PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Evander Holyfield (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johan Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Axelsson has chosen Petter - Det går bra nu as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Holyfield
vs
Axelsson

188 cm
24
217 lbs
7 - 5 - 0

183 cm
24
209 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

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 7 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Evander Holyfield!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of New York, Johan Axelsson!
The judges for this bout are Jonathan Paton, Lou da Vinci and John Kavanagh.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Axelsson lands a really nice looking cross but Holyfield seems unphased.
Holyfield 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.
Holyfield looks to score with a jab to the body but Axelsson is just out of range.
Axelsson lands a jab to Holyfield's midsection.
Holyfield scores with a crisp jab that stopped Axelsson in his tracks.
We've been told by Holyfield's head coaches at BLKOUT Training Center that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Axelsson walks into a stiff left hand from Holyfield.

It looks like Johan Axelsson has been cut.
Holyfield throws a predictable looking body shot
and Axelsson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Axelsson.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Holyfield is looking for a sweep.
Holyfield wants to control but Axelsson postures up.
Holyfield is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Axelsson off and has taken his back!
Holyfield trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Axelsson doesn't escape.
Axelsson is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Axelsson looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
You can see the frustration on Axelsson's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson is very frustrated here, being controlled quite effectively by Holyfield.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Axelsson wants to control his opponent's hands but Holyfield gets his hands free.
I really don't envy Axelsson right now.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Holyfield's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Holyfield trying to secure his dominant position for a moment - making sure Axelsson doesn't escape.
Axelsson tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Axelsson sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Axelsson is trying to maintain the position but Holyfield is very close to passing his half guard.
Holyfield tries to stand but can't do so whilst Axelsson controls his leg.
Holyfield is keen to just control but Axelsson is a slippery customer.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson tries to get to full guard but Holyfield has control of the leg.
Holyfield not doing much here.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Evander Holyfield just wasn't active enough.
Holyfield misses with a wild combination.
Holyfield looking to land some kicks to the body here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Holyfield misses with a wild body shot.
Evander Holyfield is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Axelsson needs to keep his hands up - Holyfield had a free shot at his head there.
Holyfield swinging wildly here.
Holyfield misses the shot to the body.
Holyfield misses with a few strikes there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Holyfield throws a combination that misses
and Axelsson counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Holyfield rushes in with a sloppy looking punch

and Axelsson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Axelsson.
Holyfield wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Axelsson tries to free his leg and advance position but Holyfield is retaining full guard.
Axelsson won't allow Holyfield to get back to his feet.
Holyfield controlling the position.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Axelsson wants to control from the top but Holyfield keeps moving.
Axelsson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Holyfield is keeping the position for now.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Evander Holyfield just wasn't active enough.
Holyfield throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Axelsson dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Holyfield feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Axelsson's calf.
Evander Holyfield seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Holyfield swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Axelsson counters with a shoot takedown. Holyfield fights it but they end up in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Holyfield preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Axelsson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Holyfield swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Axelsson trying to control the position from guard on top but Holyfield is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Holyfield wants to stand up but Axelsson is controlling him.
Axelsson is looking to work some ground and pound but Holyfield has wrist control.
Holyfield trying to control the position here.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Axelsson stopping the sweep attempt from Holyfield.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Holyfield swings away with a leg kick that misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Johan Axelsson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Holyfield swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

Axelsson drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Holyfield manages to work his way to half guard, despite Axelsson's best efforts.
Holyfield trying to hold on to Axelsson's head to control him but Axelsson postures up.
Johan Axelsson has got the better of the ground game so far.
Holyfield taking some punishment here, with Axelsson in his half guard.
Axelsson is trying to control the action in half guard but Holyfield is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Axelsson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Holyfield is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Holyfield has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Axelsson is working away from the top position though.
Holyfield regains full guard. Nicely done.
Axelsson content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Holyfield wants to improve his position but instead Axelsson has moved into half 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!
Holyfield trying to control here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson is trying to control. Holyfield wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Axelsson not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Axelsson wants to pass to mount but Holyfield is defending the position.
Holyfield is trying to control but can't.
Axelsson lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Holyfield wants to get back to his feet.
Axelsson perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Holyfield is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Holyfield is not content to let Axelsson control the position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Holyfield misses with an attempted mid kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Holyfield lands a jab to the head.
Axelsson scores with a crisp jab that stopped Holyfield in his tracks.
Axelsson has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Axelsson goes for a double leg but Holyfield avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Holyfield continues to drive forward.
Holyfield tries to land knees in the clinch but Axelsson avoids the damage to the body.

Holyfield breaks the clinch.
Axelsson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Holyfield wants to land a leg kick but Axelsson is out of range.
Holyfield swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Evander Holyfield is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Axelsson slips under a jab from Holyfield.
Evander Holyfield is winning the standup battle so far.
Axelsson shoots for a double leg takedown but Holyfield sprawls well. He's pushed Axelsson's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Evander Holyfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johan Axelsson.
Axelsson dives in for a single leg takedown but Holyfield sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson is stalling here.
Axelsson blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Axelsson is leaning against Holyfield and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

Axelsson breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Holyfield wants to slow Axelsson down by chopping away at his legs.
Holyfield lands with a nice combination. Axelsson backs away looking to recover.
Axelsson lands a jab-cross combination.
Holyfield throws out a loose jab but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Axelsson takes a swing at Holyfield's ribcage but misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Holyfield throws a leg kick that is checked

and Axelsson counters with a shoot takedown. Holyfield fights it but they end up in guard.
Axelsson throwing strikes but missing.
Axelsson trying to control but Holyfield is working from the bottom.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Axelsson is fighting to break Holyfield's control of his arms but Holyfield is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Axelsson engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Johan Axelsson wasn't active enough on the ground.
Axelsson moves away from the strike by Holyfield.
Axelsson wants to clinch but Holyfield slips to the side
and Holyfield counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Axelsson thinking.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Holyfield looks to score with a jab to the body but Axelsson is just out of range.
Axelsson throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Holyfield's waist but Holyfield gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Axelsson off to one side.
Axelsson slips a straight right by Holyfield.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Axelsson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

A punch combination from Holyfield misses.
Holyfield pivots, looking for a leg kick but Axelsson is out of range and Holyfield settles back down.
Holyfield tries to land a leg kick but Axelsson saw it coming and moves away.
Holyfield misses with a looping left.
Holyfield wants to land a leg kick but Axelsson is out of range.
Holyfield lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Holyfield throws a right and a left that Axelsson avoids nicely.
Holyfield throws a shot from downtown. Axelsson moves away and avoids it.
Holyfield misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Axelsson.
Holyfield misses with a wild body shot.
Axelsson with a jab.
Holyfield throws an overhand right that lands on Axelsson's shoulder, as Axelsson tries to avoid the shot.
Holyfield uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Axelsson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Holyfield throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Axelsson.
Holyfield misses with a wild body shot.
Holyfield misses with a combination

so Axelsson counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Axelsson showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Axelsson scoring with punches to the head and body.
Holyfield controls Axelsson momentarily but Axelsson frees himself.
Axelsson trying to control the position from guard on top but Holyfield is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Holyfield wants to stand up but Axelsson is controlling him.
Axelsson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Holyfield's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson tries to free his leg and advance position but Holyfield is retaining full guard.
Holyfield being controlled here, momentarily.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Holyfield is looking to stand up but Axelsson isn't so interested in that idea.
Evander Holyfield has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Holyfield keeps the fight on the outside.
Axelsson ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Holyfield misses with a lunging right hand

and Axelsson counters with a takedown into side control.
Axelsson working the ground and pound.
Axelsson working the body and head with strikes.
Holyfield tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Axelsson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Holyfield some visible discomfort.
Axelsson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Holyfield is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Axelsson tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Axelsson working away.
Axelsson passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Holyfield!
Holyfield really wants to buck Axelsson off and get back to his feet.
Holyfield is hanging on here. He's in a desperate position.
Axelsson avoids the attempt from Holyfield to control.
Johan Axelsson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

Axelsson looking to secure an arm triangle but Holyfield defends it well.
Axelsson landing strikes, looking to finish!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Axelsson putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Axelsson sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Axelsson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Holyfield is looking to escape.

Axelsson looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Axelsson lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Holyfield is desperately trying to improve his position but Axelsson has a good base and remains in mount.
Holyfield is in a horrible position here. Axelsson smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Axelsson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Holyfield is looking to escape.

And that's the end of the fight!
Johan Axelsson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Axelsson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Jonathan Paton scores the fight 27:30
Judge Lou da Vinci scores the fight 28:30
Judge John Kavanagh scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johan Axelsson!
Johan Axelsson spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.