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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Juha Niska (ranked 176 p4p, 224 weight class) and Paul Joseph Watson (ranked 34 p4p, 42 weight class). Watson has chosen Anarchy in the UK as his entrance music. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.
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| 193 cm
30
212
19 - 8 - 0 |
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190 cm
29
213
15 - 7 - 0 |
Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Excellent grappler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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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 19 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Juha Niska!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Paul Joseph Watson!
The judges for this bout are John Mangel, Ron Honeybunn and Summer Carpenter.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Niska looks to land a left hand but Watson moved out of range nicely.
Niska throws a body punch but Watson moves out of range.
Niska looks to score with a jab to the body but Watson is just out of range.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Watson lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Niska has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Niska and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Watson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Niska's sensitive parts.
Watson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Watson is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Niska with a body shot.
Watson blocks a jab.
Niska takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Niska fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Niska tries to score with a low kick but Watson moves his leg out of the way.
Watson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Niska doesn't seem bothered though.
Watson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Niska throws out the jab.
A big right from Niska misses.
Sloppy strikes from Niska. Those never looked like landing.
Niska throws a big shot that misses.
Watson with the counter takedown but Niska avoids it easily.
Niska throws an overhand right that lands on Watson's shoulder, as Watson tries to avoid the shot.
Watson avoids a punch combination nicely.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Niska thuds a left hand into Watson's body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Niska looks to land a right hand but Watson moved out of range.
Watson ducks under a wild hook from Niska.
Watson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Watson has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Watson is looking to slow Niska down with leg kicks.
Watson cracks Niska with a right hand to the side of the head.
A nice inside leg kick there by Watson. That's going to slow Niska down.
A cross from Niska lands.
Watson fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Niska.
Niska throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Watson lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Juha Niska is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Niska connects with a high kick.
Watson lands a nice leg kick that just misses Niska's sensitive parts.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Niska misses with a looping right.
Watson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Niska throws a hook but Watson blocks it.
A punch combination from Niska misses.
Watson lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Niska throws a right hand that Watson ducks under and follows up with a left that Watson also avoids with ease.
A nice side step and Watson releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Watson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Niska doesn't seem bothered though.
Niska is looking to chop away at Watson's legs.
Watson gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Niska swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Niska takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Niska throws a right hand that Watson ducks under and follows up with a left that Watson also avoids with ease.
Niska looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Watson lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Niska throws a big shot that misses.
Niska thows a left - swing and a miss!
Niska throws a leg kick
and Watson counters with a slapping leg kick.
Niska swinging wildly here.
Watson takes one on the button.
Niska moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Niska lands a nice shot to the body.
Niska throws a predictable looking body shot
and Watson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Niska's guard.
Niska is edging up against the cage. He's using the cage to get back to his feet. Nice work there - the fighters are clinched.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Watson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Niska tries to throw a body punch but Watson avoids it by throwing Niska back against the cage.
Niska blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Niska breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Watson connects with a leg kick.
Niska lands a head kick!
An inside leg kick from Niska misses.
Watson feints the counter takedown.
Niska misses with a wild combination.
Watson throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Niska was covering up waiting for the punch and Watson finishes the takedown easily into guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Watson prevents Niska from getting back to his feet.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Watson tries to free his leg and advance position but Niska is retaining full guard.
Niska has managed to wall walk up one of the corner posts to get back to his feet. Watson is pushing him up against the cage, looking to control the position.
Niska softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Watson scores with a shoulder strike.
Watson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Niska's elbow.
Niska throws a head punch that misses.
Watson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Watson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Watson gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Niska regains guard.
Niska pushes Watson off and gets back to his feet.
Niska takes a body punch but keeps moving.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Niska avoids the body shot from Watson.
Nice body punch from Niska.
Watson lands a leg kick that knocks Niska off balance momentarily.
Watson throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Juha Niska dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
A cross from Niska lands.
A jab from Niska misses.
Juha Niska is winning the standup battle so far.
Watson lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Watson is looking to score with low kicks.
Watson thumps Niska with a low kick.
Watson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Niska.
Watson digs a good hook to Niska's body.
Watson fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Niska manages to avoid it.
Niska looks to throw the jab but Watson is out of range.
Niska swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Watson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Watson.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Niska pushes Watson off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
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!
A jab from Niska misses.
Watson ducks under a wild hook from Niska.
Niska misses with a hook. Watson ducked under it nicely.
Watson fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Jab from Niska.
Watson scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Niska misses with a hook.
Watson changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Juha Niska seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Niska swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Watson feints the counter takedown.
Watson is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Niska rather than just go for the knockout.
Watson displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Niska throws out the jab.
Niska cracks Watson with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Niska throws a lazy uppercut
and Watson counters with a good low kick that Niska was not able to check.
Niska throws an overhand right that lands on Watson's shoulder, as Watson tries to avoid the shot.
Nice shot by Watson.
Niska throws a poor cross that misses
and Watson counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Watson works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Watson prevents Niska from standing back up.
Niska won't allow Watson to pass to mount.
Watson frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Niska's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Watson moves to back control.
Watson is remaining active here, looking for the choke. The more discerning members of the crowd will appreciate his efforts.
Watson working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.
Watson has his hand under the chin of his opponent looking for the choke. He's nearly got it! This one could be all over! But no, Niska has freed his hand and lives to survive another… well, another couple of seconds at least!
Niska is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.
Niska trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
Watson looking for the choke from the back.
Watson tightening his grip on Niska, looking for the choke.
Niska trying to get back to his feet but Watson is in full control for now.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Niska preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Watson.
Niska manages to get to his feet, escaping the difficult position.
Niska scores with a jab to the body.
Niska misses the body punch
and Watson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Niska makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Niska misses with a looping right.
A looping hook to the body misses from Niska. Watson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Watson now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Niska misses with a hook. Watson ducked under it nicely.
Watson jabs Niska to the body, keeping him at a distance.
A swing and a miss from Niska.
Watson slips under a jab.
Watson only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Niska checks a low kick from Watson.
Niska throws a hook but Watson avoids it easily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Niska defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Watson.
Niska fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Watson defending well as Niska loads up on a big left hand.
Watson gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Niska is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Watson looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Niska is fending him off so far but Watson persists. Nope, Niska circles away and we're back to standing.
Watson darts in looking for a takedown but Niska gets double underhooks and turns Watson into the cage.
Juha Niska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Joseph Watson.
A clash of legs there as Watson blocks the low kick.
Watson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Watson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Niska will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Watson takes one to the chin there.
Watson lands a right hook to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Good work by Watson as he checks the leg kick.
Niska misses with a hook.
Niska lands with a hook. Watson tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close second round but I would say that Juha Niska will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. And we move into the final round!
That kick from Watson tenderised Niska's leg. Niska is trying to keep his angry face on.
A jab from Niska misses.
Watson throws a leg kick but Niska sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Watson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
A nice leg kick lands there from Niska.
Niska takes a body kick right on the floating rib. Ouchie.
Watson ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Niska throws a leg kick that is checked
and Watson counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Niska kicks Watson off and gets back to his feet.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Niska throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Watson counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Watson walks into a jab.
Niska throws a lazy right hand but Watson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Niska loads up on a big right hand but Watson slips the punch.
Watson with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Watson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Watson with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Watson blocks a low kick nicely.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Watson with the inside leg kick.
Watson shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Niska defends it nicely.
Watson moves out of range as Niska strikes.
Niska missing with a left hand there. Watson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Niska has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Watson finds it's way round the side to connect with Niska's head.
Niska takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Watson slips a straight right by Niska.
Watson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Niska.
Watson chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Watson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Juha Niska has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Paul Joseph Watson.
Niska is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Watson.
A big left from Niska misses.
Watson is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Niska with a body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Niska misses with a hook.
Watson ducks right into an uppercut from Niska.
Niska throws a hook to the side of Watson's head but Watson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Watson scores with a hook.
Niska throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Niska swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Watson.
Niska lands a jab.
Niska connects with a solid leg kick.
Watson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Niska looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Watson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Niska.
Niska misses with a looping right.
Watson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Niska swings for the body but Watson moves out of range.
Niska misses with a low kick as Watson jumps back.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Watson tries for a takedown but Niska sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Niska misses with an uppercut.
A looping hook to the body misses from Niska. Watson does a little dance to reset his feet.
Niska fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Watson throws a leg kick which misses Niska's front leg but catches the back leg as Niska tries to avoid it.
Niska throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Watson stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Niska misses with a few strikes there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Watson fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Niska looks to land a left hand but Watson moved out of range nicely.
Niska tries a low kick but Watson avoids it.
Niska pivots, looking for a leg kick but Watson is out of range and Niska settles back down.
Watson thuds a left hand into Niska's body.
Watson scoring well with a low kick there.
Niska jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Niska misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Watson.
Juha Niska is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Niska throws a leg kick
and Watson finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Niska throws a right hand that misses
and Watson counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Watson shoots in and drives through. Niska sprawls well.
Niska swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Watson drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Niska wants to get back to his feet but Watson drags him back down.
Niska prevents Watson from improving position.
Watson is looking to take a break and control but Niska is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Niska tries to get back to his feet but has found himself mounted instead. Damn, that's gotta suck.
Niska wants to control but Watson is having none of it.
Paul Joseph Watson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Niska really wants to buck Watson off and get back to his feet.
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 Juha Niska.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Niska, 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 John Mangel scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ron Honeybunn scores the fight 30:27
Judge Summer Carpenter scores the fight 30:27
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Juha Niska!
Juha Niska decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
87% |
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