|
|
PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Katurian Tupolski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mika Saarenpaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tupolski comes into the arena with Mobb Deep - Shook Ones part II blaring out of the sound system. 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.
 |
|
 |
| 175 cm
30
182 lbs
19 - 8 - 1 |
|
183 cm
28
170 lbs
18 - 6 - 0 |
Good wrestling
World class boxer
Granite chin |
|
Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
|
| |
|
Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
19 - 8 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Katurian Tupolski!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
18 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mika Saarenpaa!
The judges for this bout are Aafke Stam, Albert Achterberg and Nard Betker.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tupolski takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Tupolski swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Saarenpaa has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Tupolski fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa is out of range.
Saarenpaa finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Tupolski tries a head kick but it misses.
Saarenpaa throws a counter combo.
Saarenpaa tried to score with a low kick but Tupolski checks it.
Saarenpaa steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Tupolski. That one must have hurt.
Tupolski throws the kick towards the body but Saarenpaa avoids it.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Saarenpaa throws a hook to the side of Tupolski's head but Tupolski sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Tupolski uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Saarenpaa.
Tupolski staying out of range there.
Tupolski takes one on the button.
A solid body kick from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Tupolski looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Saarenpaa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saarenpaa throws a chopping leg kick but Tupolski manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Tupolski dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tupolski takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Tupolski drops his hands momentarily and Saarenpaa takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Katurian Tupolski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Saarenpaa lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Tupolski at a distance.
Saarenpaa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a half hearted mid kick.
Saarenpaa scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Tupolski doesn't seem bothered though.
Tupolski thumps Saarenpaa with a low kick.
Tupolski is looking to land body kicks.
A left lands for Tupolski.
Tupolski takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Tupolski blocks the body kick.
Tupolski tries to close the distance and clinch but Saarenpaa swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Saarenpaa thumps Tupolski with a low kick.
Tupolski connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Saarenpaa takes a swing at Tupolski's ribcage but misses.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Tupolski throws a body punch but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Tupolski looks to score with a jab to the body but Saarenpaa is just out of range.
Tupolski tries to land a leg kick but Saarenpaa saw it coming and moves away.
Saarenpaa throws a quick inside leg kick.
Saarenpaa takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saarenpaa throws a front kick that sends Tupolski stumbling back into the cage.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa tries a head kick but it misses.
Saarenpaa throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Tupolski's head.
Saarenpaa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Saarenpaa scores with a sloppy right hand. Tupolski should have avoided that one.
Saarenpaa lands with a good body shot.
Saarenpaa scores with a sloppy right hand. Tupolski should have avoided that one.
A lazy body kick from Tupolski
enabling Saarenpaa to counter with a crisp jab.
Tupolski swings and misses with a shot to the body
enabling Saarenpaa to counter with a crisp jab.
Tupolski looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tupolski instigates a clinch.
Saarenpaa manages to break the clinch.
Saarenpaa has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tupolski finds it's way round the side to connect with Saarenpaa's head.
A nice leg kick lands there from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a head kick that misses.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Tupolski scores with a jab. Saarenpaa acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Saarenpaa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tupolski moves away.
It looked like Tupolski was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Saarenpaa.
Tupolski throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa digs a good body shot into Tupolski's ribs.
Saarenpaa tests Tupolski's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Saarenpaa is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Tupolski had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Tupolski looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Tupolski will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Saarenpaa let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Tupolski throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses
and Saarenpaa connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Saarenpaa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Tupolski is looking to clinch.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Saarenpaa crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Tupolski - the referee stops the clock and Saarenpaa gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Tupolski. Saarenpaa manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Saarenpaa fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Tupolski is looking to wear down Saarenpaa with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Crunch! Tupolski slams his shin into Saarenpaa's torso.
Saarenpaa has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Saarenpaa fakes the leg kick and cracks Tupolski in the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saarenpaa blocks the body kick.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Saarenpaa wants to slow Tupolski down by chopping away at his legs.
Saarenpaa avoids the body shot from Tupolski.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Tupolski.
As Saarenpaa backs away, Tupolski returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the body kick.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski misses with a hook. Saarenpaa ducked under it nicely.
Tupolski lands with a nice body kick.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Tupolski takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Saarenpaa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a half hearted mid kick.
Tupolski moves out of range of the strikes.
Saarenpaa throws out a loose jab but Tupolski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tupolski lands a glancing blow to the side of Saarenpaa's head.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tupolski staying out of range there.
Saarenpaa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tupolski.
Tupolski misses with a kick to the body.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Saarenpaa tries a quick counter leg kick but Tupolski is wise to it.
Tupolski connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Saarenpaa's hands.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close round but Mika Saarenpaa will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Tupolski takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski connects with an inside leg kick.
Tupolski throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa walks forward, straight into a front kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa misses with a body shot.
Tupolski takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Tupolski checks the leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Saarenpaa. Tupolski does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saarenpaa looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tupolski waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Saarenpaa.
Tupolski has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa wants to land a leg kick but Tupolski is out of range.
Mika Saarenpaa seems to be getting the better of the standup.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski lands a jab to the nose.
Tupolski chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Saarenpaa can pounce on him.
Saarenpaa throws a front kick aimed at Tupolski's knee but Tupolski avoids it well.
It appears Tupolski was looking to counter with a kick there.
Saarenpaa looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Tupolski just misses with a punch to the body.
Saarenpaa throws a wild body kick that Tupolski sees coming a mile off.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Good leg kick by Saarenpaa there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Tupolski is looking to slow Saarenpaa down with leg kicks.
Tupolski avoids the body shot from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Saarenpaa, right into the meat.
Tupolski throws a looping overhand right but Saarenpaa ducks down to avoid it.
Saarenpaa has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Tupolski.
Tupolski attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Tupolski connects with the punch.
Saarenpaa throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tupolski misses the body punch
letting Saarenpaa counter with a right hand.
Tupolski looks to land a body kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Saarenpaa looks for the body kick but Tupolski saw that one coming.
Tupolski blocks a jab.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Tupolski misses with an attempted mid kick.
Saarenpaa lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
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!
Tupolski swings for the body but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Tupolski walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick nicely.
Tupolski moves out of range of the strikes.
Tupolski throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
A bone on bone clash there as Tupolski blocks the leg kick.
It looked like Tupolski wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Tupolski listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Tupolski is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Saarenpaa catches Tupolski with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Tupolski dips to his left and cracks Saarenpaa with an uppercut!
Tupolski connects with a body shot that sends Saarenpaa's belly button to the back.
Tupolski walks forward, straight into a front kick from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa lands a jab to the nose.
Tupolski throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Saarenpaa is looking to land body kicks.
Saarenpaa avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Tupolski keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Tupolski uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Saarenpaa.
Tupolski scores with the left hand. Saarenpaa knows he should have avoided that one.
Saarenpaa misses with a leg kick.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa just misses with a punch to the body.
Saarenpaa with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Tupolski to score with a decent uppercut.
Saarenpaa throws a right and a left that both miss.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Tupolski.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Saarenpaa.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Saarenpaa.
Tupolski lands a nice hook to Saarenpaa's body. Saarenpaa takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Tupolski has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Tupolski there as he acknowledges the shot.
Saarenpaa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Saarenpaa, as that shot connected.
Saarenpaa throws a shot from downtown. Tupolski moves away and avoids it.
Tupolski throws the kick towards the body but Saarenpaa avoids it.
Tupolski lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Tupolski just misses with a punch to the body.
Saarenpaa with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tupolski lands a jab to Saarenpaa's midsection.
Tupolski scores with a shot to the body.
Tupolski connects with a leg kick. Saarenpaa looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Saarenpaa pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Nice straight punches there by Tupolski. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Tupolski.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa misses with a double jab.
Tupolski throws a quick inside leg kick.
Tupolski lands a nice looking body kick.
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tupolski moves away.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Tupolski throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
Saarenpaa throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
A swing and a miss from Saarenpaa.
Tupolski checks a leg kick.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Tupolski.
Tupolski tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Tupolski lands an overhand right.
Saarenpaa looks to land a right hand but Tupolski moved out of range.
Tupolski blocks a jab.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but Mika Saarenpaa will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Tupolski throws a leg kick
and Saarenpaa counters with a nice kick to the body.
Saarenpaa drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Tupolski defending well as Saarenpaa loads up on a big left hand.
Tupolski misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa misses with a body kick.
Saarenpaa throws a head kick but Tupolski moves out of range.
Saarenpaa connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Tupolski throws a low kick, looking for Saarenpaa's leg but Saarenpaa calmly moves out of range.
Saarenpaa was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Tupolski needs to keep his hands up - Saarenpaa had a free shot at his head there.
Saarenpaa loads up on a big right hand but Tupolski slips the punch.
Tupolski swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Saarenpaa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Tupolski.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saarenpaa smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Tupolski tries to land a front kick but Saarenpaa steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Tupolski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa cracks Tupolski with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saarenpaa throws a front kick aimed at Tupolski's knee but Tupolski avoids it well.
Tupolski throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A jab from Tupolski finds it's way through Saarenpaa's defenses.
Saarenpaa throws out a powerful jab.
Tupolski avoids the head kick by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Saarenpaa loads up on a big right hand but Tupolski slips the punch.
Saarenpaa lands a jab to the head.
Tupolski avoids the body shot from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa is looking to score with low kicks.
Tupolski paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Saarenpaa tries to land a front kick but Tupolski steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Saarenpaa with a jab.
Tupolski moves out of range of the body kick from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tupolski jabs at Saarenpaa's body.
Tupolski throws a solid leg kick but Saarenpaa takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Tupolski.
Tupolski connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Tupolski jabs at Saarenpaa's body.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Saarenpaa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saarenpaa delivers a nice body kick.
Saarenpaa finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Saarenpaa takes a swing at Tupolski's ribcage but misses.
Tupolski throws a low kick but it's checked well by Saarenpaa.
Tupolski slips a straight right by Saarenpaa.
Tupolski tests Saarenpaa's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A solid body kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa tries to move into range but Tupolski moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Tupolski looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Tupolski buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa is looking to score with low kicks.
Tupolski scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Tupolski avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Tupolski misses the shot to the body.
It seemed like Saarenpaa was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Tupolski looks for the body kick but Saarenpaa saw that one coming.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a wild body kick that Saarenpaa sees coming a mile off.
Saarenpaa flicks out a counter leg kick but Tupolski steps away.
Tupolski throws a right hand that misses
and Saarenpaa makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Saarenpaa keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Saarenpaa slips a straight right by Tupolski.
Saarenpaa dips to his left and cracks Tupolski with an uppercut!
Tupolski misses with an uppercut. Saarenpaa saw that one coming.
Tupolski checks a leg kick nicely.
A head kick misses from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Saarenpaa checks a leg kick.
Saarenpaa tries a quick counter leg kick but Tupolski is wise to it.
Saarenpaa digs a good hook to Tupolski's body.
Tupolski on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Tupolski avoids the head kick by Saarenpaa.
Tupolski tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Saarenpaa has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but Tupolski moved away.
Tupolski feinted there with a counter leg kick.
Saarenpaa takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Saarenpaa scores with a shot to the body.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Saarenpaa crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Tupolski - the referee stops the clock and Saarenpaa gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Tupolski. Saarenpaa manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa misses with a low kick as Tupolski jumps back.
Tupolski tries to counter by clinching up but Saarenpaa breaks away and moves out of range.
Tupolski takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Tupolski ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tupolski is looking to slow Saarenpaa down with leg kicks.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tupolski. Saarenpaa does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saarenpaa appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Tupolski looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Saarenpaa looks to throw a body kick
and Tupolski counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tupolski moves out of range as Saarenpaa strikes.
Tupolski checks a leg kick nicely.
Tupolski throws a head kick but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa takes one on the button.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saarenpaa misses with a low kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Saarenpaa.
Tupolski throws a jab when Saarenpaa was well out of range.
Tupolski thows a leg kick but Saarenpaa checks it
and Saarenpaa counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Saarenpaa fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close third round but Mika Saarenpaa just about did enough to take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Tupolski misses with a wild body shot.
Tupolski looks for the body kick but Saarenpaa saw that one coming.
Saarenpaa steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Tupolski. That one must have hurt.
Tupolski tries to clinch there but Saarenpaa circles away.
Saarenpaa on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Tupolski displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Saarenpaa throws out the jab.
A slow jab from Tupolski misses its intended target.
Tupolski looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Saarenpaa, as that shot connected.
Tupolski throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Saarenpaa slips a straight right by Tupolski.
Tupolski shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski scores with a body shot.
Tupolski swings away with a body shot that misses
enabling Saarenpaa to counter with a crisp jab.
Saarenpaa throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the body kick.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saarenpaa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Saarenpaa gets cracked there but stands up to it.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Saarenpaa throws out the jab.
Tupolski throws a chopping leg kick but Saarenpaa manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Tupolski throws the kick towards the body but Saarenpaa avoids it.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the body kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the head.
Saarenpaa avoids the body shot from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa misses with a double jab.
Saarenpaa blocks a low kick nicely.
Tupolski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa moves forwards but Tupolski connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Tupolski thows a body kick. Saarenpaa tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Good shot there by Tupolski.
Tupolski fails in his attempt to clinch.
Saarenpaa works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Nice cross by Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Saarenpaa lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the body kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa misses with a kick to the body.
Tupolski misses with a body kick.
Tupolski throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
A nice side step and Saarenpaa releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Saarenpaa circles away from the clinch attempt
and Saarenpaa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Tupolski steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Saarenpaa. That one must have hurt.
Tupolski with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Saarenpaa to score with a decent uppercut.
Tupolski moves away from the strike by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Tupolski turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a head kick but Tupolski moves out of range.
Tupolski cracks the inside of Saarenpaa's front leg.
Tupolski is looking to slow Saarenpaa down with leg kicks.
Saarenpaa on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tupolski. Tupolski obviously looking to wear him down.
Tupolski doesn't manage to clinch there - Saarenpaa circles away.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the body kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick
and Tupolski connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tupolski was well out of range. Poor timing from Saarenpaa.
Tupolski misses with a head kick.
Tupolski's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Saarenpaa connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tupolski scrambles back to his feet.
Saarenpaa cracks a nice hook into Tupolski's ribs.
Tupolski tries to clinch but Saarenpaa is having none of it.
Tupolski lands with a shot to the body.
Saarenpaa connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Tupolski's hands.
Tupolski blocks a low kick nicely.
Saarenpaa takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Tupolski tries to clinch up but Saarenpaa circles away and keeps his distance.
Tupolski lands a lovely overhand right.
A head kick misses from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa misses with a looping left.
Tupolski works the jab nicely.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tupolski takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski throws a leg kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Saarenpaa steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Tupolski throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Tupolski tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
The fighters circle momentarily. Saarenpaa darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Tupolski lands a right hook to the body.
Tupolski throws a lazy body kick
and Saarenpaa counters with an inside leg kick.
A lazy left from Tupolski finds it's target.
Saarenpaa takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Saarenpaa steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa misses with a kick to the body.
Tupolski moves out of range as Saarenpaa throws a body kick.
Tupolski throws a big shot that misses.
It seemed like Saarenpaa was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Tupolski, as that shot connected.
Tupolski explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Tupolski throws a nice looking combination but Saarenpaa bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Katurian Tupolski had his way with Mika Saarenpaa in that round.
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!
Tupolski looks to land a body kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Tupolski moves out of range of the strikes.
Saarenpaa throws a jab but it's blocked by Tupolski.
Tupolski throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tupolski looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Tupolski defending well as Saarenpaa loads up on a big left hand.
Tupolski throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Saarenpaa throws a solid leg kick but Tupolski takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa swings for the body but Tupolski moves out of range.
Tupolski seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Tupolski throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild body shot.
Tupolski half committed to a counter leg kick.
Saarenpaa staying out of range there.
Saarenpaa let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Saarenpaa misses with a hook.
Tupolski connects with a looping right hand.
Saarenpaa moves out of range as Tupolski throws a body kick.
Saarenpaa throws out a loose jab but Tupolski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tupolski throwing a counter right hand but Saarenpaa manages to avoid it.
Tupolski takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski lands a jab to Saarenpaa's midsection.
A swing and a miss from Tupolski.
Tupolski is looking to slow Saarenpaa down with leg kicks.
Saarenpaa takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Tupolski thuds a left hand into Saarenpaa's body.
Tupolski wants to clinch
and Tupolski takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Tupolski tries a head kick but it misses.
Saarenpaa misses with a head kick.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that misses.
Tupolski misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa swings and misses with a hook to the body.
And Tupolski counters with a quick kick to the body but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Saarenpaa takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Tupolski misses with a body shot.
Tupolski lands a nice looking kick to the body. Saarenpaa takes a step back to recover.
Tupolski fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Saarenpaa checks it well.
Tupolski looks to land a left hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range nicely.
Katurian Tupolski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Tupolski.
Saarenpaa walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A looping hook to the body misses from Saarenpaa. Tupolski does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saarenpaa tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Tupolski is able to avoid easily.
Tupolski tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Saarenpaa is able to avoid easily.
Tupolski avoids a punch combination nicely.
Tupolski was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Tupolski just misses with a punch to the body.
Saarenpaa works the jab nicely.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but Tupolski sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Saarenpaa takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Tupolski's head.
Tupolski moves out of range as Saarenpaa throws a body kick.
Saarenpaa connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Tupolski throws a wild body kick that Saarenpaa sees coming a mile off.
Mika Saarenpaa is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that misses.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Saarenpaa misses with an attempted mid kick.
Saarenpaa avoids the body shot from Tupolski.
Tupolski takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Saarenpaa lands with a nice body kick.
Tupolski tries to work over Saarenpaa's front leg with a kick but Saarenpaa checks it.
Tupolski tries a low kick but Saarenpaa avoids it.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Tupolski.
Saarenpaa throws a quick inside leg kick.
Saarenpaa looks for the body kick but Tupolski saw that one coming.
Saarenpaa fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Tupolski on the side of the head.
Tupolski misses with a low kick.
Saarenpaa takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Saarenpaa scores with a nice strike.
Saarenpaa shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Tupolski throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Saarenpaa attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Saarenpaa throws a body shot but no joy.
Saarenpaa is looking to land body kicks.
Tupolski looked to counter that last move with a leg kick but didn't pull the trigger.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tupolski.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tupolski throws a lazy right hand but Saarenpaa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Tupolski looks to throw the jab but Saarenpaa is out of range.
Saarenpaa scores with a kick to the midsection.
Jab by Saarenpaa.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saarenpaa.
A low kick from Tupolski misses
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Tupolski misses with a straight left.
Saarenpaa scoring well with a low kick there.
Saarenpaa lands with an uppercut that bounces Tupolski off the cage and back into range.
Saarenpaa moves into range and connects with a jab.
Tupolski throws a head kick but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mika Saarenpaa.
I think Saarenpaa 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 Aafke Stam scores the fight 46:49
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 46:49
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight 46:49
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mika Saarenpaa! Mika Saarenpaa retains his welterweight title!
An out of breath Mika Saarenpaa thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.
Katurian Tupolski was interviewed post fight and said 'Fighting is a tough business. All the props to my opponent - he was better tonight. I will be back stronger.'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
|
S |
C |
G |
|
energy
A | B |
|
hype
A | B |
|
pop
A | B |
|
mgr
A | B |
|
FIGHT
RATING
87% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
