SPI: Helsinki - 6 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between James Burns (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Gennady Maksimushkin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Burns
vs
Maksimushkin

200 cm
25
258 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

210 cm
23
260 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good elbows
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, James Burns!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Gennady Maksimushkin!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Roosa Järviläinen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Burns shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Burns showed some decent athleticism there.
Burns is looking to take a break and control but Maksimushkin is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Burns prevents Maksimushkin from standing back up.
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.
Burns wants to lay and pray for a moment but Maksimushkin keeps working.
Maksimushkin wants to control but Burns is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Maksimushkin controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Burns trying to control from half guard but Maksimushkin is working away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Maksimushkin is trying to stand up here but Burns is controlling him well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

Maksimushkin tries to sprawl but Burns drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Burns sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Maksimushkin defending well though.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Maksimushkin can do anything to dispel that myth.
Maksimushkin pushes Burns off looking to stand but Burns dives back in and keeps control.
Maksimushkin keeping hold of Burns's head, controlling as best he can.
Burns not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Maksimushkin wants to control but Burns is keeping busy.

Burns seems to be working for a kimura but Maksimushkin defends the submission attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maksimushkin trying to control here.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Maksimushkin tries to kick Burns off but Burns keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Maksimushkin shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Burns as he jumps to the side.

Maksimushkin clinches up against the ropes.

Burns decides to pull guard.
Maksimushkin trying to control the position from guard on top but Burns is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maksimushkin 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.

Burns working for a triangle but Maksimushkin defends it easily.

Burns working for a triangle but Maksimushkin defends it easily.
Burns is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Maksimushkin controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Maksimushkin trying to control the position from guard on top but Burns is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Maksimushkin gets tackled into the ropes by Burns. Burns maintains the clinch.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Burns scores with a knee to the head.
A head punch on the inside from Burns fails to land.

Maksimushkin is fighting off a takedown attempt but Burns is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Maksimushkin to the mat. Maksimushkin regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Maksimushkin circles away from the clinch attempt.

Burns gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Burns misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Burns fails to land.
Burns blocks a body shot from Maksimushkin.

Maksimushkin pulls guard.
Maksimushkin keeping moving, preventing Burns from controlling successfully.
Maksimushkin has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
James Burns overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Burns is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maksimushkin keeping full guard, as Burns tries to pass.
Burns controls from within his opponent's guard.

Burns gets to his feet - Maksimushkin follows without any prompting.

Burns changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Maksimushkin looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Maksimushkin can't do much from the bottom here.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Burns tries to move to mount but Maksimushkin blocks the move with his legs.
Maksimushkin is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Burns off and has taken his back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maksimushkin scores with punches to the body.

Maksimushkin working for the choke.
Maksimushkin is controlling the position but Burns somehow manages to roll and ends up with half guard.
Burns is trying to stand up here but Maksimushkin is controlling him well.
Maksimushkin is taking a breather. Burns 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.
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!
Maksimushkin lands with a punch from half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maksimushkin is thwarting Burns's attempts to control the position.
Burns regains full guard. Nicely done.
Maksimushkin wants to stand but Burns is controlling his posture from full guard.
Maksimushkin prevents Burns from getting back to his feet.
Maksimushkin would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Maksimushkin trying to control the position from guard on top but Burns is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Maksimushkin gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Burns is looking to clinch.
Burns tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Burns takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

It looks like James Burns has been cut.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Maksimushkin keeps the fight on the outside.

Burns closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Burns not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Burns dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on James Burns's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!

Maksimushkin tries a head kick but it misses.
Nice sprawl there from Burns as Maksimushkin shoots in.
Burns closes the distance but Maksimushkin moves to the side
and Maksimushkin counters with a series of strikes. Burns will be more careful next time no doubt.
Maksimushkin fails with a takedown attempt.
Maksimushkin closes the distance and clinches up with Burns, looking for a takedown. Maksimushkin pushes Burns against the ropes but Burns circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
James Burns has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Gennady Maksimushkin.

Burns gets a double leg takedown into Maksimushkin's guard.
Burns is working Maksimushkin over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Burns in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Maksimushkin keeping moving, preventing Burns from controlling successfully.
Maksimushkin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maksimushkin is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Burns throws an elbow that misses. Maksimushkin uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Burns's guard. Nice move by Maksimushkin!

Maksimushkin wants to control from the top but Burns keeps moving.
Maksimushkin prevents Burns from getting back to his feet.
Burns trying to keep a closed guard but Maksimushkin is proving a slippery customer.

Burns looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Burns working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Maksimushkin.
Burns wants to stand up but Maksimushkin is controlling him.
Burns not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Burns is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Maksimushkin can do to turn this around?
Burns stuffs the takedown.

Burns has managed to clinch.

Burns successfully pulls guard.

Burns has his foot on Maksimushkin's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Maksimushkin works his way back into a safe position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burns controls Maksimushkin momentarily but Maksimushkin frees himself.
Burns wants to stand but Maksimushkin is controlling the position.
Maksimushkin's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Maksimushkin looking to pass the guard.
Maksimushkin controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Maksimushkin shoots in for a takedown but Burns shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Burns tries to counter with a takedown but Maksimushkin is quick to defend against it.
Maksimushkin throws a right hand that Burns ducks under and follows up with a left that Burns also avoids with ease.

Burns closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Burns winds up and cracks Maksimushkin with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Burns wants to take a breather but Maksimushkin is having none of it.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Maksimushkin is trying to stand.
Maksimushkin trying to hold on to Burns's head to control him but Burns postures up.
Gennady Maksimushkin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
James Burns is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Maksimushkin misses with some strikes from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Burns showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Burns, 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Burns!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
28%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Fabian Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Cavin Rack (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gracie comes to the ring accompanied by Ennio Morricone - Rabbia E Tarantella. Cavin Rack acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the ring.

Gracie
vs
Rack

186 cm
18
215 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

189 cm
23
195 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
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 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Fabian Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Cavin Rack!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Gracie circles away from the clinch attempt.
As Rack looks to move away, Gracie throws a big counter combo bu Rack just gets out of the way.
Gracie feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Racks jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Rack misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rack takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Cavin Rack seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A nice inside leg kick there by Gracie. That's going to slow Rack down.
Gracie avoids the head kick by Rack.
Gracie went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Rack looks for a takedown but Gracie sprawls well.
Gracie half committed to a counter leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rack is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Gracie takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rack tries for a takedown but Gracie circles away easily
and Gracie counters with a good low kick that Rack was not able to check.
A jab from Gracie finds it's way through Rack's defenses.
Rack shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
letting Gracie counter with a right hand.

Rack is rocked!
Fabian Gracie has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Cavin Rack.
Rack closes the distance and clinches up with Gracie, looking for a takedown. Rack pushes Gracie against the ropes but Gracie circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rack misses with a takedown
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Rack looks winded!
Rack shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Gracie counters with a monster hook and another for good measure! Rack falls to the ground, out cold! Stick some heavy metal music over the top of that clip and it's one for the highlight makers!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:52 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Strikes). Fabian Gracie!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Zeke Rivers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mark Hunt (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rivers comes to the ring accompanied by Suffa by Hed Pe. Hunt has chosen MMA Entrance Theme - Mark Hunt as his entrance music. Zeke Rivers looks tired to me. Hopefully he has got enough gas left in the tank to put in a good performance.

Rivers
vs
Hunt

191 cm
23
255 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

178 cm
22
265 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Intelligent

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zeke Rivers!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Mark Hunt !
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Good leg kick by Hunt there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Rivers changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Hunt tries to avoid it but Rivers manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Hunt to the ground. Hunt escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rivers misses with the combination.
Rivers throws a series of punches but Hunt moves out of range.

Rivers has closed the distance and engaged Hunt in a clinch.
Hunt working hard to break the clinch.
Rivers is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Rivers is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Hunt is defending well for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hunt wants to get back to striking at distance but Rivers won't allow it.
Hunt is trying to break free.
Hunt tries to circle away but Rivers has him pinned against the ropes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hunt is trying to break the clinch but Rivers is controlling him.

Hunt breaks from the clinch.
Hunt slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Zeke Rivers seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Hunt pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Rivers swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Hunt tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rivers throws a big counter combination but Hunt scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.

Oh, that's a big right hand from Hunt and Rivers goes tumbling to the canvas! Hunt follows him to the ground and looks to finish from half guard.

Rivers is rocked!
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!
Hunt is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Oh Rivers is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Hunt is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Rivers is looking to get back to is feet but Hunt passes into side control.

Hunt stands up.
Hunt checks a leg kick nicely.
Hunt flicks out a counter leg kick but Rivers steps away.
Hunt connects with a jab, followed by a picture perfect straight right that sends Rivers to the canvas, out cold! What a finish by Hunt !

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Mark Hunt !
Mark Hunt bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Marat Gafurov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bogdan Trojan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gafurov comes to the ring accompanied by Queen – I Want To Break Free. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Gafurov
vs
Trojan

175 cm
24
154 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

165 cm
25
164 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

GREEN!160

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 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Marat Gafurov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bogdan Trojan!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Arvi Lind and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Trojan misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Trojan has Gafurov up against the ropes in a clinch.
Gafurov lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Gafurov definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Trojan blocks an uppercut.
The referee is keeping an eye on Gafurov - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.

Trojan breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Gafurov has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gafurov defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Trojan.
Gafurov misses with a straight left.
Trojan tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Gafurov paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Gafurov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Trojan is out of range and Gafurov settles back down.
Trojan tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gafurov swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trojan wants to clinch.
Horrible takedown attempt by Trojan or perhaps it was just good defense by Gafurov, which made it look bad.
Marat Gafurov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bogdan Trojan.

Trojan clinches.
Gafurov is pressed up against the ropes. Trojan has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Gafurov down to the mat. Gafurov avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Trojan has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Gafurov is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Trojan fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Gafurov pivots, looking for a leg kick but Trojan is out of range and Gafurov settles back down.
Trojan misses with a two punch combination.
Trojan tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gafurov swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gafurov feinted with a counter takedown.
Trojan shoots in looking for a takedown. Gafurov tries to sprawl out of it but Trojan keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the ropes. Gafurov manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov with a nice cross.
Trojan tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Gafurov paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Trojan looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Gafurov gets full guard.
Gafurov keeping moving, preventing Trojan from controlling successfully.
Trojan with a flurry of punches that miss.
Trojan preventing the sweep.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Gafurov keeping full guard, as Trojan tries to pass.
Gafurov has his hands on Trojan's head, controlling the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Trojan forces his way into half guard.
Gafurov moves into full guard.
Gafurov working a defensive guard here.
Gafurov manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Trojan manages to get himself to full guard.

Gafurov with a flurry of punches that miss.
Gafurov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov won't allow Trojan to sweep him here.
Gafurov throwing strikes from guard but Trojan blocks nicely.
Gafurov passes into half guard.
Trojan wants to control but Gafurov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Gafurov passes to full mount!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Gafurov working for a submission but Trojan is keeping him at bay.

Gafurov has control of Trojan's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Trojan regains control of the situation pretty easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marat Gafurov dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Trojan tries to clinch but Gafurov moves out of range.
Trojan tries to clinch up against the ropes, rushing in to close the distance. Gafurov manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Gafurov is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Trojan can do to turn this around?
Trojan shoots for a takedown but Gafurov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Gafurov attempts a counter takedown but Trojan avoids it well and moves away.
Gafurov throws a leg kick but Trojan sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Trojan looks for a takedown but Gafurov sprawls well.
Trojan fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Marat Gafurov has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Bogdan Trojan.
Gafurov loads up on a big right hand but Trojan slips the punch.
Trojan throws a big shot that misses.
Gafurov half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Trojan closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.

Trojan has hold of one of Gafurov's legs. Gafurov is fighting the takedown attempt but Trojan gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Gafurov looking for a sweep. Not yet Gafurov, not yet.

Gafurov working for a triangle but Trojan defends it easily.
Gafurov keeping full guard, as Trojan tries to pass.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gafurov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gafurov is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Trojan is refusing to be controlled, as Gafurov sits in half guard.
Trojan is in trouble now - Gafurov has advanced to mount!
Trojan avoids a series of strikes thrown by Gafurov.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov thowing strikes but they're hitting the gloves, not doing any damage.
Trojan tries to hold on but Gafurov postures up.
Trojan is trying to escape the mount.
Gafurov content just to control the position here.
Gafurov wants to control the pace but Trojan is squirming around nicely.
Gafurov looking to finish Trojan with some ground and pound. This is bad for Trojan!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov avoids the attempt from Trojan to control.
Gafurov sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Trojan is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Trojan is squirming around, avoiding Gafurov's attempts to control the action.

Gafurov goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Trojan turns into him and now he's in Gafurov's guard.
Gafurov lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Trojan avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Marat Gafurov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Trojan not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Gafurov trying to control but Trojan is working from the bottom.
Gafurov works a leg free and moves into half guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gafurov works his way into full mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marat Gafurov dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Trojan tries to clinch up but Gafurov circles away and keeps his distance.
Gafurov looks for a takedown but Trojan sprawls well.
And Trojan tries to counter it with a takedown but Gafurov pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Trojan wants to clinch up but Gafurov keeps it at a distance.
Gafurov throws a body shot but no joy.
Trojan with the counter takedown but Gafurov avoids it easily.
Gafurov walks into a straight right hand from Trojan.
Marat Gafurov is winning the standup battle so far.
Trojan looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Gafurov tries to counter with a takedown but Trojan is quick to defend against it.
Trojan closes the distance looking to clinch

and Gafurov counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Trojan!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gafurov misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Trojan struggling a bit here.
Trojan is looking for a sweep.
Trojan takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Trojan takes a big shot right to the temple there but he's taken it well.
Gafurov tries to score with some ground and pound. Trojan controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Trojan is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Gafurov is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Gafurov looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Gafurov wants to control the pace but Trojan is squirming around nicely.
Gafurov has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Gafurov looking to control and managing it successfully.
Gafurov dominating with strikes here.
Gafurov throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Trojan because Gafurov loaded up on that one.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov controlling his opponent.

Gafurov has control of Trojan's right arm, working for a kimura. It's a bit of a token attempt though and Trojan regains control of the situation pretty easily.
Gafurov sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Gafurov looking to control but Trojan is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

Gafurov is working for a guillotine from mount but Trojan frees his head quite easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov throwing strikes here but Trojan is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Bogdan Trojan has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Trojan is squirming around, avoiding Gafurov's attempts to control the action.
Gafurov throwing strikes but Trojan bucks up and reverses the position. He's now in guard on top.
Marat Gafurov is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Gafurov wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Trojan looking to pass the guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gafurov can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Trojan controls the pace.
Gafurov not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Trojan looking to sit in guard and control but Gafurov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Trojan throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Gafurov escapes and throws Trojan's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Gafurov happy to just control the position for now.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gafurov seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Trojan for as long as he can get away with.

And that's the end of the fight!
Marat Gafurov showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Gafurov, 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 Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Marat Gafurov!
Marat Gafurov managed to slip a mention for his sponsors, GREEN!160, into his post fight interview.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Liam Wilkins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ace Stylez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Stylez has chosen Ace Of Spades as his entrance music. Ace Stylez has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Wilkins
vs
Stylez

197 cm
25
225 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

191 cm
25
223 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Liam Wilkins!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Ace Stylez!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Stylez shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Wilkins eats them both and turns towards Stylez to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Stylez tries a head kick but it misses.
Wilkins half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - Stylez scores with a four punch combination!
Stylez throws a right and a left that both miss.
Stylez throws a front kick aimed at Wilkins's knee but Wilkins avoids it well.
No luck for Stylez with that takedown attempt.
Stylez misses with a takedown attempt - Wilkins sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Stylez closes the distance and clinches up with Wilkins, looking for a takedown. Stylez pushes Wilkins against the ropes but Wilkins circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Liam Wilkins has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ace Stylez.
Stylez tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Wilkins counters with a takedown into side control.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Wilkins has an Americana. Stylez didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Wilkins is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Wilkins hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Liam Wilkins!
Ace Stylez spoke after the fight, saying 'I'm sorry fans I have no excuses I tried my best the only thing I can do is train harder and take your fans support'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
90%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ted Zanik (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vasily Demchenkov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Zanik might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Walk this way. Ted Zanik has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Zanik
vs
Demchenkov

220 cm
25
223 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

176 cm
25
237 lbs
2 - 0 - 1

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Likes musicals

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ted Zanik!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Vasily Demchenkov!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Demchenkov drives through and clinches with Zanik against the ropes.
Zanik misses with the head strike.
Demchenkov drops down looking for an ankle pick but Zanik pulls his leg out and moves away.
Demchenkov stuffs the takedown attempt from Zanik. Zanik gets slowly back to his feet.
Zanik misses with a body shot.

Demchenkov takes the fight into the clinch.
Zanik prevents the takedown attempt.
Zanik gets underhooks to prevent Demchenkov's takedown attempt.
Ted Zanik has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Vasily Demchenkov.
Zanik goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Demchenkov tightens his grip and picks Zanik up, before dumping him to the ground. Zanik manages to land in guard.
Demchenkov throwing strikes from guard but Zanik blocks nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zanik not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Demchenkov's corner is telling him to maintain position.

Zanik escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Demchenkov gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Demchenkov lands a couple of elbows.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demchenkov with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.

Zanik throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Demchenkov escapes and throws Zanik's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Zanik parries the strikes from Demchenkov easily there. Demchenkov is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Zanik to escape.
Zanik is trying to control Demchenkov's posture but Demchenkov avoids it.
Zanik really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Check out the look on Demchenkov's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Demchenkov cracks Zanik with a big right hand but Zanik just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Demchenkov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Zanik. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Zanik is looking for a sweep.
Demchenkov grinds an elbow into Zanik's temple.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Zanik's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Demchenkov looks up at the clock and then as Zanik takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Demchenkov smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Demchenkov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Demchenkov is chipping away with strikes.
Demchenkov wants to control but Zanik is keeping him busy.
Zanik is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Demchenkov wants to control but Zanik is keeping him busy.
Zanik struggling a bit here.
Demchenkov looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Zanik taking punishment in the form of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Demchenkov cracks Zanik with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Demchenkov scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Zanik to see if he's OK.
Zanik tries to improve position but can't.
Zanik is trying to control Demchenkov's posture but Demchenkov avoids it.
Zanik is looking for a sweep.
Demchenkov looks up at the clock and then as Zanik takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Demchenkov smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
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.
Zanik is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Zanik is looking for a sweep.
Demchenkov is looking to take a break and control but Zanik is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Demchenkov scores with punches from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Demchenkov in side control lands a decent elbow.
Zanik is working to avoid the ground and pound but Demchenkov connects with a decent elbow.
Zanik is not content to let Demchenkov control the position.
Zanik on the wrong end of some ground and pound.

Zanik is rocked!
Demchenkov trying to control the action but Zanik is working from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Demchenkov working away.
Demchenkov creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vasily Demchenkov dominated that round.
That's time! Zanik's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Demchenkov shoots in and bounces Zanik off the ropes to secure the takedown into guard.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Demchenkov working some strikes from top position.
Oh Zanik is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Demchenkov 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.
Zanik seems to have got his legs back now.
Zanik has momentary wrist control but Demchenkov slips an elbow through the middle.
Demchenkov wants to control from the top but Zanik keeps moving.

Zanik is looking for a triangle but Demchenkov pushes his legs off easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Demchenkov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Demchenkov throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Demchenkov works over Zanik with some ground and pound from guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Demchenkov keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Zanik's head.
Demchenkov throws a big elbow that misses.
Demchenkov controlling from the top position.
Demchenkov is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Demchenkov stands up over Zanik, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Demchenkov distracts Zanik with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Demchenkov content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.

Zanik has his feet on Demchenkov's thighs here. He's pushed Demchenkov off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Demchenkov screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:57 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Ted Zanik!
Jumping up and down and very excited, Ted Zanik waved his t-shirt featuring FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)'s logo in front of the cameras.

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 lightweight MMA rules bout between James Highfield (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Wick (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). James Highfield is staring across the ring at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Highfield
vs
Wick

173 cm
25
155 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

175 cm
25
145 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

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 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, James Highfield!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, John Wick!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Roosa Järviläinen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Highfield looks to score with a jab to the body but Wick is just out of range.
Wick lands with an uppercut that bounces Highfield off the ropes and back into range.
Highfield misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Danga de danga de dang - Wick scores with a four punch combination!

It looks like James Highfield has been cut.
Highfield throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Highfield lands with a nice combination. Wick backs away looking to recover.
Highfield misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Highfield ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wick moves away.
Wick tries to clinch but Highfield moves out of range.
Highfield scores with a jab to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Highfield's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Highfield duly obliges.
Highfield listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Highfield avoids the head kick by Wick.
The fighters circling - Highfield throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Wick tries to bum rush Highfield with a series of wild strikes but Highfield uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Wick staying out of range there.
Highfield scores with a one two! Wick had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Wick takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Highfield scores with a push kick.
Wick throws a head kick that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wick pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Highfield back to the ropes. Wick follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Highfield misses with a looping right.
Wick throws a head kick but Highfield moves out of range.
Wick wants to slow Highfield down by chopping away at his legs.
A cross from Highfield lands.
Wick scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Highfield swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Highfield ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wick moves away.
Wick on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Wick tries to clinch but Highfield moves away
and Highfield counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Wick fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Wick blocks a leg kick.
Highfield misses with the combination.
Highfield swinging wildly here.
Highfield scores with a decent looking hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Some wild striking there from Highfield.
Highfield swinging wildly here.
Wick is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Wick looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
A punch combination from Highfield misses.
Wick misses with a takedown attempt - Highfield sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Highfield takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Danga de danga de dang - Wick scores with a four punch combination!
Wick misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
A right-left combo lands from Wick.

Highfield is rocked!
Wick moves away from the strike by Highfield.
Oh Highfield is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Highfield misses with a hook.
Highfield seems to have got his legs back now.
Wick tries to close the distance and clinch up against the ropes but Highfield paws at him with a jab and circles away.
As Wick backs away, Highfield returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Highfield misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Highfield misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Highfield throws a body punch but Wick moves out of range.
Highfield lands a jab.
Highfield stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Wick misses with the combination.
A telegraphed right hand from Wick misses the target.
Wick throws a head kick that misses.
Wick takes one to the chin there.
Highfield takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Wick is working the combinations to good effect here.
Highfield misses with a series of wild punches.
Highfield is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Wick misses with a double jab.
Highfield paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Highfield lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Wick fails in his attempt to clinch.
Highfield avoids a punch combination nicely.
Wick takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
James Highfield is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wick lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Highfield circles away quickly and effectively.
Wick checks a leg kick.
Highfield throws a lazy right hand but Wick sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Highfield gets tackled into the ropes by Wick. Wick maintains the clinch.

Highfield escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Highfield scores with a decent looking hook.
Wick uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Highfield.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Wick fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Highfield will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Wick tries to counter with a clinch but Highfield shakes him off and moves away.
Highfield pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
And Wick tries to counter it with a takedown but Highfield pushes his down on his head and steps out.

Highfield gets tackled into the ropes by Wick. Wick maintains the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Highfield dominated that round.
The cut man is working on James Highfield'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.

Wick looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Highfield slips a jab and a cross from Wick.
Highfield misses with a straight left.
Wick is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Wick tries to close the distance and clinch but Highfield swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Highfield throws a lazy right hand but Wick sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Highfield tries to bum rush Wick with a series of wild strikes but Wick uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Wick uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Highfield.
Highfield throws a nice looking combination but Wick bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Wick keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Highfield.
Wick swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
James Highfield is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Highfield takes a swing at Wick's ribcage but misses.
Wick throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Wick throws a sloppy head kick and Highfield moves out of range easily.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Wick moves out of range as Highfield strikes.

Wick gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Highfield working hard to break the clinch.
Highfield wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Highfield breaks from the clinch.
Wick has a takedown stuffed.
Highfield shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Wick eats them both and turns towards Highfield to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Highfield misses with the combination.
A jab from Wick misses.
Wick waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Highfield.
A little feinted left hand from Highfield on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Wick moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Highfield fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Highfield is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Wick can do to turn this around?
Wick misses with a combination
and Highfield counters with a two punch combo.
Wick shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Highfield but Highfield pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Highfield misses with a body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Highfield lands a lovely overhand right.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Wick tries to bum rush Highfield with a series of wild strikes but Highfield uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Wick rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Highfield moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Wick is breathing heavily.
Highfield throws a right hand that Wick ducks under and follows up with a left that Wick also avoids with ease.
Wick with the counter takedown but Highfield avoids it easily.

Wick moves into the clinch.
Highfield looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Wick is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Highfield gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
James Highfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Wick.
Highfield is trying to break the clinch but Wick has him pressed against the ropes.
Wick has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Highfield has had enough of the clinch but Wick keeps him there for the moment.
Highfield has had enough of the clinch but Wick keeps him there for the moment.

Highfield breaks from the clinch.
Wick tries to bum rush Highfield with a series of wild strikes but Highfield uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Highfield throws a series of strikes that have Wick backpedaling.
Wick looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Wick throws a right and a left that Highfield avoids nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Highfield swinging wildly here.
A cross from Highfield lands.
Highfield scores with a sloppy right hand. Wick should have avoided that one.
Highfield cracks Wick with a good jab.
Highfield lands a nice hook to Wick's body. Wick takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Highfield misses with a few strikes there.
Wick tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Good shot there by Highfield.
Wick looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Wick throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Wick digs a good hook to Highfield's body.
Wick has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Highfield finds it's way round the side to connect with Wick's head.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wick throws a combination that misses
and Highfield connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Wick tries to clinch up but Highfield circles away and keeps his distance.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Highfield slips a jab and a cross from Wick.
A punch lands to the side of Wick 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Highfield connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Wick with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Highfield to score with a decent uppercut.
Highfield connects with a crisp jab.
Highfield works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Wick turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Highfield bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Wick's head backwards.
Highfield scores with a body shot.
Highfield swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Wick.
Wick is trying hard to land a takedown here. Highfield sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Wick takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Highfield listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Wick dodges the punch combination from Highfield.
Wick moves out of range as Highfield throws a body kick.
Wick changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

James Highfield dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on James Highfield's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Highfield ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Wick moves away.
Wick throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Left hook, right uppercut from Highfield.
Wick uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Highfield.
Highfield sets himself, and Wick steps forward looking for the clinch! Highfield avoids it this time.
Highfield misses with a looping left.
Highfield looks to land a left hand but Wick moved out of range nicely.
Wick throws a right hand that Highfield ducks under and follows up with a left that Highfield also avoids with ease.
Wick misses with a two punch combination.
Highfield throws a leg kick that misses.
Wick is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Highfield slips a jab and a cross from Wick.
Wick throws a sloppy head kick and Highfield moves out of range easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Wick moves into the clinch successfully.
Wick takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Highfield wants to get back to striking at distance but Wick won't allow it.

Highfield pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wick gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Highfield.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Highfield lands a jab to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Highfield misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Wick throws a series of punches but Highfield avoids them all with ease.
Highfield appears to be looking for a big counter.
A punch combination from Highfield misses.
Wick misses with the combination.
As Wick looks to move away, Highfield throws a big counter combo bu Wick just gets out of the way.

Wick darts in and clinches Highfield up against the ropes.
Highfield working hard to break the clinch.
Wick keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Highfield's efforts to push away.
Highfield is trying to break the clinch but Wick is controlling him.

Highfield's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Wick misses with a head kick.
As Wick looks to move away, Highfield throws a big counter combo bu Wick just gets out of the way.
Highfield misses with a jab, cross combination.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Highfield misses.
Wick is looking to clinch.
Highfield dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Wick ducks under a wild hook from Highfield.

Wick clinches.
Highfield wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Wick has him pressed against the ropes.

Wick pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Wick misses with the combination.
James Highfield is winning the standup battle so far.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Wick moves in looking to clinch but Highfield pushes him off.
A left lands for Highfield.
The fight stays on the outside here - Wick looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Wick takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Highfield misses with the combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Highfield stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Highfield wants it to stay on the feet.
Wick walks into a straight right hand from Highfield.
Wick tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Highfield missing with a left hand there. Wick was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Wick tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Highfield counters with a nice uppercut.
Wick shoots in for a takedown but Highfield shows good takedown defense.
Wick is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Highfield seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Wick takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Highfield throws a series of punches but Wick moves out of range.
Highfield lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Wick backs up against the ropes.
Highfield lands a glancing blow to the side of Wick's head.
Highfield lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Wick circles away quickly and effectively.
Wick is trying desperately to land a takedown but Highfield is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Wick.
Wick is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A punch combination from Wick misses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Wick throws a half hearted mid kick.
Wick fails with a takedown attempt.
James Highfield has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of John Wick.
Wick shoots and misses
letting Highfield counter with a right hand.
Wick drops his hands momentarily and Highfield takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A combination from Highfield does no damage.
Wick changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Wick shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Wick takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Highfield scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Highfield with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Highfield scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Highfield fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
John Wick has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
James Highfield is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Wick misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.

And that's the end of the fight!
James Highfield showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Highfield, 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... James Highfield!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
82%

Main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Henrik Danielsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ignat Grenovsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Grenovsky comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Harry Axe-Our people kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! On his way into the ring it seems that Henrik Danielsson has been attacked by a crazed fan! It looks like it might have been the just bleed guy! Luckily Henrik Danielsson seems to be OK! I thought that lunatic was in prison!?

Danielsson
vs
Grenovsky

192 cm
25
255 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

185 cm
25
270 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Henrik Danielsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ignat Grenovsky!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Tarja Halkonen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Danielsson gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Grenovsky.

Grenovsky shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Danielsson napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Danielsson is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

Grenovsky decides to stand up, so the ref orders Danielsson to his feet.
Danielsson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Danielsson shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Grenovsky steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Danielsson.

Grenovsky drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Danielsson tries to bench press Grenovsky off him but Grenovsky keeps the position.

Grenovsky has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Grenovsky misses with a series of wild punches.
Danielsson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Grenovsky's jab looks to have found its range, popping Danielsson under the eye.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grenovsky tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Danielsson was well out of range. Poor timing from Grenovsky.
Danielsson changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Ignat Grenovsky seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Danielsson looks up at the clock. Bad move! Grenovsky lands a right hand from hell, dropping Danielsson. Grenovsky pounces and finishes the fight with a flurry of punches and elbows.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:15 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Ignat Grenovsky!