HNFL 4: Saturday Night Fever PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Antti Apina (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and David Cross (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Apina
vs
Cross

180 cm
20
200 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

191 cm
18
210 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Inexperienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Likes ground

Nutrition King

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Antti Apina!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, David Cross!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cross shoots in but no luck this time.

Apina shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Cross is desperately trying to improve his position but Apina has a good base and remains in mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cross wants to hold on but Apina pushes him away.
Cross looks out of his depth in this position - he's holding on tight.
Cross is trying desperately to improve position.
Apina sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Cross is trying desperately to improve position.
Cross wants to control but Apina is having none of it.
Apina looking to control but Cross is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Apina wants to control the action but instead Cross gets a body lock and reverses into Apina's guard! Nice work!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cross trying to control but Apina is working from the bottom.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Cross tries to bum rush Apina with a series of wild strikes but Apina uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Cross lands with a nice combination. Apina backs away looking to recover.

Apina is rocked!
Cross lands an uppercut, right on the button! Apina tumbles backwards into the cage, staring vacantly into space! He's got no idea where he is, who he is or what day it is... Poor guy.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:28 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). David Cross!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Harold Fantastic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Rambo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

Fantastic
vs
Rambo

188 cm
18
204 lbs
1 - 3 - 1

180 cm
22
205 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Big heart

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Intelligent

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Harold Fantastic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Rambo!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fantastic is looking to clinch.
Fantastic wants to clinch up but Rambo keeps it at a distance.
Fantastic tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Rambo swivels and escapes.
Fantastic tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rambo swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Fantastic tries to clinch there but Rambo circles away.

Fantastic drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Fantastic is breathing heavily.
Rambo is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Rambo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Rambo is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
Rambo regains full guard. Nicely done.

Rambo is looking to sinch up a triangle. Fantastic throws the leg off to one side though and gets in tight to Rambo's body to avoid the submission. Rambo has instead reached around Fantastic's neck and now has a guillotine! Oh, this is biiiig trouble! Rambo arches his back and squeezes and forces the tap from his hapless opponent.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). John Rambo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Vootele Purustaja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kenny Penn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Purustaja comes to the cage accompanied by Stemm - Face The Pain. This should be fireworks!

Purustaja
vs
Penn

160 cm
18
130 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

185 cm
21
135 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Improved boxing
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Vootele Purustaja!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kenny Penn!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Arvi Lind and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Purustaja fails to land with a series of punches.
Penn looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Purustaja throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Penn is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Purustaja takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Purustaja swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A combination from Purustaja does no damage.
Purustaja throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Purustaja circles away from the clinch attempt.
Vootele Purustaja seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Purustaja throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Penn.
Purustaja throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
A punch combination from Purustaja misses.
Purustaja throws a series of punches but Penn avoids them all with ease.

Penn takes the fight into the clinch.

Purustaja breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Purustaja misses with a double jab.

Penn rushes Purustaja and presses him up against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Penn keeps control of Purustaja as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

Penn breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
An inside leg kick lands from Penn.

Penn looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Purustaja thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn landing some decent shots from guard.
Purustaja looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Penn puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Penn lands strikes from half guard.
Penn passes to side control.
Purustaja knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Penn on the ground.

Penn decides to stand back up. Penn steps back and let's Purustaja get back to his feet.
Left hook, right uppercut from Purustaja.
Purustaja rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Penn moves out of range and avoids them all easily.

Penn closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Purustaja tries to kick Penn off but Penn keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Penn seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Purustaja does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Purustaja wants to get back to full guard.
Purustaja is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Penn jumps into side control!
Purustaja gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Purustaja makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Purustaja.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Purustaja throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Purustaja is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Penn is controlling him.
Penn preventing the sweep.
Purustaja wants to stand and escape but Penn is having none of it.
Purustaja throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.

Purustaja kicks Penn off and gets to his feet.
Purustaja looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Purustaja swinging wilding here.
No joy there for Purustaja, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Penn showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Purustaja.
Purustaja misses with a two punch combination.
Penn dodges the punch combination from Purustaja.
Vootele Purustaja is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A punch combination from Purustaja misses.
Purustaja misses with a few strikes there.
Penn avoids a punch combination nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Purustaja throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Penn slips a jab and a cross from Purustaja.
Purustaja keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Penn showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Purustaja.
Purustaja tries to bum rush Penn with a series of wild strikes but Penn uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Penn dodges the punch combination from Purustaja.
Purustaja moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.

It looks like Kenny Penn has been cut.
Purustaja throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Purustaja throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Penn clinches up against the cage.
Penn jumps guard but Purustaja stands there with Penn around his waist. Penn gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Penn breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
A combination from Purustaja does no damage.
Some wild striking there from Purustaja.
Penn throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Purustaja fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Penn shoots in looking for a takedown. Purustaja tries to sprawl out of it but Penn keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Purustaja manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Vootele Purustaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kenny Penn.
Purustaja fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Penn tries to clinch up.
Penn shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Purustaja as he avoids it easily.
Penn slips a jab and a cross from Purustaja.
Purustaja misses with a two punch combination.
No joy there for Purustaja, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Purustaja throws a series of punches but Penn avoids them all with ease.
Penn throws and low kick but Purustaja moves out of range easily.
Purustaja misses with a few strikes there.
Penn looks to land a combination but Purustaja avoids it well.
Purustaja throws a combination that misses

and Penn counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
Purustaja tries to push off, looking to stand up, but Penn manages to move to mount!
Penn takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Purustaja is desperately trying to improve his position but Penn has a good base and remains in mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kenny Penn dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kenny Penn's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Purustaja tries to bum rush Penn with a series of wild strikes but Penn uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Penn lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Purustaja misses with a series of wild punches.
Purustaja swinging wilding here.

Penn gets a takedown into half guard.
It looks like Penn is going to stand back up.

Purustaja is defending against the submission attempts here by Penn.
Purustaja might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Penn is nestled in close to Purustaja, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Penn has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Purustaja is looking to escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Penn is looking to advance position but Purustaja won't allow it.
Purustaja is not content to let Penn control the position.
Penn looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Penn lands with a punch from half guard.
Penn blocks the strikes from Purustaja.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Purustaja fails to land with a series of punches.
Penn slips a jab and a cross from Purustaja.
Penn lands a two punch combo.
Penn throws a looping overhand right but Purustaja ducks down to avoid it.
Purustaja throws a left and a right that both miss
and Penn counters with a head kick. That will keep Purustaja thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Purustaja lands a hook that stumbles Penn back into the cage. Purustaja follows up with a straight and another hook that land right on the button, dropping Penn to the canvas! Purustaja pounces and lands several unanswered shots - Penn has had enough and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:45 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Vootele Purustaja!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
97%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Juhani Virtanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Charlie Brawler (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Charlie Brawler has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Virtanen
vs
Brawler

168 cm
19
153 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

225 cm
22
144 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juhani Virtanen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Charlie Brawler!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Virtanen scores with a takedown into Brawler's guard.
Virtanen wants to pass the guard but Brawler is keeping the position.
Brawler is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Virtanen looking to pass the guard.
Virtanen wants to control from the top but Brawler keeps moving.
Brawler wants to stand but Virtanen is controlling the position.
Brawler looks gassed!
Brawler keeping moving, preventing Virtanen from controlling successfully.
Brawler is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Virtanen passes into half guard.

Brawler is defending against the submission attempts here by Virtanen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virtanen tries to pass to full mount but Brawler defends it.
Virtanen uses his free foot to push down on Brawler's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Brawler.
BOOM! Virtanen connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Brawler tries to lock up and control but Virtanen gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.

Virtanen get's back to his feet.

Virtanen closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Virtanen lands in his opponent's guard.

Virtanen thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Virtanen throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Brawler works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Virtanen prevents Brawler from getting back to his feet.
Brawler wants to sweep but no luck.
Virtanen passes Brawler's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Virtanen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Brawler keeps working.

Virtanen seems to be looking for submissions.
Brawler is trying to stand up here but Virtanen is controlling him well.
Brawler trying to control from the bottom.

Virtanen is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Brawler wants to improve his position but Virtanen is controlling well.
Virtanen passes to full mount!
Virtanen putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Brawler in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Brawler prevents Virtanen from taking his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Brawler can't escape the position.
Brawler really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Virtanen. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Virtanen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Brawler is looking to escape.

Virtanen is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Brawler has managed to escape the submission attempt.

Virtanen working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
Virtanen wants to control the pace but Brawler is squirming around nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Virtanen is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Brawler has managed to escape the submission attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Virtanen is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Brawler can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Brawler is trying to stand but he's just given Virtanen his back.
Brawler is trying to get back to his feet but Virtanen has full control of the position and if anything, Brawler has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Virtanen looking to break Brawler's wrist control so he can sink in the choke. Brawler remaining controlled and patient though - he really has to keep calm otherwise Virtanen will wrap this one up with the rear naked choke!
Virtanen not allowing Brawler to control his hands.
Virtanen controlling well, preventing Brawler from escaping the position.

Brawler showing good submission defense here.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for leaving it all in the cage!
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Brawler wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juhani Virtanen dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Brawler wants to clinch.

Virtanen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.

Virtanen drops back looking for a leg! Brawler is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Brawler manages to kick Virtanen off! Virtanen jumps back into Brawler's guard.
Brawler is trying to control the position but Virtanen postures up.
Brawler is looking to stand up but Virtanen isn't so interested in that idea.

Virtanen drops back looking for a leg! Brawler is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Brawler manages to kick Virtanen off! Virtanen jumps back into Brawler's guard.
Virtanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Brawler is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virtanen preventing the sweep.
Virtanen is looking to work some ground and pound but Brawler has wrist control.

Virtanen thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Virtanen will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Virtanen misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Brawler, right into the meat.
Brawler tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Virtanen paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Virtanen.
Virtanen wants to control but Brawler is keeping him busy.

Virtanen is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Brawler knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Virtanen is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Brawler is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Virtanen lands some shots froms side control.
Brawler is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

Virtanen wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Brawler, who protects the arm well.
Brawler tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Virtanen passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Brawler!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Virtanen looking for a guillotine from mount but Brawler is having none of it.

Virtanen has hold of Brawler's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Brawler manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Brawler tries to lock up and control but Virtanen gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Virtanen misses with a head shot.
Brawler is squirming around, avoiding Virtanen's attempts to control the action.

Virtanen is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Brawler can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
Brawler sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Virtanen frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Virtanen working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Virtanen punishing his opponent with strikes.
Brawler is in all sorts of trouble here.

Virtanen has hold of Brawler's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Brawler manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Brawler has given up his back - I don’t know if this is a deliberate ploy to try and escape or if he is just struggling down there.
Virtanen tries to keep control of the position but Brawler is staying busy.
Brawler covering up well under a barage of strikes.
Brawler is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Virtanen working for the choke.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Virtanen gets his hands free as Brawler looks to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Juhani Virtanen dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Virtanen looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Brawler!

Virtanen working for a guillotine from mount but Brawler is in no mood to give up.
Brawler can't escape the position.
Virtanen working the ground and pound effectively.

Virtanen is working for a guillotine from mount but Brawler frees his head quite easily.
Brawler is wriggling around trying to escape.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Brawler in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Virtanen prevents Brawler from getting the reversal.
Brawler wants to hold on but Virtanen pushes him away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Virtanen cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Virtanen lands a big shot there that rocks Brawler but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Virtanen thuds his fist into the canvas! Oooouch!
Brawler tries to hold on but Virtanen postures up.

Virtanen is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Brawler has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Virtanen 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.
Virtanen looking to finish with strikes here!

Virtanen quickly switches position and commits to an armbar! It's a big risk for Virtanen but it's paid off an Brawler is forced to tap! Nice work by Virtanen.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:59 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Juhani Virtanen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Phil Abbott (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Juha Pekka Matila (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Juha Pekka Matila has the power to score a knockout today if he connects clean with Phil Abbott's chin.

Abbott
vs
Pekka Matila

187 cm
18
169 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

177 cm
20
167 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Phil Abbott!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juha Pekka Matila!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Abbott keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Matila fails with the takedown.
Matila shoots in but no luck this time.
Phil Abbott has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Juha Pekka Matila.
Matila throws a head kick but Abbott moves out of range.
Matila looks for a takedown but Abbott sprawls well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Matila pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

Abbott moves into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abbott prevents a takedown attempt there.
Matila blocks an elbow strike from Abbott.
The is referee keeping an eye on Abbott - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Matila wants to get back to striking at distance but Abbott won't allow it.
Abbott blocking some punches.

Abbott breaks the clinch.
Matila shoots for a takedown but Abbott saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Matila tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Abbott swivels and escapes.
Matila looks gassed!
Abbott tries to close the distance and clinch but Matila swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Matila shoots in and drives through. Abbott sprawls well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Matila tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Abbott swivels and escapes.

Abbott moves into range and clinches up with Matila.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Abbott lands a nice elbow.
Abbott missing with knees to the body.

Abbott breaks from the clinch.
Juha Pekka Matila seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Abbott moves in looking to clinch but Matila pushes him off.

Abbott closes the distance and clinches.

Abbott has Matila pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Abbott pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Matila tumbling to the mat - Abbott dives into Matila's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abbott tries to free his leg and advance position but Matila is retaining full guard.

Matila looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Abbott has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Abbott is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Abbott seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Matila for as long as he can get away with.
Matila keeping full guard, as Abbott tries to pass.

Matila is looking for a triangle but Abbott pushes his legs off easily.
Abbott works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Matila is pressing down on Abbott's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Abbott trying to control the position from guard on top but Matila is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Abbott trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Matila manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Abbott wants to control but Matila is having none of it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abbott holds on to Matila as tight as he can, avoiding damage.
Abbott is trying to escape the mount.
Matila is landing with some decent strikes but Abbott is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.

Matila is working for a guillotine from mount but Abbott frees his head quite easily.
Matila avoids the attempt from Abbott to control.
Abbott is controlling an arm, preventing Matila from taking his back. Although keeping him in mount is no better to be honest.
Abbott is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.

Matila is working to isolate an arm here. It's a choreographed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Matila extends the arm and Abbott is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:55 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Juha Pekka Matila!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Max Payne (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pena Hirmu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hirmu has chosen Motörhead - Born To Raise Hell as his entrance music. We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Payne
vs
Hirmu

201 cm
18
210 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
20
195 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Determined

Nutrition King

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Max Payne!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pena Hirmu!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Payne shoots for a double leg takedown but Hirmu sprawls well. He's pushed Payne's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Hirmu stuffs the takedown attempt from Payne. Payne gets slowly back to his feet.
Payne will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Max Payne. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Payne closes the distance and clinches up with Hirmu, looking for a takedown. Payne pushes Hirmu against the cage but Hirmu circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Payne closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Payne lands in his opponent's guard.
Hirmu is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Hirmu lands with a heel strike from the guard.
Payne is working Hirmu over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Hirmu utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Payne cracks Hirmu with a solid left hand.
Payne with a flurry of punches that miss.
Hirmu looking to control.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Payne fails to land the takedown.

Hirmu has managed to clinch.
Payne drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Hirmu gets the underhooks and prevents it.

Hirmu successfully pulls guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Payne throws and elbow that misses. Hirmu uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Payne's guard. Nice move by Hirmu!
Payne is breathing heavily.

Hirmu drops back looking for a leg! Payne is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Payne manages to kick Hirmu off! Hirmu jumps back into Payne's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Hirmu stands up from Payne's guard - Hirmu perhaps looking for a knockout.
Payne shoots for a takedown but Hirmu saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Payne fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

Hirmu darts in and clinches Payne up against the cage.
Hirmu stops a takedown attempt from Payne.
Hirmu gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

Hirmu successfully pulls guard.
Hirmu is trying to control the position but Payne postures up.
Hirmu 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.
Payne wants to pass the guard but Hirmu is keeping the position.
Hirmu not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hirmu pulls Payne in close to prevent any damage.
Payne wants to pass the guard but Hirmu is keeping the position.
Payne trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Hirmu manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Hirmu won't allow Payne to sweep him here.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
No luck for Payne with that takedown attempt.
Payne swats away the attempt to clinch by Hirmu.
Payne avoids a punch combination nicely.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Payne tries for a takedown but Hirmu sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Payne has a takedown stuffed.
Payne fails with a takedown attempt.

Hirmu drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Payne is looking to reverse the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payne is working hard here to advance position.
Payne is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Payne moves into full guard.
Payne will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hirmu trying to control but Payne is working from the bottom.
Payne 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.
Payne thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hirmu keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Payne's head.
Hirmu pushing down on Payne's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Hirmu has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Hirmu working for a submission but Payne is keeping him at bay.
Hirmu controlling his opponent.
Hirmu is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Payne can't stay in a position like this for much longer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hirmu controlling from mount.
Hirmu lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Hirmu trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Payne is trying desperately to improve position.
Hirmu tries to control but Payne wriggling away.
Hirmu is dominating on the ground here - he's now on his opponent's back, looking to sink in the hooks. Payne is in real trouble.
Payne tries to break free.
Hirmu is working the ground and pound here and the referee is taking a close look at Payne. He must escape soon or this one will be stopped.
Hirmu is trying to stick to Payne's back but Payne is turning into Hirmu. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Hirmu's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Payne.
Payne postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Payne with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
Payne distracts Hirmu with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pena Hirmu dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Payne tries for a takedown but Hirmu circles away easily

and Hirmu decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Payne's guard.
Payne is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Payne looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Hirmu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Payne.
Hirmu keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Hirmu is looking to control Payne's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Hirmu avoid being mounted?
Payne scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Hirmu on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
The step up in weight doesn't seem to be a problem for Hirmu. He's performing admirably here against the bigger man.
Hirmu is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Payne scores with a couple of nice shots.
Payne lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Hirmu manages to get to full guard.
Payne lands a couple of digs.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Payne distracts Hirmu with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.

Hirmu throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Payne passes Hirmu's left leg - he's now in half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hirmu tries to roll over but Payne keeps him under control.
Hirmu avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Payne.
Hirmu has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Payne is working away from the top position though.
Hirmu is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Payne's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Payne's back!
Hirmu controls the action.
A lull in the action here.
What can Payne do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!

Hirmu is looking for the choke from the back position but Payne is controlling his hands well.

Hirmu looking for the choke but no joy.
Payne wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Payne defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Hirmu's arms.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
I really don't envy Payne right now.
Hirmu tries to keep control of the position but Payne is staying busy.
Payne turns into Hirmu and is now in his guard.
Payne is looking to work some ground and pound but Hirmu has wrist control.
Payne postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Hirmu looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Payne wants to pass the guard but Hirmu is keeping the position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Hirmu moves in looking to clinch but Payne pushes him off.

Payne scores with a takedown into Hirmu's guard.
Hirmu is trying to keep Payne in close.
Payne is working Hirmu over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Payne working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hirmu's head.
Payne works over Hirmu with some ground and pound from guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payne trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

Hirmu had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Payne is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Hirmu Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Payne's back instead.

Hirmu is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Payne knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Payne for a finish.
Hirmu has the hooks in. Payne is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Payne defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Hirmu's arms.
Payne turns into Hirmu and is now in his guard.
Payne is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Payne in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

Hirmu looking for a guillotine here but Payne defends easily.
Hirmu working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Payne.
Payne postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Hirmu utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Hirmu working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Payne doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Payne manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Payne chips away with some ground and pound.
Payne lands a couple of digs.
Hirmu is trying to control the position but Payne postures up.
Payne is looking to work some ground and pound but Hirmu has wrist control.
Payne throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hirmu works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Hirmu has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Payne can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Payne is looking to work some ground and pound but Hirmu has wrist control.
Payne wants to pass the guard but Hirmu is keeping the position.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Payne shoots and misses

and Hirmu holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Hirmu is pressed up against the cage. Payne has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Hirmu down to the mat. Hirmu avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Max Payne. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Hirmu looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Payne!
Pena Hirmu has got the better of the ground game so far.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Payne is wriggling around trying to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pena Hirmu showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Hirmu clinches.
Payne drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Hirmu stalling the fight.

Hirmu manages to pull guard.
Hirmu not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Hirmu tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Payne works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Payne is nestled in close to Hirmu, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

Hirmu is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Payne pulls his head out easily.
Payne scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Hirmu is pressing down on Payne's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Payne scoring with punches to the head and body.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Payne accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Payne throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hirmu works some decent striking defense from the bottom.

Hirmu has his foot on Payne's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Payne works his way back into a safe position though.
Payne working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Hirmu is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Payne tries to get to full guard but Hirmu has control of the leg.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Payne manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Payne tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Hirmu pushes down on Payne's leg and manages to get into half guard.

Hirmu is looking for a kimura here.
Payne misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Payne tries to roll over but Hirmu keeps him under control.
Hirmu frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

Hirmu has control of Payne's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Payne regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Payne is squirming around, avoiding Hirmu's attempts to control the action.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hirmu prevents Payne from getting the reversal.
Hirmu wants to control the pace but Payne is squirming around nicely.
Payne gets back to half guard.
Payne misses with some strikes from the bottom.
Hirmu controlling the action here.
Payne manages to get to full guard.
Payne lands a decent punch to the body there.
Payne bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Hirmu's guard.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Payne's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Payne working some strikes from top position.
Payne is in close to Hirmu's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Payne is looking to work some ground and pound but Hirmu has wrist control.
Payne loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Hirmu is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Payne is looking to work some ground and pound but Hirmu has wrist control.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Payne with a lazy takedown attempt

and Hirmu counters with a single leg into guard. Payne didn't expect that.
Hirmu lands a couple of digs.
Payne lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Hirmu!
Payne dominating with strikes here.
Payne prevents Hirmu from getting the reversal.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Payne cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Payne lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Payne cracks Hirmu with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Payne is landing with some decent strikes but Hirmu is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Hirmu is wriggling around trying to escape.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Payne cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Hirmu takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Hirmu is looking to get to half guard.
Payne landing strikes from the mount and Hirmu is in trouble!
Hirmu regains half guard.
Hirmu trying to control but Payne postures up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hirmu is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Payne's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Payne's back!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Hirmu has good solid back control here.
Hirmu has the hooks in. Payne is trying to push off one leg but he has to do so cautiously to avoid being submitted.

Hirmu is working on the RNC. He looks like he's got it but Payne won't tap... Oh, he's out! The ref rips Hirmu off his unconscious opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:41 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Pena Hirmu!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
95%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tyler Kennedy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Grani Klang (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Grani Klang has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kennedy
vs
Klang

188 cm
18
216 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

175 cm
22
200 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Organic Extracts

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tyler Kennedy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Grani Klang!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Matti Vanhoillinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kennedy tries to clinch but Klang is having none of it.
Kennedy wants to clinch up but Klang keeps it at a distance.
Klang thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kennedy fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Klang jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Klang paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The fighters circling - Kennedy throws out the jab but it was never going to land.

Kennedy has Klang up against the cage in a clinch.
Klang fails to pull guard.

Kennedy breaks the clinch.
Klang cracks Kennedy with a good jab.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Klang paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kennedy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Klang swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Klang throws a big shot that misses.
Klang dips to his left and cracks Kennedy with an uppercut!
Kennedy staying out of range there.
Klang throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Klang misses with a few strikes there.
Klang tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Kennedy swivels and escapes.
Kennedy tries to clinch up but Klang circles away and keeps his distance.
Klang keeps the fight on the outside.
A choreographed right hand from Klang misses the target.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Klang swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kennedy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Klang misses with a hook

and Kennedy counters by clinching up.
Klang should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Kennedy is pressed up against the cage. Klang has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Kennedy down to the mat. Kennedy avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Tyler Kennedy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Grani Klang.
Klang circles away from the clinch attempt.

Kennedy closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Klang is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Kennedy trying to control the action but Klang is working from the bottom.
Kennedy wants to get back to his feet.
Klang is staying active underneath Kennedy, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kennedy tries to stand but his hand is stuck under Klang.
Kennedy lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Klang wants to get back to full guard.
Kennedy wants to pass to mount but Klang is defending the position.
Kennedy knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Klang on the ground.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Klang throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kennedy displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Klang throws out the jab.
Kennedy fails in his attempt to clinch.
Klang throws a lazy right hand but Kennedy sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Klang throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy moves out of range of the strikes.
A swing and a miss from Klang.
Klang has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Kennedy.
Kennedy tries to clinch but Klang moves out of range.
Klang throws a head kick that misses

and Kennedy counters by clinching up.
Kennedy is breathing heavily.
Kennedy has Klang pushed against the cage.
Kennedy lands an elbow inside.

Kennedy breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kennedy wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Klang throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Klang looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Nice shot lands for Klang.
Kennedy is looking to clinch.
Kennedy's corner calls for a 1-2. Kennedy obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Klang shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Klang swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kennedy tries to clinch but Klang moves out of range.
Klang misses with a straight left.
Klang thows a body shot but no joy.
Kennedy moves out of range of the strikes.
Klang scores with a hook to the body. Kennedy takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.

Kennedy gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.

Klang 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy wants to stand up but Klang is controlling him.
Kennedy will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Klang wants to control from the top but Kennedy keeps moving.
Klang working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Klang throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Klang stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Klang pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch but Klang swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Klang paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Kennedy instigates a clinch.
Kennedy scores with a shot to the side of Klang's head.
Kennedy has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Klang avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.

Kennedy manages to break the clinch.

Klang shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Klang was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Kennedy throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kennedy defends a decent attempt at a guillotine from Klang.
Klang trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Klang has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Kennedy really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Kennedy is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Klang won't let Kennedy get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Kennedy tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Klang is working for a guillotine from mount but Kennedy frees his head quite easily.
Klang misses with a head shot.
Poor strikes thrown by Klang there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Klang takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kennedy tries to buck Klang off but he can't manage it.
Klang controlling from the full mount.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Grani Klang will probably get the nod.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kennedy fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Kennedy tries to clinch up.
Klang throws a right and a left that Kennedy avoids nicely.
Kennedy tries to clinch there but Klang circles away.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Klang throws a looping overhand right but Kennedy ducks down to avoid it.
Tyler Kennedy is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Kennedy clinches.
Klang has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kennedy avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Klang wants to break the clinch but can't.
Klang is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Kennedy lands a damaging elbow.

Klang has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Kennedy uses from the top position.

Klang has his feet on Kennedy's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Klang looks for a takedown but Kennedy sprawls well.
Kennedy wants to clinch.
Kennedy moves in looking to clinch but Klang pushes him off.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Klang stuffs the takedown attempt from Kennedy. Kennedy gets slowly back to his feet.
Kennedy tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Klang on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Kennedy. Kennedy obviously looking to wear him down.
Nice defenses there by Kennedy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Klang scores with a nice right hand.
Kennedy fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kennedy moves out of range as Klang strikes.
Kennedy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Klang keeps the fight on the outside.

Kennedy gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Kennedy breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kennedy is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kennedy bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Klang swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kennedy has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Klang finds it's way round the side to connect with Kennedy's head.
Kennedy tries to close the distance and clinch up but Klang swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Klang scores with a takedown into Kennedy's guard.
Klang wants to control from the top but Kennedy keeps moving.
Klang wants to pass the guard but Kennedy is keeping the position.

Klang 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.
Klang stops Kennedy from standing up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy looking to hit a scissor sweep but Klang is one step ahead there.
Kennedy keeping full guard, as Klang tries to pass.

Klang 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kennedy tries to land a sweep but no joy.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Kennedy blocks a jab.
Klang 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.
Kennedy tries to clinch but Klang moves out of range.
Kennedy tries to clinch there but Klang circles away.
Kennedy wants to clinch up but Klang keeps it at a distance.
Kennedy misses with a jab, cross combination.
Klang circles away from the clinch attempt.

Klang shoots in and bounces Kennedy off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Kennedy is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Klang is controlling him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kennedy keeping moving, preventing Klang from controlling successfully.
Klang sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Kennedy's guard.
Klang stalling.
Kennedy slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Klang stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kennedy swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Klang passes Kennedy's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Klang throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Klang is pressing down on Kennedy's thigh, looking to free his foot. Kennedy is holding on for now.

Klang is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Klang content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Klang wants to lay and pray for a moment but Kennedy keeps working.
Klang perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

Klang is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Kennedy defends it well.
Kennedy is trying to stand back up but Klang is controlling him

Klang wants to work for an arm triangle but Kennedy is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Kennedy wants to control but Klang is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kennedy wants to get back to his feet.
Klang trying to control from half guard but Kennedy is working away.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Kennedy wants to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grani Klang showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Kennedy has managed to clinch.
A short uppercut from Kennedy.
Kennedy keeps control of Klang as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Kennedy lands a body shot.
Klang prevents a takedown attempt there.
Kennedy lands a nice elbow.
Kennedy lands an elbow inside.
Kennedy lands a damaging elbow.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kennedy.
Kennedy lands an elbow inside that Klang shrugs off.
Kennedy lands an elbow inside.
Klang is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Kennedy working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Klang drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kennedy pulls his leg out and moves away.
Klang circles away from the clinch attempt.
Klang closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kennedy circles away.
Tyler Kennedy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Grani Klang.
Klang misses with a takedown
and Kennedy counters with a slapping leg kick.

Klang shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Klang prevents Kennedy from standing back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Klang is working hard to pass the guard. He's done it - he's now in full mount! Trouble for Kennedy!
Kennedy really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Kennedy tries to control the position but Klang now has his back.
Kennedy holding both Klang 's hands and preventing any damage.
Klang throwing lazy shots from the back mount that aren't doing any damage.
Kennedy rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
Kennedy pushes Klang off looking to stand but Klang dives back in and keeps control.

Klang is working for a kimura but Kennedy is defending it quite comfortably.
Klang trying to pass the guard but Kennedy defending well.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Klang misses with a looping left.
Kennedy doesn't manage to clinch there - Klang circles away.
Klang throws a hook to the side of Kennedy's head but Kennedy sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kennedy looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

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.
Nice takedown defense from Kennedy. No joy for Klang on that attempt.
Klang digs a good hook to Kennedy's body.
The crowd cheers as Klang lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kennedy doesn't seem phased though.

Kennedy has managed to clinch.

Kennedy breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kennedy tries to clinch up but Klang circles away and keeps his distance.
Kennedy tries to clinch but Klang is having none of it.
Kennedy looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Klang bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Kennedy's head.

Klang looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Klang trying to control but Kennedy is working from the bottom.
Kennedy looking for a sweep. Not yet Kennedy, not yet.
Grani Klang has got the better of the ground game so far.
Klang looking to pass the guard.
Klang throwing strikes from guard but Kennedy blocks nicely.
Kennedy tries to strike from the bottom.
Klang stops Kennedy from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Klang makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Kennedy doesn't manage to clinch there - Klang circles away.
Klang throws an off balance right hand

and Kennedy holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Kennedy comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Knees to the body from Kennedy.
A right hook to the body lands for Kennedy.
Kennedy throws an elbow that misses.

Kennedy breaks the clinch.
Klang throws an off balance right hand
and Kennedy counters with a one-two to the body.
Klang scores with a jab. Kennedy acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kennedy takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nice straight punches there by Klang. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Klang.
Klang moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Klang works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Kennedy keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Klang looks to score with a jab to the body but Kennedy is just out of range.
Kennedy dodges the punch combination from Klang.
The fighters circling - Klang throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Klang throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kennedy.
Klang swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Kennedy counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

Klang jumps guard and drags Kennedy to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Kennedy has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Klang pulls Kennedy in close to prevent any damage.
Tyler Kennedy has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Klang is trying to keep Kennedy in close.

Klang working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kennedy doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kennedy manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Klang 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.
Klang not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Kennedy won't allow Klang to sweep him here.
Kennedy throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Klang works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Klang bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Kennedy's guard.
Klang trying to control but Kennedy is working from the bottom.
Kennedy throws a couple of shots from the bottom but they don't land.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Klang trying to control but Kennedy is working from the bottom.

Kennedy is looking for a triangle but Klang pushes his legs off easily.
Klang looking to sit in guard and control but Kennedy gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

And that's the end of the fight!
Grani Klang comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Klang 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 Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 28:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Grani Klang!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
77%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ashley Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jesus Tappaja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Smith
vs
Tappaja

200 cm
22
266 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

200 cm
18
272 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Improved boxing
Big right hand

BJJ Brown Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

Hell's Balls Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ashley Smith!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jesus Tappaja!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith cracks Tappaja with a left hook right on the temple and Tappaja goes down! He's out! Referee! Stop the fight! Smith lands a few more punches before the dopey ref steps in - hopefully Tappaja is OK!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Ashley Smith!