PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bogdan Uzun (ranked 3622 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenton Okunaba (ranked 3164 p4p, 0 weight class). Uzun kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is "Trogdor the Burninator" by Strong Bad. Okunaba has a niggling injury. He would have liked to come in 100% fit but that's not always possible. Bogdan Uzun is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Uzun
vs
Okunaba

195 cm
25
280 lbs
2 - 8 - 0

191 cm
38
225 lbs
27 - 12 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Experienced

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 8 - 0, fighting out of London, Bogdan Uzun!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 12 - 0, fighting out of London, Kenton Okunaba!
The judges for this bout are James Ackerman, Andrew Berry and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Okunaba misses with a low kick.
Okunaba wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Okunaba lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Uzun circles away quickly and effectively.
Uzun has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Okunaba throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
As Okunaba looks to move away, Uzun throws a big counter combo but Okunaba just gets out of the way.
Okunaba has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Okunaba there as he acknowledges the shot.
A bone on bone clash there as Uzun blocks the leg kick.
Uzun seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Okunaba scores with a nice head shot.
Okunaba misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Uzun shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Okunaba connects with a good right hand that stumbles Uzun. Uzun circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Uzun changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Okunaba tries to avoid it but Uzun manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Okunaba to the ground. Okunaba escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Uzun closes this distance looking for a takedown but Okunaba circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bogdan Uzun. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Okunaba takes a swing at Uzun's ribcage but misses.
As Okunaba looks to move away, Uzun throws a big counter combo but Okunaba just gets out of the way.
The fighters circle momentarily. Okunaba darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Okunaba throws a quick inside leg kick.
Okunaba fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Okunaba misses the body punch
and Uzun counters with a one-two to the body.
Okunaba looks winded!
Uzun staying out of range there.
A chopping leg kick lands by Uzun.
Uzun slips under a jab.
Uzun is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Uzun closes this distance looking for a takedown but Okunaba circles away.
Nice shot by Okunaba.
Okunaba throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Uzun thinks about countering with a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Uzun.
It looked like Uzun was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Okunaba is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Uzun rather than just go for the knockout.
Okunaba goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
A chopping leg kick lands by Uzun.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Uzun with a lazy takedown attempt
and Okunaba counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Okunaba tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Uzun is able to avoid easily.
Uzun shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Okunaba as he jumps to the side.
Okunaba misses the jab.
Uzun shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Okunaba defends it nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A chopping leg kick lands by Okunaba.
Okunaba throws a big shot that misses.
Uzun throws a big counter combination but Okunaba scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

Uzun closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Okunaba to the mat! Okunaba manages to get full guard.
Uzun has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Uzun stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Okunaba swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Uzun works over Okunaba with some ground and pound from guard.
Uzun working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Uzun postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Uzun chips away with some ground and pound.
Uzun missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba works to advance to full mount. Uzun defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Uzun tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Okunaba moves to the back position.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Uzun trying to get back to his feet but Okunaba is in full control for now.

Okunaba has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Uzun has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Uzun trying to get back to his feet but Okunaba is in full control for now.

Okunaba is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Okunaba closes the distance and clinches.
Okunaba tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Uzun.
Uzun is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Okunaba is defending well.
Uzun tries for a takedown but Okunaba manages to get underhooks.
Okunaba throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Uzun blocks it with crossed arms.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Uzun blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A knee to the head by Okunaba.

It looks like Bogdan Uzun has been cut.
Okunaba misses with a punch on the inside.
Okunaba gets underhooks to prevent Uzun's takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bogdan Uzun. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzun looking for a takedown.
Okunaba tries to land knees in the clinch but Uzun avoids the damage to the body.
Uzun blocks an uppercut.
Uzun tries to score a body lock takedown but Okunaba shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Okunaba misses with a knee strike.
Okunaba misses with some punches.
Uzun wants to take the fight to the mat but Okunaba manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Uzun takes a shot to the head.
Okunaba works on Uzun's body with a couple of short punches.
Okunaba using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Uzun has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Okunaba is breathing heavily.
Okunaba has a couple of punches blocked by Uzun.
Okunaba tries a knee to the head but Uzun blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba misses with a knee to the head.
Okunaba tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Okunaba misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Okunaba lands a hook that snaps the head of Uzun backwards.
Okunaba gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Uzun.
Okunaba misses with a knee strike.
Okunaba is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
A short right from Okunaba.
Uzun tries to score a body lock takedown but Okunaba shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Uzun has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Uzun has Okunaba pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Uzun pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Okunaba tumbling to the mat - Uzun dives into Okunaba's guard.
Bogdan Uzun overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Uzun throwing strikes from guard but Okunaba blocks nicely.
Uzun landing some decent shots from guard.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Okunaba. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Okunaba pulls Uzun in to control the position.
Uzun keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Okunaba's head.
Uzun lands a couple of digs.

Okunaba looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Uzun is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Uzun works over Okunaba with some ground and pound from guard.
Uzun wants to pass the guard but Okunaba is keeping the position.
Okunaba has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Uzun distracts Okunaba with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uzun throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Uzun content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Okunaba controls Uzun momentarily but Uzun frees himself.
Uzun postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Okunaba working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Uzun.
Uzun is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Okunaba looking to hit a scissor sweep but Uzun is one step ahead there.
Okunaba controls Uzun momentarily but Uzun frees himself.
Uzun scoring with punches to the head and body.
Uzun trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Uzun scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenton Okunaba showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Bogdan Uzun's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Uzun misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Okunaba.
Okunaba throws out a counter right but Uzun avoids it with no problem.
Uzun closes the distance and clinches up with Okunaba, looking for a takedown. Uzun pushes Okunaba against the cage but Okunaba circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Okunaba punishes Uzun's body with a nice straight punch.
Okunaba uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Okunaba misses with a looping left.
Uzun is looking for a counter combo.
Okunaba misses the shot to the body.
Uzun fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Uzun will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Okunaba replies with a solid counter kick to the body but Uzun blocks it well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bogdan Uzun. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Okunaba takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
No joy there for Okunaba, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Uzun dives in and grabs Okunaba's left leg, looking for a takedown. Okunaba pushes down on Uzun's head and hops out.
Kenton Okunaba is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Left hook, right uppercut from Okunaba.

Okunaba closes the distance and pushes Uzun back into the cage.
Okunaba tries to land a knee to the head but Uzun blocks with his arms.
Okunaba misses with a knee strike.
Kenton Okunaba seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
A head punch on the inside from Okunaba fails to land.
Okunaba throws a knee to the head but misses.
Okunaba gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Uzun.
Okunaba misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Uzun.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba misses with a knee to the head.
Okunaba working aggressively here.
Okunaba trying to land knees to the body.
Uzun is working for takedown but Okunaba is calmly controlling the position for now.
Okunaba tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
A nice right hand lands inside from Okunaba.
Okunaba struggles to land a body shot inside as Uzun controls his hands.
Okunaba is defending well against a takedown attempt.
Okunaba gets through Uzun's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Uzun's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Okunaba prevents the takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Uzun wants to take the fight to the mat but Okunaba manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Okunaba misses with the head strike.
Okunaba tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Okunaba tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Okunaba with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Bogdan Uzun has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Okunaba tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Okunaba misses with a knee strike.
Uzun wants a takedown.
Okunaba gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Uzun.
Uzun has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Okunaba after a bit of a struggle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Uzun tries to score a body lock takedown but Okunaba shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Okunaba lands a body punch.
Uzun avoiding damage as Okunaba throws knees to the body.
Okunaba stops a takedown attempt from Uzun.
Okunaba lands a right hand.
Okunaba struggles to land a body shot inside as Uzun controls his hands.
Okunaba is leaning against Uzun and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Okunaba tries a knee to the head but Uzun blocks it.
Okunaba stops a takedown attempt from Uzun.
Uzun struggles to land a body shot inside as Okunaba controls his hands.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kenton Okunaba comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Okunaba winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 James Ackerman scores the fight 26:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 26:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kenton Okunaba!
During a confident post fight interview, Kenton Okunaba thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.