now Karkmananis has his back to the cage.
Karkmananis tries to throw a body punch but Levanen avoids it by throwing Karkmananis back against the cage.
Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
Nice body punch from Karkmananis - that landed with a thud.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A short left from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis cracks Levanen with a nice body shot.
Karkmananis is working Levanen over against the cage.
Karkmananis prevents a takedown attempt there.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jynkka Levanen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Levanen keeps control of Karkmananis as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Karkmananis makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Karkmananis is stalling here.
Levanen has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Karkmananis is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Karkmananis is looking to control Levanen's arms but Levanen gets an underhook and turns him. Now Karkmananis has his back to the cage.
Karkmananis tries to throw a body punch but Levanen avoids it by throwing Karkmananis back against the cage.
Karkmananis lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Karkmananis is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Levanen is working for takedown but Karkmananis is calmly controlling the position for now.
Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.

Karkmananis pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Karkmananis will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
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!

Karkmananis moves into the clinch.

Karkmananis breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Karkmananis has managed to clinch.
Levanen blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
The referee is keeping an eye on Karkmananis - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Karkmananis stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

Karkmananis breaks from the clinch.
Levanen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Levanen takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Levanen moves out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Karkmananis has managed to clinch.
Karkmananis throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Levanens head.
Karkmananis comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Levanen is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Karkmananis gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Levanen is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Karkmananis is defending well.

Karkmananis escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Karkmananis closes the distance and pushes Levanen back into the cage.
Levanen drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Karkmananis gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Nice body punch from Karkmananis - that landed with a thud.

Karkmananis escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Karkmananis gets a clinch.
Levanen wants a takedown.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Karkmananis has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four 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!

Karkmananis breaks from the clinch.
Karkmananis tries to clinch there but Levanen circles away.
Levanen takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Karkmananis scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Nicolas Karkmananis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Levanen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Karkmananis goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Karkmananis scores with the left hand. Levanen knows he should have avoided that one.
Levanen keeps the fight on the outside.
Levanen tries to clinch but Karkmananis moves out of range.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Karkmananis lands a glancing blow to the side of Levanen's head.
Karkmananis wants to clinch up but Levanen keeps it at a distance.
Karkmananis lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolas Karkmananis really dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Levanen takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Karkmananis looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
An inside leg kick lands from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up but Levanen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Karkmananis rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Levanen counters with a left and a right that stings Karkmananis.

Karkmananis gets a clinch.
Karkmananis lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Karkmananis tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Levanen's elbow.
Karkmananis blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Karkmananis working Levanen over with knees to the body.
Levanen has Karkmananis pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Karkmananis manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Karkmananis doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Karkmananis controlling the action here for a moment.
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!
Levanen is trying to drag Karkmananis to the mat but Karkmananis just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Karkmananis is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Levanen is defending well for now.
Levanen is looking to take this one to the mat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jynkka Levanen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Karkmananis tries to break free but Levanen pushes him back against the cage.
The referee calls for Karkmananis to work.
Levanen wants to take the fight to the mat but Karkmananis manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Levanen blocks an elbow strike.
Karkmananis doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Karkmananis scores with a nice hook to the head.
Levanen prevents a body shot from Karkmananis.
Karkmananis tries a body shot but Levanen blocks it.
Karkmananis leaning against his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis looking to stall.
Karkmananis putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Levanen in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Karkmananis works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
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!
Karkmananis tries a body shot but Levanen blocks it.
Levanen is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Karkmananis pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Karkmananis lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Levanen.
Karkmananis is trying to break the clinch but Levanen has him pressed against the cage.
Karkmananis lands a left hand.
Karkmananis is stalling here.
Karkmananis tries to land a knee to the head but Levanen blocks with his arms.
Karkmananis is trying to break the clinch but Levanen has him pressed against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis tries to throw a body punch but Levanen avoids it by throwing Karkmananis back against the cage.

Karkmananis breaks from the clinch.
Levanen takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Karkmananis misses with a wild combination.
Levanen blocks a head kick by Karkmananis.
Jynkka Levanen is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Levanen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Karkmananis pinned against the cage. Karkmananis gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Levanen closes the distance and clinches up with Karkmananis, looking for a takedown. Levanen pushes Karkmananis against the cage but Karkmananis circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Karkmananis plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Karkmananis tries to clinch but Levanen is having none of it.
Karkmananis throws a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Levanen takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Levanen avoids the head kick by Karkmananis.
Karkmananis digs a good hook to Levanen's body.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Karkmananis takes the fight into the clinch.
Karkmananis lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Karkmananis misses with a body punch.

Levanen escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Karkmananis throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Karkmananis is looking to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Good exchange - Levanen coming out on top.
Karkmananis dodges the punch combination from Levanen.
Levanen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Karkmananis circles away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolas Karkmananis dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Karkmananis misses with a punch to the body.
Levanen is working for takedown but Karkmananis is calmly controlling the position for now.
Levanen avoiding damage as Karkmananis throws knees to the body.
Karkmananis misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Levanen.
Levanen is trying to drag Karkmananis to the mat but Karkmananis just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Karkmananis looking to slow down the pace here.
Karkmananis has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Levanen drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jynkka Levanen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Levanen holding his opponent close, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Levanen tries for a takedown but Karkmananis manages to get underhooks.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Karkmananis connects with a knee to the head.

It looks like Jynkka Levanen has been cut.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

Karkmananis escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Karkmananis clinches.

Levanen lands a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Karkmananis wants to get back to full guard.
Karkmananis trying to hold on to Levanen's head to control him but Levanen postures up.
Karkmananis is staying active underneath Levanen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Karkmananis pushes Levanen off and gets back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Karkmananis tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Levanen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Levanen swats away the attempt to clinch by Karkmananis.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Karkmananis darts in and clinches Levanen up against the cage.
Levanen is trying to maintain a safe position but Karkmananis gets an underhook and turns Levanen into the cage.
Karkmananis prevents a takedown attempt there.
Karkmananis looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Karkmananis wants to get back to striking at distance but Levanen won't allow it.
Karkmananis working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Karkmananis misses with an elbow over the top.
Karkmananis fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Levanen blocks an uppercut.
Levanen taking a breather.
Karkmananis stalling in the clinch but Levanen improves position.
Levanen has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Karkmananis avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Karkmananis stalling the fight.
Karkmananis stalling in the clinch but Levanen improves position.
Karkmananis tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Levanen's elbow.
Levanen tries to work over Karkmananis's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Karkmananis tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Levanen's elbow.
Karkmananis stops a takedown attempt from Levanen.
Levanen looking to slow down the pace here.
Karkmananis looking to stall.
Karkmananis seems frustrated at his inability to get double underhooks.
Karkmananis lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Karkmananis is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Levanen working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Levanen tries for a takedown. No joy.

Levanen has hold of one of Karkmananis's legs. Karkmananis is fighting the takedown attempt but Levanen gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Levanen working some strikes from top position.
Levanen passes into half guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Karkmananis moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Karkmananis throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Levanen won't allow Karkmananis to sweep him here.
Karkmananis throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
Levanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Karkmananis is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Karkmananis manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Jynkka Levanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nicolas Karkmananis is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Karkmananis content just to control the position here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nicolas Karkmananis comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Karkmananis has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Jack Bonds scores the fight for Nicolas Karkmananis!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for Nicolas Karkmananis!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for Nicolas Karkmananis!

Nicolas Karkmananis wins by unanimous decision!