PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Eugeniy Akulenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Maurício Aurelio (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Akulenko comes to the cage accompanied by Cowboys From Hell. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Akulenko
vs
Aurelio

170 cm
29
165 lbs
23 - 14 - 0

177 cm
28
165 lbs
20 - 8 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Hellbent

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 23 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Eugeniy Akulenko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 20 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Maurício Aurelio!
The judges for this bout are Andrew Berry, Richard Clark and Phil Schofield.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akulenko throws a jab but it's blocked by Aurelio.
Aurelio changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Akulenko jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

Akulenko moves into range and clinches up with Aurelio.
Aurelio blocks an elbow strike.
Akulenko lands a knee to the head.
Aurelio fails to pull guard.
Aurelio avoiding damage as Akulenko throws knees to the body.
Akulenko comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Aurelio lands a left hand.
Aurelio takes an elbow to the forehead.
Akulenko is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Akulenko with a knee to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Akulenko scores with a shoulder strike.
Aurelio goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Akulenko tries a knee to the head but Aurelio blocks it.
Aurelio lands a left hand that snaps the head of Akulenko backwards.
Akulenko landing knees to the head.
Aurelio is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Akulenko to keep the fight standing.
Akulenko using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Aurelio has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Aurelio lands an uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akulenko is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Aurelio is defending well for now.
Aurelio struggles to land a body shot inside as Akulenko controls his hands.
Aurelio tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A left hand lands to the body for Aurelio.
Aurelio working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Aurelio misses with a hook from the clinch.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Akulenko putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Aurelio in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Akulenko working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but Aurelio blocks with his arms.
Akulenko throws an elbow that misses.
Akulenko scores a nice knee to the body.
Aurelio swings wildly with an uppercut but Akulenko uses good head movement to avoid it.
Akulenko creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Aurelio's defenses.

It looks like Maurício Aurelio has been cut.
We've been informed that Aurelio has been sparring a lot of Muay Thai in the buildup to this fight so let's see if that has an impact on the result.

Aurelio breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Akulenko tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Aurelio counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Akulenko kicks Aurelio off and gets back to his feet.
Eugeniy Akulenko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Akulenko has Aurelio up against the cage in a clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Aurelio fails to land.
Our sources have told us that Akulenko has been working on his elbows in the gym.
Aurelio goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Aurelio blocks an uppercut.
Aurelio takes a knee right on the jaw!
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Aurelio lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Akulenko lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Akulenko tries a knee to the head but Aurelio blocks it.
Akulenko effectively controlling the action here.
Aurelio lands a left hand.
Aurelio misses with a hook to the ribs.
Aurelio managing to block the knees to the body from Akulenko.
Akulenko connects with a nasty looking knee right to Aurelio's face.
Akulenko creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Akulenko missing with knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Akulenko.
Aurelio is trying to maintain a safe position but Akulenko gets an underhook and turns Aurelio into the cage.
Akulenko stalling in the clinch but Aurelio improves position.
Akulenko working Aurelio over with knees to the body.
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Aurelio avoids it.
Akulenko misses with an elbow strike.

Aurelio successfully pulls guard.

Akulenko got a little sloppy there for a moment and Aurelio has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Akulenko has managed to get both his arms back between Aurelio's legs - danger averted.

Aurelio throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Akulenko gets to his feet - Aurelio follows without any prompting.
Aurelio scores with the left hand. Akulenko knows he should have avoided that one.
Aurelio keeps the fight on the outside.
Akulenko throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Aurelio drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Akulenko defends it well.
Akulenko throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Akulenko has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Aurelio.
Aurelio tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Akulenko is able to avoid easily.
A telegraphed right hand from Akulenko misses the target.
Aurelio throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Akulenko sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Akulenko is looking to counter punch.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akulenko scores with a jab to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Aurelio tries a head kick but it misses.
Akulenko is looking to score with low kicks.

Akulenko moves into the clinch.
Aurelio has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eugeniy Akulenko dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Maurício Aurelio's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Aurelio fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Akulenko manages to avoid it.
Akulenko uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Aurelio.
Aurelio walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Akulenko checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Akulenko bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Akulenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Aurelio's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Akulenko connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Aurelio scrambles back to his feet.
A big right from Aurelio misses.

Aurelio closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Akulenko is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Aurelio can do to turn this around?
Aurelio trying to control the position but Akulenko is working away.
Akulenko sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Akulenko manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Aurelio keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akulenko throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Aurelio blocks it with crossed arms.
Aurelio is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Akulenko to keep the fight standing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Aurelio throws a punch but it's blocked by Akulenko.
Aurelio tries to pull guard but Akulenko won't allow it.
Akulenko stalling.
Akulenko gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Aurelio on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Aurelio tries a body shot but Akulenko blocks it.
Aurelio throws a punch but it's blocked by Akulenko.
Akulenko throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Aurelios head.
Akulenko throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Aurelio tries to pull guard but Akulenko forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Eugeniy Akulenko has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Maurício Aurelio.
Akulenko throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Aurelio has a couple of punches blocked by Akulenko.
Akulenko tries to land knees in the clinch but Aurelio avoids the damage to the body.
Knees in the clinch landing for Akulenko.
Akulenko working Aurelio over with knees to the body.
Aurelio managing to block the knees to the body from Akulenko.
Aurelio misses with a punch on the inside.
Akulenko lands an elbow just above Aurelio 's eye.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Aurelio gets through Akulenko's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Akulenko lands an elbow that stopped Aurelio in his tracks for a moment.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Akulenko.

Aurelio breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
The fighters circle momentarily. Akulenko darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Aurelio throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Akulenko throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
No joy there for Akulenko, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
A left lands for Akulenko.
Akulenko getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Akulenko fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Akulenko wants to clinch.
Akulenko throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Aurelio's corner calls for a 1-2. Aurelio obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aurelio ducks under a wild hook from Akulenko.
Aurelio changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Akulenko is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Aurelio.
Aurelio misses with a takedown attempt - Akulenko sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Aurelio lands a jab to the head.
Aurelio throws a right hand that Akulenko ducks under and follows up with a left that Akulenko also avoids with ease.
Aurelio takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Aurelio jabs Akulenko right on the nose. Akulenko blinks but takes it well.
Aurelio swats away the attempt to clinch by Akulenko.
And Aurelio tries to counter it with a takedown but Akulenko pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Aurelio has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Akulenko with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Eugeniy Akulenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Good exchange - Akulenko coming out on top.
Akulenko throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Akulenko plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aurelio throws a body punch but Akulenko moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko throws a head kick but Aurelio moves out of range.
Akulenko throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Aurelio's head.
Aurelio looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Akulenko throws a head kick but Aurelio moves out of range.
Aurelio works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Aurelio is looking to land body kicks.
Aurelio throws the left hand but Akulenko avoids the punch easily.
Aurelio stalks Akulenko and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Akulenko's face. Akulenko staggers backwards, shaken.
Akulenko moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Akulenko throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A left lands for Aurelio.
Aurelio slips a jab and a cross from Akulenko.
Aurelio takes a shot to the body in his stride.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akulenko scores with a jab.
Aurelio misses with an attempted mid kick.
Akulenko is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Aurelio.
Aurelio is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Akulenko throws a lazy right hand but Aurelio sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Aurelio lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Eugeniy Akulenko dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Maurício Aurelio's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Akulenko misses with a jab, cross combination.
Aurelio drops his hands momentarily and Akulenko takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Aurelio avoids the head kick by Akulenko.
Aurelio keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Aurelio throws a low kick but Akulenko avoids it.
Akulenko needs to keep his hands up - Aurelio had a free shot at his head there.
Aurelio keeps the fight on the outside.

Aurelio decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Akulenko gets full guard.
Aurelio wants to control from the top but Akulenko keeps moving.
Akulenko wants to get back to his feet but Aurelio is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Aurelio drops back, looking for a kneebar! Akulenko looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Akulenko looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Akulenko!

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!
Aurelio tries to bench press Akulenko off him but Akulenko keeps the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Akulenko decides to take the fight back to the feet.
Akulenko tries to clinch up but Aurelio circles away and keeps his distance.
Akulenko misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Aurelio tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Akulenko fails with an attempt to clinch.
Akulenko works Aurelio's body with a nice hook.
Aurelio fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Akulenko has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Aurelio takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Akulenko scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Akulenko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Aurelio sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Aurelio shoots in looking for a takedown. Akulenko tries to sprawl out of it but Aurelio keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Akulenko manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Akulenko on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Akulenko clinches up against the cage.
Maurício Aurelio has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but Aurelio blocks with his arms.
Aurelio has a couple of punches blocked by Akulenko.
Eugeniy Akulenko has scored more points in the clinch so far.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akulenko is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Aurelio is defending well for now.
Aurelio tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Akulenko smiles and moves away.
Aurelio lands with a cross.
Akulenko misses with a body shot.
Akulenko slips a jab and a cross from Aurelio.
Akulenko 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.
Aurelio takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Akulenko scores with the left hand. Aurelio knows he should have avoided that one.
Akulenko tries to clinch but Aurelio moves out of range.
A nice inside leg kick there by Aurelio. That's going to slow Akulenko down.
Aurelio cracks Akulenko with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Akulenko misses with an uppercut. Aurelio saw that one coming.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Aurelio takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A jab from Aurelio finds it's way through Akulenko's defenses.
Akulenko throws a leg kick but Aurelio checks it.
Akulenko misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Aurelio tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Akulenko cracks Aurelio with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Aurelio lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Aurelio thows a leg kick but Akulenko checks it
and Akulenko counters with a three punch combo that has Aurelio backing up. Aurelio nods at Akulenko to acknowledge the strikes.
Aurelio throws a push kick but Akulenko slaps the foot to one side.

Akulenko has taken the fight to the clinch.
Aurelio lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Aurelio doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Aurelio fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Akulenko throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Akulenko trying to land knees to the body.
Aurelio lands with a right to the head.
Akulenko lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Eugeniy Akulenko is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A right hand to the body from Akulenko.
Akulenko putting his Muay Thai to good use. He has Aurelio in a tight clinch and is doing some damage with knees to the body.
Aurelio blocks an uppercut.
Aurelio tries a body shot but Akulenko blocks it.
Aurelio avoiding damage.
Aurelio misses with a punch to the body.
Akulenko lands a nice knee to the body.
A left hand lands to the body for Aurelio.
Akulenko lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Akulenko landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Akulenko landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Aurelio lands a left hand.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Aurelio lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Akulenko.
Akulenko with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Aurelio takes a knee right on the jaw!

And that's the end of the fight!
Eugeniy Akulenko showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Akulenko has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Andrew Berry scores the fight 30:27
Judge Richard Clark scores the fight 30:27
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Eugeniy Akulenko!
Eugeniy Akulenko decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.