PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between David Judah (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Esa Tikkanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Esa Tikkanen has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Judah
vs
Tikkanen

185 cm
34
212 lbs
14 - 6 - 0

186 cm
33
208 lbs
30 - 11 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Pearson Specter Litt
GREEN!160

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 14 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, David Judah!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 30 - 11 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Esa Tikkanen!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, and Timothy Bukovac.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tikkanen ducks under a wild hook from Judah.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Tikkanen.
Judah appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Tikkanen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Judah's waist but Judah gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tikkanen off to one side.
Judah throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tikkanen is looking to score with low kicks.
Tikkanen avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Tikkanen uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Judah.
Judah fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Tikkanen avoids it really well and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Tikkanen clinches up with Judah and pushes him back against the cage.
Judah tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tikkanen's elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Judah doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Tikkanen gets control of Judah's arms and successfully pulls guard. Tikkanen will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Tikkanen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Judah is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Judah won't allow Tikkanen to sweep him here.

Tikkanen working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Judah doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Judah manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Judah controlling the position from side mount.
Tikkanen is looking for a sweep.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Judah is looking to take a break and control but Tikkanen is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Tikkanen is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Judah's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

Tikkanen looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Tikkanen tries to roll over but Judah keeps him under control.
Judah seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Tikkanen wants to improve his position but Judah is controlling well.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

Tikkanen instigates a clinch.
Tikkanen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Judah fights it off and pushes away nicely.
David Judah has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Esa Tikkanen.
Judah moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A swing and a miss from Judah.
Judah throws a hook but Tikkanen blocks it.
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 David Judah will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Tikkanen clinches up against the cage.
Tikkanen lands a hook that snaps the head of Judah backwards.

Tikkanen pulls Judah into guard.
Judah tries to free his leg and advance position but Tikkanen is retaining full guard.

Tikkanen looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

Tikkanen looking for a guillotine here but Judah defends easily.

Tikkanen isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Judah stacks Tikkanen on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Judah!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Judah trying to control the position but Tikkanen is working away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Judah wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Tikkanen gets back to half guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Tikkanen manages to get to full guard.

Tikkanen escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Judah gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

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.
Judah trying to control the position from guard on top but Tikkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Judah wants to pass the guard but Tikkanen is keeping the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Tikkanen has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Judah can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Judah 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.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A punch combination from Judah misses.
Judah keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
Judah scores with a hook to the body. Tikkanen takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Judah just misses with a punch to the body.
Tikkanen keeps the fight on the outside.
Judah misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Tikkanen to counter with a crisp jab.
Judah throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tikkanen is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Judah misses with a jab to the body
and Tikkanen counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Judah swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tikkanen throws a jab but it's blocked by Judah.
Tikkanen ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Judah tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tikkanen was well out of range. Poor timing from Judah.
Tikkanen throws a quick inside leg kick.
David Judah is winning the standup battle so far.
Tikkanen just misses with a punch to the body.
Tikkanen tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Judah swivels and escapes.
Tikkanen throws a lazy right hand but Judah sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Judah misses the target.
Judah misses the shot to the body.
David Judah seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tikkanen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Judah's waist but Judah gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Tikkanen off to one side.
Judah is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Judah moves in looking to clinch but Tikkanen pushes him off.
A little jabbing left from Tikkanen on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Judah swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tikkanen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've been told by Judah's head coaches at The Gentleman's Club that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Judah lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Tikkanen at a distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esa Tikkanen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Judah's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Tikkanen misses with a hook.
Judah tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Tikkanen manages to circle out of the way.
Judah works the jab nicely.
Tikkanen throws a left and a right that both miss
and Judah counters with a right hand to the body.
Tikkanen throws a lazy right hand but Judah sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
A swing and a miss from Tikkanen.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tikkanen. Judah does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tikkanen takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Tikkanen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tikkanen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Judah.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Tikkanen shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Judah 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.
Judah is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen stopping the sweep attempt from Judah.
Tikkanen is looking to work some ground and pound but Judah has wrist control.
Tikkanen tries to free his leg and advance position but Judah is retaining full guard.
Judah seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Tikkanen passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Tikkanen looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Judah is avoiding damage well.
Tikkanen looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Judah is avoiding damage well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Tikkanen scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Judah to see if he's OK.
Judah prevents Tikkanen from improving position.
Judah manages to work his way to half guard, despite Tikkanen's best efforts.
Judah is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Tikkanen scores with a couple of nice shots.
Judah is looking for a sweep. Tikkanen is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Judah has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Tikkanen is working away from the top position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen tries to pass the half guard into mount. Judah knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Judah trying to control from the bottom.
Tikkanen trying to control from half guard but Judah is working away.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Tikkanen slips a jab from Judah.
Judah scores with a jab.
Judah checks a low kick from Tikkanen.
Judah misses with a series of wild punches.
Tikkanen unleashes a big counter combination but Judah bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Tikkanen connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Judah momentarily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Judah misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Tikkanen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Tikkanen throws a body punch but Judah moves out of range.
Judah tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Tikkanen manages to circle out of the way.
Tikkanen throws a right and a left that both miss.
The fight stays on the outside here - Judah looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Judah keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Judah looks to score with a jab to the body but Tikkanen is just out of range.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tikkanen.
Tikkanen takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nice straight punches there by Judah. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Judah.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tikkanen fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Esa Tikkanen 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.

Danga de danga de dang - Judah scores with a four punch combination!
A jab from Judah does it's job there.
Tikkanen throws a nice inside leg kick.
Tikkanen misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tikkanen is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Judah gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Judah tries a body shot but Tikkanen blocks it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Judah working aggressively here.
Tikkanen tries to throw a body punch but Judah avoids it by throwing Tikkanen back against the cage.
Judah throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Judah doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Judah lands a nice shot to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Judah lands a damaging elbow.
Judah is pressed up against the cage. Tikkanen has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Judah down to the mat. Judah avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Donk. Judah catches Tikkanen right on the button with a cross.
Judah checks a leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Judah blocks a body shot from Tikkanen.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Judah.
Tikkanen prevents a body shot from Judah.
Judah misses with some punches.
Tikkanen tries for a takedown. No joy.
David Judah has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Esa Tikkanen.
Judah misses with the head strike.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Tikkanen.
Judah lands a hook that snaps the head of Tikkanen backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Judah misses with a punch to the body.
Judah misses with an elbow over the top.
Judah misses with a hook to the ribs.
Judah lands an elbow inside that Tikkanen shrugs off.

It looks like Esa Tikkanen has been cut.
Tikkanen blocks an uppercut.
Tikkanen dodges an elbow strike from Judah.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A nice right hand lands inside from Tikkanen.
Judah lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Tikkanen tries to throw a body punch but Judah avoids it by throwing Tikkanen back against the cage.
Tikkanen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Judah lands a shoulder strike.
A head punch on the inside from Tikkanen fails to land.
Tikkanen misses with a punch on the inside.
Judah looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Judah misses with the head strike.
Tikkanen avoids the elbow strike from Judah, against the cage.
Judah is defending well against a takedown attempt.
A short right from Judah on the inside.
Tikkanen tries for a takedown. No joy.
Judah lands with a left to the head.
Tikkanen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Tikkanen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tikkanen wants to get back to striking at distance but Judah won't allow it.
Judah misses with a hook from the clinch.
Judah blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Judah creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tikkanen's defenses.
Judah lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Tikkanen or not.
Judah fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Judah throws an elbow that misses.
David Judah has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A hook to the body from Judah.
Tikkanen is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Judah lands an elbow inside that Tikkanen shrugs off.
Judah misses with a hook to the ribs.
Judah misses with a hook from the clinch.
Judah lands an elbow that stopped Tikkanen in his tracks for a moment.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tikkanen avoids the elbow strike from Judah, against the cage.
Tikkanen jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Judah walks away with a smile on his face. Tikkanen gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Tikkanen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Judah manages to avoid it.
Judah digs a good hook to Tikkanen's body.
Judah lands a jab.
Judah scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Judah stuffs the takedown.
Judah was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Judah had his way with Esa Tikkanen in that round.
The cut man is working on Esa Tikkanen's cut.
That's time! Judah's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Judah swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Judah moves in looking to clinch but Tikkanen pushes him off.
Judah just misses with a punch to the body.
Tikkanen fails to land with a series of punches.
Judah stuns Tikkanen with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Judah connects with a crisp jab.
Tikkanen takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Judah misses with a two punch combination.
Tikkanen on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Judah lands a high kick!
Tikkanen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Judah scores with a punch to the head.
Judah ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tikkanen moves away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen throws a sloppy body shot

and Judah holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Judah misses with a punch to the body.
Tikkanen has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Judah avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Tikkanen blocks an elbow strike from Judah.
Tikkanen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Judah lands a damaging elbow.
Judah tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Tikkanen's elbow.
Judah has a couple of punches blocked by Tikkanen.
Judah fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tikkanen has a couple of punches blocked by Judah.
Judah misses with a short punch on the inside.
Tikkanen has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Judah avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Tikkanen blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Esa Tikkanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen lands with a short shot to the head.
Tikkanen blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tikkanen has Judah pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Judah manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
David Judah has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Esa Tikkanen.
Judah misses with some punches.
Tikkanen misses with a punch to the body.
Judah pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Judah creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tikkanen's defenses.
Judah blocks an uppercut.
Tikkanen lands a right hand.
Judah lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
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!
Tikkanen drops down looking for an ankle pick but Judah pulls his leg out and moves away.
Judah takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Judah throws a looping overhand right but Tikkanen ducks down to avoid it.

Judah gets tackled into the cage by Tikkanen. Tikkanen maintains the clinch.
Tikkanen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Judah pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Tikkanen can't get the takedown.
David Judah is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Tikkanen has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Judah seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Tikkanen can turn it around.
Judah creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Tikkanen's defenses.
Tikkanen lands a body punch in the clinch.
Judah misses with a punch on the inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Judah.

Tikkanen lands a takedown into guard.
Judah is trying to keep Tikkanen in close.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Judah looking for a sweep. Not yet Judah, not yet.
Tikkanen is working Judah over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Judah is pulling down on Tikkanen's head to control his posture.
Judah's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Tikkanen looking to pass the guard.
Tikkanen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.

And that's the end of the fight!
David Judah showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Judah 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight for David Judah!
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight for David Judah!
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight for David Judah!

David Judah wins by unanimous decision!
David Judah retains his light heavyweight title!
A very excited looking David Judah rambled incoherently for about 5 minutes post fight about how awesome he is. It was kinda funny for a while but then everyone got annoyed.