PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bjorn Akerfeldt (ranked 1220 p4p, 1757 weight class) and Boniface Randriamaholison (ranked 129 p4p, 180 weight class). Randriamaholison has chosen Careless Whisper (Remastered) as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Bjorn Akerfeldt has a significant reach advantage - let's see if he can make it count.

Akerfeldt
vs
Randriamaholison

196 cm
33
224
12 - 14 - 0

182 cm
24
265
8 - 7 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Helsinki Xtreme Fightwear
Conviction

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 14 - 0, fighting out of New York, Bjorn Akerfeldt!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Boniface Randriamaholison!
The judges for this bout are Winston Howard, Ben Hemmingworth and Ron Honeybunn.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Akerfeldt ducks under a wild hook from Randriamaholison.
Randriamaholison moves out of range of the strikes.
Randriamaholison tries to clinch but Akerfeldt moves out of range.
Randriamaholison 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.
Akerfeldt throws a hook but Randriamaholison blocks it.
Akerfeldt looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Akerfeldt jabs Randriamaholison right on the nose. Randriamaholison blinks but takes it well.
Randriamaholison throws an ugly left hook that misses
letting Akerfeldt counter with a right hand.
Randriamaholison gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Akerfeldt with a jab.
Akerfeldt throws out a loose jab but Randriamaholison uses good head movement to avoid it.
Akerfeldt moves out of range of the strikes.
Akerfeldt scores with a jab to the jaw.
Akerfeldt lands with an overhand left.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Randriamaholison has managed to clinch.
Randriamaholison is struggling to control the position.

Randriamaholison's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Randriamaholison closes the distance and clinches.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akerfeldt has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Randriamaholison avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Randriamaholison has Akerfeldt pressed against the cage.
Akerfeldt tries to score a body lock takedown but Randriamaholison shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

Akerfeldt manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Akerfeldt is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Randriamaholison wants to stand but Akerfeldt is controlling his posture from full guard.
Randriamaholison is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.
Akerfeldt is trying to keep Randriamaholison in close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Randriamaholison wants to get up but he can't break Akerfeldt's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Akerfeldt looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
Akerfeldt uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Randriamaholison.
Randriamaholison misses with a straight right.
Randriamaholison is looking to clinch but Akerfeldt is avoiding it.
Bjorn Akerfeldt seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Randriamaholison closes the distance and clinches.
Randriamaholison gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Akerfeldt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bjorn Akerfeldt. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akerfeldt wants to take the fight to the mat but Randriamaholison manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Akerfeldt has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Randriamaholison clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!
Akerfeldt trying desperately to keep hold of the dominant position.
Randriamaholison is trying to stand back up.

Akerfeldt is looking for the choke from the back position but Randriamaholison is controlling his hands well.
Randriamaholison is trying to get back to his feet but Akerfeldt has full control of the position and if anything, Randriamaholison has just worked his way into a worse spot.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Randriamaholison prevents Akerfeldt from getting a body triangle.
Randriamaholison is in a world of trouble here. He's outmatched on the ground here and he'd better get Akerfeldt off his back sharpish unless he wants to be submitted.
Randriamaholison is trying to get back to his feet but he's not managed it yet.

Akerfeldt looking for the choke but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Randriamaholison is trying to get back to his feet but Akerfeldt has full control of the position and if anything, Randriamaholison has just worked his way into a worse spot.

Randriamaholison defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of Akerfeldt's arms.
Randriamaholison is trying to stand back up.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Bjorn Akerfeldt dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Akerfeldt throws an overhand right that lands on Randriamaholison's shoulder, as Randriamaholison tries to avoid the shot.
Randriamaholison swinging wildly here.
Akerfeldt avoids the head kick by Randriamaholison.
Akerfeldt moves out of range as Randriamaholison strikes.
Akerfeldt is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

Randriamaholison pushes Akerfeldt up against the cage in a clinch.
Randriamaholison taking a breather.
Akerfeldt has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Randriamaholison after a bit of a struggle.
Akerfeldt looking for a takedown.
Randriamaholison gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Akerfeldt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bjorn Akerfeldt. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Randriamaholison holding his opponent close, against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Randriamaholison pushes Akerfeldt back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Randriamaholison is defending well against a takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Randriamaholison lands with a short shot to the head.
Akerfeldt is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.

Randriamaholison breaks from the clinch.

Akerfeldt tries to keep at a distance but Randriamaholison has taken the fight into the clinch.
Akerfeldt has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Randriamaholison after a bit of a struggle.
Randriamaholison prevents the takedown attempt.
Randriamaholison is pressed up against the cage. Akerfeldt has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Randriamaholison down to the mat. Randriamaholison avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Akerfeldt looks to land a left hand but Randriamaholison moved out of range nicely.
Randriamaholison connects with a nice looking jab.
A jab from Akerfeldt misses.
Randriamaholison gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Akerfeldt makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.

Randriamaholison gets a clinch.

Randriamaholison's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Randriamaholison moves in looking to clinch but Akerfeldt pushes him off.
Randriamaholison is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Randriamaholison tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Akerfeldt throws a looping overhand right but Randriamaholison ducks down to avoid it.
Akerfeldt is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Randriamaholison tries to clinch up but Akerfeldt circles away and keeps his distance.
Akerfeldt paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Randriamaholison misses with a straight left.
Bjorn Akerfeldt is winning the standup battle so far.
Randriamaholison uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Akerfeldt.
Akerfeldt tries for a takedown but Randriamaholison circles away easily
and Randriamaholison counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Randriamaholison blocks a jab.
Nice straight punches there by Randriamaholison. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Randriamaholison.
Akerfeldt throws an overhand right that lands on Randriamaholison's shoulder, as Randriamaholison tries to avoid the shot.
Randriamaholison misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Randriamaholison dips to his left and cracks Akerfeldt with an uppercut!
Randriamaholison slips under a jab.
Akerfeldt tries to move into range but Randriamaholison moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.

Randriamaholison moves into range and clinches up with Akerfeldt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Randriamaholison stops a takedown attempt from Akerfeldt.

Randriamaholison breaks from the clinch.
Akerfeldt swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Akerfeldt misses with an uppercut.
Akerfeldt is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Akerfeldt misses with a right hand
and Randriamaholison connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

It looks like Bjorn Akerfeldt has been cut.
Randriamaholison moves away from the strike by Akerfeldt.

Randriamaholison has taken the fight to the clinch.
Akerfeldt is working for takedown but Randriamaholison is calmly controlling the position for now.

Randriamaholison manages to break the clinch.
A bone on bone clash there as Randriamaholison blocks the leg kick.
Randriamaholison throws a looping overhand right but Akerfeldt ducks down to avoid it.

Randriamaholison cracks Akerfeldt with a big right hand that sends him to the floor! Akerfeldt looks wobbly but he's sprung back up to his feet straight away… can Randriamaholison finish him?
Boniface Randriamaholison is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A jab from Akerfeldt finds it's way through Randriamaholison's defenses.
Randriamaholison tries to close the distance and clinch up but Akerfeldt swats him away and circles back towards the center.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Randriamaholison forces Akerfeldt back against the cage and clinches.
Boniface Randriamaholison seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Akerfeldt changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Randriamaholison fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Randriamaholison staying out of range there.
A nice side step and Randriamaholison releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.

Randriamaholison closes the distance and clinches.

Randriamaholison breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Randriamaholison instigates a clinch.
Akerfeldt drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Randriamaholison is pressed up against the cage. Akerfeldt has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Randriamaholison down to the mat. Randriamaholison avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.

Randriamaholison has Akerfeldt up against the cage in a clinch.
Akerfeldt drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Randriamaholison gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Akerfeldt drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Boniface Randriamaholison showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Bjorn Akerfeldt's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Randriamaholison is looking to clinch.

Randriamaholison clinches up with Akerfeldt and pushes him back against the cage.

Randriamaholison breaks from the clinch.
Randriamaholison tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Akerfeldt paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Randriamaholison walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Randriamaholison swings for the body but Akerfeldt moves out of range.
Randriamaholison moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Randriamaholison moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.

Randriamaholison closes the distance and clinches.
Randriamaholison's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.

Randriamaholison manages to break the clinch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Randriamaholison throws a hook but Akerfeldt blocks it.

Randriamaholison closes the distance and clinches.
Randriamaholison controlling the action here for a moment.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Akerfeldt is trying to drag Randriamaholison to the mat but Randriamaholison just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Akerfeldt is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Randriamaholison breaks the clinch.
Randriamaholison tries to clinch up.
Randriamaholison moves forwards but Akerfeldt connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Akerfeldt moves out of range of the leg kick from Randriamaholison.
Akerfeldt throws an overhand right that lands on Randriamaholison's shoulder, as Randriamaholison tries to avoid the shot.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Akerfeldt.
Akerfeldt avoids the head kick by Randriamaholison.
A little feinted left hand from Akerfeldt on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Akerfeldt throws a hook to the side of Randriamaholison's head but Randriamaholison sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Randriamaholison is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Akerfeldt thuds his right hand into Randriamaholison's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.

Randriamaholison has taken the fight to the clinch.
Akerfeldt wants to take the fight to the mat but Randriamaholison manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Bjorn Akerfeldt. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Akerfeldt can't get the takedown.
Randriamaholison lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Akerfeldt backwards.
Akerfeldt wants to take the fight to the mat but Randriamaholison manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

Randriamaholison breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Randriamaholison swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Akerfeldt scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Akerfeldt looking to control but instead Randriamaholison has slipped a leg in, to regain half guard.
Randriamaholison is trying to stand up here but Akerfeldt is controlling him well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Randriamaholison pushes Akerfeldt off and gets back to his feet.
Akerfeldt throws a lazy right hand but Randriamaholison sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Randriamaholison has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Randriamaholison stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Akerfeldt.
Randriamaholison misses the jab.
Randriamaholison tries to move into range but Akerfeldt moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
A telegraphed right hand from Akerfeldt misses the target.
Akerfeldt fails with the takedown.
Randriamaholison throws out a counter right but Akerfeldt avoids it with no problem.
Akerfeldt looks to land a left hand but Randriamaholison moved out of range nicely.
Akerfeldt lands with an uppercut that bounces Randriamaholison off the cage and back into range.
Randriamaholison tries to clinch up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Randriamaholison closes the distance and clinches.
Akerfeldt tries for a takedown. No joy.
Randriamaholison controlling the action here for a moment.

Randriamaholison breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Randriamaholison swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Akerfeldt swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A slow jab from Randriamaholison misses its intended target.
Randriamaholison tries to clinch but Akerfeldt moves out of range.
Akerfeldt walks into a jab.
Randriamaholison looks to land a left hand but Akerfeldt moved out of range nicely.
Randriamaholison scores with a decent looking hook.
Randriamaholison slips a straight right by Akerfeldt.
Randriamaholison looks to clinch
and Akerfeldt counters with a straight right hand.
Randriamaholison walks into a jab.

And that's the end of the fight!
Boniface Randriamaholison comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Randriamaholison has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Winston Howard scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Hemmingworth scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ron Honeybunn scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Boniface Randriamaholison!