PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Eliod Bunkley Iii (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Yrjoe Velmu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bunkley Iii comes to the cage accompanied by Knocksville Girl. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Bunkley Iii
vs
Velmu

185 cm
31
193 lbs
22 - 18 - 1

192 cm
27
200 lbs
14 - 7 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 18 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Eliod Bunkley Iii!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 7 - 0, fighting out of New York, Yrjoe Velmu!
The judges for this bout are Dean Styles, Chad Campbell and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
No joy there for Velmu, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Bunkley Iii closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Velmu has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Bunkley Iii is working away from the top position though.
Bunkley Iii not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Bunkley Iii throws a strike but Velmu avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Bunkley Iii is pushing down on Velmu's leg trying to pass to half guard. Velmu is fighting to maintain full guard but Bunkley Iii has managed to sneak the leg through.
The fighters are battling for position here. Velmu manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Bunkley Iii is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Bunkley Iii postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Bunkley Iii loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Bunkley Iii 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.
Velmu is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii throwing strikes from guard but Velmu blocks nicely.
Velmu is controlling Bunkley Iii's posture.
Velmu avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Bunkley Iii missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Velmu tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bunkley Iii throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Velmu works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Bunkley Iii working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Bunkley Iii shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Velmu counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

Velmu clinches up with Bunkley Iii and pushes him back against the cage.
Bunkley Iii scores with a shot to the side of Velmu's head.
Bunkley Iii lands a hook that snaps the head of Velmu backwards.
Bunkley Iii tries to break the clinch but Velmu is controlling the position.
A body shot lands from Bunkley Iii.
Bunkley Iii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Bunkley Iii lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Velmu.
Bunkley Iii misses with a hook to the ribs.
Bunkley Iii can't find room to land a body shot as Velmu controls the action.
Bunkley Iii wants to stall.
Bunkley Iii swings wildly with an uppercut but Velmu uses good head movement to avoid it.
Velmu throws a knee to the head but misses.

Bunkley Iii breaks from the clinch.
Bunkley Iii misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
A nice side step and Velmu releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Velmu's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Velmu duly obliges.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Velmu thuds his right hand into Bunkley Iii's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

Bunkley Iii drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Bunkley Iii tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Bunkley Iii has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Bunkley Iii misses with the ground and pound.
Bunkley Iii is trying to ground and pound but Velmu uses the momentary lack of control by Bunkley Iii to regain half guard.
Bunkley Iii missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Velmu trying to control but Bunkley Iii postures up.
Velmu blocking the ground and pound attempt from Bunkley Iii.
Bunkley Iii looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
We've been hearing good reports from Bunkley Iii's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Bunkley Iii thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Bunkley Iii looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Velmu with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Bunkley Iii is looking to pass Velmu's guard but actually Velmu recovers to full guard.
Bunkley Iii works over Velmu with some ground and pound from guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eliod Bunkley Iii dominated that round.
That's time! Bunkley Iii's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Bunkley Iii shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Velmu sprawls well. Velmu wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Bunkley Iii gets slowly back to his feet.

Bunkley Iii gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Velmu can't find room to land a body shot as Bunkley Iii controls the action.
Velmu tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Velmu throws a knee to the head but misses.
Bunkley Iii is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Velmu can do to turn this around?
Nice body punch from Bunkley Iii - that landed with a thud.
Bunkley Iii tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Velmu lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Bunkley Iii has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Bunkley Iii tries a body shot but Velmu blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Velmu throws a punch but it's blocked by Bunkley Iii.
Bunkley Iii doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Velmu with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Velmu lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Bunkley Iii scores with a shot to the side of Velmu's head.
Bunkley Iii throws a punch but it's blocked by Velmu.
Bunkley Iii tries to work over Velmu's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Bunkley Iii misses with a body punch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii misses with a short punch on the inside.
Bunkley Iii can't find room to land a body shot as Velmu controls the action.
Bunkley Iii lands with a short shot to the head.
Velmu trying to land knees to the body.
Bunkley Iii tries to throw a body punch but Velmu avoids it by throwing Bunkley Iii back against the cage.
Knees to the body from Velmu.
A nice left hand lands by Velmu.
Bunkley Iii can't find room to land a body shot as Velmu controls the action.
Bunkley Iii works on Velmu's body with a couple of short punches.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

Bunkley Iii pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sloppy strikes from Bunkley Iii. Those never looked like landing.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Bunkley Iii is defended easily by Velmu.
Bunkley Iii goes for a double leg but Velmu avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Velmu continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eliod Bunkley Iii. That's going to take a lot out of him.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bunkley Iii.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Velmu gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Bunkley Iii can't break the clinch.
Bunkley Iii makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Bunkley Iii's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Velmu moves into the clinch.
Velmu tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Bunkley Iii misses with a punch on the inside.
Velmu blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Velmu tries a knee to the head but Bunkley Iii blocks it.

Bunkley Iii breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Velmu is looking to clinch.
Bunkley Iii looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Velmu is fending him off so far but Bunkley Iii persists. Nope, Velmu circles away and we're back to standing.
Yrjoe Velmu seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Bunkley Iii darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Bunkley Iii is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Velmu has managed to free his arm - good work.
Eliod Bunkley Iii overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Bunkley Iii thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Velmu trying to control but Bunkley Iii postures up.
Bunkley Iii trying to control from Velmu's half guard. Velmu has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Bunkley Iii throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Bunkley Iii throwing strikes from guard but Velmu blocks nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Velmu is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Velmu manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Bunkley Iii manages to get himself to full guard.

The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Bunkley Iii is on top in guard.

Bunkley Iii throwing strikes but missing.
Bunkley Iii tries to free his leg and advance position but Velmu is retaining full guard.
Bunkley Iii trying to move into half guard but instead Velmu has managed to sweep!

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 Eliod Bunkley Iii will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Bunkley Iii scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Velmu doesn't seem bothered though.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Bunkley Iii.
Bunkley Iii shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Bunkley Iii tries to score a power double leg takedown but Velmu sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Bunkley Iii somewhat.
Bunkley Iii tries for a takedown but Velmu sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Eliod Bunkley Iii. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Bunkley Iii tries for a takedown but Velmu sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Nice sprawl there from Velmu as Bunkley Iii shoots in.
A looping hook to the body misses from Velmu. Bunkley Iii does a little dance to reset his feet.
Velmu misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Bunkley Iii.
Eliod Bunkley Iii seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nice sprawl there from Velmu as Bunkley Iii shoots in.
Bunkley Iii goes for a double leg but Velmu avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Velmu continues to drive forward.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nice sprawl there from Velmu as Bunkley Iii shoots in.
Bunkley Iii throws a shot to the body.
Velmu fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Bunkley Iii.
Bunkley Iii fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velmu lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Bunkley Iii fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Bunkley Iii shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Velmu as he avoids it easily.
Velmu scores with a punch to the head.

Bunkley Iii closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Velmu with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Bunkley Iii takes a knee right on the jaw!
Eliod Bunkley Iii has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Velmu unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Velmu trying to land knees to the body.
A short right from Velmu on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Velmu.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Velmu working Bunkley Iii over with knees to the body.
Velmu landing knees to the head.
Velmu lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Bunkley Iii backwards.
Velmu landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Velmu.
Velmu utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Velmu softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Bunkley Iii takes a shot to the head.
A shot in the inside from Velmu.
Velmu tries to land knees in the clinch but Bunkley Iii avoids the damage to the body.
Velmu connects with a knee to the head.
Yrjoe Velmu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Bunkley Iii scores with a shoulder strike.
Bunkley Iii lands a hook that snaps the head of Velmu backwards.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Velmu creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Bunkley Iii blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Velmu unloads a knee to the mid-section. Bunkley Iii lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Velmu with a knee to the head.
Velmu lands with a short shot to the head.
Velmu misses with a knee strike.
Velmu misses with a knee strike.
Bunkley Iii tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Bunkley Iii avoiding damage as Velmu throws knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii can't find room to land a body shot as Velmu controls the action.
Bunkley Iii can't find room to land a body shot as Velmu controls the action.
Velmu putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Bunkley Iii in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Velmu lands with a short shot to the head.
Velmu scores with a shot to the side of Bunkley Iii's head.
Bunkley Iii is trying to break the clinch but Velmu is controlling him.
Velmu using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Bunkley Iii has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Velmu utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Bunkley Iii goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Bunkley Iii has a couple of punches blocked by Velmu.
A knee to the head by Velmu.
Bunkley Iii scores with a hook to the body.
Velmu misses with a knee to the head.
Velmu looking to throw knees to the head but Bunkley Iii is blocking nicely.
Bunkley Iii cracks Velmu with a nice body shot.
Velmu throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Bunkley Iii blocks it with crossed arms.
Bunkley Iii digs a right hand underneath Velmu's ribcage. Velmu let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Bunkley Iii scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bunkley Iii's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Bunkley Iii blocking some punches.
Velmu tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Bunkley Iii avoids it.
Velmu tries to work over Bunkley Iii's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Bunkley Iii softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Velmu keeps control of Bunkley Iii as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Bunkley Iii tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Velmu's elbow.
Velmu tries to throw a body punch but Bunkley Iii avoids it by throwing Velmu back against the cage.
Bunkley Iii is looking to control Velmu's arms but Velmu gets an underhook and turns him. Now Bunkley Iii has his back to the cage.
Bunkley Iii pushes Velmu back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Bunkley Iii lands a shoulder strike.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Bunkley Iii is looking to control Velmu's arms but Velmu gets an underhook and turns him. Now Bunkley Iii has his back to the cage.
Velmu misses with a knee to the head.
Bunkley Iii is trying to break free.
Velmu swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Bunkley Iii is leaning against Velmu and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.

And that's the end of the fight!
Yrjoe Velmu comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Bunkley Iii has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Dean Styles scores the fight 29:28
Judge Chad Campbell scores the fight 29:28
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eliod Bunkley Iii!
A less than humble Eliod Bunkley Iii misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.