PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Santo Mcconnell (ranked 8627 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab (ranked 5808 p4p, 0 weight class). Santo Mcconnell has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Mcconnell
vs
Nahkshaviskanibab

220 cm
24
194 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

184 cm
24
185 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Santo Mcconnell!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Arvi Lind and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mcconnell gets tackled into the cage by Nahkshaviskanibab. Nahkshaviskanibab maintains the clinch.

Mcconnell drags the fight down to the ground.
Nahkshaviskanibab wants to control from the top but Mcconnell keeps moving.
Nahkshaviskanibab is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nahkshaviskanibab preventing the sweep.
Mcconnell bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Nahkshaviskanibab's guard.

Mcconnell controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Nahkshaviskanibab is looking for a triangle but Mcconnell pushes his legs off easily.
Mcconnell slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Nahkshaviskanibab can do anything to dispel that myth.
Mcconnell has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Mcconnell is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mcconnell controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Nahkshaviskanibab is trying to keep Mcconnell in close.
Mcconnell stands up over Nahkshaviskanibab, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Mcconnell slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Nahkshaviskanibab looking for a sweep. Not yet Nahkshaviskanibab, not yet.
Mcconnell connects with a couple of short punches.
Mcconnell 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.
Mcconnell content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Mcconnell not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Nahkshaviskanibab working a defensive guard here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Mcconnell really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Nahkshaviskanibab fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Mcconnell tries for a takedown but Nahkshaviskanibab sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Mcconnell tries to clinch there but Nahkshaviskanibab circles away.
Nahkshaviskanibab looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Mcconnell is fending him off so far but Nahkshaviskanibab persists. Nope, Mcconnell circles away and we're back to standing.
Nahkshaviskanibab comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Nahkshaviskanibab loads up on a big right hand but Mcconnell slips the punch.
Mcconnell half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nahkshaviskanibab shoots for a takedown but Mcconnell saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Santo Mcconnell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice sprawl there from Nahkshaviskanibab as Mcconnell shoots in.
Nahkshaviskanibab scoring well with a low kick there.
Nahkshaviskanibab works over Mcconnell's head and body with a nice combination.

It looks like Santo Mcconnell has been cut.
Mcconnell fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nahkshaviskanibab looks to score with a jab to the body but Mcconnell is just out of range.
Nahkshaviskanibab tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Mcconnell shoots in for a takedown but Nahkshaviskanibab shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.

Nahkshaviskanibab fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Mcconnell to the ground. Nahkshaviskanibab is now in Mcconnell's guard.
Mcconnell is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Nahkshaviskanibab really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Mcconnell. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mcconnell slips a nice elbow through Nahkshaviskanibab's hands, connecting with Nahkshaviskanibab's forehead.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Mcconnell in particular looking to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mcconnell is nestled in close to Nahkshaviskanibab, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Mcconnell is taking a breather. Nahkshaviskanibab says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Mcconnell's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Santo Mcconnell's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Nahkshaviskanibab misses with a head kick.
Mcconnell feinted with a counter takedown.
Nahkshaviskanibab misses with the combination.
Mcconnell throws a right hand that Nahkshaviskanibab ducks under and follows up with a left that Nahkshaviskanibab also avoids with ease.
Nahkshaviskanibab raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Nahkshaviskanibab shoots in for a takedown but Mcconnell shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Mcconnell is looking to counter the offense by Nahkshaviskanibab and move into the clinch.
Mcconnell shoots in looking for a takedown but Nahkshaviskanibab manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mcconnell's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Nahkshaviskanibab shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Mcconnell sprawls well. Mcconnell wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Nahkshaviskanibab gets slowly back to his feet.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nahkshaviskanibab throws a leg kick

and Mcconnell counters with a nice double leg into guard.

Nahkshaviskanibab looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Nahkshaviskanibab not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mcconnell sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Santo Mcconnell overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Nahkshaviskanibab is trying to keep Mcconnell in close.
Nahkshaviskanibab wants to stand but Mcconnell is controlling the position.
Mcconnell connects with a couple of short punches.
Mcconnell sitting in guard, not really doing much.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Nahkshaviskanibab looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Mcconnell changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Nahkshaviskanibab closes the distance and clinches up with Mcconnell, looking for a takedown. Nahkshaviskanibab pushes Mcconnell against the cage but Mcconnell circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mcconnell attempts a counter takedown but Nahkshaviskanibab avoids it well and moves away.
Santo Mcconnell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab.
Nahkshaviskanibab defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Mcconnell.
Nahkshaviskanibab with a lazy takedown attempt

so Mcconnell counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Nahkshaviskanibab is breathing heavily.
Mcconnell with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Nahkshaviskanibab is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Mcconnell moves into full guard.
Nahkshaviskanibab looking to sit in guard and control but Mcconnell 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mcconnell working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Mcconnell scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Mcconnell scoring with some ground and pound.
Mcconnell content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Mcconnell lands a couple of digs.
Mcconnell controls from within his opponent's guard.
Mcconnell distracts Nahkshaviskanibab with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Mcconnell with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Mcconnell sitting in guard here, content to control.
Mcconnell distracts Nahkshaviskanibab with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Mcconnell scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Mcconnell's corner is telling him to maintain position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mcconnell is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Mcconnell's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Mcconnell scoring with some ground and pound.
Mcconnell makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Mcconnell gets to his feet - Nahkshaviskanibab follows without any prompting.
Nahkshaviskanibab stuffs the takedown.

Nahkshaviskanibab drives through and clinches with Mcconnell against the cage.
Nice body punch from Nahkshaviskanibab - that landed with a thud.
Mcconnell looking to slow down the pace here.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Mcconnell fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Nahkshaviskanibab jumps guard but Mcconnell stands there with Nahkshaviskanibab around his waist. Nahkshaviskanibab gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Santo Mcconnell dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Santo Mcconnell's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Nahkshaviskanibab fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Mcconnell, pushing him back against the cage.
Mcconnell has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Nahkshaviskanibab pulls guard effortlessly.
Mcconnell sitting in guard here, content to control.

Nahkshaviskanibab has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Mcconnell can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Nahkshaviskanibab is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mcconnell slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nahkshaviskanibab looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mcconnell postures up and lands a big shot to Nahkshaviskanibab's brow.
Mcconnell working some strikes from top position.
Mcconnell stands up over Nahkshaviskanibab, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Mcconnell lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Mcconnell is stalling in the full guard.
Mcconnell with a nice head shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Mcconnell chips away with some ground and pound.
Mcconnell lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Mcconnell with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Mcconnell controls from within his opponent's guard.
Mcconnell postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Mcconnell engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Mcconnell scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Mcconnell content to stall in guard here.
Mcconnell is in close to Nahkshaviskanibab's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Mcconnell is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Mcconnell postures up.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mcconnell controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

Nahkshaviskanibab clinches up with Mcconnell and pushes him back against the cage.
Nahkshaviskanibab prevents Mcconnell from breaking the clinch.

Nahkshaviskanibab escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Mcconnell throws a body shot but no joy.
Mcconnell tries to clinch but Nahkshaviskanibab is having none of it.
Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Nahkshaviskanibab has closed the distance and engaged Mcconnell in a clinch.
Nahkshaviskanibab looking for a takedown.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Nahkshaviskanibab breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Nahkshaviskanibab dives in for a single leg takedown but Mcconnell sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Nahkshaviskanibab takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Horrible takedown attempt by Mcconnell or perhaps it was just good defense by Nahkshaviskanibab, which made it look bad.
Nice sprawl there from Mcconnell as Nahkshaviskanibab shoots in.
Santo Mcconnell has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab.
Mcconnell dives in for a single leg takedown but Nahkshaviskanibab sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Nahkshaviskanibab tries a quick counter leg kick but Mcconnell is wise to it.
Mcconnell fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Nahkshaviskanibab tries to counter with a clinch but Mcconnell shakes him off and moves away.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Mcconnell stuffs the takedown attempt from Nahkshaviskanibab. Nahkshaviskanibab gets slowly back to his feet.
Mcconnell shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kebab Nahkshaviskanibab.
I think Nahkshaviskanibab 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 30:27
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:29

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Santo Mcconnell!