PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Odin Markkanen (ranked 144 p4p, 259 weight class) and Evan Duvernay (ranked 17 p4p, 30 weight class). Duvernay is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Le Vent Nous Portera. Buckle up people - heeeeeeeeeere we go!

Markkanen
vs
Duvernay

170 cm
38
146
22 - 5 - 0

176 cm
36
147
37 - 14 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
KO power

Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

NARCOS
Kersikov's Vitamin Clinic (160)

The Pharmacy Phuket
Ma Balls Is Hot Clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Odin Markkanen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 37 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Evan Duvernay!
The judges for this bout are Don Winkell, Jack Bonds and Percy O'Donnell.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Duvernay pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Markkanen seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Markkanen motions for Duvernay to come forward. Markkanen throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Duvernay fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Markkanen manages to avoid it.
Duvernay checks a low kick from Markkanen.
Duvernay tries a quick counter leg kick but Markkanen is wise to it.
Nice cross by Duvernay.
Evan Duvernay seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Duvernay misses with an uppercut. Markkanen saw that one coming.
Duvernay lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Nice defenses there by Duvernay.
A big left from Markkanen misses.
Markkanen uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Duvernay.
Markkanen swinging wildly here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Markkanen takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Duvernay jabbing away but nothing is landing.
As Duvernay backs away, Markkanen returns fire with a leg kick that just misses.
Duvernay is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Markkanen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Markkanen slips a straight right by Duvernay.
Duvernay 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.
Duvernay avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Markkanen will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Markkanen bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A nice inside leg kick there by Duvernay. That's going to slow Markkanen down.
Markkanen throws a series of punches but Duvernay moves out of range.
Duvernay looks to land a left hand but Markkanen moved out of range nicely.
Markkanen throws a poor cross that misses
and Duvernay counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Duvernay connects with a crisp jab.
Duvernay scoring well with a low kick there.
A good leg kick by Duvernay.
Duvernay scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
A jab lands there for Duvernay.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Duvernay throws a hook but Markkanen avoids it easily.
Duvernay rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Markkanen counter with a right hand.

It looks like Evan Duvernay has been cut.
Duvernay moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Duvernay is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Markkanen.
Duvernay blocks the body kick.
Duvernay misses with a low kick as Markkanen jumps back.
Markkanen feinted with a counter takedown.
Markkanen tries for a takedown but Duvernay sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Markkanen takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Duvernay attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Duvernay swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Markkanen.
Markkanen throws a sloppy head kick
and Duvernay counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Markkanen takes one to the chin there.
Markkanen staying out of range there.

Duvernay gets caught napping as Markkanen dives in and scores a takedown. Duvernay manages to retain guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Duvernay wants to stand but Markkanen is controlling the position.
Markkanen trying to control but Duvernay is working from the bottom.

Duvernay is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Markkanen wants to control from the top but Duvernay keeps moving.
Duvernay looking to hit a scissor sweep but Markkanen is one step ahead there.
Duvernay wants to stand but Markkanen is controlling the position.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Markkanen is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

Duvernay has scooted to the edge of the canvas and used the cage to get back to his feet. Markkanen has stuck on his opponent and is forcing him back against the cage.
Duvernay lands an elbow just above Markkanen 's eye.
Markkanen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

Duvernay pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Duvernay explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Markkanen throws a one two combo.
Duvernay moves away from the strike by Markkanen.
Markkanen ducks under a wild hook from Duvernay.
Duvernay throws a nice outside leg kick.
Duvernay misses with a combination
and Markkanen counters with a good low kick that Duvernay was not able to check.
Duvernay throws a hook to the side of Markkanen's head but Markkanen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Evan Duvernay dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Evan Duvernay's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

A nice leg kick from Duvernay, right into the meat of the thigh.
Duvernay throws a right hand that misses
and Markkanen cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Nice cross by Duvernay.
A nice inside leg kick there by Duvernay. That's going to slow Markkanen down.
Markkanen cracks Duvernay with a good jab.
Markkanen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Markkanen appears to be looking for a big counter.
Duvernay throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Evan Duvernay seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Duvernay misses with an uppercut. Markkanen saw that one coming.
Duvernay with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A looping hook to the body misses from Duvernay. Markkanen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Duvernay lands a leg kick that knocks Markkanen off balance momentarily.
Duvernay throws a solid leg kick but Markkanen takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Duvernay.
It looked like Markkanen wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Markkanen goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Markkanen looks to land a combination but Duvernay avoids it well.
Markkanen is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A cross from Duvernay lands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Duvernay tries to land a front kick but Markkanen steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Markkanen throws a big counter combination but Duvernay scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Duvernay throws a push kick but Markkanen slaps the foot to one side.
Duvernay fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Markkanen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Markkanen pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Markkanen looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Good leg kick by Duvernay.
Markkanen moves out of range of the strikes.
Duvernay dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Markkanen. That did some damage!
Duvernay with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Duvernay goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Duvernay dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Markkanen. That did some damage!
Duvernay lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Markkanen is looking to slow Duvernay down with leg kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Duvernay throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Duvernay cracks Markkanen with a good jab.
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!
Duvernay lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Duvernay gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Markkanen ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Markkanen misses with a hook. Duvernay ducked under it nicely.
A solid leg kick lands there for Duvernay.
Markkanen keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Duvernay.
Markkanen ducks under a wild hook from Duvernay.
Markkanen drops his hands momentarily and Duvernay takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
A good leg kick by Duvernay.
Duvernay throws a leg kick which misses Markkanen's front leg but catches the back leg as Markkanen tries to avoid it.
Duvernay throws a lazy uppercut
and Markkanen counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Duvernay gets off balance looking for a body kick

and Markkanen counters with a single leg into guard. Duvernay didn't expect that.
Duvernay is looking to stand back up... there's a bit of a scramble and Markkanen dives into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Duvernay wants to get back to his feet.
Duvernay wants to control but Markkanen postures up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The strikes coming from Markkanen are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Duvernay tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Markkanen wants to control but Duvernay is keeping him busy.
Duvernay manages to work his way to half guard, despite Markkanen's best efforts.
Ground and pound from Markkanen.
Markkanen throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Duvernay is not content to let Markkanen control the position.
Markkanen is thwarting Duvernay's attempts to control the position.
Markkanen wants to control but Duvernay is keeping him busy.
Duvernay avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Markkanen.

Markkanen is looking for a kimura here.

Markkanen is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Duvernay is just riding it out for now. Markkanen eventually gives up the hold.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

A shot to the liver by Duvernay. Beautiful body shot.
Odin Markkanen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Evan Duvernay is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Duvernay misses with a looping right.
Markkanen throws a low kick but it's checked well by Duvernay.
Duvernay with a nice calf kick.
Duvernay getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Duvernay misses with a jab to the body
and Markkanen counters with a nice uppercut.
Duvernay throws a hook to the side of Markkanen's head but Markkanen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Markkanen tried to counter with a leg kick but Duvernay avoided it.
Duvernay misses the jab.
An attempted straight right counter from Markkanen misses the target.
Duvernay lets loose with a powerful body kick. Markkanen will feel that in the morning.
Markkanen bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Duvernay's head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Duvernay misses with a body punch
and Markkanen counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Markkanen fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Duvernay is out of range.
Duvernay throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
letting Markkanen counter with a right hand.

Duvernay is rocked!
Duvernay has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Markkanen shoots in but Duvernay avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Duvernay flicks out a counter leg kick but Markkanen steps away.
Duvernay is still on wobbly legs! Can Markkanen finish him?
Duvernay misses with a hook. Markkanen ducked under it nicely.
Duvernay seems to have recovered his senses.
Markkanen misses with a body kick.
Duvernay walks into a straight right hand from Markkanen.
Duvernay showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Markkanen.
Duvernay ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Markkanen slips a jab from Duvernay.
Markkanen walks into a jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Markkanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Markkanen looks to throw the jab but Duvernay is out of range.
Duvernay takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Duvernay's corner calls for a 1-2. Duvernay obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Markkanen has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Duvernay.
Duvernay throws a predictable looking body shot
and Markkanen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Duvernay lands a nice shot that snaps Markkanen's head back.
Markkanen on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Duvernay. Duvernay obviously looking to wear him down.
Duvernay throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Markkanen counters with a solid body kick.
Duvernay takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Duvernay on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Duvernay misses with a kick to the body.
Markkanen on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Duvernay looks to score with a jab to the body but Markkanen is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Duvernay just misses with a punch to the body.
Markkanen was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

A momentary lapse in concentration from Duvernay enables Markkanen to shoot in and score with a neat double leg. Duvernay manages to secure a closed guard as the fighters hit the mat.
Markkanen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Markkanen postures up in Duvernay's guard and throws a big left but Duvernay blocks it.
Duvernay preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Duvernay seems keen to control Markkanen's posture.
Markkanen working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Duvernay's head.
Markkanen lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Odin Markkanen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Duvernay seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
We've been hearing that Markkanen has been drilling a lot of ground and pound in training, so let's see if he get the finish.
Markkanen trying to control the position from guard on top but Duvernay is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Duvernay keeping full guard, as Markkanen tries to pass.
Markkanen missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Markkanen postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Markkanen throws an elbow that misses. Duvernay uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Markkanen's guard. Nice move by Duvernay!

Markkanen looking for a guillotine here but Duvernay defends easily.
Duvernay works a leg free and moves into half guard.

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 Odin Markkanen.
I think Duvernay 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 Don Winkell scores the fight 28:30
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 27:30
Judge Percy O'Donnell scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Evan Duvernay!
An out of breath Evan Duvernay thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.