PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Lambo Murcielago (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sami Sykloni (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Sykloni comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Within Temptation - Whole World Is Watching kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Sami Sykloni is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Murcielago
vs
Sykloni

187 cm
28
195 lbs
12 - 2 - 1

188 cm
28
183 lbs
22 - 10 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Milwaukee's Best 160

Milwaukee's Best Nutrition
Milwaukee's Best 160

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 2 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Lambo Murcielago!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Sami Sykloni!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Aleksandr Martynov and Konstantin Menshow.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Murcielago tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
A nice inside leg kick there by Sykloni. That's going to slow Murcielago down.
Sykloni lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Murcielago at a distance.
Sykloni lands with a thumping leg kick.

Murcielago has managed to clinch.
Murcielago tries to throw a body punch but Sykloni avoids it by throwing Murcielago back against the cage.
Sykloni tries for a takedown but Murcielago manages to get underhooks.
Sykloni blocks the elbow strike.
Sykloni swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Nice body punch from Sykloni - that landed with a thud.
Murcielago tries to work over Sykloni's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Murcielago throws a punch but it's blocked by Sykloni.
Sykloni misses with the head strike.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Murcielago tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sykloni's elbow.
Murcielago throws a punch but it's blocked by Sykloni.
Sykloni throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Murcielagos head.
Sykloni is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Murcielago prevents a body shot from Sykloni.
Sykloni misses with the head strike.
Nice body punch from Sykloni - that landed with a thud.
We can't be sure of the tactics at this early stage but we have heard that Sykloni has been working on his takedowns a lot in the buildup to the fight and we can only assume he's going to look to take this to the mat.
Sykloni scores with a shoulder strike.
Sykloni prevents a body shot from Murcielago.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Still in the clinch, Sykloni scores with a nice short uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Murcielago fails to land.

Sykloni breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Murcielago checks the leg kick.
Sykloni chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Murcielago throws a right hand that misses

and Sykloni counters with a shoot takedown. Murcielago fights it but they end up in guard.
Murcielago trying to control the position.
Sykloni tries to free his leg and advance position but Murcielago is retaining full guard.
Murcielago looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sykloni passes Murcielago's left leg - he's now in half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Murcielago is looking to improve his position.
Sykloni wants to pass the guard but Murcielago is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sykloni is looking for a kimura but Murcielago is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Sykloni to get the leverage.
Murcielago trying to control here.
Sykloni not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Murcielago's coaches at CEC Underdark have been working on his defensive grappling in preparation for this fight so let's see if he can get out of this tricky position.
Murcielago has hold of Sykloni's hands but Sykloni slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Murcielago keeping control of the position.
Sykloni trying to mount his opponent but Murcielago defends it.
Sykloni missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Murcielago wants to control but Sykloni is keeping busy.
Sykloni throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murcielago keeping control of the position.
Sykloni trying to mount his opponent but Murcielago defends it.
Murcielago is looking to control Sykloni's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Murcielago avoid being mounted?
Murcielago is trying to get back to full guard.
Murcielago trying to hold on to Sykloni's head to control him but Sykloni postures up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Lambo Murcielago wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Murcielago is looking to clinch but Sykloni is avoiding it.
Murcielago is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Sykloni tries to keep at a distance but Murcielago has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sykloni throws a punch but it's blocked by Murcielago.
Murcielago doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Sykloni blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Murcielago misses with a hook to the ribs.
Murcielago lands with a short shot to the head.
Sykloni gets through Murcielago's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Sykloni wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Sykloni doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Sykloni lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sykloni blocks a body shot from Murcielago.
Sykloni blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Murcielago lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sykloni misses with a punch to the body.
Murcielago blocking some punches.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sykloni pushes Murcielago back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sykloni has a couple of punches blocked by Murcielago.
Sykloni tries to work over Murcielago's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Sykloni misses with a punch to the body.
Sykloni misses with a punch on the inside.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Sykloni dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Murcielago throws a sloppy body shot

and Sykloni counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Murcielago's guard now.
Murcielago is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Sykloni looking to pass the guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Murcielago is on top in guard.
Murcielago tries to free his leg and advance position but Sykloni is retaining full guard.
Sykloni manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Sykloni misses with a head shot.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Murcielago wants to control but Sykloni is having none of it.
Sykloni punching from mount but Murcielago doing a good job of avoiding damage.
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.
Murcielago keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Murcielago bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Murcielago looking to pass the guard.
Murcielago trying to control but Sykloni is working from the bottom.
Murcielago looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Sykloni keeping moving, preventing Murcielago from controlling successfully.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Lambo Murcielago has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Murcielago scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Sykloni throws a body kick that misses.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Sykloni.
Sykloni throws a quick inside leg kick.
Murcielago tries to clinch there but Sykloni circles away.
Murcielago thows a body shot but no joy.
Murcielago tries to clinch there but Sykloni circles away.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sykloni throws a sloppy head kick and Murcielago moves out of range easily.
Sykloni throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Sykloni takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
A jab from Sykloni misses.
Sykloni ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Murcielago doesn't manage to clinch there - Sykloni circles away.
Sykloni tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Lambo Murcielago seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A good leg kick by Sykloni.

Sykloni is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Murcielago's half guard.
Sykloni not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Sykloni is looking to take a break and control but Murcielago is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Murcielago regains full guard. Nicely done.
Murcielago keeping moving, preventing Sykloni from controlling successfully.
Sykloni working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sykloni has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Murcielago controls Sykloni momentarily but Sykloni frees himself.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Sykloni's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Murcielago looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Murcielago keeping full guard, as Sykloni tries to pass.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Murcielago looking to control.
Sykloni throws a big right hand that misses.
Murcielago preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Murcielago manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sykloni manages to get himself to full guard.
Sykloni wants to sweep here but Murcielago controlling him for the moment.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Murcielago wants to control from the top but Sykloni keeps moving.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Sykloni showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Murcielago uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sykloni.

Murcielago fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sykloni, pushing him back against the cage.
Sykloni working aggressively here.
Sykloni stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Murcielago can't find room to land a body shot as Sykloni controls the action.
A right hook to the body lands for Murcielago.
Sykloni lands a body punch in the clinch.
Sami Sykloni seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A short right from Murcielago.
Sykloni misses with the head strike.
Sykloni scores with a shot to the side of Murcielago's head.
Murcielago misses with a punch on the inside.
Sykloni lands a body punch in the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sykloni blocking some punches.
Murcielago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sykloni lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Murcielago misses with a hook to the ribs.

Sykloni pulls guard.

Murcielago got a little sloppy there for a moment and Sykloni has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Murcielago has managed to get both his arms back between Sykloni's legs - danger averted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Murcielago trying to control but Sykloni is working from the bottom.
Sykloni looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sykloni is trying to keep Murcielago in close.

Sykloni had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Murcielago defends it easily.
Murcielago stopping the sweep attempt from Sykloni.
Murcielago trying to control but Sykloni is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Murcielago stopping the sweep attempt from Sykloni.
Murcielago controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Sykloni not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Lambo Murcielago has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Sykloni takes one to the side of the head.

It looks like Sami Sykloni has been cut.
Murcielago tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sykloni swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Murcielago throws a hook to the side of Sykloni's head but Sykloni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sykloni throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Murcielago stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Murcielago throws a hook to the side of Sykloni's head but Sykloni sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Murcielago misses with a hook.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sykloni fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Murcielago manages to avoid it.
Murcielago scores with a jab to the body.
Sykloni shoots in for a takedown but Murcielago shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Murcielago avoids the head kick by Sykloni.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Murcielago lands with a light punch inside.
Murcielago stalling in the clinch but Sykloni improves position.
Murcielago blocks a body shot from Sykloni.
Murcielago tries a body shot but Sykloni blocks it.
Sykloni tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sykloni goes for a takedown in the clinch but Murcielago prevents it.
Sykloni throws a head punch that misses.
Sykloni doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A nice left hand lands by Murcielago.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sykloni.
Murcielago tries to work over Sykloni's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Sykloni.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Murcielago misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Sykloni.
Murcielago struggles to land a body shot inside as Sykloni controls his hands.
Sykloni wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Murcielago has him pressed against the cage.
Sykloni misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sykloni prevents a body shot from Murcielago.
Murcielago blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Sykloni tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short uppercut from Sykloni.

Sykloni breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Murcielago tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Sykloni paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Sykloni throws a nice outside leg kick.
Murcielago has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Sykloni.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Sykloni takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Murcielago moves out of range as Sykloni throws a body kick.
Sykloni tries a low kick but Murcielago avoids it.
Murcielago jabs Sykloni to the body, keeping him at a distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Sami Sykloni just about did enough to take it.
The cut man is working on Sami Sykloni's cut.
That's time! Murcielago's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Sykloni connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Sykloni tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Murcielago defends well and Sykloni ends up having to push Murcielago into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Sykloni tries to throw a body punch but Murcielago avoids it by throwing Sykloni back against the cage.
A head punch on the inside from Sykloni fails to land.
Sykloni tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Murcielago's elbow.
Sykloni scores with a shoulder strike.
Sykloni tries to throw a body punch but Murcielago avoids it by throwing Sykloni back against the cage.
Murcielago tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sykloni's elbow.
A head punch on the inside from Murcielago fails to land.
Sykloni pushes Murcielago back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Sykloni tries to pull guard but Murcielago won't allow it.
Sykloni blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A right hook to the body lands for Sykloni.
Murcielago tries to throw a body punch but Sykloni avoids it by throwing Murcielago back against the cage.
Murcielago lands a shot to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sykloni goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Sykloni scores with a shoulder strike.
Murcielago blocks a body shot from Sykloni.

That's one minute gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Sykloni.
Sykloni doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Murcielago tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Sykloni avoids it.

Sykloni pulls guard.

Sykloni is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Murcielago defends well.
Murcielago wants to control from the top but Sykloni keeps moving.
Sykloni not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Murcielago slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Murcielago slips nicely into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Murcielago is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Murcielago works his way into side control.
Sykloni is looking for a sweep.
Sykloni is still trying to improve position.
Sykloni trying to remain calm as Murcielago controls from the top position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sykloni is looking to reverse the position.
Murcielago working away.

Murcielago goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Sykloni rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Murcielago's guard! Nice work there by Sykloni!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sykloni is looking to work some ground and pound but Murcielago has wrist control.
Sykloni trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Murcielago is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Sykloni trying to control but Murcielago is working from the bottom.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Sykloni takes a swing at Murcielago's ribcage but misses.
A punch combination from Sykloni misses.
Murcielago throws a combination that misses

and Sykloni decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Murcielago's guard.
Murcielago is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Murcielago 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.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sykloni regains full guard. Nicely done.
Murcielago wants to pass the guard but Sykloni is keeping the position.
Sykloni keeping moving, preventing Murcielago from controlling successfully.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

We're going to have a standup here because Lambo Murcielago wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Good exchange - Murcielago coming out on top.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Sykloni circles away from the clinch attempt.
A big right from Sykloni misses.
Sykloni feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Murcielago's calf.
Murcielago moves in looking to clinch but Sykloni pushes him off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Sami Sykloni will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Sami Sykloni's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

A slapping leg kick lands for Sykloni.
Murcielago tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Sykloni ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nice uppercut there from Murcielago.
Murcielago scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sykloni doesn't seem bothered though.
Murcielago thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sykloni fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Murcielago gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sykloni.
Murcielago throws a right hand that misses

and Sykloni decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Murcielago's guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Murcielago seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Murcielago can't keep his opponent in guard - Sykloni advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Sykloni is trying to control the action in half guard but Murcielago is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sykloni thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sykloni looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Murcielago wants to control but Sykloni is keeping busy.
Murcielago is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Sykloni is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Sykloni missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Sykloni trying to control from half guard but Murcielago is working away.
Sykloni trying to mount his opponent but Murcielago defends it.
Sykloni drops an elbow to the side of Murcielago's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sykloni not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Murcielago wants to improve his position but Sykloni is controlling well.
Sykloni is trying to control. Murcielago wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sykloni connects with a nice short shot to Murcielago's temple.
Murcielago has hold of Sykloni's hands but Sykloni slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Sykloni is trying to control the action in half guard but Murcielago is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sykloni thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Murcielago trying to control from the bottom.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sykloni trying to mount his opponent but Murcielago defends it.
Sykloni prevents Murcielago from improving his position.
Sykloni slips a nice elbow through Murcielago's hands, connecting with Murcielago's forehead.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Murcielago is looking to improve his position.
Sykloni wants to take a breather but Murcielago is having none of it.
Murcielago is looking to control Sykloni's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Murcielago avoid being mounted?
Sykloni content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Sami Sykloni has got the better of the ground game so far.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Sykloni chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Sykloni feints and then cracks Murcielago's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Murcielago down.
Sykloni is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Murcielago throws a jab when Sykloni was well out of range.
Sykloni circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sykloni throws a chopping leg kick but Murcielago manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Murcielago is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Sykloni throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Murcielago on the side of the head.
A clash of legs there as Murcielago blocks the low kick.
Lambo Murcielago is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Murcielago fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Sykloni on the side of the head.
Sykloni moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Murcielago misses with a looping left.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Murcielago cracks Sykloni with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Lambo Murcielago has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A swing and a miss from Murcielago.
Murcielago misses the shot to the body.
Sykloni feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Murcielago's calf.
Murcielago throws a body punch but Sykloni moves out of range.
Sykloni is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Murcielago rather than just go for the knockout.
Sykloni bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Murcielago scores with a decent looking hook.
Sykloni fakes the leg kick and cracks Murcielago in the body.
Sykloni works the jab nicely.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sami Sykloni comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Sykloni has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 45:50
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 45:50
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sami Sykloni!
A victorious Sami Sykloni thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.