PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Rainer Varvaskoukku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marcel Cerdan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Cerdan has chosen French National Anthem as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Varvaskoukku
vs
Cerdan

164 cm
30
147 lbs
24 - 10 - 2

173 cm
31
155 lbs
30 - 17 - 2

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

WatercoloR - 90% Laundry
The Big Kabosh

The Big Kabosh

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 24 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rainer Varvaskoukku!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 17 - 2, fighting out of New York, Marcel Cerdan!
The judges for this bout are Shigeki Sano, Yuuki Gou and Ren Mimura.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cerdan lands a head shot.
Cerdan catches Varvaskoukku with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Varvaskoukku lands the left hand.
Cerdan misses with a two punch combination.
Cerdan is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body kick.
Cerdan walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
A looping hook to the body misses from Varvaskoukku. Cerdan does a little dance to reset his feet.
We've been informed that Cerdan has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.
Varvaskoukku moves away from the strike by Cerdan.
Varvaskoukku takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Cerdan waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Varvaskoukku.
Cerdan misses with a few strikes there.
Cerdan misses with a series of wild punches.
Varvaskoukku uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Cerdan.
Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown but Cerdan shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Cerdan connects with a single shot there.
We've been hearing reports that Varvaskoukku has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Varvaskoukku lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Cerdan thows a body shot but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku shoots in looking for a takedown but Cerdan manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Varvaskoukku's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Varvaskoukku takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Cerdan lands a jab to Varvaskoukku's midsection.
A slow jab from Cerdan misses its intended target.
Cerdan moves into range and connects with a jab.
Varvaskoukku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cerdan.
Cerdan throws a hook but Varvaskoukku avoids it easily.
Varvaskoukku tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Cerdan defends well and Varvaskoukku ends up having to push Cerdan into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rainer Varvaskoukku. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cerdan tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Varvaskoukku is trying to maintain a safe position but Cerdan gets an underhook and turns Varvaskoukku into the cage.
Cerdan has a couple of punches blocked by Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku misses with a short punch on the inside.

Cerdan breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Cerdan throws a hook but Varvaskoukku blocks it.
Cerdan throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Varvaskoukku sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Cerdan throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cerdan looks to land a left hand but Varvaskoukku moved out of range nicely.
Varvaskoukku defending well as Cerdan loads up on a big left hand.
Varvaskoukku wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.

Varvaskoukku drives through with a takedown into guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Cerdan wants to stand up but Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Cerdan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Varvaskoukku missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Cerdan wants to get back to his feet but Varvaskoukku is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Varvaskoukku with a flurry of punches that miss.
Cerdan is looking to stand up but Varvaskoukku isn't so interested in that idea.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Varvaskoukku 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.
Varvaskoukku throwing strikes from guard but Cerdan blocks nicely.
Varvaskoukku pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Cerdan is keeping the position for now.
Cerdan is looking to stand back up but Varvaskoukku counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Cerdan.
Cerdan wants to get back to his feet.
Varvaskoukku is trying to control. Cerdan wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Varvaskoukku missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Nice strikes from Varvaskoukku there.
Cerdan pushes Varvaskoukku off looking to stand but Varvaskoukku dives back in and keeps control.
Varvaskoukku wants to take a breather but Cerdan is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.

Varvaskoukku is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Cerdan is just riding it out for now. Varvaskoukku eventually gives up the hold.
Varvaskoukku is trying to control the action in half guard but Cerdan is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

Varvaskoukku is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Varvaskoukku not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Varvaskoukku stops Cerdan from getting back to his feet.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cerdan is not content to let Varvaskoukku control the position.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Varvaskoukku stops Cerdan from getting back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Varvaskoukku tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cerdan manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Cerdan slips under a jab from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku moves out of range as Cerdan strikes.
Varvaskoukku thows a left - swing and a miss!
Cerdan might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Cerdan throws a hook but Varvaskoukku blocks it.
Cerdan walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Varvaskoukku scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

Varvaskoukku closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Varvaskoukku lands in his opponent's guard.
Varvaskoukku wants to control from the top but Cerdan keeps moving.
Varvaskoukku throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cerdan works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cerdan keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Varvaskoukku working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku wants to control from the top but Cerdan keeps moving.

Cerdan pushes Varvaskoukku off and scrambles back to his feet.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Cerdan!

It looks like Rainer Varvaskoukku has been cut.
Varvaskoukku ducks under a wild hook from Cerdan.
Varvaskoukku shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cerdan pinned against the cage. Cerdan gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Varvaskoukku thuds a left hand into Cerdan's body.
Marcel Cerdan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Varvaskoukku avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Varvaskoukku scores with a jab to the jaw.
Varvaskoukku on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Varvaskoukku takes a swing at Cerdan's ribcage but misses.
Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cerdan sprawls well. Cerdan wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Varvaskoukku gets slowly back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cerdan thows a body shot but no joy.
Varvaskoukku connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Cerdan's hands.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Varvaskoukku punishes Cerdan's body with a nice straight punch.
Varvaskoukku lands a nice looking kick to the body. Cerdan takes a step back to recover.
Cerdan misses with a wild body shot.
Varvaskoukku avoids a kick to the body.
Varvaskoukku looks for a takedown but Cerdan sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rainer Varvaskoukku. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cerdan bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Varvaskoukku gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Varvaskoukku dives in and grabs Cerdan's left leg, looking for a takedown. Cerdan pushes down on Varvaskoukku's head and hops out.
Cerdan ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Varvaskoukku moves away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Varvaskoukku throws a looping overhand right but Cerdan ducks down to avoid it.

Varvaskoukku drives through with a takedown into guard.
Cerdan wants to stand up but Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Varvaskoukku with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Cerdan wants to stand but Varvaskoukku is controlling the position.
Cerdan keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Cerdan is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Varvaskoukku wants to control from the top but Cerdan keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Varvaskoukku accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Varvaskoukku trying to control but Cerdan is working from the bottom.
Varvaskoukku content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Cerdan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Varvaskoukku wants to pass the guard but Cerdan is keeping the position.
Varvaskoukku is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Cerdan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Cerdan keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rainer Varvaskoukku dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Rainer Varvaskoukku's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Varvaskoukku scores with a jab. Cerdan acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Varvaskoukku bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sloppy strikes from Cerdan. Those never looked like landing.
Decent striking displayed by Cerdan there.
Cerdan misses with an uppercut.
Varvaskoukku moves out of range of the strikes.
Cerdan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Cerdan throws a left and a right that both miss

and Varvaskoukku counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Varvaskoukku.
Cerdan wants to stand but Varvaskoukku is controlling the position.
Varvaskoukku sitting in guard here, content to control.
Cerdan keeping full guard, as Varvaskoukku tries to pass.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Varvaskoukku scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku throwing strikes but missing.
Varvaskoukku with a nice head shot there.
Varvaskoukku throwing strikes from guard but Cerdan blocks nicely.
Varvaskoukku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Varvaskoukku thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Varvaskoukku chips away with some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Varvaskoukku throwing strikes from guard but Cerdan blocks nicely.
Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Cerdan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Varvaskoukku working some strikes from top position.
Varvaskoukku prevents Cerdan from getting back to his feet.
Cerdan keeping full guard, as Varvaskoukku tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cerdan has momentary wrist control but Varvaskoukku slips an elbow through the middle.
Cerdan is looking to stand up but Varvaskoukku isn't so interested in that idea.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Varvaskoukku stands up over Cerdan, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

Cerdan is rocked!
Cerdan is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Cerdan takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Varvaskoukku trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Varvaskoukku postures up and lands a big shot to Cerdan's brow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku is looking to work some ground and pound but Cerdan has wrist control.
Varvaskoukku in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Cerdan wants to stand up but Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Varvaskoukku looking to pass the guard.
Varvaskoukku sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Varvaskoukku is looking to work some ground and pound but Cerdan has wrist control.
Cerdan is looking to stand up but Varvaskoukku isn't so interested in that idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rainer Varvaskoukku overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Varvaskoukku postures up and lands a big shot to Cerdan's brow.
Varvaskoukku with a nice head shot there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Cerdan working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Varvaskoukku.
Cerdan wants to stand and escape but Varvaskoukku is having none of it.
Varvaskoukku sitting in guard here, content to control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Varvaskoukku wants to control from the top but Cerdan keeps moving.
Varvaskoukku working some strikes from top position.
Cerdan is still in real trouble! Can Varvaskoukku finish him?
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Varvaskoukku trying to control but Cerdan is working from the bottom.
Cerdan seems to have recovered his senses.
Cerdan wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Varvaskoukku manages to pass to side control.
Cerdan wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rainer Varvaskoukku clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Rainer Varvaskoukku's cut.
That's time! Varvaskoukku's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Varvaskoukku avoids the head kick by Cerdan.
Cerdan keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Varvaskoukku throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Cerdan misses with a hook

and Varvaskoukku counters with a single leg into guard. Cerdan didn't expect that.
Varvaskoukku trying to control but Cerdan is working from the bottom.
Varvaskoukku stops Cerdan from standing up.
Varvaskoukku working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Cerdan is looking to stand up but Varvaskoukku isn't so interested in that idea.
Varvaskoukku lands a couple of digs.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cerdan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Cerdan is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Varvaskoukku accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cerdan avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Varvaskoukku stands up over Cerdan, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Varvaskoukku accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Cerdan keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Varvaskoukku prevents Cerdan from getting back to his feet.
Varvaskoukku with a flurry of punches that miss.
Cerdan keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Varvaskoukku looking to sit in guard and control but Cerdan gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Cerdan stands up from guard. Let's bang!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku blocks a jab.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body shot.
Varvaskoukku steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Cerdan.
Cerdan moves out of range of the body kick from Varvaskoukku.
Marcel Cerdan seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Cerdan lands with an overhand left.
Cerdan walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Cerdan slaps away a takedown attempt from Varvaskoukku, before circling back to the center of the mat.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Varvaskoukku avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Cerdan just misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Cerdan tries to land a leg kick but Varvaskoukku saw it coming and moves away.
Varvaskoukku misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Cerdan.
Varvaskoukku throws a low kick but Cerdan avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cerdan misses with a series of wild punches.
Varvaskoukku looks to clinch
and Cerdan counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.

Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Cerdan napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Cerdan is pushing Varvaskoukku's head away, looking to escape. Varvaskoukku manages to hold on to the position though.
Varvaskoukku cracks Cerdan with a big elbow.
The referee tells the fighters to keep busy.
Varvaskoukku creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Cerdan is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Cerdan managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Varvaskoukku.
Cerdan tries to escape but Varvaskoukku is in control.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku happy to just control the position for now.
Varvaskoukku lands some shots froms side control.
Varvaskoukku misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Cerdan trying to remain calm as Varvaskoukku controls from the top position.
Varvaskoukku prevents Cerdan from escaping the position.
Varvaskoukku controlling the position from side mount.
Cerdan taking a bit of punishment here - Varvaskoukku scoring with strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Varvaskoukku is staying tight to Cerdan's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Cerdan is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Varvaskoukku is controlling him well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rainer Varvaskoukku had his way with Marcel Cerdan in that round.
The cut man is working on Rainer Varvaskoukku's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Varvaskoukku fails in his attempt to clinch.
Cerdan just misses with a punch to the body.
Varvaskoukku throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Cerdan throws a lazy uppercut

and Varvaskoukku counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Cerdan's guard now.
Cerdan preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Varvaskoukku throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Cerdan works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Cerdan is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Varvaskoukku loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Cerdan wants to stand up but Varvaskoukku is controlling him.
Varvaskoukku lands a couple of elbows.
Varvaskoukku works over Cerdan with some ground and pound from guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Varvaskoukku prevents Cerdan from getting back to his feet.
Cerdan is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku postures up in Cerdan's guard and throws a big left but Cerdan blocks it.
Cerdan wants to stand but Varvaskoukku is controlling the position.
Varvaskoukku throws a big elbow that misses.
Varvaskoukku connects with a couple of short punches.
Cerdan wants to get back to his feet but Varvaskoukku is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Cerdan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Varvaskoukku makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Varvaskoukku pushes down on Cerdan's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Cerdan is defending against the submission attempts here by Varvaskoukku.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Cerdan is trying to escape back to his feet but Varvaskoukku uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Varvaskoukku scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Cerdan to see if he's OK.

Varvaskoukku is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Cerdan is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Cerdan is pushing Varvaskoukku's head away, looking to escape. Varvaskoukku manages to hold on to the position though.
Marcel Cerdan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Varvaskoukku landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Cerdan is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Varvaskoukku has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Varvaskoukku moves into full mount!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku tries to control but Cerdan wriggling away.
Varvaskoukku unloads with some vicious shots from mount and Cerdan wants out - he looks towards the referee who steps in to save him! Varvaskoukku celebrates on the cage and the crowd goes wild!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:28 of round 5, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Rainer Varvaskoukku!
During a confident post fight interview, Rainer Varvaskoukku thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.