PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Gemechu McKraken (ranked 899 p4p, 153 weight class) and Arnfinn Nesset (ranked 111 p4p, 18 weight class). Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the prize buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

McKraken
vs
Nesset

170 cm
25
140
8 - 4 - 1

180 cm
25
145
14 - 4 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing
Conviction

Brooklyn Apothecary
SynCity Fightwear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 1, fighting out of Sydney, Gemechu McKraken!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Arnfinn Nesset!
The judges for this bout are Paulo Santos, Daniel Cesar and Alexandre Firmino.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
McKraken sizes up Nesset with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
McKraken will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Despite the aggression on Nesset's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.
Nesset bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps McKraken's head backwards.
Nesset jabbing away but nothing is landing.
McKraken moves away from the strike by Nesset.
McKraken throws a hook to the side of Nesset's head but Nesset sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Nesset walks into a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McKraken throws out a loose jab but Nesset uses good head movement to avoid it.
Nesset swinging wildly here.
Nesset slips under a jab from McKraken.
A little jabbing left from Nesset on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Nesset misses.
A big right from McKraken misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nesset! But no joy.
Nesset keeps the fight on the outside.
McKraken misses with a wild body shot.
Nesset throws a counter combo.
McKraken throws a body punch but Nesset moves out of range.
Nesset swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
McKraken is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Nesset.
Nesset swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nesset staying out of range there.
Nesset looks like he wants to counter punch here.
McKraken dives in for a single leg takedown but Nesset sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
As McKraken backs off Nesset throws a huge counter combo but McKraken manages to avoid it all.
McKraken closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nesset circles away.
McKraken avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A big left from McKraken misses.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nesset! But no joy.
McKraken connects with a body shot that sends Nesset's belly button to the back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for McKraken with that takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gemechu McKraken. That's going to take a lot out of him.
McKraken throws an overhand right that lands on Nesset's shoulder, as Nesset tries to avoid the shot.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nesset! But no joy.
Nesset looks to throw the jab but McKraken is out of range.
McKraken tests Nesset's chin there with a solid looking shot.
McKraken tries to clinch up
and Nesset counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nesset is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Nesset fails to land with a series of punches.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
McKraken gets cracked there but stands up to it.
McKraken ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKraken dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
McKraken throws a body shot but no joy.
It seemed like Nesset was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
McKraken connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Nesset looks to land a right hand but McKraken moved out of range.
McKraken works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.

McKraken clinches up with Nesset and pushes him back against the cage.
McKraken scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Nesset's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
McKraken throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
McKraken shoots in for a takedown but Nesset shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Nesset throws a counter combo.
A looping hook to the body misses from McKraken. Nesset does a little dance to reset his feet.
It seemed like Nesset was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Nesset dodges the punch combination from McKraken.
Nesset is clearly trying to counter these attacks from McKraken with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nesset misses with a series of wild punches.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McKraken throws a lazy right hand but Nesset sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Arnfinn Nesset is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
McKraken scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
McKraken misses the body punch
and Nesset counters with a straight right hand.
McKraken ducks under a wild hook from Nesset.
A slow jab from McKraken misses its intended target.
Nesset throws a looping overhand right but McKraken ducks down to avoid it.
McKraken takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Gemechu McKraken seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
McKraken tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Nesset defends well and McKraken ends up having to push Nesset into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Gemechu McKraken will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Nice defenses there by Nesset.
McKraken scores with a crisp jab that stopped Nesset in his tracks.
McKraken just misses with a punch to the body.
Nesset doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Nesset walks into a jab.
Nesset jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
McKraken scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
McKraken misses with a combination
and Nesset counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McKraken slips under a jab.
Nesset slips under a jab.
Nesset throws out a counter right but McKraken avoids it with no problem.
Nesset steps to the side to avoid the strikes from McKraken.
Nesset throws a hook to the side of McKraken's head but McKraken sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McKraken connects with a good right hand that stumbles Nesset. Nesset circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nesset thows a left - swing and a miss!
McKraken moves into range and connects with a jab.
The fighters circling - McKraken throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
McKraken closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nesset circles away.
Gemechu McKraken is winning the standup battle so far.
Nesset throws a looping overhand right but McKraken ducks down to avoid it.
Nesset ducks under a wild hook from McKraken.

McKraken changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Nesset looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Nesset tries to improve position but can't.
You can see the frustration on Nesset's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
McKraken lands a few punches from side control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKraken landing with strikes to the head and body from side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nesset parries the strikes from McKraken easily there. McKraken is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Nesset to escape.
You can see the frustration on Nesset's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
McKraken working the ground and pound from side control.
Nesset wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
McKraken throws an elbow but Nesset slips to the side and avoids it well.
McKraken 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.
Nesset is looking to regain half guard here but McKraken keeps moving and retains side control.
Nesset is in a bad spot here and he knows it... just holding on for now.
McKraken in side control, throwing shots but Nesset defends.
Nesset managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by McKraken.
McKraken tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nesset is not in a great position here, taking some shots.
Nesset isn't going anywhere.
Nesset is not content to let McKraken control the position.
Nesset is looking to regain half guard here but McKraken keeps moving and retains side control.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
McKraken in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
McKraken fails to land a wild elbow strike.
McKraken trying to control the action but Nesset is working from the bottom.
Nesset tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Nesset takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
McKraken pausing momentarily but resumes with a couple of decent strikes that do a bit of damage.
McKraken is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Nesset can do to turn this around?
Nesset is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Nesset holds on for dear life, controlling McKraken's posture momentarily.
Nesset is trying to escape the mount.
McKraken trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Nesset is trying desperately to improve position.
Nesset is writhing around trying to get back to his feet.
McKraken lands a big shot there that rocks Nesset but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
This has been an exciting period of action!
McKraken lands a couple of good shots and Nesset has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Gemechu McKraken overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
McKraken scores with strikes from the back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

McKraken bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
McKraken misses with a hook.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nesset! But no joy.
McKraken lands with a straight right. Nesset didn't see that one coming.
Nesset takes one on the button.
Nesset blocks a jab.
McKraken throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nesset moves away from the strike by McKraken.
A little jabbing left from Nesset on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Nesset takes one to the chin there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

McKraken fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Nesset sprawls well initially but McKraken persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Nesset controlling the position for now.
Nesset moves into full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nesset seems keen to control McKraken's posture.
Nesset avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Nesset working a defensive guard here.
Nesset preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
McKraken postures up.
McKraken is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Nesset utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound.
Nesset is trying to control the position but McKraken postures up.
McKraken is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
McKraken loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
McKraken distracts Nesset with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
McKraken distracts Nesset with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Nesset is trying to keep McKraken in close.
Nesset has his hands on McKraken's head, controlling the position.
Nesset looking to control.
McKraken looking to pass the guard.
McKraken trying to control the position from guard on top but Nesset is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McKraken connects with a nice looking jab.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKraken ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nesset ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Nesset takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
McKraken swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Nesset.
Nesset takes a swing at McKraken's ribcage but misses.
McKraken ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Nesset moves away.
A little jabbing left from Nesset on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Nesset takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
A telegraphed right hand from McKraken misses the target.
Nesset ducks under a wild hook from McKraken.
Nesset displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as McKraken throws out the jab.
Nesset swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
McKraken has been working on his balance at McGrady FT, so perhaps that has help him stuff some of the takedown attempts by Nesset.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nesset gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Nesset loads up on a big right hand but McKraken slips the punch.
Nesset missing with a left hand there. McKraken was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
A big left from Nesset misses.
Nesset missing with a left hand there. McKraken was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.

McKraken clinches with his opponent.
McKraken blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
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!

Nesset breaks from the clinch.
McKraken fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
McKraken misses the shot to the body.
A little jabbing left from Nesset on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A big right from Nesset misses.
McKraken misses with a right hand
and Nesset counters with a stiff right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gemechu McKraken clearly takes that round.
That's time! McKraken's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Nesset takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
McKraken misses with an uppercut. Nesset saw that one coming.
Nesset looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Nesset defending well as McKraken loads up on a big left hand.
It seemed like Nesset was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.

McKraken closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - McKraken lands in his opponent's guard.

Nesset is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
McKraken fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
McKraken changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Nesset fights it off and pushes away nicely.
McKraken swings for the body but Nesset moves out of range.
Nesset looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
McKraken throws an off balance right hand
enabling Nesset to counter with a crisp jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nesset keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from McKraken.
Nesset lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nesset misses with a straight left.
McKraken misses with a hook.
Nesset looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Nesset throws the left hand but McKraken avoids the punch easily.
McKraken misses with an uppercut
and Nesset cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

McKraken closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - McKraken lands in his opponent's guard.
Nesset pulls McKraken in close to prevent any damage.
McKraken postures up.
Nesset pulls McKraken in to control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKraken scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
McKraken working some strikes from top position.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Nesset holds on and takes a little breather.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells McKraken's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nesset is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
McKraken forces his way into half guard.
McKraken wants to control but Nesset is keeping him busy.
McKraken lands strikes from half guard.
McKraken uses his free foot to push down on Nesset's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Nesset.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nesset manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Nesset is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKraken sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Nesset defending well though.
McKraken scoring with strikes to the body and head.
McKraken working Nesset over with strikes.
Nesset blocking the ground and pound attempt from McKraken.
Nesset is trying to stand back up but McKraken is controlling him

McKraken is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
McKraken seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Nesset does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Nesset pushes McKraken off looking to stand but McKraken dives back in and keeps control.
Nesset is refusing to be controlled, as McKraken sits in half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nesset is looking to improve his position.
Nesset is staying active underneath McKraken, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Nesset wants to improve his position but McKraken is controlling well.
McKraken stops Nesset from getting back to his feet.
Nesset wants to control but McKraken is keeping busy.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
McKraken closes this distance looking for a takedown but Nesset circles away.
Nesset swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Nesset staying out of range there.
McKraken swings for the body but Nesset moves out of range.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nesset! But no joy.
McKraken misses with a lunging right hand
and Nesset counters with a straight right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gemechu McKraken had his way with Arnfinn Nesset in that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

McKraken changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Nesset tries to avoid it but McKraken manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Nesset to the ground. Nesset escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
McKraken throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Nesset's waist but Nesset gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing McKraken off to one side.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Nesset! But no joy.
A jab from McKraken does it's job there.
McKraken 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.
Nesset slips a jab from McKraken.
McKraken tests Nesset's chin there with a solid looking shot.
McKraken rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Nesset connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
McKraken needs to keep his hands up - Nesset had a free shot at his head there.
McKraken cracks Nesset with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
McKraken shoots in but Nesset avoids the takedown attempt easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gemechu McKraken. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
McKraken throws a body shot but no joy.
Nesset displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from McKraken.
McKraken slips a straight right by Nesset.
Nice uppercut there from Nesset.
McKraken throws a nice looking combination but Nesset bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
McKraken connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
McKraken waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Nesset.
A big left from McKraken misses.
McKraken moves out of range as Nesset strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
McKraken throws a body shot but no joy.
Nesset uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by McKraken.
McKraken goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
McKraken throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Nesset counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
McKraken wants to clinch.
Nesset looks like he wants to counter punch here.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
McKraken stops Nesset from standing up.
Nesset pulls McKraken in to control the position.
McKraken content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Nesset controlling McKraken's posture.
McKraken wants to pass the guard but Nesset is keeping the position.
Nesset trying to keep a closed guard but McKraken is proving a slippery customer.
McKraken throwing strikes but missing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Nesset is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
McKraken forces his way into half guard.
Nesset trying to control from the bottom.
Nesset controlling the position for now.
Gemechu McKraken is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
McKraken is trying to control the action in half guard but Nesset is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nesset is trying to control but can't.
Nesset is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
McKraken slows the pace down in half guard.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

And that's the end of the fight!
Gemechu McKraken showed his dominance in that final round.
Well McKraken has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paulo Santos scores the fight 50:45
Judge Daniel Cesar scores the fight 50:45
Judge Alexandre Firmino scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Gemechu McKraken!
Gemechu McKraken is the new featherweight champion!
A less than humble Gemechu McKraken misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.