PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Bill Newton (ranked 638 p4p, 87 weight class) and Kaino Heikkinen (ranked 1194 p4p, 154 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Newton
vs
Heikkinen

184 cm
29
197 lbs
19 - 13 - 2

190 cm
38
182 lbs
28 - 14 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Sportivité
Urban Fighter

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 19 - 13 - 2, fighting out of Sydney, Bill Newton!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 28 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Kaino Heikkinen!
The judges for this bout are Stewart Dunkirk, Frank Dennis and Alan Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Heikkinen throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Newton stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Newton shoots in for a takedown but Heikkinen shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Kaino Heikkinen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Newton misses the shot to the body.
Heikkinen loads up on a big right hand but Newton slips the punch.
Nice defenses there by Newton.
Newton half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Heikkinen lands with a nice body punch.
Newton slips a straight right by Heikkinen.
Newton changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.

Newton pushes Heikkinen up against the cage in a clinch.

Newton jumps guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Newton holds on and takes a little breather.
Heikkinen controlling from the top position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Heikkinen won't allow Newton to sweep him here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Newton working for submissions but it's allowed Heikkinen to get to half guard.
Newton is looking to control Heikkinen's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Newton avoid being mounted?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heikkinen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Newton keeps working.
Newton has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Heikkinen is working away from the top position though.
Newton manages to get to full guard.
Newton controls Heikkinen momentarily but Heikkinen frees himself.

Heikkinen avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Newton holds on and takes a little breather.
Heikkinen not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Newton looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Heikkinen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Newton 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.

Newton working for a triangle but Heikkinen defends it easily.
Newton wants to control but Heikkinen passes easily into half guard.
Newton is in a tricky position but he's been working on his transitions down at Doherty's Gym, so we'll see if he gets out of it.
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.
Newton preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Heikkinen is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Newton!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Newton really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Heikkinen tries to control but Newton wriggling away.
Heikkinen avoids the attempt from Newton to control.
Heikkinen looking to control and managing it successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen prevents Newton from getting the reversal.
Heikkinen trying to control but Newton is having none of it.
Newton wants to hold on but Heikkinen pushes him away.
Heikkinen tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Newton is in all sorts of trouble here.
Heikkinen content just to control the position here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaino Heikkinen dominated that round.
That's time! Newton's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Heikkinen missing with a left hand there. Newton was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Heikkinen moves out of range of the strikes.
Heikkinen bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Newton cracks Heikkinen with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Heikkinen scores with a decent looking hook.
Heikkinen throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Newton misses with a hook
and Heikkinen counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Heikkinen cracks Newton with an open hand slap.
Heikkinen swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Heikkinen throws a leg kick

and Newton decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Heikkinen's guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Newton drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Heikkinen dives on top into guard.

Heikkinen wants to control from the top but Newton keeps moving.
Heikkinen must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Heikkinen won't allow Newton to sweep him here.
Heikkinen has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heikkinen looking to pass the guard.
Newton is pulling down on Heikkinen's head to control his posture.
Heikkinen stopping the sweep attempt from Newton.
Newton lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Newton has gone for a leg lock! Heikkinen slips out almost immediately though and dives into Newton's guard.

Heikkinen is pushing down on Newton's leg trying to pass to half guard. Newton is fighting to maintain full guard but Heikkinen has managed to sneak the leg through.
Newton is holding on to half guard well.
Heikkinen tries to pass the half guard into mount. Newton knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Newton wants to improve his position but Heikkinen is controlling well.
Newton moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Heikkinen wants to stand but Newton is controlling his posture from full guard.
Newton keeping moving, preventing Heikkinen from controlling successfully.
Newton bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Heikkinen's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen keeping full guard, as Newton tries to pass.

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

Newton is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Heikkinen working away.
Heikkinen tries to advance to mount but Newton denies him.
Heikkinen is looking to take a break and control but Newton is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Newton tries to buck Heikkinen off but Heikkinen is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen working away.
Heikkinen is looking to take a break and control but Newton is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Newton is trying to control Heikkinen's posture but Heikkinen avoids it.
Newton looking for a sweep but Heikkinen has passed into full mount! Oh no!
Newton keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Heikkinen controlling his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaino Heikkinen showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action!

Newton throws an overhand right that lands on Heikkinen's shoulder, as Heikkinen tries to avoid the shot.
A countering left hand to the body from Heikkinen misses.
Donk. Newton catches Heikkinen right on the button with a cross.
Heikkinen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Newton connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Heikkinen keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Newton misses with a body shot.
A slow jab from Heikkinen misses its intended target.
Good standup being displayed there by Newton as he connects with a hook.
Heikkinen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Newton.
Heikkinen misses the jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Heikkinen throws a right hand that misses

and Newton counters with a takedown into side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Newton is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Heikkinen is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Newton goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Heikkinen rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Newton's guard! Nice work there by Heikkinen!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Heikkinen stands up and waves to Newton to follow him.
Newton moves forwards but Heikkinen connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kaino Heikkinen seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Newton tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Heikkinen was well out of range. Poor timing from Newton.
Heikkinen throws a looping overhand right but Newton ducks down to avoid it.
Newton throws an overhand right that lands on Heikkinen's shoulder, as Heikkinen tries to avoid the shot.
Nice defenses there by Newton.
Newton appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Heikkinen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Heikkinen throws a body punch but Newton moves out of range.
Newton scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Heikkinen doesn't seem bothered though.
Newton uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Heikkinen.

Newton drives through with a takedown into Heikkinen's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Heikkinen looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Heikkinen keeping full guard, as Newton tries to pass.
Newton stands and throws Heikkinen's legs to the side, diving into side control.

Newton tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Newton thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

Newton goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Heikkinen has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Newton but great work by Heikkinen.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen works to advance to full mount. Newton defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Heikkinen looking to control and managing it successfully.
Newton is looking to get to half guard.
Heikkinen manages to capitalize on a mistake by Newton to take his back!
Newton tries to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen not allowing Newton to control his hands.
So, who will make the next big move? In this position it could be crucial.
Newton trying to control the position but Heikkinen manages to sink in the hooks.
Heikkinen really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Newton.
Newton tries to escape the position.
Newton is working hard here to advance position.
Heikkinen struggling to keep hold of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

The fighters circle momentarily. Heikkinen darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Heikkinen throws a hook but Newton blocks it.
Heikkinen throws a leg kick

and Newton counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.

Newton seems to be working for a kimura but Heikkinen defends the submission attempt.

Heikkinen is defending against the submission attempts here by Newton.
Heikkinen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Newton is working away from the top position though.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Newton is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Heikkinen sees it coming and defends easily.

Newton wants to work for an arm triangle but Heikkinen is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Newton is working for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending it quite comfortably.

Newton is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Heikkinen is just riding it out for now. Newton eventually gives up the hold.

Newton is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

Newton is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Newton is looking for a kimura here.

Newton looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.

Newton is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Heikkinen defends it well.
Heikkinen works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

Newton postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Heikkinen is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Newton, into his guard.

Newton keeping moving, preventing Heikkinen from controlling successfully.
Newton tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Newton looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Heikkinen trying to control the position from guard on top but Newton is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Heikkinen forces his way into half guard.
Newton is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Heikkinen jumps into side control!
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Newton tries to buck Heikkinen off but Heikkinen is having none of it.
Heikkinen works to advance to full mount. Newton defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.

Heikkinen get's back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Kaino Heikkinen will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Heikkinen misses with a leg kick

and Newton counters with a shoot takedown. Heikkinen fights it but they end up in guard.

Heikkinen scrambles and gets back to his feet.
Newton throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Heikkinen, right into the meat.
Heikkinen connects with a good right hand that stumbles Newton. Newton circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Newton looks to score with a jab to the body but Heikkinen is just out of range.

Newton drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

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

Newton has his foot on Heikkinen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Heikkinen works his way back into a safe position though.
Newton is pulling down on Heikkinen's head. It's preventing any offense from Heikkinen, at least for the moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heikkinen stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Newton swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Newton bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Heikkinen's guard.

Newton wants to pass the guard but Heikkinen is keeping the position.
Heikkinen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Newton is controlling him.

Newton drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Heikkinen manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Newton has Heikkinen in his guard.

Heikkinen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Newton pulls Heikkinen in close to prevent any damage.

Heikkinen is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Heikkinen is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

Newton has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Heikkinen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Newton looking to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen trying to control the position from guard on top but Newton is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Newton 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.
Kaino Heikkinen is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Newton can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Heikkinen controls the pace.
Kaino Heikkinen has got the better of the ground game so far.
Newton looking to control.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Newton is on top in guard.

Newton tries to free his leg and advance position but Heikkinen is retaining full guard.

That's four 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.
Heikkinen can't keep his opponent in guard - Newton advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Newton is trying to work for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending well.
Heikkinen is trying is best to control the position here.

Newton seems to be working for a kimura but Heikkinen defends the submission attempt.
Heikkinen is looking to improve his position.
Bill Newton has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Newton throwing shots but Heikkinen is blocking nicely.
Newton missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Bill Newton.
I think Heikkinen 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 Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 45:50
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 46:49
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 46:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kaino Heikkinen!
Kaino Heikkinen is the new middleweight champion!
An out of breath Kaino Heikkinen thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.