Grapplefest 230k Finals PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Veikko Kulkunen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rolli Poli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rolli Poli is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Kulkunen
vs
Poli

164 cm
19
160 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

178 cm
19
194 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Cardio machine

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Veikko Kulkunen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Rolli Poli!
The judges for this bout are Colin Fotheringham, James Atkins and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kulkunen fails with a takedown attempt.
Poli tries for a takedown but Kulkunen circles away easily

and Kulkunen counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Poli is staying active underneath Kulkunen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Poli moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Kulkunen stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Poli swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Poli looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Kulkunen trying to control but Poli is working from the bottom.
Poli being controlled here, momentarily.

Poli is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kulkunen is aware though and is defending well.
Kulkunen sitting in guard, not really doing much.

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

Poli throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Kulkunen advances position into side control!
Poli tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kulkunen wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Poli prevents Kulkunen from improving position.
Kulkunen has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Poli is trying to improve his position.
Kulkunen is looking to take a break and control but Poli is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Poli is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Poli is still trying to improve position.

Kulkunen thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Kulkunen trying to control the action but Poli is working from the bottom.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kulkunen tries to advance to mount but can't.
Poli being controlled for a moment.
Poli tries to buck Kulkunen off but Kulkunen is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen is looking to take a break and control but Poli is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Poli looking for a sweep but Kulkunen has passed into full mount! Oh no!

Kulkunen wants to finish this one by submission but Poli is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Kulkunen.

Kulkunen wants to finish this one by submission but Poli is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Kulkunen.
Poli really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen is dominating on the ground here - he's now on his opponent's back, looking to sink in the hooks. Poli is in real trouble.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Kulkunen controlling well, preventing Poli from escaping the position.
Kulkunen wants to control but Poli is keeping busy.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Poli is trying to break free.
Poli looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.
Poli tries to escape but Kulkunen has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Kulkunen trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Poli trying to control the hands but Kulkunen won't let him.
Poli wants to escape the position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen controlling from the back.

Kulkunen has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Poli has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
I really don't envy Poli right now.

Kulkunen patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?
Poli trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Poli prevents Kulkunen from getting a body triangle.
You can see the frustration on Poli's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Poli trying to control the position but Kulkunen manages to sink in the hooks.
Kulkunen slows the pace down here. Having a little breather whilst he's in a dominant position, looking to rest and regain some energy, ready to go for the finish.
Poli is trying to break free.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Kulkunen is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Kulkunen just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Poli preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Kulkunen.
Poli trying to control but not successfully.
Poli tries to escape but Kulkunen has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Poli trying to control the hands but Kulkunen won't let him.
Poli tries to escape but Kulkunen has the hooks in and won't let him break free.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Poli tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Poli is squirming around, avoiding Kulkunen's attempts to control the action.
Poli keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Kulkunen looking to control but Poli is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Kulkunen is really struggling to control Poli but he's trying to hold on to the position.

Kulkunen working for a guillotine from mount but Poli is in no mood to give up.
Poli sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Poli looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Poli tries to roll over but Kulkunen keeps him under control.
Poli keeps trying to improve his position.
Poli trying to hold on to Kulkunen's head to control him but Kulkunen postures up.
Kulkunen frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Kulkunen prevents Poli from getting the reversal.
Kulkunen seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Poli is holding on tight.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Poli tries to hold on but Kulkunen postures up.
Kulkunen content just to control the position here.
Poli gets back to half guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Kulkunen is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Poli is not content to let Kulkunen control the position.

Poli looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kulkunen wants to take a breather but Poli is having none of it.
Poli is looking to improve his position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Veikko Kulkunen 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.

Kulkunen shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Poli's guard.
Kulkunen wants to control from the top but Poli keeps moving.
Poli working a defensive guard but Kulkunen passes into half guard.
Kulkunen is trying to control the action in half guard but Poli is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Poli wants to control but Kulkunen is keeping busy and won't allow it.

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

Poli looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Poli looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Poli wants to improve his position but Kulkunen is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kulkunen seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Poli does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Poli wants to improve his position but Kulkunen is controlling well.

Veikko Kulkunen has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Poli looks for a takedown but Kulkunen sprawls well.
Kulkunen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Poli as he jumps to the side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Poli defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kulkunen.
Poli fails with a takedown attempt.

Kulkunen scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Kulkunen wants to take a breather but Poli is having none of it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen prevents Poli from improving his position.
Poli is pressing down on Kulkunen's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Poli is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kulkunen is aware though and is defending well.

Poli working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Kulkunen doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Kulkunen manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Poli is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Poli is breathing heavily.
Kulkunen wants to control from the top but Poli keeps moving.
Kulkunen content to stall in guard here.
Poli has been taking part in the yoga sessions down at London MMA Fight Academy. Presumably he's going to look for a slick submission... Or maybe he's looking to avoid one.
Kulkunen passes easily into side control. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Poli is trying to control Kulkunen's posture but Kulkunen avoids it.
Poli tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Poli manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Kulkunen wants to control but Poli is keeping him busy.
Still in half guard, Kulkunen seems content to control.
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!
Poli tries to roll over but Kulkunen keeps him under control.
Kulkunen is taking a breather. Poli says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Poli manages to get to full guard.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Poli working for a triangle but Kulkunen defends it easily.
Kulkunen controlling from the top position.
Kulkunen wants to control from the top but Poli keeps moving.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Veikko Kulkunen just wasn't active enough.
Kulkunen goes for a double leg but Poli avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the ropes as Poli continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Veikko Kulkunen. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Poli tries to pull guard but Kulkunen holds him up against the ropes and eventually Poli drops back down to his feet.

Poli pulls guard.

Poli is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Kulkunen defends well.

Poli looking for a guillotine here but Kulkunen defends easily.
Poli being controlled here, momentarily.

Poli has an active guard here but Kulkunen has managed to pass into half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Poli has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kulkunen is working away from the top position though.
Still in half guard, Kulkunen seems content to control.
Kulkunen is looking to take a break and control but Poli is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Veikko Kulkunen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kulkunen is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Poli is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Veikko Kulkunen just wasn't active enough.
Poli shoots for a takedown but Kulkunen saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Poli with a lazy takedown attempt

and Kulkunen counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen prevents Poli from improving his position.
Kulkunen is trying to control. Poli wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Poli wants to improve his position but Kulkunen is controlling well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Still in half guard, Kulkunen seems content to control.
Poli is positioning himself well to prevent Kulkunen advancing to mount.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Poli is pressing down on Kulkunen's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Kulkunen preventing the sweep.
Kulkunen content to stall in guard here.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Poli keeping moving, preventing Kulkunen from controlling successfully.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

We're going to have a standup here because Veikko Kulkunen wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Kulkunen darts in looking for a takedown but Poli gets double underhooks and turns Kulkunen into the ropes.
Poli fails to pull guard.
Kulkunen blocks a body shot from Poli.
Poli fails to pull guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Poli gets control of Kulkunen's arms and successfully pulls guard. Poli will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Poli is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Veikko Kulkunen dominated that second round.
That's time! Kulkunen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Poli defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kulkunen.

Kulkunen drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Kulkunen trying to control the position from guard on top but Poli is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Poli is trying to keep Kulkunen in close.
Kulkunen advances to half guard.

Kulkunen is working for a submission of some sort.
Kulkunen moves into full mount! Poli won't be happy about that!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kulkunen is going oldschool here, as he tries to force Poli to tap using a forearm choke. This isn't 1993 though, so Poli shrugs it off.
Poli is looking to get to half guard.
Poli is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
Poli regains half guard.
Poli is trying to get back to full guard.
Poli wants to control but Kulkunen is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kulkunen is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Poli is defending against the submission attempts here by Kulkunen.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kulkunen is controlling the pace.

Poli looking for submissions off his back.
Poli trying to control here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Poli manages to get to full guard.
Poli working a defensive guard here.
Kulkunen trying to control the position from guard on top but Poli is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Poli is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kulkunen is aware though and is defending well.
Poli keeping moving, preventing Kulkunen from controlling successfully.

Poli throws his legs up looking for a submission but Kulkunen uses it to pass to side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Poli's shoulder. That is not cool.
Poli is not content to let Kulkunen control the position.
Poli tries to improve position but can't.
Poli is not content to let Kulkunen control the position.

Kulkunen tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Poli trying to remain calm as Kulkunen controls from the top position.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Poli is trying to get back to half guard.
Kulkunen advances to full mount.
Kulkunen trying to control but Poli is having none of it.
Poli is looking to improve his position but Kulkunen isn't that keen on the idea.
Kulkunen controlling the pace for now.
Poli tries to reverse the position but Kulkunen maintains control.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen tries to control but Poli wriggling away.
Kulkunen tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

Kulkunen moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Poli has worked his arm free - good work by Poli!
Kulkunen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Poli keeps working.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Poli is looking for a sweep.
Kulkunen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Poli keeps working.

Kulkunen looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Poli is looking to reverse the position.
Kulkunen working away.
Kulkunen wants to control but Poli is keeping him busy.
Poli tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kulkunen wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Kulkunen tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kulkunen wants to lay and pray for a moment but Poli keeps working.
Poli tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kulkunen wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Kulkunen wants to control but Poli is keeping him busy.
Poli is looking to reverse the position.
Poli is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Kulkunen's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Kulkunen is looking to stall here but Poli recovers full guard.
Kulkunen looking to pass the guard.

Poli working for a triangle but Kulkunen defends it easily.

Poli is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kulkunen sitting in guard here, content to control.
Kulkunen trying to control but Poli is working from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
Veikko Kulkunen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kulkunen, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 Colin Fotheringham scores the fight for Veikko Kulkunen!
Judge James Atkins scores the fight for Veikko Kulkunen!
Judge James Glass scores the fight for Veikko Kulkunen!

Veikko Kulkunen wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Anton Walter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lamour Ferdinand (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Anton Walter had real problems making weight for this fight. After initially coming in at 156.8lbs, he had two hours to make the official fight weight. He made it but it will have taken a lot out of him to cut those extra few pounds. 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 Lamour Ferdinand was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Walter
vs
Ferdinand

177 cm
34
171 lbs
14 - 21 - 3

180 cm
28
166 lbs
0 - 5 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Fast

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 21 - 3, fighting out of London, Anton Walter!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 5 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Lamour Ferdinand!
The judges for this bout are William Gold, Richard Clark and Sam Margolis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ferdinand scores with a takedown into Walter's guard.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Ferdinand wants to pass the guard but Walter is keeping the position.
Walter has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Ferdinand being controlled here momentarily.
Walter keeping full guard, as Ferdinand tries to pass.
Ferdinand trying to control but Walter is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Lamour Ferdinand.
Walter shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Ferdinand defends it nicely.
Walter is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ferdinand sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Walter fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ferdinand avoids it really well and circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anton Walter. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Walter tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ferdinand swivels and escapes.
Ferdinand changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Walter tries to avoid it but Ferdinand manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Walter to the ground. Walter escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Walter darts in looking for a takedown but Ferdinand gets double underhooks and turns Walter into the ropes.
Walter tries for a takedown but Ferdinand manages to get underhooks.
Walter prevents a takedown attempt there.

Ferdinand gets control of Walter's arms and successfully pulls guard. Ferdinand will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Walter seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.

Ferdinand looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Walter trying to control but Ferdinand is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Walter trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Walter is working hard here to advance position.
Walter trying to control but Ferdinand is working from the bottom.
Ferdinand not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Walter wants to control from the top but Ferdinand keeps moving.

We're going to have a standup here because Anton Walter wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Walter dives in for a single leg takedown but Ferdinand sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the ropes.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Ferdinand has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Walter clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.

Ferdinand looking for the RNC.

Ferdinand patiently working for the choke. Which fighter will keep their nerve here?

Walter fending off the submission attempt from Ferdinand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Walter's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Ferdinand doesn't have the hooks in and Walter manages to turn into his guard.

Ferdinand looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Ferdinand bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Walter's guard.
Ferdinand trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Walter seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Walter is trying to control the position but Ferdinand postures up.
Walter looking to hit a scissor sweep but Ferdinand is one step ahead there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Ferdinand advances position into side control!

Ferdinand wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Walter, who protects the arm well.
You can see the frustration on Walter's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.

Ferdinand wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Walter, who protects the arm well.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Walter is trying to get back to half guard.
Ferdinand is looking to take a break and control but Walter is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Walter gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Ferdinand wants to pass to mount but Walter is defending the position.

Ferdinand seems to be working for a kimura but Walter defends the submission attempt.

Ferdinand is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Ferdinand trying to control from half guard but Walter is working away.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Walter manages to get to full guard.
Walter wants to sweep but no luck.
Walter is trying to control the position but Ferdinand postures up.
Walter looking for a sweep. Not yet Walter, not yet.
Ferdinand trying to control but Walter is working from the bottom.
Walter is trying to keep Ferdinand in close.
Ferdinand trying to control the position from guard on top but Walter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Anton Walter wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Ferdinand fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Walter avoids it really well and circles away.
Walter shoots in for a double leg but Ferdinand sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Ferdinand shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Walter pinned against the ropes. Walter gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Ferdinand fails to land the takedown.
Walter looks for a takedown but Ferdinand sprawls well.

Walter fakes a strike and closes the distance, dragging Ferdinand to the ground. Walter is now in Ferdinand's guard.
Ferdinand manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Walter wants to hold on but Ferdinand pushes him away.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Walter 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.

Ferdinand is working for a kimura but Walter is defending it quite comfortably.
Walter wants to get back to full guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Ferdinand is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Walter defends it well.

Ferdinand is working for a submission of some sort.

Ferdinand is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Walter doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Ferdinand.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.

Ferdinand is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Walter is trying to maintain the position but Ferdinand is very close to passing his half guard.
Ferdinand is keen to just control but Walter is a slippery customer.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Walter is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ferdinand wants to take a breather but Walter is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Lamour Ferdinand dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Ferdinand looks for a takedown but Walter sprawls well.
Anton Walter is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Ferdinand shoots in and gets a takedown into Walter's guard.
Ferdinand advances position into side control!
Walter can't do much from the bottom here.

Ferdinand looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Ferdinand is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Walter has escaped the position, nice work there.
Ferdinand wants to lay and pray for a moment but Walter keeps working.
Ferdinand is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Walter sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Ferdinand is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Walter has managed to free his arm - good work.
Walter slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Walter looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ferdinand stands and throws Walter's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Walter is trying to improve his position.

Ferdinand is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Walter is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
Walter wants to control but Ferdinand postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Walter is not content to let Ferdinand control the position.
Walter is trying to improve his position.

Ferdinand tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Walter is trying to get back to his feet.

Ferdinand looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Walter is looking to reverse the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ferdinand trying to control the position but Walter is working away.
Walter is trying to improve his position.

Ferdinand tries for a kimura but Walter is defending well.
Walter sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Walter is trying to stand back up but Ferdinand is controlling him
Walter is trying to maintain the position but Ferdinand is very close to passing his half guard.
Walter is trying to stand up here but Ferdinand is controlling him well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Ferdinand is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Walter defends it well.
Walter is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Walter trying to hold on to Ferdinand's head to control him but Ferdinand postures up.
Walter is not content to let Ferdinand control the position.

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

Ferdinand is looking for a kimura but Walter is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Ferdinand to get the leverage.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Ferdinand trying to control the action but Walter is working from the bottom.
Walter is pressing down on Ferdinand's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Ferdinand passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Walter tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Ferdinand tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Ferdinand wants to control but Walter is keeping him busy.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Walter is looking to regain half guard here but Ferdinand keeps moving and retains side control.
Walter is trying to control Ferdinand's posture but Ferdinand avoids it.

Ferdinand is trying to get an arm triangle but Walter is defending well.
Walter sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Walter is looking to control Ferdinand's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Walter avoid being mounted?
Ferdinand wants to free his trapped foot but Walter is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Ferdinand stops Walter from getting back to his feet.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

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

Ferdinand is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Walter makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Walter.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Walter is on top in guard.
Ferdinand looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Ferdinand is looking for a triangle but Walter pushes his legs off easily.
Walter has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Walter is posturing up here but Ferdinand has hold of an arm and he's gone for an armbar! Walter tries to roll out but it's too tight and Walter has to tap! Slick submission there by Ferdinand!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 8:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Lamour Ferdinand!
Our winner, Lamour Ferdinand, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Erkki Putkilo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sisu Okunaba (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Putkilo
vs
Okunaba

191 cm
19
187 lbs
7 - 0 - 0

175 cm
22
200 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Erkki Putkilo!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, Sisu Okunaba!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Sam Margolis and Chris Edwards.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Okunaba shoots for a double leg takedown but Putkilo sprawls well. He's pushed Okunaba's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Nice takedown defense from Okunaba. No joy for Putkilo on that attempt.
Putkilo has a takedown stuffed.
Okunaba shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Putkilo defends it nicely.
Putkilo looks for a takedown but Okunaba sprawls well.
Putkilo seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erkki Putkilo. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice takedown defense from Putkilo. No joy for Okunaba on that attempt.

Okunaba scores with a takedown into Putkilo's guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Putkilo keeping moving, preventing Okunaba from controlling successfully.

Putkilo is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Putkilo is trying to control the position but Okunaba postures up.

Putkilo throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Okunaba slips nicely into half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba is trying to control. Putkilo wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Okunaba is looking to advance position but Putkilo won't allow it.

Putkilo looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Okunaba tries to pass to full mount but Putkilo defends it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
Putkilo is trying to maintain the position but Okunaba is very close to passing his half guard.
Okunaba is trying to control the action in half guard but Putkilo is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Putkilo actively working from the bottom here.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Putkilo is trying to maintain the position but Okunaba is very close to passing his half guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Okunaba stalling.
Putkilo controlling the position for now.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Sisu Okunaba wasn't active enough on the ground.
Okunaba fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Putkilo avoids it really well and circles away.

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

Putkilo throws his legs up looking for a submission but Okunaba uses it to pass to side control.
Putkilo is looking to reverse the position.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba wants to lay and pray for a moment but Putkilo keeps working.
Putkilo tries to improve position but can't.
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.
Putkilo tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Okunaba wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.

Okunaba is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Putkilo knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Putkilo is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo is trying to maintain the position but Okunaba is very close to passing his half guard.
Putkilo tries to roll over but Okunaba keeps him under control.

Putkilo looking for submissions off his back.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.

Putkilo is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Okunaba pulls his head out easily.

Okunaba is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Putkilo defends it well.

Okunaba is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Putkilo sees it coming and defends easily.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo is trying to get back to full guard.
Putkilo is trying to control but can't.
Okunaba trying to pass the guard but Putkilo defending well.
Okunaba is taking a breather. Putkilo says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

Okunaba is looking for a kimura here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sisu Okunaba dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Putkilo fails with a takedown attempt.

Putkilo looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Okunaba is pressing down on Putkilo's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Putkilo passes Okunaba's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Okunaba is not content to let Putkilo control the position.
Putkilo is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Okunaba is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Okunaba felt the need to train up his defensive grappling in the buildup to the fight. Presumably he was expecting to be in a difficult position like this, so let's see if he can get out of it.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Okunaba actively working from the bottom here.
Putkilo trying to control the action but Okunaba is working from the bottom.
Okunaba is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Okunaba keeping control of the position.
Putkilo wants to lay and pray for a moment but Okunaba keeps working.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Okunaba trying to hold on to Putkilo's head to control him but Putkilo postures up.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Erkki Putkilo wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Putkilo shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Okunaba works his way to full guard. Good work.
Putkilo wants to control from the top but Okunaba keeps moving.
Okunaba seems keen to control Putkilo's posture.
Okunaba not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Putkilo slips nicely into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Okunaba tries to get to full guard but Putkilo has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba is trying to control but can't.
Putkilo seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Okunaba does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Okunaba works his way to full guard. Good work.
Putkilo will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Okunaba is trying to hold Putkilo in close to prevent damage but Putkilo has managed to pass into half guard.
Putkilo trying to control the pace.
Putkilo trying to control from half guard but Okunaba is working away.
Putkilo is really struggling to control Okunaba but he's trying to hold on to the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Putkilo seems to be looking for submissions.
Putkilo is looking to take a break and control but Okunaba is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Still in half guard, Putkilo seems content to control.

Putkilo is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Okunaba sees it coming and defends easily.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Okunaba is refusing to be controlled, as Putkilo sits in half guard.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Erkki Putkilo just wasn't active enough.

Okunaba closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Putkilo quickly recovers to half guard.
Sisu Okunaba has got the better of the ground game so far.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Okunaba perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba wants to take a breather but Putkilo is having none of it.
Still in half guard, Okunaba seems content to control.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Sisu Okunaba wasn't active enough on the ground.
Putkilo shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Okunaba defends it nicely.
Okunaba fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Putkilo avoids it really well and circles away.
Putkilo shoots for a double leg takedown but Okunaba sprawls well. He's pushed Putkilo's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Erkki Putkilo. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba stuffs the takedown.
Okunaba shoots for a takedown but Putkilo saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Okunaba shoots in looking for a takedown but Putkilo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Okunaba's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Okunaba dives in and grabs Putkilo's left leg, looking for a takedown. Putkilo pushes down on Okunaba's head and hops out.
Okunaba is breathing heavily.
Putkilo misses with a takedown

and Okunaba counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Putkilo!
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Putkilo is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo wants to control but Okunaba postures up.

Okunaba goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Putkilo has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Okunaba but great work by Putkilo.
Okunaba wants to control but Putkilo postures up.
Putkilo in side control, just content to control the action for now.
Putkilo taking a break here but Okunaba is having none of it and regains half guard.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba is looking for a sweep. Putkilo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Putkilo controlling the action here.

Putkilo looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Okunaba tries to roll over but Putkilo keeps him under control.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo works his foot free and advances to mount.
Okunaba is trying to escape the mount.
Putkilo looking to control and managing it successfully.
Putkilo can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Okunaba is looking to escape.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Okunaba tries to hold on but Putkilo pushes him away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sisu Okunaba will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

No luck with that takedown attempt from Okunaba.
Okunaba shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Putkilo sprawls well. Putkilo wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Okunaba gets slowly back to his feet.
Okunaba misses with a takedown attempt - Putkilo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Erkki Putkilo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sisu Okunaba.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Putkilo shoots for a takedown but Okunaba saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Putkilo with a poor takedown

and Okunaba counters with a takedown into side control.
Okunaba takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Putkilo tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Okunaba controls the position from side control.
Putkilo tries to get back to half guard but can't.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba trying to control the action but Putkilo is working from the bottom.
You can see the frustration on Putkilo's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Putkilo manages to get back to half guard.
Putkilo is looking for a sweep. Okunaba is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba controlling the action here.

Sisu Okunaba has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.
Okunaba is trying hard to land a takedown here. Putkilo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Okunaba misses with a takedown attempt

so Putkilo counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Okunaba keeping moving, preventing Putkilo from controlling successfully.
Putkilo tries to free his leg and advance position but Okunaba is retaining full guard.
Putkilo trying to control but Okunaba is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Erkki Putkilo just wasn't active enough.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Putkilo.
Putkilo shoots and misses

and Okunaba counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Okunaba moves into full mount! Putkilo won't be happy about that!
Putkilo is trying to reverse the position but instead Okunaba has taken his back - oops!

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo turns into Okunaba and is now in his guard.
Putkilo trying to control the position from guard on top but Okunaba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Okunaba is adopting a defensive guard.
Okunaba is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Putkilo trying to hold on to Okunaba's head to control him but Okunaba postures up.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo wants to get back to full guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Okunaba fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Putkilo avoids it really well and circles away.
Okunaba keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Okunaba shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Putkilo defends it nicely.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.

Okunaba shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Okunaba wants to control from the top but Putkilo keeps moving.

Putkilo has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Okunaba can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Putkilo tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba looking to sit in guard and control but Putkilo gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Putkilo is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Okunaba wants to sweep here but Putkilo controlling him for the moment.
Putkilo looking to pass the guard.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba working a defensive guard here.
Putkilo trying to control but Okunaba is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Erkki Putkilo just wasn't active enough.
Putkilo tries for a takedown but Okunaba sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Putkilo shoots in and drives through. Okunaba sprawls well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Okunaba shoots in and drives through. Putkilo sprawls well.

Putkilo closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Sisu Okunaba just about did enough to take it.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Okunaba fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Okunaba displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Putkilo.
Putkilo shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Okunaba sprawls well. Okunaba wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Putkilo gets slowly back to his feet.
Putkilo stuffs the takedown.
Okunaba fails with a takedown attempt.
Erkki Putkilo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sisu Okunaba.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Putkilo stuffs the takedown.
Okunaba is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Putkilo fails with a takedown attempt.
Okunaba fails with the takedown

and Putkilo decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Okunaba's guard.
Okunaba looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Putkilo puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Putkilo prevents Okunaba from improving his position.

Putkilo is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Putkilo is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The fighters are battling for position here. Okunaba manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Okunaba looking for subs off his back but Putkilo has passed one foot through into half guard.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Okunaba is looking to improve his position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo is thwarting Okunaba's attempts to control the position.
Okunaba is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Okunaba wants to control but Putkilo is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Putkilo seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Okunaba does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Putkilo trying to pass the guard but Okunaba defending well.
Okunaba has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Putkilo is working away from the top position though.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo wants to control but Okunaba is keeping him busy.

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

Putkilo drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Putkilo tries to advance to mount but can't.
Okunaba manages to work his way to half guard, despite Putkilo's best efforts.
Okunaba is looking for a sweep. Putkilo is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Well, if Putkilo is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Okunaba trying to control here.

That's five minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba is refusing to be controlled, as Putkilo sits in half guard.

Okunaba looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Okunaba wants to improve his position but Putkilo is controlling well.
Putkilo wants to control but Okunaba is keeping him busy.
Putkilo tries to pass the half guard into mount. Okunaba knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

Okunaba actively working from the bottom here.

That's six minutes gone in the round.

Putkilo looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Okunaba is not content to let Putkilo control the position.
Putkilo stalling away here and it's allowed Okunaba to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Okunaba controls Putkilo momentarily but Putkilo frees himself.
Okunaba has Putkilo pulled in close to control his posture.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Let's hope that Okunaba 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.
Putkilo trying to control the position from guard on top but Okunaba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Erkki Putkilo has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Putkilo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Okunaba swivels and escapes.
Putkilo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Okunaba swivels and escapes.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo shoots for a takedown but Okunaba saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Putkilo throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Okunaba's waist but Okunaba gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Putkilo off to one side.
Okunaba misses with a takedown attempt

and Putkilo counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Putkilo.
Okunaba goes for a takedown in the clinch but Putkilo prevents it.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Okunaba as Putkilo tries to tie him up.
Okunaba is looking for a takedown.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba is working for takedown but Putkilo is calmly controlling the position for now.
Putkilo stops a takedown attempt from Okunaba.
Okunaba goes for a takedown attempt but Putkilo pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
No luck for Putkilo with that takedown attempt.
Okunaba misses with a takedown attempt - Putkilo sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Putkilo shoots in and drives through. Okunaba sprawls well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Erkki Putkilo had his way with Sisu Okunaba in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Okunaba fails to land the takedown.
Okunaba has a takedown stuffed.

Putkilo darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

Putkilo is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Okunaba sees it coming and defends easily.
Okunaba trying to control here.
Okunaba is trying to get back to full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Putkilo wants to pass the guard but Okunaba is defending well.
Putkilo wants to take a breather but Okunaba is having none of it.
Putkilo sitting and controlling from the half guard.

Putkilo is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Okunaba is just riding it out for now. Putkilo eventually gives up the hold.
Putkilo is taking a breather. Okunaba says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba is trying to get back to full guard.
Okunaba is trying to control but can't.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Putkilo is defended easily by Okunaba.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Okunaba.
Erkki Putkilo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sisu Okunaba.

Putkilo shoots in and gets a takedown into Okunaba's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo trying to control but Okunaba is working from the bottom.
Putkilo is fighting to break Okunaba's control of his arms but Okunaba is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Okunaba looking to hit a scissor sweep but Putkilo is one step ahead there.
Okunaba is trying to control the position from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Sisu Okunaba was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Putkilo stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Putkilo wants it to stay on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Okunaba fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Okunaba is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Putkilo shoots in but Okunaba avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Okunaba shoots in looking for a takedown but Putkilo manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Okunaba's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Putkilo shoots in looking for a takedown. Okunaba tries to sprawl out of it but Putkilo keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Okunaba manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Erkki Putkilo is winning the standup battle so far.

That's five minutes gone in the round.

Okunaba gets a takedown into half guard.
Putkilo trying to control here.

Putkilo looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's six minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo is trying to control but Okunaba manages to pass to mount!
Okunaba controlling his opponent.
Okunaba is stalling here but it's allowed Putkilo to get half guard.

That's seven minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Putkilo trying to control but Okunaba postures up.
Okunaba is trying to advance to mount but he's lost his balance and Putkilo reverses the position - he's now on top in Okunaba's guard.
Putkilo trying to control the position from guard on top but Okunaba is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's eight minutes gone in the round.
Putkilo stays in close to Okunaba's body and controls the position.
Okunaba wants to sweep but no luck.
Okunaba trying to control the position here.
Putkilo wants to control from the top but Okunaba keeps moving.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Okunaba closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Putkilo did well to prevent Okunaba getting side control.
Putkilo is looking for a sweep. Okunaba is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's nine minutes gone in the round.
Okunaba stalling away here and it's allowed Putkilo to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Okunaba is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Okunaba looking to sit in guard and control but Putkilo gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Okunaba keeping moving, preventing Putkilo from controlling successfully.
Putkilo looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Sisu Okunaba.
I think Okunaba has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight as a draw!
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight for Sisu Okunaba!
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Sisu Okunaba!

Sisu Okunaba wins by majority decision!
Sisu Okunaba is the new middleweight champion!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

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