PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Norman Parke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Eugeniy Akulenko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Akulenko's choice of entrance music: Cowboys From Hell. Norman Parke has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Parke
vs
Akulenko

180 cm
29
161 lbs
19 - 6 - 0

170 cm
30
165 lbs
25 - 14 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Museum of Monsters & Madmen
Bullet Proof System

Hellbent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Norman Parke!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 14 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Eugeniy Akulenko!
The judges for this bout are , Timothy Bukovac and Frank Antenori.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akulenko throws a right and a left that Parke avoids nicely.
Parke avoids the head kick by Akulenko.
Akulenko rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Parke moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Parke shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Akulenko pinned against the cage. Akulenko gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Parke connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
We've been told by Parke's head coaches at Heart Cave (10 elites, 3 double-elites, 1 triple) that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Parke uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Akulenko.
A slow jab from Parke misses its intended target.
Akulenko tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Akulenko wants to clinch up but Parke keeps it at a distance.
Akulenko checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Akulenko pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Parke feinted with a counter takedown.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Akulenko closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Parke breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Akulenko pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Parke throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Akulenko fails to land with a series of punches.
Parke jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Parke sets himself, and Akulenko steps forward looking for the clinch! Parke avoids it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parke takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A punch lands to the side of Parke 's head but he takes it in his stride.
A left lands for Akulenko.
Akulenko throws an overhand right that lands on Parke's shoulder, as Parke tries to avoid the shot.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Parke, as that shot connected.
Parke tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Akulenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Parke.
Akulenko throws a right and a left that Parke avoids nicely.
Akulenko 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.
Parke staying out of range there.
Parke throws the left hand but Akulenko avoids the punch easily.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Akulenko! But no joy.
A head kick by Akulenko misses
and Parke counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The fighters circling - Parke throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Parke jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Akulenko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Parke throws out the jab.
Nice defenses there by Akulenko.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Akulenko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Parke sees it coming and avoids it easily.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Akulenko looks to throw the jab but Parke is out of range.
Parke fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Akulenko takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Akulenko throws a big shot that misses.
Parke ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Akulenko moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Akulenko misses.
Akulenko tries to close the distance and clinch but Parke swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Akulenko throws a lazy right hand but Parke sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Akulenko digs a good body shot into Parke's ribs.
Parke's jab looks to have found its range, popping Akulenko under the eye.
Akulenko pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Parke half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Akulenko misses the shot to the body.
Parke throws a big shot that misses.
Sloppy strikes from Akulenko. Those never looked like landing.
A good leg kick by Parke.
Parke looks to throw the jab but Akulenko is out of range.
Eugeniy Akulenko is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jab from Akulenko.
Akulenko slips under a jab from Parke.
Parke moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Parke misses with a hook.

Akulenko has Parke up against the cage in a clinch.
Parke lands a nice uppercut.
Parke is trying to break free.
Akulenko lands an elbow just above Parke 's eye.

It looks like Norman Parke has been cut.
Parke softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Parke pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Parke shoots in but no luck this time.
Parke on the wrong end of a nice jab.

Parke tries to keep at a distance but Akulenko has taken the fight into the clinch.
Akulenko is struggling to control the position.
Akulenko utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Parke tries to circle away but Akulenko has him pinned against the cage.
Parke tries to break the clinch but Akulenko is controlling the position.
Akulenko looking to slow down the pace here.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Parke is looking to break free of the clinch but Akulenko has double underhooks.

Parke breaks from the clinch.
Parke misses with a body shot.
Akulenko swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Parke dives in for a single leg takedown but Akulenko sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Norman Parke. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A cross from Parke lands.
Parke shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Akulenko as he jumps to the side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Akulenko closes the distance and clinches.
Parke wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Akulenko has him pressed against the cage.
Akulenko blocks an uppercut.
Akulenko misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Parke.
Akulenko blocking some punches.
Akulenko with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Parke has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Akulenko misses with a hook to the ribs.

Parke pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Akulenko might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Akulenko misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Parke.
Akulenko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Parke.
Parke walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
A punch lands to the side of Parke 's head but he takes it in his stride.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akulenko takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Parke misses with a looping left.
A slapping leg kick lands for Parke.
Parke keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Parke swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Akulenko takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Eugeniy Akulenko will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Norman Parke's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Akulenko tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Parke lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Akulenko tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Parke misses with an uppercut
and Akulenko counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Akulenko blocks a leg kick.
Akulenko takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Akulenko feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Parke's calf.
Parke takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Akulenko throws a nice looking combination but Parke bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Akulenko misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

Akulenko has closed the distance and engaged Parke in a clinch.
Akulenko looking to throw knees to the head but Parke is blocking nicely.
Parke can't get the takedown.

Parke manages to break the clinch.
Parke loads up on a big right hand but Akulenko slips the punch.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Akulenko lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Parke has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Parke and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Parke connects with a crisp jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Akulenko connects with a leg kick. Parke looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Akulenko fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Parke on the side of the head.
Parke cracks the inside of Akulenko's front leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parke tried to score with a low kick but Akulenko checks it.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Akulenko blocking some punches.
Akulenko lands a nice uppercut.
Parke is working Akulenko over against the cage.
Akulenko prevents Parke from breaking the clinch.
Parke softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.

Parke breaks from the clinch.
A cross from Akulenko lands.
Parke explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Akulenko takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Parke steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Akulenko.
Good exchange - Parke coming out on top.
Parke lands a head shot.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akulenko doesn't manage to clinch there - Parke circles away.
Parke throws a body punch but Akulenko moves out of range.
Parke tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Parke lands a head shot.
Akulenko thows a left - swing and a miss!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Parke keeps Akulenko at a distance using the push kick.
Akulenko throws a hook but Parke blocks it.
Akulenko throws a sloppy head kick and Parke moves out of range easily.
Parke tries for a takedown but Akulenko sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Parke checks a leg kick.
Good work by Akulenko as he checks the leg kick.
Parke misses with a hook.
Akulenko takes one on the chin but seems OK.

Akulenko pushes Parke up against the cage in a clinch.

Parke breaks the clinch.
A nice leg kick lands there from Parke.
Akulenko checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Eugeniy Akulenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Akulenko loads up on a big right hand but Parke slips the punch.
Parke scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
A big left from Akulenko misses.
A telegraphed right hand from Parke misses the target.
Akulenko misses with an uppercut.
Good standup being displayed there by Parke as he connects with a hook.
Akulenko scores with a kick to the midsection.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Akulenko finds it's way through Parke's defenses.
Parke takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Nice defenses there by Akulenko.
Akulenko misses with a straight right.
Akulenko misses with a body shot.

Akulenko closes the distance and pushes Parke back into the cage.
Parke goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Akulenko misses with a knee to the head.

Parke breaks the clinch.

Akulenko gets caught flat footed, as Parke shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Akulenko not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Parke connects with a couple of short punches.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Parke postures up.
Akulenko wants to get back to his feet but Parke is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Akulenko pulls Parke in close to his closed guard and prevents Parke from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko is trying to control the position but Parke postures up.
Akulenko keeping moving, preventing Parke from controlling successfully.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Parke preventing the sweep.
Akulenko preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Parke works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Akulenko wants to control but Parke is keeping busy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Akulenko has hold of Parke's hands but Parke slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Parke is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Parke looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
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 Norman Parke will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Norman Parke's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Akulenko misses with a few strikes there.
Norman Parke is winning the standup battle so far.
Parke lands a jab to Akulenko's midsection.
Parke steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Akulenko.
Akulenko uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Parke.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Akulenko.
Parke misses with a takedown attempt - Akulenko sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Akulenko takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Akulenko is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Parke.
Parke chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Parke throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A swing and a miss from Parke.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A swing and a miss from Akulenko.
Akulenko throws out a loose jab but Parke uses good head movement to avoid it.
Parke pivots, looking for a leg kick but Akulenko is out of range and Parke settles back down.
A low kick from Akulenko misses
and Parke counters with a good low kick that Akulenko was not able to check.
Akulenko throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Parke is looking to slow Akulenko down with leg kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akulenko thows a body kick. Parke tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Akulenko's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Akulenko keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Parke.
A jab from Parke misses.

Akulenko rushes Parke and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Parke is trying to break free.
Parke is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Akulenko throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Parke lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A knee to the head by Akulenko.
Akulenko tries to land knees in the clinch but Parke avoids the damage to the body.
Parke lands a right hand that snaps the head of Akulenko backwards.
Akulenko trying to control the position but instead, Parke has worked for underhooks and has pushed Akulenko into the cage.

Parke pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Nice shot lands for Parke.
Akulenko swinging wildly here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Parke lands a leg kick that knocks Akulenko off balance momentarily.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Parke misses with an attempted mid kick.
Parke connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Akulenko tries to clinch but Parke is having none of it.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Parke.
Akulenko thows a left - swing and a miss!
Akulenko displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Parke throws out the jab.
Parke fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Norman Parke. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akulenko checks a low kick from Parke.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Parke.
Akulenko tries to clinch but Parke moves out of range.
Parke jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Parke swings widly with a right hand
enabling Akulenko to counter with a crisp jab.
Parke lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Akulenko motions for Parke to come forward. Akulenko throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Parke appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Parke on the side of the head.
Good standup being displayed there by Akulenko as he connects with a hook.
Parke dips to his left and cracks Akulenko with an uppercut!
Parke throws an overhand right that lands on Akulenko's shoulder, as Akulenko tries to avoid the shot.
Parke uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Akulenko.
Akulenko misses the jab.
Parke lands with a kick to the ribs.
Parke feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Akulenko's calf.
Parke takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Parke has a takedown stuffed.
Parke shoots in for a takedown but Akulenko shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Akulenko misses with a kick to the body.
Akulenko slips a straight right by Parke.
Parke looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Akulenko throws a wild body kick that Parke sees coming a mile off.
Akulenko wants to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko staying out of range there.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akulenko throws a big shot that misses.
Parke tries to counter with a takedown but Akulenko is quick to defend against it.
Akulenko takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Akulenko ducks right into an uppercut from Parke.

Parke shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Akulenko is trying to defend but Parke finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Akulenko kicks Parke off and gets back to his feet.
Akulenko throws a lazy right hand but Parke sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Parke keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Akulenko.
Akulenko checks a low kick from Parke.
Parke avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Parke looks to land a right hand but Akulenko moved out of range.
Nice defenses there by Parke.
Parke uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Akulenko.
Parke swings for the body but Akulenko moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Norman Parke did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Norman Parke's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Akulenko shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Akulenko scores with a hook.
Akulenko dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Parke. That did some damage!
Parke scores with a punch to the head.
Parke takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Parke clobbers Akulenko with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Akulenko looks to land a combination but Parke avoids it well.
Parke 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.

Akulenko moves into the clinch.
Parke is looking for a takedown.
Parke blocks an uppercut.
Akulenko prevents the takedown attempt.
Akulenko comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Akulenko throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but Parke blocks with his arms.
Akulenko's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Akulenko throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Parke blocks it with crossed arms.

Parke breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Parke lunges at Akulenko with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Akulenko's hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akulenko tries to clinch but Parke is having none of it.
Parke goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Akulenko takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Jab by Parke.
Parke will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Norman Parke. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Some wild striking there from Akulenko.
Akulenko uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Parke has time to react.
Akulenko staying out of range there.
Akulenko looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Akulenko lands with an overhand left.
Good shot there by Parke.
A slow jab from Parke misses its intended target.
Akulenko checks a leg kick.
Parke lands with an overhand left.
Akulenko chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Akulenko takes a shot to the body in his stride.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Akulenko catches Parke with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Parke misses the jab.
Parke lands a slapping body shot.
A jab lands there for Akulenko.
Parke getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Akulenko looks for the body kick but Parke saw that one coming.
Akulenko has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Akulenko tries a low kick but Parke avoids it.
Parke blocks the body kick.
Akulenko misses with a wild body shot.
Parke pivots, looking for a leg kick but Akulenko is out of range and Parke settles back down.
Akulenko throws a right and a left that Parke avoids nicely.
The fighters circle momentarily. Akulenko darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Parke takes a swing at Akulenko's ribcage but misses.
Akulenko on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Parke. Parke obviously looking to wear him down.
Akulenko misses with a right hand
and Parke counters with an inside leg kick.
Akulenko takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Parke looks to throw the jab but Akulenko is out of range.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Parke, right into the meat.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko misses with an uppercut. Parke saw that one coming.
Parke was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Nice uppercut there from Akulenko.
A looping hook to the body misses from Akulenko. Parke does a little dance to reset his feet.
Parke lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
The fighters circling - Parke throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Akulenko tries to close the distance and clinch up but Parke swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A swing and a miss from Parke.
Parke jabs Akulenko right on the nose. Akulenko blinks but takes it well.
A nice inside leg kick there by Parke. That's going to slow Akulenko down.
Akulenko tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Parke manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Parke swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Akulenko misses with the combination.
Akulenko lands the left hand.
Parke is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Akulenko.
Akulenko is looking to clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Parke throws a body punch but Akulenko moves out of range.
A good leg kick by Akulenko.

Akulenko moves into the clinch.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Akulenko throws an elbow that misses.

Parke breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Akulenko has Parke up against the cage in a clinch.
Akulenko throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Parke blocks it with crossed arms.
Akulenko looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Parke lands a nice uppercut.
Akulenko scores a nice knee to the body.
Akulenko creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Parke avoids the elbow strike from Akulenko, against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Akulenko with an attempt at a knee that misses.

Parke breaks the clinch.
Akulenko throws a wild body kick that Parke sees coming a mile off.
Parke misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Akulenko.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Eugeniy Akulenko will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Norman Parke's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Parke swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Akulenko wants to counter the offense by Parke and move into the clinch position.
A combination from Akulenko does no damage.
Parke blocks a jab.
A head kick misses from Akulenko.
Parke jabs Akulenko right on the nose. Akulenko blinks but takes it well.
Akulenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Akulenko throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Akulenko scores with a jab.
Parke takes a swing at Akulenko's ribcage but misses.
Akulenko takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Akulenko throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
A punch combination from Akulenko misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Parke uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Akulenko.
Parke throws a good cross that connects.
Parke throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Akulenko sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Parke takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
A decent looking cross lands there for Parke.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Parke tries to score with a low kick but Akulenko moves his leg out of the way.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Akulenko! But no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Parke slips a straight right by Akulenko.
Parke connects with a crisp jab.
Akulenko tries to bum rush Parke with a series of wild strikes but Parke uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A good leg kick by Parke.
Akulenko tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Parke manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Akulenko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Parke sees it coming and avoids it easily.

Akulenko gets a clinch.
Akulenko throws a punch but it's blocked by Parke.
Akulenko lands a left hand that snaps the head of Parke backwards.
Parke goes for a takedown in the clinch but Akulenko prevents it.
Akulenko tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

Parke breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
A solid body kick from Akulenko.
Parke looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Parke shoots in for a double leg but Akulenko sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A head kick misses from Akulenko.
Akulenko takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Parke pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Akulenko throws a hook but Parke avoids it easily.
Akulenko tries to clinch there but Parke circles away.
Akulenko connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Parke bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Akulenko's head.
Parke 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.
Parke avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Parke appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Akulenko lands a jab to the head.
Akulenko misses the jab.
Akulenko throws a jab when Parke was well out of range.
Parke darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Parke throws a looping overhand right but Akulenko ducks down to avoid it.
Parke misses with a hook. Akulenko ducked under it nicely.
Akulenko throws the left hand but Parke avoids the punch easily.
Parke darts in looking for a takedown but Akulenko gets double underhooks and turns Parke into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Norman Parke. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akulenko will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko lands a nice leg kick that just misses Parke's sensitive parts.
Akulenko scores with a jab. Parke acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Akulenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Parke is looking to slow Akulenko down with leg kicks.
A solid body kick from Akulenko.

Parke shoots in and gets a takedown into Akulenko's guard.
Parke trying to control but Akulenko is working from the bottom.
Parke is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Norman Parke overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Akulenko is looking to stand up but Parke isn't so interested in that idea.
Parke trying to control the position from guard on top but Akulenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Akulenko wants to get back to his feet but Parke is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Parke missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Parke trying to control the position from guard on top but Akulenko is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Akulenko throws a wild body kick that Parke sees coming a mile off.
Akulenko tries to clinch but Parke is having none of it.
A chopping leg kick lands by Parke.
Akulenko throws a leg kick but Parke sees it coming and moves out of range.
Parke misses with a body kick.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Akulenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Parke ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Akulenko throws a front kick aimed at Parke's knee but Parke avoids it well.
A counter left hand to the body from Parke misses its target.
Sloppy strikes from Akulenko. Those never looked like landing.
Akulenko fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

And that's the end of the fight!
Eugeniy Akulenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Akulenko 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 Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 45:50
Judge Timothy Bukovac scores the fight 46:49
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 48:48

In favor of your winner, by majority decision... Eugeniy Akulenko!
Eugeniy Akulenko is the new lightweight champion!
Eugeniy Akulenko thanked the fans post fight for their support.