IF 40: The Climb PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Dom Baker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joonas Karjalainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Karjalainen has chosen Eminem: Go to Sleep as his entrance music. Dom Baker has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Baker
vs
Karjalainen

225 cm
27
140 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

171 cm
20
145 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Dom Baker!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Joonas Karjalainen!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Karjalainen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Baker manages to avoid it.
Baker fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Baker really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Baker throws a head kick that Karjalainen semi-blocks.
Karjalainen avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Karjalainen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Baker manages to avoid it.
Karjalainen swings for the body but Baker moves out of range.
Baker tries to close the distance and clinch up but Karjalainen swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Baker tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Karjalainen paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Baker fails in his attempt to clinch.
Baker throws a big shot that misses.
Baker goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Karjalainen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Baker throws a low kick but Karjalainen moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Baker. Karjalainen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Karjalainen throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Baker fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Karjalainen manages to avoid it.
Baker swings away with a body shot that misses
and Karjalainen counters with a left to the body.
Karjalainen misses with a jab, cross combination.
Baker misses with a double jab.
Karjalainen slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Baker throws a low kick but it's checked well by Karjalainen.
Karjalainen with a hook.
Dom Baker seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Karjalainen misses with a hook. Baker ducked under it nicely.
Baker misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baker ducks right into an uppercut from Karjalainen.
Karjalainen misses with a straight left.
Karjalainen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Karjalainen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Baker tries to bum rush Karjalainen with a series of wild strikes but Karjalainen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Baker uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Karjalainen.
Baker tries a head kick but it misses.
Baker throws a shot from downtown. Karjalainen moves away and avoids it.
Baker thows a leg kick but Karjalainen checks it
and Karjalainen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Karjalainen scores with a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baker misses the jab.
Baker tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Karjalainen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baker takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Baker waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Karjalainen.
Baker misses with an uppercut. Karjalainen saw that one coming.
Baker moves to clinch but Karjalainen breaks away
and Karjalainen counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Karjalainen misses with a double jab.
Baker closes the distance but Karjalainen moves to the side
and Karjalainen counters with a nice body shot.
Karjalainen checks a leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Karjalainen connects with a crisp jab.
Baker tries to land a leg kick but Karjalainen saw it coming and moves away.
A head kick misses from Baker.
Baker fails in his attempt to clinch.
Karjalainen connects with a jab.

It looks like Dom Baker has been cut.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Baker throws a wild body kick that Karjalainen sees coming a mile off.
Baker closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Baker misses with a leg kick
and Karjalainen counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Baker is looking to clinch but Karjalainen is avoiding it.
Baker throws a predictable looking body shot
and Karjalainen counters with a two punch combo.
Karjalainen throws the left hand but Baker avoids the punch easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Joonas Karjalainen dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Dom Baker's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Karjalainen scores with a jab. Baker acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Baker throws a body punch but Karjalainen moves out of range.
Karjalainen moves away from the strike by Baker.
Baker misses with a left hand
letting Karjalainen counter with a right hand.
Karjalainen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Dom Baker is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Karjalainen punishes Baker's body with a nice straight punch.
Baker buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Baker displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Karjalainen throws out the jab.
Baker throws a head kick that misses.
Karjalainen lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.

Baker is rocked!
Karjalainen with a body punch. A glancing blow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Karjalainen misses.
Karjalainen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Baker was well out of range. Poor timing from Karjalainen.
Karjalainen throws a hook but Baker blocks it.
Baker takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Karjalainen checks the leg kick nicely there.
Baker moves out of range as Karjalainen strikes.
Karjalainen works the jab nicely.
Baker throws a head kick that misses.
Karjalainen bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Baker's head backwards.
Karjalainen scores with a sloppy right hand. Baker should have avoided that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Karjalainen cracks Baker with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Oh Baker is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Baker is looking to clinch.
Baker shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Baker tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Karjalainen manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Karjalainen scores with the left hand. Baker knows he should have avoided that one.
Karjalainen circles and sees the opportunity to plant his feet and throw a really nice straight left hand that drops Baker to the canvas! Baker doesn't know where he is but he's trying to survive - Karjalainen keeps piling on the pressure and forces the referee to step in! This one is aaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:32 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Joonas Karjalainen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Grigorio Escobar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Romita (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Romita is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Rollin' Like A Boss. The key to victory for Grigorio Escobar has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Escobar
vs
Romita

225 cm
20
155 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

165 cm
20
150 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
KO power

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Intelligent

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Grigorio Escobar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Frank Romita!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Roosa Järviläinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Escobar swinging wildly here.
Escobar throws a lazy right hand but Romita sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sloppy strikes from Escobar. Those never looked like landing.
Escobar throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Romita displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Escobar throws out the jab.
Escobar lands with a cross.
Escobar throws a lazy uppercut
and Romita counters with a series of strikes. Escobar will be more careful next time no doubt.

Romita closes the distance and after a bit of a stuggle, scores a takedown into Escobar's guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Romita stopping the sweep attempt from Escobar.
Romita's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Escobar looking to hit a scissor sweep but Romita is one step ahead there.
Romita with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Escobar wants to sweep but no luck.
Romita wants to control from the top but Escobar keeps moving.
Romita controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Romita really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Escobar. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

OK we're going to have a standup here. Frank Romita hasn't been effective enough on the ground and the referee wants a restart.
Escobar fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Romita fails to land the takedown.
Grigorio Escobar seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Escobar throws an ugly left hook that misses

and Romita counters with a nice double leg into side control. Escobar won't be happy with that.
Escobar is looking for a sweep.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.
Romita with the ground and pound but Escobar regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Escobar really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Escobar manages to get to full guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Escobar is trying to keep Romita in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Romita loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Romita loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Escobar utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Romita trying to control but Escobar is working from the bottom.
Romita postures up in Escobar's guard and throws a big left but Escobar blocks it.
Romita in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Escobar keeping moving, preventing Romita from controlling successfully.
Escobar wants to sweep here but Romita controlling him for the moment.
Escobar is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Romita in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Romita is looking to work some ground and pound but Escobar has wrist control.
Romita showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Escobar throws a big shot that misses.
Romita shoots in looking for a takedown but Escobar manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Romita's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Escobar throws an overhand right that lands on Romita's shoulder, as Romita tries to avoid the shot.
Escobar fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Romita.
Grigorio Escobar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Romita.

Romita looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into mount! Oh, that's bad for Escobar!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Romita throwing strikes here but Escobar is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Romita throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.
Escobar is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.
Escobar is working to get back to half guard.
Escobar avoids a series of strikes thrown by Romita.
Poor strikes thrown by Romita there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Romita misses with a head shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Escobar is in all sorts of trouble here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Romita goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Escobar turns into him and now he's in Romita's guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Romita can do anything to dispel that myth.
Romita wants to sweep but no luck.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Romita dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Escobar throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Escobar throws a lazy uppercut

and Romita decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Escobar's guard.
Escobar will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Escobar keeping moving, preventing Romita from controlling successfully.
Romita stopping the sweep attempt from Escobar.
Romita trying to control but Escobar is working from the bottom.
Romita looking to sit in guard and control but Escobar gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Escobar trying to control the position from guard on top but Romita is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Escobar is looking to work some ground and pound but Romita has wrist control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Escobar stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Romita swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Escobar sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Romita's guard.
Escobar controlling the pace.
Escobar uses his free foot to push down on Romita's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Romita.
Poor strikes thrown by Escobar there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Escobar looking to ground and pound but Romita is blocking nicely.

Escobar is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Romita to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Romita shrugs it off.
Escobar trying to control but he's not successful this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Escobar is really struggling to control Romita but he's trying to hold on to the position.
Escobar controlling the position easily from mount.
Romita really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
Escobar trying to control but Romita is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Romita wants to control but Escobar is having none of it.
Escobar controlling from the full mount.
Romita is squirming around, avoiding Escobar's attempts to control the action.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Grigorio Escobar just wasn't active enough.
Romita circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jab from Escobar.
Romita blocks a jab.

Escobar gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Romita trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Romita controlling from the top position.
Romita throws a strike but Escobar rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Escobar wants to stand but Romita has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Escobar gets to his feet - Romita follows without any prompting.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Grigorio Escobar dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! And we move into the final round!

Escobar throws a head kick that misses.
Escobar connects with a body shot that sends Romita's belly button to the back.
Romita looks for a takedown but Escobar sprawls well.
No luck for Romita with that takedown attempt.
Escobar works the jab nicely.
Escobar is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Escobar looks to throw the jab but Romita is out of range.
A decent looking cross lands there for Escobar.
Escobar lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Escobar drives through and clinches with Romita against the cage.
Escobar doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Escobar goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Escobar misses with the head strike.
Romita changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Escobar fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Grigorio Escobar has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Romita.
Romita avoids the head kick by Escobar.
Escobar is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Escobar tries to clinch there but Romita circles away.
Escobar misses with an uppercut. Romita saw that one coming.
Escobar lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Escobar wants to clinch up but Romita keeps it at a distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Escobar pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Escobar scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Grigorio Escobar is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Escobar misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Escobar throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Romita sees it coming and avoids it easily.
A lazy left from Escobar finds it's target.
Escobar throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Escobar throws a sloppy head kick and Romita moves out of range easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Escobar tries to clinch

and Romita counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Escobar!
This has been an exciting period of action!
Poor strikes thrown by Romita there. More accuracy and less frantic strikes would help!
Romita looking to control and managing it successfully.
Romita tries to control but Escobar wriggling away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Escobar working to try and regain half guard.
Frank Romita has got the better of the ground game so far.
Romita controlling from mount.
Romita looking to ground and pound but Escobar is blocking nicely.
Escobar sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Romita wants to lay and pray for a moment but Escobar keeps working.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Romita thows a huge punch but Escobar dodges it nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Escobar gets full guard.
Romita trying to control but Escobar is working from the bottom.
Escobar avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Romita looking to pass the guard.
Romita working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Romita throws a big elbow that misses.
Romita with a flurry of punches that miss.
Romita loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Romita throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Escobar works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Romita throws a strike but Escobar rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Escobar won't allow Romita to sweep him here.

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 Grigorio Escobar.
I think Escobar has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Grigorio Escobar!
An out of breath and clearly excited Grigorio Escobar thanked Crashforce Nutrition (Authentic 160Q/159Q supps!) for their help and support (and free stuff they sent him).

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
59%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Calla BigDaddy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chris Masters (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

BigDaddy
vs
Masters

225 cm
25
300 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

198 cm
21
300 lbs
11 - 2 - 0

Good wrestling
Good knees
Good chin

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Powerful

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Calla BigDaddy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Chris Masters!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Tarja Halkonen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Masters pushing out the jab but it's not landing.

Masters shoots in and gets a takedown into BigDaddy's guard.

Masters drops back looking for a leg! BigDaddy is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and BigDaddy manages to kick Masters off! Masters jumps back into BigDaddy's guard.
Masters is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
BigDaddy on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if BigDaddy tries to get out of the position.
Let's hope that Masters has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
Masters trying to control but BigDaddy is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
BigDaddy wants to get back to his feet but Masters is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Masters slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Chris Masters wasn't active enough on the ground.

BigDaddy moves into the clinch successfully.
BigDaddy using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Masters has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
BigDaddy is breathing heavily.
Masters takes a knee to the side of the body.
Masters fails to pull the fight into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Masters tries to pull guard but BigDaddy holds him up against the cage and eventually Masters drops back down to his feet.
BigDaddy misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Masters.
BigDaddy throws a knee to the head but misses.
BigDaddy missing with knees to the body.
BigDaddy managing to block the knees to the body from Masters.
BigDaddy tries to land a knee to the head but Masters blocks with his arms.
BigDaddy gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Masters.
Calla BigDaddy has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Chris Masters.
Masters tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. BigDaddy smiles and moves away.
Masters shoots in but no luck this time.

Masters shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Masters was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Masters working from mount. He moves in close and looks like he might be going for an arm triangle... He's hopped off to the side and he's transitioned into an Anaconda choke. BigDaddy turning a nasty shade of purple. He's refusing to tap but he's gone! He's out! The ref rips Masters off and cradles BigDaddy's limp body as Masters celebrates with his corner.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Anaconda Choke). Chris Masters!
Chris Masters took to the microphone after his victory and thanked his sponsors, Beast Body for their support in the buildup to the fight.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Slim Calhoun (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Page Knight (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Calhoun comes into the arena with Always Strapped by: Lil Wayne blaring out of the sound system. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Page Knight was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Calhoun
vs
Knight

173 cm
24
140 lbs
13 - 8 - 0

183 cm
24
144 lbs
10 - 10 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very strong

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Powerful

Beast Body

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 13 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Slim Calhoun!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Page Knight!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Tarja Halkonen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Calhoun shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Knight's guard.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Calhoun throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Knight works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Calhoun has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Knight is proving hard to escape from.
Calhoun trying to control but Knight is working from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Calhoun wants to stand but Knight has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

Knight throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Calhoun drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Calhoun jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Calhoun lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Calhoun pushing down on Knight's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Calhoun controlling the action here.

Calhoun stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Knight has managed to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Calhoun jumps guard.

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

Knight is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Calhoun is aware though and is defending well.

Knight is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

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

Knight looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Calhoun slips nicely into half guard.

Knight looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Calhoun looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Knight with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Calhoun connects with a nice short shot to Knight's temple.
Calhoun moves into full mount! Knight won't be happy about that!
A nice elbow there by Calhoun.
Calhoun lands a big shot there that rocks Knight but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Knight is desperately trying to improve his position but Calhoun has a good base and remains in mount.
Calhoun pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
Calhoun raining down hammerfists from mount.
Calhoun lands a big shot there that rocks Knight but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Calhoun raining down hammerfists from mount.
Calhoun landing strikes from the mount.
Knight really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

Calhoun is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Knight can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Calhoun in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Knight is in a horrible position here. Calhoun smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Calhoun tries to control but Knight wriggling away.

Calhoun is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Knight is surviving well by controlling Calhoun's body position as best he can.
Calhoun landing punches.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Knight sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Calhoun wants to stand up but Knight has a hold of him and won't allow it.

Knight actively working from the bottom here.

Calhoun is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Knight has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Calhoun throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.

Calhoun is working for a submission of some sort.
Calhoun not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Calhoun thows a huge punch but Knight dodges it nicely.

Knight is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Calhoun pulls his head out easily.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Knight is staying active underneath Calhoun, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Knight has hold of a guillotine but he's not going to be able to crank on it really with only half guard, so it's no trouble for Calhoun. Oh but Knight has got full guard now! Oh boy! This one could be over very soon! Calhoun goes limp - he's gone! Knight jumps up and celebrates with the crowd - fantastic submission finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Page Knight!
Page Knight is the new bantamweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
60%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kimmo Stasi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Salvatore Gattuso (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stasi comes to the cage accompanied by Kitbuilders - In The Year 2525 (Ural 13 Diktators Remix). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Stasi
vs
Gattuso

179 cm
23
156 lbs
10 - 0 - 0

179 cm
26
169 lbs
13 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Lethal high kicks
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Katukauppa.com

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kimmo Stasi!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 13 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Salvatore Gattuso!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gattuso takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Gattuso is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Gattuso throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Stasi throws a push kick but Gattuso slaps the foot to one side.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gattuso tries to clinch but Stasi is having none of it.
Gattuso throws a hook but Stasi blocks it.
Gattuso throws out a powerful jab.
Stasi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gattuso.
Stasi jabs Gattuso to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Stasi throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Stasi missing with a left hand there. Gattuso was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

Gattuso instigates a clinch.
Gattuso blocks a body shot from Stasi.
Stasi misses with a punch to the body.
Stasi tries a body shot but Gattuso blocks it.
Gattuso using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Stasi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Stasi managing to block the knees to the body from Gattuso.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Stasi pulls guard effortlessly.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Stasi not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Stasi has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.

Stasi throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Stasi working for a triangle but Gattuso defends it easily.
Gattuso engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stasi preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Stasi looking to control.
Gattuso throws a big elbow that misses.
Gattuso stopping the sweep attempt from Stasi.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Stasi holds on and takes a little breather.
Gattuso looking to pass the guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gattuso trying to control the position from guard on top but Stasi is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gattuso pushes down on Stasi's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Gattuso thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Stasi's head.
Gattuso wants to take a breather but Stasi is having none of it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Stasi taking some punishment here, with Gattuso in his half guard.
Gattuso is trying to control. Stasi wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Gattuso is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Stasi trying to control from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stasi is trying to get back to full guard.
Stasi has hold of Gattuso's hands but Gattuso slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Gattuso seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Stasi does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Stasi gets back to full guard.
Gattuso preventing the sweep.
Gattuso throwing strikes from guard but Stasi blocks nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Stasi wants to sweep here but Gattuso controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Salvatore Gattuso will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Gattuso throws a nice looking combination but Stasi bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gattuso moves away from the strike by Stasi.
Gattuso tries to clinch but Stasi moves out of range.
Stasi keeps the fight on the outside.
Gattuso checks a leg kick nicely.
Gattuso tries to clinch there but Stasi circles away.
Gattuso throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch but Stasi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Gattuso fails in his attempt to clinch.
Stasi misses with a straight right.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gattuso tries to clinch there but Stasi circles away.
Stasi keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
A left lands for Stasi.
Gattuso slips a jab from Stasi.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Stasi lands a nice shot to the body.
Gattuso just misses with a punch to the body.
Stasi connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Gattuso fails with an attempt to clinch.
Stasi scores with a head kick.
An inside leg kick lands from Stasi.
Gattuso checks the leg kick nicely there.
Stasi ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Gattuso blocks a head kick by Stasi.
Stasi misses with a hook to the body
and Gattuso counters with a body kick that stops Stasi in his tracks momentarily.
Stasi connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Gattuso momentarily.
Stasi fails to land with a series of punches.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Stasi slips under a jab.
Stasi lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Stasi scores with a hook to the body. Gattuso takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Gattuso has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Stasi finds it's way round the side to connect with Gattuso's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Stasi fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Gattuso on the side of the head.
Stasi misses with a right hand
and Gattuso counters with a head kick.
A slow jab from Gattuso misses its intended target.
Kimmo Stasi is winning the standup battle so far.
Gattuso gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Stasi.
Stasi connects with a solid leg kick.
Gattuso throws an overhand right that lands on Stasi's shoulder, as Stasi tries to avoid the shot.
Stasi connects with a good right hand that stumbles Gattuso. Gattuso circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nice body punch from Stasi.
Stasi dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Gattuso. That did some damage!
Gattuso tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Stasi, right into the meat.
Gattuso wants to clinch.
Gattuso chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Stasi can pounce on him.
Gattuso is breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stasi scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Stasi avoids the head kick by Gattuso.
Stasi throws a chopping leg kick but Gattuso manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Left hook, right uppercut from Stasi.
Gattuso keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Stasi blocks a head kick by Gattuso.
A punch lands to the side of Gattuso 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Stasi lands an overhand right.
Gattuso tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Gattuso wants to clinch.
Gattuso closes the distance looking to clinch
and Stasi counters with a slapping leg kick.
Stasi takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stasi looks to throw the jab but Gattuso is out of range.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch but Stasi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Gattuso takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Gattuso avoids the head kick by Stasi.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Gattuso takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Nice defenses there by Gattuso.
Stasi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gattuso.
Stasi throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Stasi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Stasi ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Gattuso moves away.
Gattuso is looking to clinch but Stasi is avoiding it.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Some wild striking there from Stasi.
Stasi swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kimmo Stasi dominated that second round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Gattuso throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Gattuso wants to clinch.
A jab lands there for Stasi.
Stasi misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gattuso.
Stasi swats away the attempt to clinch by Gattuso.
Stasi lands the left hand.
Stasi moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Gattuso takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Salvatore Gattuso seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gattuso wants to clinch up but Stasi keeps it at a distance.
Stasi lands with a nice body punch.
Stasi defending well as Gattuso loads up on a big left hand.
Gattuso looks to clinch
and Stasi counters with a right hand to the body.
Stasi looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gattuso throws a sloppy head kick and Stasi moves out of range easily.
Gattuso jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Stasi thows a body shot but no joy.
Gattuso tries to clinch up but Stasi circles away and keeps his distance.
Gattuso connects with a single shot there.
Stasi lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Gattuso takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Stasi bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Gattuso avoids a punch combination nicely.
Gattuso takes a jab right on the kisser.
Gattuso tries to clinch but Stasi is having none of it.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gattuso tries to clinch up but Stasi circles away and keeps his distance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gattuso takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Gattuso is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Stasi pushes Gattuso away with a front kick.
Gattuso is looking to clinch but Stasi is avoiding it.
Gattuso has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Stasi attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Gattuso takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Stasi throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Gattuso swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gattuso tries to clinch but Stasi is having none of it.
Gattuso is looking to clinch.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch up but Stasi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Stasi throws a head kick that half lands.
Gattuso slips a straight right by Stasi.
Gattuso takes a body punch but keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Stasi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Gattuso takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Gattuso tries to close the distance and clinch but Stasi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Stasi throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Gattuso takes one to the side of the head.
Gattuso wants to clinch.
Stasi throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Gattuso.
Stasi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gattuso fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Stasi fails to land with a series of punches.
Stasi throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Stasi clobbers Gattuso with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

Gattuso is rocked!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Crunch! Stasi slams his shin into Gattuso's torso.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Stasi keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Gattuso is still on wobbly legs! Can Stasi finish him?
Stasi throws an overhand right that drops Gattuso like a sack of potatoes! Stasi dives in to finish the fight with more strikes and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:12 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Kimmo Stasi!
Kimmo Stasi retains his lightweight title!
Kimmo Stasi very nearly forgot to thank Katukauppa.com amongst all the excitement of his win but just as the interview came to a close, he screamed their name. Hopefully he'll get a few nice freebies in the mail as a thank you.