PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Pikku Näkäräinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yury Vesnev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Näkäräinen comes to the cage accompanied by Juice Leskinen - Vaasankin veri vapisee. Yury Vesnev will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Näkäräinen
vs
Vesnev

152 cm
31
150 lbs
28 - 12 - 2

170 cm
29
159 lbs
17 - 4 - 0

BJJ Red Belt
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Hellbent
Merciless Gladiators

KAISER

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 12 - 2, fighting out of Helsinki, Pikku Näkäräinen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Yury Vesnev!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Vesnev blocks a head kick by Näkäräinen.
Näkäräinen misses with a body shot.
Näkäräinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Näkäräinen misses with a hook

and Vesnev counters with a shoot takedown. Näkäräinen fights it but they end up in guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Vesnev looking to sit in guard and control but Näkäräinen gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Vesnev working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Näkäräinen.
Näkäräinen trying to control the position from guard on top but Vesnev is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Näkäräinen 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.
Näkäräinen wants to control from the top but Vesnev keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vesnev is controlling Näkäräinen's posture.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Pikku Näkäräinen wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Näkäräinen connects with an inside leg kick.
Näkäräinen fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Vesnev tried to score with a low kick but Näkäräinen checks it.
Näkäräinen moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
A big right from Näkäräinen misses.
Horrible takedown by Näkäräinen or perhaps it was just good defense by Vesnev which made him look bad.
Vesnev tries to clinch up but Näkäräinen circles away and keeps his distance.
Vesnev is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Näkäräinen shoots in looking for a takedown. Vesnev tries to sprawl out of it but Näkäräinen keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Vesnev manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Vesnev looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vesnev clinches up against the cage.
Näkäräinen has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Vesnev is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Pikku Näkäräinen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Näkäräinen lands a left hand that snaps the head of Vesnev backwards.
Näkäräinen misses with a punch on the inside.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vesnev leaning against his opponent.
Vesnev tries to throw a body punch but Näkäräinen avoids it by throwing Vesnev back against the cage.
Näkäräinen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Vesnev backwards.
We've been hearing reports that Näkäräinen has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Vesnev.
Vesnev is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Näkäräinen is defending well for now.
Näkäräinen presses Vesnev against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Näkäräinen tries to work over Vesnev's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Näkäräinen tries a body shot but Vesnev blocks it.
Vesnev is looking to control Näkäräinen's arms but Näkäräinen gets an underhook and turns him. Now Vesnev has his back to the cage.
Vesnev throws a head punch that misses.
Vesnev misses with a punch to the body.

Näkäräinen's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Vesnev tries to close the distance and clinch up but Näkäräinen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Näkäräinen pivots, looking for a leg kick but Vesnev is out of range and Näkäräinen settles back down.
Vesnev tries to clinch there but Näkäräinen circles away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Näkäräinen misses with a two punch combination.
Näkäräinen misses with a low kick.

Vesnev gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Näkäräinen manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Vesnev wants to pass the guard but Näkäräinen is keeping the position.
Näkäräinen is pulling down on Vesnev's head to control his posture.
Näkäräinen is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Näkäräinen 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.
Näkäräinen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Näkäräinen has control of Vesnev's left arm, preventing Vesnev from doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Pikku Näkäräinen wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Vesnev slips a straight right by Näkäräinen.
Näkäräinen misses with a takedown attempt

and Vesnev counters with a shoot takedown. Näkäräinen fights it but they end up in guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

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

Vesnev is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vesnev bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Näkäräinen's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Yury Vesnev will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Vesnev missing with a left hand there. Näkäräinen was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Näkäräinen walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Vesnev checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Vesnev on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
A slow jab from Vesnev misses its intended target.
Näkäräinen gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Vesnev.
Näkäräinen throws out a leg kick but Vesnev moves out of range and Näkäräinen only half commits.
That kick from Näkäräinen tenderised Vesnev's leg. Vesnev is trying to keep his angry face on.
Näkäräinen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Näkäräinen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Näkäräinen fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Vesnev is out of range.
Vesnev moves out of range of the body kick.
Vesnev throws a shot to the body.
Vesnev looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Näkäräinen is fending him off so far but Vesnev persists. Nope, Näkäräinen circles away and we're back to standing.
Vesnev checks the leg kick.
Vesnev tries to close the distance and clinch up but Näkäräinen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Vesnev moves out of range as Näkäräinen throws a body kick.
Näkäräinen takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vesnev scores with the left hand. Näkäräinen knows he should have avoided that one.
A swing and a miss from Vesnev.
Vesnev moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Näkäräinen scores with a nice right hand.
Näkäräinen throws the kick towards the body but Vesnev avoids it.
Näkäräinen throws a head kick that misses.
Näkäräinen connects with a leg kick. Vesnev looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Näkäräinen missing with a left hand there. Vesnev was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Näkäräinen takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Vesnev avoids the body shot from Näkäräinen.
Näkäräinen dodges the punch combination from Vesnev.

Näkäräinen gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Vesnev to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Näkäräinen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Näkäräinen looking to control.
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!
Näkäräinen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Näkäräinen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Vesnev controlling from the top position.
Vesnev preventing the sweep.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Pikku Näkäräinen just wasn't active enough.
Näkäräinen misses with a body shot.
Vesnev fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Näkäräinen looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Näkäräinen misses with an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Näkäräinen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Vesnev staying out of range there.
Vesnev takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Vesnev scores with a jab.
Vesnev misses with a lunging right hand

and Näkäräinen counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Näkäräinen is trying to control the action in half guard but Vesnev is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Näkäräinen not doing much here.
Vesnev is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Näkäräinen performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Näkäräinen wants to pass the guard but Vesnev is defending well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Still in half guard, Näkäräinen seems content to control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Pikku Näkäräinen wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Vesnev keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Näkäräinen throws a body punch but Vesnev moves out of range.
Vesnev turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Vesnev scores with a nice right hand.
Vesnev doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Näkäräinen misses the shot to the body.
Näkäräinen walks into a left hand.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Näkäräinen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Vesnev circles away.
Näkäräinen connects with a solid leg kick.
Näkäräinen throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Vesnev closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
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 Pikku Näkäräinen will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Näkäräinen misses with a series of wild punches.
Näkäräinen misses with a low kick.
Vesnev misses with an uppercut. Näkäräinen saw that one coming.
Vesnev shoots in for a double leg but Näkäräinen sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Näkäräinen throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

Vesnev shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Näkäräinen is trying to defend but Vesnev finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Näkäräinen manages to get to full guard.
Vesnev missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Näkäräinen looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Näkäräinen can't keep his opponent in guard - Vesnev advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Näkäräinen is refusing to be controlled, as Vesnev sits in half guard.
Vesnev uses his free foot to push down on Näkäräinen's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Näkäräinen.
Näkäräinen tries to lock up and control but Vesnev gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Vesnev controlling from mount.
Näkäräinen tries to reverse the position but Vesnev maintains control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Näkäräinen wants to control but Vesnev is having none of it.
Näkäräinen is looking to improve his position but Vesnev isn't that keen on the idea.
My spies in Gym Beam inform me that Vesnev has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
Näkäräinen has worked his way to half guard, taking advantage of Vesnev's lack of action.
Näkäräinen wants to control but Vesnev is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The fighters are battling for position here. Näkäräinen manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vesnev is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Vesnev passes Näkäräinen's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Vesnev is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Näkäräinen is looking for a sweep. Vesnev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Vesnev seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Näkäräinen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Näkäräinen makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Näkäräinen.
Näkäräinen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Vesnev is one step ahead there.
Näkäräinen keeping moving, preventing Vesnev from controlling successfully.
Näkäräinen wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Vesnev is now in half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Näkäräinen is looking for a sweep. Vesnev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Vesnev wants to control but Näkäräinen is keeping him busy.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Yury Vesnev.
I think Vesnev 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 29:29
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 28:29
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Yury Vesnev!
During a confident post fight interview, Yury Vesnev thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.