QFC Tournament 531 Round 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nikita Ivanov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bic Mitchum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Ivanov
vs
Mitchum

170 cm
23
152 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

163 cm
18
130 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Nikita Ivanov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Bic Mitchum!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Illya Tyunina and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Mitchum closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Mitchum lands in his opponent's guard.
Ivanov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Mitchum slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Mitchum looking to sit in guard and control but Ivanov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

Mitchum managing to control the position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mitchum wants to stand up but Ivanov is controlling him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ivanov wants to pass the guard but Mitchum is keeping the position.
Mitchum is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Ivanov forces his way into half guard.

Ivanov 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.
Mitchum really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Ivanov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Ivanov trying to pass the guard but Mitchum defending well.

That's two 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.

Ivanov 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.
Ivanov is thwarting Mitchum's attempts to control the position.

Ivanov is working for a kimura but Mitchum is defending it quite comfortably.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ivanov seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Mitchum is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:21 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Nikita Ivanov!
A very excited looking Nikita Ivanov made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
Bic Mitchum spoke after the fight, saying 'I will not disappoint next time!'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
26%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Wingus Dingus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mati Permanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Dingus
vs
Permanen

172 cm
23
150 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

225 cm
22
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Wingus Dingus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mati Permanen!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Fedor Mirinova and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Permanen is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Dingus's half guard.
Permanen throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Dingus actively working from the bottom here.
Dingus might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Dingus is working on a guillotine. He's managed to get to full guard and he's really squeezing tight! Permanen is tapping! Great win for Dingus!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:19 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Wingus Dingus!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Alejandro Sepulveda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and L Manning Hines (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Sepulveda
vs
Manning Hines

159 cm
18
135 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

168 cm
23
151 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
KO power

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alejandro Sepulveda!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, L Manning Hines!
The judges for this bout are Igor Prikhodko, Valeri Chadov and Vladimir Khabensky.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sepulveda tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Sepulveda fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Hines sprawls well initially but Sepulveda persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Hines is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sepulveda's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sepulveda's back!
Sepulveda turns into Hines and is now in his guard.
Hines is adopting a defensive guard.
Sepulveda has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Hines is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Sepulveda defends well.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hines wants to sweep here but Sepulveda controlling him for the moment.
Sepulveda wants to get up but he can't break Hines's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hines is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Sepulveda has guillotine here! It looks pretty tight! Could this be all over! No, Hines escapes and passes into side control at the same time. Nice work there by Hines!
Hines taking a breather here.
Let's hope that Hines 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.
Check out the look on Hines's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Sepulveda is positioning himself to get back to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Hines is working to tighten his grip on Sepulveda's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Sepulveda has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Hines is really squeezing tight and eventually Sepulveda passes out! Hines breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). L Manning Hines!
The defeated Alejandro Sepulveda had this to say: 'The loss... brings much sorrow to my people.. but I will push forward & hopefully we will meet again. It was an honor my friend.'.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Miguel Voro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ruslan Antonov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Voro
vs
Antonov

186 cm
18
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
23
140 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Miguel Voro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Ruslan Antonov!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Vladimir Khabensky and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A chopping leg kick lands by Antonov.
Voro walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Voro takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Antonov misses with a double jab

and Voro counters by moving into the clinch.
Voro tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Voro keeps control of Antonov as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Voro changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Antonov fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Antonov throws a nice outside leg kick.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Antonov pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Voro is looking to counter the offense by Antonov and move into the clinch.
Antonov falls off balance throwing a combination

and Voro counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Voro throwing shots but Antonov is blocking nicely.
Antonov is trying to get back to full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Voro passes to side control.
Voro in side control, just content to control the action for now.

Voro has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Antonov fails to land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Antonov swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Antonov sizes up Voro with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Voro sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Voro goes for a double leg but Antonov avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Antonov continues to drive forward.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Miguel Voro. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Voro shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Antonov sprawls well. Antonov wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Voro gets slowly back to his feet.
Voro misses with a body kick.
Antonov throws a body kick that misses.
Antonov is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Antonov shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Voro sprawls well. Voro wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Antonov gets slowly back to his feet.
Voro tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Voro shoots in for a double leg but Antonov sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Antonov swinging wildly here.

Voro closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Antonov to the mat! Antonov manages to get full guard.
Antonov looking for a sweep. Not yet Antonov, not yet.
Voro throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Antonov works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Voro throwing strikes but missing.
Voro trying to control but Antonov is working from the bottom.
Antonov can't keep his opponent in guard - Voro advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Voro trying to control the action but Antonov is working from the bottom.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Antonov throws a nice looking combination but Voro bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Antonov misses with a two punch combination.
Antonov will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Antonov looks winded!

Voro shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Antonov manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Voro slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Ruslan Antonov will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Antonov throws a right and a left that both miss.
Antonov misses with a wild combination.
Ruslan Antonov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Voro showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Antonov.
Voro shoots in looking for a takedown but Antonov manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Voro's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Antonov lands a nice looking body kick.
Antonov lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Antonov misses with a kick to the body.
Voro really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Voro closes the distance and pushes Antonov back into the cage.
Voro drops down looking for an ankle pick but Antonov pulls his leg out and moves away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Voro looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Antonov!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Antonov avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Voro.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Antonov prevents Voro from moving into mount.
Voro wants to control but Antonov is keeping him busy.
Antonov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Voro. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Voro passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Antonov!
Voro moves to back control.

Voro is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Antonov is defending well though. Voro let's go of the attempt for now.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Voro throwing sloppy strikes.
Voro really has the hooks in deep now - there seems like no escape for Antonov.

Antonov preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Voro.
Voro trying to control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Voro has his opponent's back and is working for the choke.
Antonov is keeping busy.
Voro avoiding Antonov 's attempts to control his hands.
Antonov covering up well and avoiding damage.

That's four 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.

Voro is looking for the choke from the back position but Antonov is controlling his hands well.
You can see the frustration on Antonov's face… He knows he is in trouble unless he improves his position sooner rather than later.
Voro is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Voro tries to get the hooks in deep but Antonov pushed the leg off.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Antonov is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Voro gets his way!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Miguel Voro dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Voro takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Antonov takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Voro lands with a slapping head kick.
Antonov throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Voro takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Voro gets a double leg takedown into Antonov's guard.
Voro postures up in Antonov's guard and throws a big left but Antonov blocks it.
Voro scoring with punches to the head and body.
Voro wants to control from the top but Antonov keeps moving.
Miguel Voro overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Voro missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Voro sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Voro with a flurry of punches that miss.

Voro stands and steps away. Antonov gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.
Voro throws a sloppy head kick and Antonov moves out of range easily.
Antonov tries a head kick but it misses.
Voro is looking for a counter combo.
Voro throws a head kick that misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Antonov changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Antonov misses with a takedown attempt - Voro sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Voro throws a sloppy head kick and Antonov moves out of range easily.
A head kick misses from Voro.
Antonov tries a head kick but it misses.
Good standup being displayed there by Antonov as he connects with a hook.
Antonov dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Voro. That did some damage!
Antonov throws a shot to the body.
Miguel Voro is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Antonov misses with a head kick.
Voro is looking for a counter combo.
Antonov lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Voro moves in looking to clinch but Antonov pushes him off.
Antonov throws a right hand that Voro ducks under and follows up with a left that Voro also avoids with ease.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Antonov lands a nice leg kick that just misses Voro's sensitive parts.
Antonov throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Antonov enables Voro to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Antonov manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Antonov working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Voro.
Voro works a leg free and moves into half guard.

Voro is looking for a kimura here.

Voro decides to stand up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Antonov throws a wild body kick that Voro sees coming a mile off.
Voro stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Voro wants it to stay on the feet.
Voro shoots in but no luck this time.
Voro takes a shot right to the bread basket.

Antonov gets caught flat footed, as Voro shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Antonov keeping moving, preventing Voro from controlling successfully.
Voro looking to pass the guard.
Voro trying to control the position from guard on top but Antonov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Miguel Voro.
I think Voro has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight for Miguel Voro!
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight for Miguel Voro!
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight for Ruslan Antonov!

Miguel Voro wins by split decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
39%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Jari Litmanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Andy Rodgers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Litmanen
vs
Rodgers

225 cm
20
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

200 cm
18
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jari Litmanen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Andy Rodgers!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Aleksandr Martynov and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodgers misses with a two punch combination.
No joy there for Rodgers, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Some wild striking there from Rodgers.
Litmanen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Rodgers as he avoids it easily.
Rodgers wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Litmanen tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rodgers swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Litmanen shoots and misses
and Rodgers cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Litmanen takes a swing at Rodgers's ribcage but misses.
Rodgers misses with a combination

and Litmanen counters with a shoot takedown. Rodgers fights it but they end up in guard.
Litmanen passes into half guard.
Litmanen prevents Rodgers from improving his position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Litmanen thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Litmanen will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Litmanen controlling the action here.

Litmanen decides to stand up.
Andy Rodgers is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rodgers swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Rodgers misses with a series of wild punches.
Litmanen tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rodgers was well out of range. Poor timing from Litmanen.
Rodgers fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Litmanen looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Rodgers fails to land with a series of punches.
Litmanen moves in looking to clinch but Rodgers pushes him off.
Litmanen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Rodgers.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Rodgers with a nice cross.
Rodgers throws a series of punches but Litmanen avoids them all with ease.
Rodgers will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Litmanen fails with the takedown.
Rodgers unleashes a big counter combination but Litmanen bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jari Litmanen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Litmanen tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Rodgers counters with a right hand to the body.
Rodgers lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Rodgers.
Litmanen really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Rodgers scores with a one two! Litmanen had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Rodgers throws a right and a left that Litmanen avoids nicely.
Rodgers swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Litmanen counters with a series of strikes. Rodgers will be more careful next time no doubt.
Rodgers connects with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers tries to bum rush Litmanen with a series of wild strikes but Litmanen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

Litmanen dives in and scores a takedown into Rodgers's guard.

Litmanen stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Litmanen will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Andy Rodgers seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A nice combination there by Rodgers.
Litmanen circles away from the clinch attempt.
Rodgers misses with a wild combination.
Rodgers avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Rodgers stuffs the takedown.
Rodgers throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Litmanen misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rodgers throws a counter combo.
Left hook, right uppercut from Rodgers.
Rodgers is working the combinations to good effect here.
A right-left combo lands from Rodgers.
Litmanen looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rodgers throws a series of punches but Litmanen avoids them all with ease.
Rodgers scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Rodgers misses with a wild combination.
Rodgers misses with a two punch combination.
Litmanen changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rodgers tries to avoid it but Litmanen manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rodgers to the ground. Rodgers escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Rodgers lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Rodgers throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Litmanen.
Rodgers fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Rodgers throws a right hand that Litmanen ducks under and follows up with a left that Litmanen also avoids with ease.
Rodgers throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Litmanen attempts a counter takedown but Rodgers avoids it well and moves away.
Rodgers looks winded!
Litmanen misses with an attempted mid kick.
Rodgers throws a series of punches but Litmanen avoids them all with ease.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Litmanen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Rodgers defends well and Litmanen ends up having to push Rodgers into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Litmanen fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Litmanen displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Litmanen wants to clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Litmanen closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rodgers circles away.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Litmanen.
Rodgers has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
No joy there for Rodgers, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Rodgers throws a one two combo.
A combination from Rodgers does no damage.
Litmanen throws a body kick that misses.
Rodgers looks to land a combination but Litmanen avoids it well.

Litmanen gets the takedown into side control.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Rodgers tries to escape but Litmanen is in control.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Jari Litmanen!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Etienne Cramer (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Luka Kul (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Cramer
vs
Kul

165 cm
23
145 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

180 cm
18
153 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Self confident

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Etienne Cramer!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Luka Kul!
The judges for this bout are Valeri Chadov, Fedor Mirinova and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kul fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kul misses with the combination.

Kul pushes Cramer up against the cage in a clinch.
Cramer tries for a takedown but Kul manages to get underhooks.
Cramer has Kul pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kul manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Kul breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Cramer moves forwards but Kul connects with a nice, crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kul drops Cramer with a beautiful combination! Cramer stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Kul is looking for the KO!

Cramer is rocked!

It looks like Etienne Cramer has been cut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kul shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Cramer is looking for a counter combo.
A punch combination from Kul misses.
Luka Kul seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kul misses with the combination.
Cramer half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.

Kul darts in and clinches Cramer up against the cage.
Kul wants to break free but Cramer has control.
Kul is trying to break free.
Cramer misses with a hook to the ribs.

Kul gets control of Cramer's arms and successfully pulls guard. Kul will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Cramer trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Kul kicks Cramer off and gets to his feet.
Kul fails to land with a series of punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kul lands a two punch combo.
Kul misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kul misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Cramer swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Cramer tries to keep at a distance but Kul has taken the fight into the clinch.
Cramer is trying to pull guard but Kul has him pressed against the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Etienne Cramer. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Cramer tries to score a body lock takedown but Kul shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Cramer tries to score a body lock takedown but Kul shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Cramer is trying to pull guard but Kul has him pressed against the cage.
Cramer tries to pull guard but Kul holds him up against the cage and eventually Cramer drops back down to his feet.
Cramer misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Cramer avoids a wild elbow strike from Kul.
Cramer is looking to take this one to the mat.
Cramer is breathing heavily.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Cramer tries to pull guard but Kul holds him up against the cage and eventually Cramer drops back down to his feet.
Cramer jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kul walks away with a smile on his face. Cramer gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.

Cramer gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Kul pushes down on Cramer's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Kul is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kul stands, ready to strike. The ref makes him back up and allows Cramer to get to his feet.
Cramer showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kul.

Kul shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Cramer manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.

Kul gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Kul shoots in for a takedown but Cramer shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
No luck for Kul with that takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Luka Kul dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Etienne Cramer's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kul tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Cramer paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Cramer was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Kul scores with a crisp jab that stopped Cramer in his tracks.
Kul tries to close the distance and clinch but Cramer swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kul throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
As Kul looks to move away, Cramer throws a big counter combo bu Kul just gets out of the way.
Kul shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Cramer pinned against the cage. Cramer gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kul tries to land a body kick
and Cramer counters with a left and a right that stings Kul.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kul tries for a takedown but Cramer sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Kul closes this distance looking for a takedown but Cramer circles away.
Cramer is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Kul.
Etienne Cramer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luka Kul.
Kul connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kul is looking to land body kicks.
Cramer slips a jab from Kul.
Cramer attempts a counter takedown but Kul avoids it well and moves away.
Kul throws a head kick that misses.
Kul has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kul is breathing heavily.
Cramer circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kul is using his reach advantage to land shots from outside his opponent's range.
Kul shoots in looking for a takedown but Cramer manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kul's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
It looked like Cramer was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kul fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cramer attempts a counter takedown but Kul avoids it well and moves away.
Kul moves in looking to clinch but Cramer pushes him off.
Cramer tries to counter with a takedown but Kul is quick to defend against it.
Kul throws a nice looking combination but Cramer bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kul motions for Cramer to come forward. Kul throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Kul tries to clinch but Cramer moves out of range.
Kul shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Cramer as he jumps to the side.
Cramer is trying to close the distance and clinch up, after that failed offence from Kul.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kul throws a right and a left that both miss.
Cramer drops down looking for a counter takedown but Kul sprawls and moves away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kul.
Kul throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kul throws a sloppy head kick and Cramer moves out of range easily.
Kul tries to clinch
and Cramer counters with a three punch combo that has Kul backing up. Kul nods at Cramer to acknowledge the strikes.
Cramer moves out of range as Kul throws a body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Kul.
Kul tries to clinch but Cramer is having none of it.
Cramer appears to be looking for a big counter.
Kul tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Cramer counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Cramer thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Kul's head.
Kul won't allow Cramer to pass to mount.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Etienne Cramer dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Etienne Cramer's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Kul throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Cramer's waist but Cramer gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kul off to one side.
It looked like Cramer was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Kul wants to land a leg kick but Cramer is out of range.
It looked like Cramer was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Cramer moves forwards but Kul connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Kul tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Cramer appears to be looking for a big counter.
Kul fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Cramer half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Kul takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kul fails in his attempt to clinch.
It looked like Cramer was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Kul.
Kul throws a left and a right that both miss
and Cramer counters with a three punch combo that has Kul backing up. Kul nods at Cramer to acknowledge the strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kul fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Cramer manages to avoid it.
Cramer feinted with a counter takedown.
Kul stalks Cramer and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Cramer's face. Cramer staggers backwards, shaken.
Kul fails with the takedown
and Cramer counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Etienne Cramer has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Luka Kul.
Some wild striking there from Kul.
Kul is looking to clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kul tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Cramer manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Kul fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Kul misses with a jab, cross combination.
Cramer went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Kul throws a series of punches but Cramer moves out of range.
Cramer drops down looking for a counter takedown but Kul sprawls and moves away.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kul swinging wildly here.
Cramer appears to be looking for a big counter.
Kul just misses with a punch to the body.
Etienne Cramer has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kul shoots in but no luck this time.
Kul pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Kul thows a left - swing and a miss!
Kul fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Kul throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Cramer swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kul. Cramer does a little dance to reset his feet.
Cramer is looking for a counter combo.
Kul is looking to clinch but Cramer is avoiding it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cramer moves out of range as Kul throws a body kick.
It looked like Cramer was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Kul throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Cramer counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Cramer circles away from the clinch attempt.
Cramer appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Kul shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Cramer sprawls well. Cramer wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Kul gets slowly back to his feet.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kul misses with the combination.
It looked like Cramer was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Luka Kul.
Well Kul has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Valeri Chadov scores the fight for Luka Kul!
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight for Luka Kul!
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight for Luka Kul!

Luka Kul wins by unanimous decision!
A very excited looking Luka Kul made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.