PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Tenacity Tshabalala (ranked 1613 p4p, 1461 weight class) and Jarkko Ahola (ranked 232 p4p, 214 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Tshabalala
vs
Ahola

190 cm
26
240
5 - 1 - 0

190 cm
26
255
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

Decent wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Tenacity Tshabalala!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jarkko Ahola!
The judges for this bout are Steve Smith, Gregory Folan and Trevor Gratis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tshabalala throws a leg kick that misses.
Ahola bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Tshabalala missing with a left hand there. Ahola was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ahola rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Tshabalala counters with a lovely straight right hand!

It looks like Jarkko Ahola has been cut.
Ahola waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Tshabalala.
Tshabalala throwing a counter right hand but Ahola manages to avoid it.
Ahola uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tshabalala.
Ahola jabs at Tshabalala's body.
Ahola ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Tshabalala moves away.
Tshabalala looks to land a right hand but Ahola moved out of range.
Ahola misses with a left hand
and Tshabalala counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ahola scores with a nice strike.
Ahola throws an overhand right that lands on Tshabalala's shoulder, as Tshabalala tries to avoid the shot.
Ahola keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tshabalala.
Ahola lands with a shot to the body.
Tshabalala swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Ahola counters by moving into the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Tshabalala escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ahola misses with a shot to the body
and Tshabalala cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tshabalala misses with an uppercut.
Ahola tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Tshabalala was well out of range. Poor timing from Ahola.
It looked like Tshabalala wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Jarkko Ahola seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A shot to the liver by Ahola. Beautiful body shot.
Tshabalala throws a looping overhand right but Ahola ducks down to avoid it.
Tshabalala connects with a looping right hand.
Ahola defending well as Tshabalala loads up on a big left hand.
A jab from Tshabalala misses.
Ahola lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Tshabalala is looking light on his feet compared to last time was saw him fight.
Ahola lands a jab to the head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ahola. Tshabalala does a little dance to reset his feet.
A shot to the liver by Ahola. Beautiful body shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ahola avoids the body shot from Tshabalala.
Ahola wants to counter the offense by Tshabalala and move into the clinch position.
Tshabalala looks to throw the jab but Ahola is out of range.
A slow jab from Ahola misses its intended target.
Tshabalala takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Jab, jab by Ahola - just one landing.
Ahola bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tshabalala's head.
Ahola has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Tshabalala walks into a stiff left hand from Ahola.
Tshabalala misses the shot to the body.
Tshabalala takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Tshabalala is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Ahola throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Tshabalala slips under a jab.
Tshabalala swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Ahola misses with a wild body shot.
A big right from Tshabalala misses.
Ahola lands a right hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ahola scores with a jab to the head.
Tshabalala missing with a left hand there. Ahola was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ahola thows a left - swing and a miss!
It looked like Tshabalala wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ahola lands a nice looking body shot.
Ahola throws out a loose jab but Tshabalala uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tshabalala lands a nice looking body shot.
Jab by Ahola.
Tshabalala misses with a low kick.
Ahola jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ahola jabs Tshabalala right on the nose. Tshabalala blinks but takes it well.

Ahola forces Tshabalala back against the cage and clinches.
Ahola misses with a punch to the body.
Ahola lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ahola swings wildly with an uppercut but Tshabalala uses good head movement to avoid it.

Tshabalala's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Good shot there by Ahola.
Ahola swings for the body but Tshabalala moves out of range.
Ahola 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.
A big left from Ahola misses.
Ahola avoids a kick to the body.
Ahola has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Tshabalala finds it's way round the side to connect with Ahola's head.

Ahola moves into range and clinches up with Tshabalala.
Tshabalala goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Ahola softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Tshabalala blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ahola tries a body shot but Tshabalala blocks it.
A nice left hand lands by Ahola.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Tshabalala throws a head punch that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jarkko Ahola dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jarkko Ahola's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Ahola connects with a crisp jab.
Some wild striking there from Ahola.
Tshabalala walks into a left hand.
Ahola's corner calls for a 1-2. Ahola obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Tshabalala walks into a straight right hand from Ahola.
Ahola misses with a hook. Tshabalala ducked under it nicely.
Ahola scores with a shot to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tshabalala displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ahola throws out the jab.
Ahola throws a hook to the side of Tshabalala's head but Tshabalala sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ahola showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Tshabalala.
Ahola scores with a nice head shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tshabalala fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Ahola manages to avoid it.
Tshabalala takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Ahola bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Tshabalala's head backwards.
Tshabalala throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Ahola sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Ahola wants to counter with a clinch but Tshabalala pushes him away.
Jarkko Ahola seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Ahola throws a hook but Tshabalala blocks it.
Ahola fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Tshabalala throws a looping overhand right but Ahola ducks down to avoid it.
A big left from Tshabalala misses.
Ahola with a jab.
Tshabalala throws a hook but Ahola avoids it easily.
Ahola jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ahola swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ahola scores with a punch to the head.
Ahola has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Ahola keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ahola tries to counter by closing the distance.
Tshabalala takes a swing at Ahola's ribcage but misses.
Ahola pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tshabalala moves out of range of the strikes.
Tshabalala is looking to counter punch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tshabalala avoids the body shot from Ahola.
Ahola fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Ahola bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Tshabalala's head.
Ahola dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tshabalala's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ahola connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tshabalala scrambles back to his feet.
Ahola rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Tshabalala counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Tshabalala looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
A slow jab from Ahola misses its intended target.
Tshabalala looks to score with a jab to the body but Ahola is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Ahola.
Ahola connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Ahola uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Tshabalala.
Ahola swings widly with a right hand
and Tshabalala counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
A jab from Tshabalala misses.
Ahola walks into a jab.
Tshabalala digs a good hook to Ahola's body.
Ahola misses with a wild body shot.
Tshabalala moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ahola fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tshabalala manages to avoid it.
Tshabalala jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ahola misses the shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Ahola.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ahola. Tshabalala does a little dance to reset his feet.
A shot to the liver by Ahola. Beautiful body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ahola throws a jab when Tshabalala was well out of range.
Tshabalala throws the left hand but Ahola avoids the punch easily.
Tshabalala looks to land a left hand but Ahola moved out of range nicely.
A slow jab from Ahola misses its intended target.
Tshabalala throws out a loose jab but Ahola uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ahola throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tshabalala sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Tshabalala misses with the combination.
Nice uppercut there from Ahola.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jarkko Ahola showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jarkko Ahola's cut.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Tshabalala with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Ahola to score with a decent uppercut.
Ahola looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Ahola thuds his right hand into Tshabalala's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Ahola fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tshabalala manages to avoid it.
Ahola lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Tshabalala at a distance.
Tshabalala takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ahola scores with a nice right hand.
Ahola lands with a nice body punch.
Tshabalala misses with a wild body shot.
Tshabalala sets himself, and Ahola steps forward looking for the clinch! Tshabalala avoids it this time.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A big right from Ahola misses.
It looked like Tshabalala wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ahola lands a nice hook to Tshabalala's body. Tshabalala takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Tshabalala scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tshabalala swings for the body but Ahola moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tshabalala tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Ahola was well out of range. Poor timing from Tshabalala.
Tshabalala misses with a looping right.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ahola.
Tshabalala takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Ahola cracks Tshabalala with a good jab.
Ahola scores with a hook to the body. Tshabalala takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Tshabalala jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ahola cracks Tshabalala with a good jab.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Tshabalala scores with a hook to the body.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ahola.

Tshabalala's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Tshabalala walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tshabalala takes one to the side of the head.
Tshabalala is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Ahola.
Ahola throws a body shot but no joy.
Tshabalala is looking to counter punch.
A decent looking cross lands there for Ahola.
Tshabalala throws a lazy right hand but Ahola sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ahola jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

Ahola clinches with his opponent.
Tshabalala blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Tshabalala fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Tshabalala lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Tshabalala is trying to break the clinch but Ahola has him pressed against the cage.
Tshabalala softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Ahola goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Tshabalala is trying to push Ahola away but Ahola has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Ahola lands a shot to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala tries to circle away but Ahola has him pinned against the cage.
Tshabalala is trying to force a seperation but Ahola has the dominant position.
Tshabalala blocks an uppercut.
Ahola has Tshabalala pressed against the cage, preventing Tshabalala from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Ahola misses with a punch to the body.
Ahola scores with a shot to the side of Tshabalala's head.
Ahola misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Ahola.
Tshabalala working hard to break the clinch.
Ahola misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ahola lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ahola lands a nice shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ahola scores with a shoulder strike.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ahola.
Ahola scores with a shot to the side of Tshabalala's head.
Ahola lands a body punch.
Ahola stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Ahola throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Tshabalalas head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ahola lands with a right to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ahola lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ahola lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ahola softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Ahola lands a nice shot to the body.
A short body shot lands from Ahola as the two fighters clinch.
Ahola lands a shot to the body.
Ahola makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Ahola scores with a nice short uppercut.
A right handed body shot lands from Ahola.
A short right from Ahola.
Ahola lands with a light punch inside.
Ahola lands a shoulder strike.
A short right from Ahola on the inside.

Tshabalala is rocked!
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ahola lands a hook to the side of the head.
Oh Tshabalala is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Ahola lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ahola lands a left hand that snaps the head of Tshabalala backwards.
A body shot lands from Ahola.
Ahola digs a right hand underneath Tshabalala's ribcage. Tshabalala let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Ahola lands a shoulder strike.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Jarkko Ahola really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jarkko Ahola's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ahola dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tshabalala seems to have got his legs back now.
Good standup being displayed there by Ahola as he connects with a hook.
Ahola loads up on a big right hand but Tshabalala slips the punch.
Ahola throws a shot from downtown. Tshabalala moves away and avoids it.
Ahola throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Tshabalala sees it coming and avoids it easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Tshabalala misses the target.
Ahola throws a hook but Tshabalala avoids it easily.
Tshabalala drops his hands momentarily and Ahola takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ahola lands a two punch combo.
Ahola thuds a left hand into Tshabalala's body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tshabalala walks into a stiff left hand from Ahola.
Ahola connects with the punch.
Ahola misses with an uppercut.
Good standup being displayed there by Tshabalala as he connects with a hook.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A left lands for Ahola.
Tshabalala takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Tshabalala drops his hands momentarily and Ahola takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Ahola scores with a body shot.
Ahola throws out a loose jab but Tshabalala uses good head movement to avoid it.
The crowd cheers as Ahola lands an impressive looking overhand right. Tshabalala doesn't seem phased though.
Ahola avoids the body shot from Tshabalala.
Tshabalala keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Ahola.
Tshabalala misses with a hook.
Ahola's jab looks to have found its range, popping Tshabalala under the eye.
Ahola takes a swing at Tshabalala's ribcage but misses.
Tshabalala jabbing away but nothing is landing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala cracks Ahola with a right hand to the side of the head.
Tshabalala thows a left - swing and a miss!
Nice jab there from Ahola.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ahola misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tshabalala.
It looked like Tshabalala was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Ahola.
Ahola throws a shot to the body.
Ahola cracks Tshabalala with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Tshabalala shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Ahola misses the shot to the body.
A quick step to the side and Tshabalala tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tshabalala ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Tshabalala closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Tshabalala catches Ahola with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Tshabalala moves away from the strike by Ahola.
Tshabalala gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.

Ahola gets a clinch.
Tshabalala pushes Ahola back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.

Tshabalala escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Tshabalala is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ahola.
A swing and a miss from Tshabalala.
Tshabalala throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Ahola lands a slapping body shot.
Ahola uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Tshabalala.
Ahola lands a jab to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A jab from Ahola misses.
A counter left hand to the body from Tshabalala misses its target.
Jab from Ahola.
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!
Ahola jabs Tshabalala to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Tshabalala misses the jab.
Ahola throws a lazy right hand but Tshabalala sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ahola uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tshabalala.
Tshabalala sets himself, and Ahola steps forward looking for the clinch! Tshabalala avoids it this time.
Ahola jabs Tshabalala right on the nose. Tshabalala blinks but takes it well.
Tshabalala lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Tshabalala connects with a good right hand that stumbles Ahola. Ahola circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
A looping hook to the body misses from Ahola. Tshabalala does a little dance to reset his feet.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Tshabalala swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Tshabalala throws the left hand but Ahola avoids the punch easily.
Tshabalala uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Ahola.
Ahola digs a good hook to Tshabalala's body.
Ahola misses the jab.
Nice cross by Tshabalala.
Good shot there by Ahola.
Tshabalala blocks a jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Tshabalala getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Tshabalala just misses with a punch to the body.
Ahola scores with a body shot.
Jab from Ahola.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ahola moves out of range as Tshabalala strikes.
Ahola misses with a looping left.
A counter left hand to the body from Tshabalala misses its target.
The fighters circle momentarily. Ahola darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Tshabalala lands with a nice body punch.
Ahola keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Tshabalala.
Ahola paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Tshabalala takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Ahola checks the leg kick nicely there.
Ahola tries to counter with a clinch but Tshabalala shakes him off and moves away.
Ahola avoids the body shot from Tshabalala.
Tshabalala's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ahola connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Tshabalala scrambles back to his feet.
Ahola jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
Ahola steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Tshabalala.
Ahola wants to counter the offense by Tshabalala and move into the clinch position.
Tenacity Tshabalala has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Ahola scores with a jab. Tshabalala acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ahola wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Tshabalala with a nice cross.
Tshabalala misses with a hook.
Ahola tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Tshabalala counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tshabalala. Ahola does a little dance to reset his feet.
Tshabalala throws the left hand but Ahola avoids the punch easily.
Tshabalala walks into a jab.
Ahola scores with a nice strike.
Ahola throws a jab but it's blocked by Tshabalala.
Tshabalala swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tshabalala throws a body punch but Ahola moves out of range.
Tshabalala misses with a body shot.
Ahola pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
As Ahola looks to move away, Tshabalala throws a big counter combo but Ahola just gets out of the way.
Ahola uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Tshabalala.
Ahola jabs at Tshabalala's body.
Tshabalala scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Ahola pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ahola darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Jarkko Ahola is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Ahola uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Tshabalala.
Ahola jabs at Tshabalala's body.
Ahola throws a hook but Tshabalala blocks it.
Ahola throws a body shot but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ahola fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Tshabalala on the side of the head.
Tshabalala works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Tshabalala pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Tshabalala defending well as Ahola loads up on a big left hand.
Ahola fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tshabalala manages to avoid it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tshabalala on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Tshabalala ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Ahola moves away.
Ahola is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Tshabalala.
Tshabalala uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Ahola.
Tshabalala moves out of range of the strikes.
Ahola moves away from the strike by Tshabalala.
Ahola takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jarkko Ahola comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ahola 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Steve Smith scores the fight 45:50
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 45:50
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jarkko Ahola!
Jarkko Ahola is the new heavyweight champion!
A very excited looking Jarkko Ahola 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.