PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Simon Hedegaard (ranked 743 p4p, 804 weight class) and Felix Krnacova (ranked 115 p4p, 123 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!

Hedegaard
vs
Krnacova

208 cm
24
195
16 - 0 - 0

190 cm
42
195
25 - 27 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Insanely flexible

Olympic wrestler
Brawler
Good gas tank

Offseason nutrition & LAUNDRY (155$-160Q)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Simon Hedegaard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 25 - 27 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Felix Krnacova!
The judges for this bout are Patrick Alders, Paul Aken and Aafke Stam.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hedegaard moves out of range as Krnacova throws a body kick.

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

Hedegaard working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Krnacova doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Krnacova manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Krnacova content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Krnacova is stalling in the full guard.
Krnacova stopping the sweep attempt from Hedegaard.
Krnacova working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hedegaard is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Krnacova postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Krnacova engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Krnacova scores with a decent looking elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krnacova is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Hedegaard looking to control.
Krnacova controlling from the top position.
Hedegaard looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Krnacova is stalling in the full guard.
Hedegaard not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Krnacova postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Krnacova postures up and lands a big shot to Hedegaard's brow.

Hedegaard has his foot on Krnacova's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Krnacova works his way back into a safe position though.
Krnacova is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Krnacova trying to control the position from guard on top but Hedegaard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Hedegaard working a defensive guard here.
Krnacova looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Krnacova is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Hedegaard is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Hedegaard is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Krnacova has managed to free his arm - good work.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Krnacova works his way to full guard. Good work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hedegaard throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
We've been hearing that Hedegaard has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Krnacova keeping moving, preventing Hedegaard from controlling successfully.
Krnacova pulls Hedegaard in close to prevent any damage.
Hedegaard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Krnacova swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Hedegaard keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Krnacova's head.
Hedegaard will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Hedegaard trying to control but Krnacova is working from the bottom.
Krnacova manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Hedegaard manages to get himself to full guard.

Krnacova keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Hedegaard's head.
Krnacova working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hedegaard's head.

Krnacova got a little sloppy there for a moment and Hedegaard has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Krnacova has managed to get both his arms back between Hedegaard's legs - danger averted.
Krnacova stands up over Hedegaard, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krnacova scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Krnacova postures up and lands a big shot to Hedegaard's brow.
Krnacova stands up over Hedegaard, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Krnacova controlling from the top position.
Krnacova is working Hedegaard over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Krnacova looking to pass the guard.
Krnacova controlling from the top position.
Krnacova stopping the sweep attempt from Hedegaard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Krnacova scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Hedegaard is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

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

Hedegaard is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Felix Krnacova dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action.

Krnacova shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Hedegaard as he jumps to the side.
Hedegaard closes this distance looking for a takedown but Krnacova circles away.
A clash of legs there as Hedegaard blocks the low kick.
A counter left hand to the body from Hedegaard misses its target.

Krnacova pushes Hedegaard up against the cage in a clinch.

Krnacova pulls guard.
Hedegaard being controlled here momentarily.
Krnacova looking to control.
Krnacova is pulling down on Hedegaard's head to control his posture.
Krnacova is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hedegaard wants to control from the top but Krnacova keeps moving.
Krnacova controlling Hedegaard's posture.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krnacova looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hedegaard is one step ahead there.
Krnacova keeping moving, preventing Hedegaard from controlling successfully.
Krnacova is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Krnacova perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Krnacova looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Felix Krnacova has got the better of the ground game so far.
Krnacova lands with a punch from half guard.
Krnacova landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Hedegaard really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Krnacova with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Krnacova is thwarting Hedegaard's attempts to control the position.
Krnacova works his way into full mount!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Krnacova working the ground and pound effectively.
Krnacova has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Hedegaard can't escape the position.
Krnacova in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Krnacova content just to control the position here.
Krnacova lands a heavy elbow.
Krnacova tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Krnacova landing shots from mount.
Hedegaard sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Hedegaard wants to control but Krnacova is keeping busy.
Hedegaard is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hedegaard manages to get to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Hedegaard throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Krnacova stands up over Hedegaard, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Krnacova connects with a couple of short punches.
Krnacova distracts Hedegaard with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Krnacova is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
Krnacova wants to control from the top but Hedegaard keeps moving.
Krnacova preventing the sweep.

Hedegaard has his foot on Krnacova's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Krnacova works his way back into a safe position though.
Krnacova stays in close to Hedegaard's body and controls the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krnacova working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Hedegaard's head.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Krnacova's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hedegaard lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Hedegaard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Krnacova swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Krnacova is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

Hedegaard tries to roll over but Krnacova keeps him under control.
Krnacova looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Krnacova connects with a nice short shot to Hedegaard's temple.
Krnacova winds up and cracks Hedegaard with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Hedegaard wants to improve his position but Krnacova is controlling well.
Krnacova trying to control from half guard but Hedegaard is working away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Felix Krnacova showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Hedegaard shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Krnacova as he jumps to the side.
Krnacova leaves Hedegaard with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Krnacova lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
The fight stays on the outside here - Krnacova looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Hedegaard gets caught flat footed, as Krnacova shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Hedegaard lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Krnacova wants to sweep but no luck.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Hedegaard's corner. There ya go! There ya go!
Hedegaard pushes down on Krnacova's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Krnacova is pressing down on Hedegaard's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Krnacova looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Hedegaard puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Krnacova is trying to get back to full guard.

Hedegaard 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.
Krnacova tries to roll over but Hedegaard keeps him under control.

Hedegaard is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Krnacova is looking for a sweep. Hedegaard is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Krnacova is positioning himself well to prevent Hedegaard advancing to mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Hedegaard wants to take a breather but Krnacova is having none of it.
Krnacova is looking to improve his position.
Krnacova makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Krnacova.
Hedegaard wants to control from the top but Krnacova keeps moving.
Hedegaard tries to free his leg and advance position but Krnacova is retaining full guard.
Hedegaard wants to control from the top but Krnacova keeps moving.
Krnacova looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hedegaard is one step ahead there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hedegaard loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Krnacova wants to sweep here but Hedegaard controlling him for the moment.
Krnacova is pulling down on Hedegaard's head. It's preventing any offense from Hedegaard, at least for the moment.
Krnacova looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hedegaard is one step ahead there.
Hedegaard content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Krnacova keeping moving, preventing Hedegaard from controlling successfully.
Krnacova has his hands on Hedegaard's head, controlling the position.
Krnacova lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Krnacova lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Hedegaard keeping moving, preventing Krnacova from controlling successfully.
Krnacova controls from within his opponent's guard.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Krnacova working his ground and pound in the gym. So far it seems to be working well.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Hedegaard is on top in guard.

Hedegaard stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Krnacova swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Krnacova looking to control.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Hedegaard trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Hedegaard stopping the sweep attempt from Krnacova.
Hedegaard trying to control but Krnacova is working from the bottom.
Simon Hedegaard has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Krnacova pulls Hedegaard in close to prevent any damage.

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 Simon Hedegaard.
Well Krnacova 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 Patrick Alders scores the fight 28:29
Judge Paul Aken scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aafke Stam scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Felix Krnacova!
During a confident post fight interview, Felix Krnacova thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.