PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Esa Tikkanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and A J Hearts (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tikkanen comes to the cage accompanied by Bring The Pain. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Tikkanen
vs
J Hearts

186 cm
31
208 lbs
28 - 6 - 1

179 cm
35
222 lbs
34 - 9 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Reaper Combatwear
Australian Xtreme Elite Supplements 160Q

//buriedALIVE// Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 28 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Esa Tikkanen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 34 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, A J Hearts!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, James Glass and William Gold.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tikkanen scores with a jab. Hearts acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Tikkanen.
Hearts fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Hearts lands a nice shot to the body.
Hearts throws a jab but it's blocked by Tikkanen.
Tikkanen misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Hearts shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Hearts misses with a head shot. Tikkanen uses the momentum to regain guard.
Hearts trying to control the position from guard on top but Tikkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tikkanen has control of Hearts's left arm, preventing Hearts from doing any damage.

Tikkanen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
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.
Hearts trying to control the position from guard on top but Tikkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tikkanen wants to control but Hearts passes easily into half guard.
Hearts throwing shots but Tikkanen is blocking nicely.
Tikkanen regains full guard. Nicely done.
Tikkanen is trying to keep Hearts in close.
Hearts throwing strikes but missing.
Hearts postures up in Tikkanen's guard and throws a big left but Tikkanen blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.

Tikkanen is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Tikkanen keeping moving, preventing Hearts from controlling successfully.
Hearts looking to sit in guard and control but Tikkanen gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Tikkanen trying to control but Hearts is working from the bottom.
Hearts looking for a sweep. Not yet Hearts, not yet.
Tikkanen wants to control from the top but Hearts keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hearts utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Tikkanen wants to control from the top but Hearts keeps moving.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Hearts scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hearts misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tikkanen.
Tikkanen moves out of range as Hearts strikes.
Tikkanen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hearts.
Hearts moves in looking to clinch but Tikkanen pushes him off.
Hearts throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Hearts avoids the body shot from Tikkanen.
Hearts has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Hearts misses with a hook. Tikkanen ducked under it nicely.
Hearts throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hearts takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Hearts uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Tikkanen.
A jab from Hearts misses.
A big left from Hearts misses.
Hearts fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Tikkanen.
Esa Tikkanen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tikkanen throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Tikkanen uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Hearts.
Hearts is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Tikkanen scores with a nice head shot.
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!
The crowd cheers as Hearts lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tikkanen doesn't seem phased though.
Tikkanen dips to his left and cracks Hearts with an uppercut!
Hearts swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Hearts misses with a hook.
Hearts takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Tikkanen moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Tikkanen scores with a jab.
Tikkanen is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Hearts throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Tikkanen's waist but Tikkanen gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Hearts off to one side.
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 Esa Tikkanen will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Hearts throws the left hand but Tikkanen avoids the punch easily.
Tikkanen lands with a nice body kick.
Hearts swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tikkanen throws a leg kick but Hearts moved away.
Tikkanen works Hearts's body with a nice hook.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Hearts crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Tikkanen - the referee stops the clock and Hearts gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Tikkanen. Hearts manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Tikkanen lands with a good body shot.
Tikkanen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hearts.
Tikkanen lands a head shot.
Tikkanen changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Tikkanen lands with a thumping leg kick.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Hearts.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tikkanen tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Hearts wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Tikkanen manages to work his way to half guard, despite Hearts's best efforts.
Tikkanen moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tikkanen has his foot on Hearts's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hearts works his way back into a safe position though.
Tikkanen keeping moving, preventing Hearts from controlling successfully.
Tikkanen trying to keep a closed guard but Hearts is proving a slippery customer.
Tikkanen keeping moving, preventing Hearts from controlling successfully.
Hearts missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Tikkanen wants to sweep here but Hearts controlling him for the moment.
Tikkanen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Tikkanen looking to control but Hearts passes into half guard.
Tikkanen is pressing down on Hearts's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Tikkanen looking for a guillotine here but Hearts defends easily.
Tikkanen is trying to control the position but Hearts postures up.
Hearts tries to free his leg and advance position but Tikkanen is retaining full guard.
Hearts is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Hearts stopping the sweep attempt from Tikkanen.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Hearts scores with a hook to the body. Tikkanen takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Tikkanen thumps Hearts with a low kick.
Hearts thuds a left hand into Tikkanen's body.
Tikkanen swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hearts looks to throw the jab but Tikkanen is out of range.
Nice defenses there by Tikkanen.
Tikkanen looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Hearts. Tikkanen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Crunch! Tikkanen slams his shin into Hearts's torso.
A low kick from Tikkanen misses

and Hearts counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Hearts landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Tikkanen tries to get to full guard but Hearts has control of the leg.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tikkanen wants to control but Hearts is keeping busy.
Hearts lands with a punch from half guard.
Tikkanen is looking for a sweep. Hearts is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Tikkanen avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Hearts.
Hearts scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Hearts is figuring out what he wants to do next.

Tikkanen looking for submissions off his back.
Tikkanen is looking to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but A J Hearts will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!

Tikkanen lands a glancing blow to the side of Hearts's head.

Hearts shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Tikkanen napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Tikkanen is not content to let Hearts control the position.
Tikkanen prevents Hearts from improving position.
Hearts lands some shots froms side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tikkanen is trying to control Hearts's posture but Hearts avoids it.
Hearts lands a few punches from side control.
Tikkanen manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen looks to land a strike but Hearts avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tikkanen working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Tikkanen sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Hearts is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Tikkanen wants to control from the top but Hearts keeps moving.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Tikkanen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Hearts wants to sweep here but Tikkanen controlling him for the moment.

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

Tikkanen keeping full guard, as Hearts tries to pass.
Hearts throwing strikes but missing.

Tikkanen escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hearts gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hearts loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hearts with a nice head shot there.

Tikkanen escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hearts gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Hearts throws a strike but Tikkanen rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.

Tikkanen looking to pass the guard.
A J Hearts has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hearts is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Hearts seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Tikkanen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen trying to control here.
Hearts has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Tikkanen makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Tikkanen.

Tikkanen escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hearts gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Tikkanen not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hearts with a nice head shot there.

Tikkanen is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hearts is aware though and is defending well.

Tikkanen working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hearts doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hearts manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A J Hearts really dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

A nice leg kick lands there from Hearts.
Hearts lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Tikkanen takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Tikkanen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hearts.

Hearts gets a takedown into half guard.
Tikkanen trying to control here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tikkanen is not content to let Hearts control the position.

Tikkanen looking for a kimura from the bottom but Hearts passes into side control!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hearts working the head and body with strikes.
Hearts landing a few strikes.
Tikkanen is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Beast Cartel, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
Tikkanen regains half guard.
Hearts is trying to control the action in half guard but Tikkanen is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Tikkanen wants to improve his position but Hearts is controlling well.
Tikkanen slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Hearts sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Tikkanen's guard.
Hearts is trying to control. Tikkanen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen keeping hold of Hearts's head, controlling as best he can.
Tikkanen gets back to full guard.

Tikkanen has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Hearts can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Tikkanen avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Tikkanen looking to control.
Tikkanen 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.
Hearts working some strikes from top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hearts postures up and lands a big shot to Tikkanen's brow.

Tikkanen is looking for a triangle but Hearts pushes his legs off easily.
Hearts being controlled here momentarily.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tikkanen misses the jab.
Nice uppercut lands for Tikkanen. That snapped Hearts's head back.
Tikkanen looks to land a body kick but Hearts moved away.
Tikkanen keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Tikkanen scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hearts takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tikkanen misses with the body kick

and Hearts counters with a nice double leg into side control. Tikkanen won't be happy with that.
Tikkanen manages to get back to half guard.
Hearts trying to control from half guard but Tikkanen is working away.
Tikkanen is looking to improve his position.
Tikkanen is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hearts's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hearts's back!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Hearts is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Tikkanen throwing sloppy strikes.
Hearts trying to control the position but Tikkanen manages to sink in the hooks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A J Hearts dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Tikkanen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Hearts tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Hearts scores with a three punch combo!
Hearts throws a shot to the body.
Tikkanen misses the shot to the body.
Hearts feints and then cracks Tikkanen's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Tikkanen down.
Tikkanen looks to throw the jab but Hearts is out of range.
Hearts takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hearts misses with a kick to the body.
Tikkanen walks into a straight right hand from Hearts.
Esa Tikkanen is winning the standup battle so far.
Tikkanen punishes Hearts's body with a nice straight punch.
Hearts slips under a jab from Tikkanen.
Tikkanen throws a nice inside leg kick.
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!
Hearts throws a low kick, looking for Tikkanen's leg but Tikkanen calmly moves out of range.
Tikkanen explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Hearts lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hearts uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tikkanen.
Tikkanen throws a sloppy head kick and Hearts moves out of range easily.
Tikkanen throws a body punch but Hearts moves out of range.
Tikkanen fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Hearts.
Tikkanen tries to land a front kick but Hearts steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Tikkanen throws a body shot but no joy.
Hearts blocks a jab.
Tikkanen is looking to slow Hearts down with leg kicks.
Hearts staying out of range there.

Hearts drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Hearts connects with a couple of short punches.
Hearts postures up and lands a big shot to Tikkanen's brow.
Tikkanen bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hearts's guard.

Esa Tikkanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A J Hearts is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen wants to pass the guard but Hearts is keeping the position.
Hearts bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Tikkanen's guard.

The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tikkanen trying to control the position.
Hearts not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Tikkanen looking for a guillotine here but Hearts defends easily.
Hearts slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tikkanen looking for subs off his back but Hearts has passed one foot through into half guard.
Tikkanen gets full guard.
Tikkanen wants to sweep here but Hearts controlling him for the moment.
Tikkanen throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Hearts slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Tikkanen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.

Tikkanen looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Hearts has picked Tikkanen up and slammed him! Tikkanen can't keep hold of the triangle and Hearts manages to pass to side control!
You can see the frustration on Tikkanen's face as Hearts controls the position.
Tikkanen is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Hearts is thwarting Tikkanen's attempts to control the position.
Tikkanen missing with punches from the bottom.
Tikkanen throws a strike from the bottom that misses.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to A J Hearts.
I think Hearts 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 45:50
Judge James Glass scores the fight 46:49
Judge William Gold scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... A J Hearts!
A J Hearts is the new light heavyweight champion!
A J Hearts decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.