QFC Tournament 129 Round 3 PBP Commentary

Co-main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nicolas Reynaud (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ricardo Melendez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Reynaud
vs
Melendez

190 cm
24
213 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

185 cm
22
205 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nicolas Reynaud!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricardo Melendez!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Melendez fails with an attempt to clinch.
Melendez lands a leg kick that knocks Reynaud off balance momentarily.
Reynaud's corner calls for a 1-2. Reynaud obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Reynaud connects with a right hand. Melendez shakes it off.

It looks like Ricardo Melendez has been cut.
No luck for Melendez with that takedown attempt.
Reynaud throws a body punch but Melendez moves out of range.
A jab from Reynaud finds it's way through Melendez's defenses.
Reynaud keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Reynaud lands with a shot to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Reynaud swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Melendez uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Reynaud.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Melendez closes the distance but Reynaud moves to the side
and Reynaud counters with a left and a right that stings Melendez.
Melendez is trying hard to land a takedown here. Reynaud sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Reynaud connects with a nice looking jab.
Reynaud just misses with a punch to the body.
Reynaud scores with a jab to the body.
A looping hook to the body misses from Reynaud. Melendez does a little dance to reset his feet.
Reynaud lunges at Melendez with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Melendez's hand.
Melendez looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Reynaud is fending him off so far but Melendez persists. Nope, Reynaud circles away and we're back to standing.
Nicolas Reynaud has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Melendez.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Melendez takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Reynaud lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Melendez doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Reynaud comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Reynaud changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Melendez misses with a takedown attempt - Reynaud sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Melendez is trying desperately to land a takedown but Reynaud is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Melendez.
Melendez looks winded!
Melendez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Nicolas Reynaud is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Reynaud lands a nice hook to Melendez's body. Melendez takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reynaud jabs at Melendez's body.
Reynaud lands a jab-cross combination.
Reynaud digs a good hook to Melendez's body.
Melendez takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Reynaud's corner calls for a 1-2. Reynaud obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Reynaud moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Danga de danga de dang - Reynaud scores with a four punch combination!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Melendez takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Reynaud digs a good body shot into Melendez's ribs.
Reynaud is looking to wear down Melendez with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reynaud lands a nice hook to Melendez's body. Melendez takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Reynaud darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Reynaud lands a head shot.
Reynaud changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Reynaud scores with a three punch combo!
Melendez tries to clinch but Reynaud moves away
and Reynaud counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Reynaud connects with a jab.
Reynaud dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolas Reynaud dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Melendez's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Reynaud fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Melendez takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Melendez swinging wildly here.
Reynaud lands a slapping body shot.
Nicolas Reynaud is winning the standup battle so far.
Reynaud scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Reynaud scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Melendez doesn't seem bothered though.
Reynaud throws out a powerful jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Reynaud displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Melendez.
Melendez is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reynaud lands with a shot to the body.
Melendez on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Reynaud lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
A decent looking cross lands there for Reynaud.

That has opened up Ricardo Melendez's cut even more.
Reynaud fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Melendez takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Reynaud fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Reynaud slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Reynaud.
Reynaud scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Reynaud is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Melendez can do to turn this around?
Reynaud connects with a looping right hand.
Melendez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Melendez takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
A shot to the liver by Reynaud. Beautiful body shot.
Reynaud wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Reynaud jabs Melendez to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Reynaud lands a slapping body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reynaud lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.

The cut above Ricardo Melendez's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Melendez gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Reynaud jabs at Melendez's body.
Reynaud pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Melendez back to the cage. Reynaud follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Reynaud moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Reynaud smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Melendez tries to clinch but Reynaud moves away
and Melendez takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Reynaud.
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!
Reynaud works over Melendez's head and body with a nice combination.
Reynaud fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Reynaud tests Melendez's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Reynaud scores with a nice strike.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Reynaud scores with a jab to the body.
Melendez doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nicolas Reynaud dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Ricardo Melendez's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Reynaud closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Reynaud throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Reynaud misses with a wild body shot.
Ricardo Melendez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Reynaud connects with a single shot there.

Melendez moves into the clinch.
Melendez has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Reynaud wants to break free but Melendez has control.

Reynaud escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Reynaud stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Reynaud wants it to stay on the feet.
Reynaud fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Melendez shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Reynaud sprawls well. Reynaud wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Melendez gets slowly back to his feet.
Melendez takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Reynaud scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Melendez doesn't seem bothered though.
Reynaud throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Melendez takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Reynaud bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Melendez's head.
Reynaud scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Reynaud ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Nicolas Reynaud is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Melendez's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Reynaud connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Melendez scrambles back to his feet.
Reynaud jabs away that one connects to the head of his opponent.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Reynaud throws a combination. Melendez tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Reynaud scores with a body shot.
Reynaud lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Left hook, right uppercut from Reynaud.
Nice uppercut there from Reynaud.
Reynaud scores with a jab to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reynaud scores with a decent looking hook.
Reynaud lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Reynaud throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Reynaud ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Melendez fails with a takedown attempt.
Nicolas Reynaud has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ricardo Melendez.
Melendez tries to move into range but Reynaud moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Reynaud scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Reynaud lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Reynaud scores with a jab to the head.
Reynaud throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Melendez stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Reynaud lands a jab to Melendez's midsection.
Reynaud lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Reynaud takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Reynaud cracks a nice hook into Melendez's ribs.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nicolas Reynaud showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Reynaud has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 for Nicolas Reynaud!
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight for Nicolas Reynaud!
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight for Nicolas Reynaud!

Nicolas Reynaud wins by unanimous decision!
A less than humble Nicolas Reynaud misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Gunnar Nelson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Michael Schwahn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Nelson
vs
Schwahn

180 cm
19
175 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

183 cm
24
205 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Basic striking
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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Gunnar Nelson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Michael Schwahn!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Schwahn throws a left and a right that both miss

and Nelson counters with a shoot takedown. Schwahn fights it but they end up in guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Nelson trying to control but Schwahn is working from the bottom.
Schwahn looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Nelson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Nelson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Schwahn wants to sweep but no luck.
Schwahn is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Schwahn decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.
Nelson throws a body kick that misses.
Nelson swings for the body but Schwahn moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nelson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Schwahn misses with the combination.
Nelson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nelson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Schwahn throws out the jab.
Nice takedown defense from Schwahn. No joy for Nelson on that attempt.
Schwahn misses with a two punch combination.
The fighters circling - Schwahn throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Nelson tries to clinch up
and Nelson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nelson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Schwahn is fending him off so far but Nelson persists. Nope, Schwahn circles away and we're back to standing.
Schwahn throws a chopping leg kick but Nelson manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Schwahn misses with the combination.
Nelson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Schwahn swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Schwahn drives through and clinches with Nelson against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn pushes Nelson back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Nelson jumps guard and drags Schwahn to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Schwahn with a nice head shot there.
Nelson being controlled here, momentarily.
Schwahn trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Schwahn works a leg free and moves into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Schwahn looks to land a strike but Nelson avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Schwahn throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Nelson wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn is looking to work some ground and pound but Nelson has wrist control.
Schwahn must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Nelson is breathing heavily.
Schwahn trying to control the position from guard on top but Nelson is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Schwahn is looking to work some ground and pound but Nelson has wrist control.
Schwahn stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nelson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Schwahn stays in close to Nelson's body and controls the position.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Schwahn working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn content to stall in guard here.

Michael Schwahn has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Schwahn misses with the combination.
Schwahn lands a body shot.
Schwahn throws a solid leg kick but Nelson takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Schwahn.
Schwahn keeps the fight on the outside.

Nelson shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Nelson showed some decent athleticism there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Schwahn keeps control of the position for the meantime.

Schwahn looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Schwahn dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Schwahn leaves Nelson with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Nelson wants to clinch.
Nelson tries to close the distance and clinch up but Schwahn swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nelson wants to clinch.
Nelson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Schwahn thows a body shot but no joy.
Schwahn swats away the attempt to clinch by Nelson.

Nelson gets tackled into the cage by Schwahn. Schwahn maintains the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Schwahn goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Schwahn lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Schwahn stalling.

Schwahn manages to break the clinch.
Schwahn lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nelson circles away quickly and effectively.

Schwahn shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Nelson blocking the ground and pound attempt from Schwahn.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Schwahn throwing shots but Nelson is blocking nicely.
Schwahn wants to free his trapped foot but Nelson is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Schwahn trying to control the action but Nelson is working from the bottom.
Nelson tries to roll over but Schwahn keeps him under control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Schwahn thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Schwahn is just content to waste time from the top position. Nelson takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Schwahn loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nelson keeping moving, preventing Schwahn from controlling successfully.
Michael Schwahn has got the better of the ground game so far.
Schwahn trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn is looking to advance position but Nelson has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Schwahn wants to hold on but Nelson pushes him away.
Schwahn sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Nelson is stalling here. Schwahn is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Nelson seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Schwahn has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.
Schwahn lands a few punches from side control.
Nelson wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Schwahn cracks Nelson with a big right hand but Nelson just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Michael Schwahn showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Schwahn has closed the distance and engaged Nelson in a clinch.
Nelson is trying to drag Schwahn to the mat but Schwahn just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Schwahn.
Nelson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Schwahn will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Nelson up against the cage.

Schwahn lands a takedown into guard.
Schwahn engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Schwahn wants to control from the top but Nelson keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Schwahn tries to free his leg and advance position but Nelson is retaining full guard.
Schwahn pushes down on Nelson's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Schwahn trying to control from Nelson's half guard. Nelson has other ideas though and has regained full guard.
Schwahn pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nelson is keeping the position for now.

Schwahn stands up from Nelson's guard - Schwahn perhaps looking for a knockout.
Michael Schwahn is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nelson dives in and grabs Schwahn's left leg, looking for a takedown. Schwahn pushes down on Nelson's head and hops out.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nelson gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Schwahn throws a right and a left that both miss.

Nelson drives through with a takedown into guard.
Nelson won't allow Schwahn to sweep him here.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Schwahn wants to get back to his feet but Nelson is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Nelson drops back looking for a leg! Schwahn is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Schwahn manages to kick Nelson off! Nelson jumps back into Schwahn's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Schwahn is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Schwahn can do anything to dispel that myth.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Schwahn keeping moving, preventing Nelson from controlling successfully.
Schwahn wants to sweep here but Nelson controlling him for the moment.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Schwahn lands with a straight right. Nelson didn't see that one coming.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nelson darts in trying to clinch
and Schwahn counters with a three punch combo that has Nelson backing up. Nelson nods at Schwahn to acknowledge the strikes.
Nelson has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gunnar Nelson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Schwahn fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Schwahn lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Nelson backs up against the cage.
Schwahn uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Nelson.
Schwahn swinging wildly here.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nelson dodges the punch combination from Schwahn.
Gunnar Nelson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Schwahn checks a leg kick.

And that's the end of the fight!
Michael Schwahn comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Schwahn has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Michael Schwahn!
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight for Michael Schwahn!
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight for Michael Schwahn!

Michael Schwahn wins by unanimous decision!