PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Marek Koltun (ranked 360 p4p, 57 weight class) and Katurian Tupolski (ranked 747 p4p, 102 weight class). Tupolski is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Mobb Deep - Shook Ones part II. Katurian Tupolski has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Koltun
vs
Tupolski

182 cm
43
177 lbs
35 - 20 - 4

175 cm
41
182 lbs
36 - 17 - 3

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

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 35 - 20 - 4, fighting out of Helsinki, Marek Koltun!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 36 - 17 - 3, fighting out of Montreal, Katurian Tupolski!
The judges for this bout are John Roberts, Jorge Garcia and Jonathan Paton.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tupolski feints and then cracks Koltun's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Koltun down.
Tupolski 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 sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Koltun checks a leg kick.
Koltun checks the leg kick nicely there.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Koltun.
Tupolski was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
A big right from Tupolski misses.
That kick from Tupolski tenderised Koltun's leg. Koltun is trying to keep his angry face on.

Koltun gets a clinch.
Tupolski lands a nice uppercut.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Koltun.
Tupolski lands with a right to the head.
Tupolski is trying to stall.
Tupolski misses with a punch to the body.
Tupolski stops a takedown attempt from Koltun.

Koltun pulls guard.
Koltun looking for a sweep. Not yet Koltun, not yet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
Koltun doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Koltun looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Koltun not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Koltun 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.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Tupolski lands with a shot to the body.
Tupolski lands with an overhand left.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice takedown defense from Tupolski. No joy for Koltun on that attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tupolski throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Tupolski throws a body kick that misses.
Tupolski loads up on a big right hand but Koltun slips the punch.
Tupolski misses with a wild body shot.
Tupolski connects with a body shot.
Katurian Tupolski is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koltun or perhaps it was just good defense by Tupolski, which made it look bad.
Koltun shoots for a double leg takedown but Tupolski sprawls well. He's pushed Koltun's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Koltun fails to land the takedown.
A solid leg kick lands there for Tupolski.
Koltun blocks a leg kick.
A punch lands to the side of Koltun 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Tupolski connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Koltun's hands.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Tupolski swinging wildly here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koltun will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Nice uppercut lands for Tupolski. That snapped Koltun's head back.
Tupolski scoring well with a low kick there.
Tupolski throws a head kick that misses.
Koltun tries to clinch up but Tupolski circles away and keeps his distance.
Tupolski works the jab nicely.
A chopping leg kick lands by Tupolski.
Tupolski tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Koltun was well out of range. Poor timing from Tupolski.

Tupolski gets caught flat footed, as Koltun shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Koltun trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Tupolski is looking to stand up but Koltun isn't so interested in that idea.
Koltun with a flurry of punches that miss.
Koltun throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koltun throws an elbow that misses. Tupolski uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Koltun's guard. Nice move by Tupolski!

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Tupolski decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Koltun takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

Koltun dives in and scores a takedown into Tupolski's guard.
Koltun wants to control from the top but Tupolski keeps moving.
Koltun with a flurry of punches that miss.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katurian Tupolski dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Koltun shoots in and gets a takedown into Tupolski's guard.
Koltun pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tupolski is keeping the position for now.
Koltun prevents Tupolski from getting back to his feet.
Koltun passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Koltun wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tupolski keeps working.
Koltun has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Koltun looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Koltun in side control, throwing shots but Tupolski defends.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Koltun tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Koltun working the ground and pound.
Koltun throws a strike aimed at the side of Tupolski's head but Tupolski avoids it well.
Koltun working the strikes but Tupolski uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Koltun thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Tupolski's head.
Koltun is pressing down on Tupolski's thigh, looking to free his foot. Tupolski is holding on for now.
Tupolski is refusing to be controlled, as Koltun sits in half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koltun working over Tupolski with some ground and pound. Tupolski looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Koltun throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Koltun wants to lay and pray for a moment but Tupolski keeps working.

Koltun is working for a kimura but Tupolski is defending it quite comfortably.
Marek Koltun overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Koltun stops Tupolski from getting back to his feet.
Tupolski is refusing to be controlled, as Koltun sits in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Koltun is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Tupolski to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Tupolski utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Koltun postures up in Tupolski's guard and throws a big left but Tupolski blocks it.
Koltun throwing strikes from guard but Tupolski blocks nicely.
Koltun is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Koltun looking to sit in guard and control but Tupolski gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Koltun is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Tupolski has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Koltun working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Tupolski doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Tupolski manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Koltun pulls Tupolski in to control the position.
Tupolski must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tupolski trying to stand up but can't free himself from Koltun's guard.
Koltun is looking to sweep but instead, Tupolski has passed into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marek Koltun dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Koltun will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Tupolski cracks Koltun with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Koltun misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Tupolski is looking for the big counter here.
Koltun is looking to clinch but Tupolski is avoiding it.
Tupolski only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tupolski, right into the meat.

Koltun shoots in and gets a takedown into Tupolski's guard.

Tupolski uses the cage to get back to his feet.
Koltun shoots in for a takedown but Tupolski shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tupolski bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Koltun walks forward, straight into a front kick from Tupolski.
Koltun takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.

Koltun gets a clinch.
Tupolski gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

It looks like Marek Koltun has been cut.
Tupolski lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Tupolski struggles to land a body shot inside as Koltun controls his hands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Koltun avoids it.
Tupolski lands a damaging elbow.

Koltun gets control of Tupolski's arms and successfully pulls guard. Koltun will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Koltun bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Tupolski's guard.

Koltun landing some decent shots from guard.
Tupolski is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Koltun is controlling him.
Koltun trying to control but Tupolski is working from the bottom.
Koltun throws an elbow that misses. Tupolski uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Koltun's guard. Nice move by Tupolski!

Koltun is looking for a triangle but Tupolski pushes his legs off easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Koltun wants to sweep but no luck.

Koltun looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Tupolski has picked Koltun up and slammed him! Koltun can't keep hold of the triangle and Tupolski manages to pass to side control!

Tupolski decides to stand back up. Tupolski steps back and let's Koltun get back to his feet.
Koltun fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Tupolski follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
No joy there for Tupolski, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Koltun drops his hands momentarily and Tupolski takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Tupolski attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Koltun on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Koltun walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Koltun takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Tupolski looks to score with a jab to the body but Koltun is just out of range.
Koltun is looking to clinch.
And Tupolski responds with a good body kick, but Koltun manages to step out the way in time.
Tupolski swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Koltun darts in looking for a takedown but Tupolski gets double underhooks and turns Koltun into the cage.
Koltun has a takedown stuffed.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Koltun steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Tupolski. That one must have hurt.
Koltun shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Tupolski but Tupolski pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Tupolski let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Koltun on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Tupolski drives through and clinches with Koltun against the cage.
Koltun is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Tupolski is defending well.
Tupolski tries a body shot but Koltun blocks it.
Tupolski stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Tupolski gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Koltun.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tupolski misses with a hook to the ribs.
Koltun avoiding damage as Tupolski throws knees to the body.
Tupolski's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Tupolski is leaning against Koltun and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katurian Tupolski really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Marek Koltun's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Tupolski fails to land with a series of punches.
Koltun half committed to a counter leg kick.
Both fighters circling a little - Tupolski finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Koltun shoots in for a double leg but Tupolski sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Koltun backing away here, and Tupolski unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Koltun takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Koltun changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Tupolski tries to avoid it but Koltun manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Tupolski to the ground. Tupolski escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Tupolski scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
An inside leg kick lands from Tupolski.
Tupolski scores with a crisp jab that stopped Koltun in his tracks.
Tupolski tries to clinch up but Koltun circles away and keeps his distance.
Koltun takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tupolski with a nice cross.
Some wild striking there from Tupolski.
Koltun attempts a counter takedown but Tupolski avoids it well and moves away.
A clash of legs there as Koltun blocks the low kick.
Koltun tried to counter with a leg kick but Tupolski avoided it.
Tupolski misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Koltun.
Katurian Tupolski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Jab, jab by Tupolski - just one landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koltun throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Tupolski's waist but Tupolski gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Koltun off to one side.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A punch lands to the side of Koltun 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Tupolski scores with a hook.
Tupolski lands a nice shot that snaps Koltun's head back.
Koltun on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Koltun looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koltun or perhaps it was just good defense by Tupolski, which made it look bad.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Tupolski is looking to slow Koltun down with leg kicks.
Nice body punch from Tupolski.
Koltun shoots in looking for a takedown but Tupolski manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Koltun's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Horrible takedown attempt by Koltun or perhaps it was just good defense by Tupolski, which made it look bad.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Tupolski cracks the inside of Koltun's front leg.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tupolski scores with a nice body kick.
Koltun closes this distance looking for a takedown but Tupolski circles away.
Marek Koltun is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Tupolski throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Koltun stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Tupolski lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Tupolski moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Koltun shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Tupolski sprawls well. Tupolski wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Koltun gets slowly back to his feet.
Tupolski throws a nice outside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Koltun shoots in but Tupolski avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Tupolski lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Koltun misses with a takedown attempt - Tupolski sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Tupolski tries to counter by closing the distance.
Tupolski works Koltun's body with a nice hook.
Tupolski lands with a thumping leg kick.
Tupolski moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Tupolski throws a head kick that misses.
Tupolski shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Tupolski lands a nice leg kick that just misses Koltun's sensitive parts.
Koltun tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koltun circles away from the clinch attempt.
Koltun shoots in but no luck this time.
A slapping body kick lands there for Tupolski.
Koltun on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Tupolski. Tupolski obviously looking to wear him down.
Koltun shoots for a double leg takedown but Tupolski sprawls well. He's pushed Koltun's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Tupolski throws a quick inside leg kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Tupolski, right into the meat.
Koltun shoots in looking for a takedown but Tupolski manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Koltun's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Tupolski looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Tupolski lands a nice shot to the body.
Tupolski lands a really nice looking cross but Koltun seems unphased.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Koltun crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Tupolski - the referee stops the clock and Koltun gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Tupolski. Koltun manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Koltun shoots in for a takedown but Tupolski shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Tupolski plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Tupolski throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Koltun's head.
Tupolski feints and then cracks Koltun's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Koltun down.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Katurian Tupolski dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Marek Koltun's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Koltun shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Tupolski throws a body punch but Koltun moves out of range.
Koltun shoots for a double leg takedown but Tupolski sprawls well. He's pushed Koltun's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Tupolski uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Tupolski bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Koltun will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Tupolski throws a nice outside leg kick.
Nice shot lands for Tupolski.
Tupolski fails in his attempt to clinch.
Koltun keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Koltun swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Koltun takes one to the chin there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tupolski lands a nice looking body kick.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Tupolski 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 Koltun has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Koltun and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Katurian Tupolski seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Tupolski uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Koltun has time to react.
Tupolski lands with a hook. Koltun tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tupolski is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tupolski lands a glancing blow to the side of Koltun's head.
Tupolski stuffs the takedown.
Tupolski misses with an attempted mid kick.
Koltun takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Tupolski shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Jab from Tupolski.
Koltun slips a straight right by Tupolski.
Tupolski throws a push kick but Koltun slaps the foot to one side.
Tupolski misses with an attempted mid kick.
Koltun checks the leg kick.
Tupolski thows a left - swing and a miss!
Koltun takes one to the chin there.
Koltun takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Koltun looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Koltun shoots for a takedown but Tupolski saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Katurian Tupolski is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Marek Koltun. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski scores with a nice right hand.
Koltun fails with a takedown attempt.
Tupolski connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Tupolski fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Koltun manages to avoid it.
Tupolski keeps Koltun at a distance using the push kick.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Koltun fails with a takedown attempt.
Tupolski throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Tupolski moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Nice body kick there by Tupolski.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
That kick from Tupolski tenderised Koltun's leg. Koltun is trying to keep his angry face on.

Koltun shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Tupolski's guard.
Koltun content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Koltun wants to control from the top but Tupolski keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Koltun is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Koltun postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Tupolski preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Koltun missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Koltun trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Koltun is working hard here to advance position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tupolski avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Koltun tries to free his leg and advance position but Tupolski is retaining full guard.

Koltun is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Tupolski is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Tupolski has escaped and now he's on top!

Koltun looking for a sweep. Not yet Koltun, not yet.
Marek Koltun has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Koltun wants to get back to his feet but Tupolski passes into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Katurian Tupolski comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Tupolski 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 John Roberts scores the fight 45:49
Judge Jorge Garcia scores the fight 45:49
Judge Jonathan Paton scores the fight 45:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Katurian Tupolski!
Katurian Tupolski is the new welterweight champion!
After the fight, Katurian Tupolski was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.
Marek Koltun spoke after the fight, saying 'My opponent was the better man tonight, but I will be back.'.