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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Ardbeg Islay (ranked 220 p4p, 503 weight class) and Nikodem Kowalczyk (ranked 25 p4p, 62 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.
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| 186 cm
22
200
11 - 1 - 0 |
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184 cm
29
195
12 - 1 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Granite chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 11 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Ardbeg Islay!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nikodem Kowalczyk!
The judges for this bout are Wesley Smith, Tiny Johnson and Frank Dennis.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Islay moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Islay staying out of range there.
Islay looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Nikodem Kowalczyk seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The fight stays on the outside here - Islay looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kowalczyk wants to counter the offense by Islay and move into the clinch position.
Islay misses with an uppercut. Kowalczyk saw that one coming.
Kowalczyk steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Islay.
Kowalczyk tries to counter with a clinch but Islay shakes him off and moves away.
Kowalczyk clinches with his opponent.
Kowalczyk is leaning against Islay and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Kowalczyk.
Islay swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Islay is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kowalczyk pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kowalczyk prevents a body shot from Islay.
Kowalczyk prevents a body shot from Islay.
A short right from Kowalczyk on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalczyk can't find room to land a body shot as Islay controls the action.
A short uppercut from Kowalczyk.
Islay pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Islay misses with a wild body shot.
Kowalczyk clinches up against the cage.
Kowalczyk lands a nice uppercut.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Islay escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Islay looks to land a left hand but Kowalczyk moved out of range nicely.
Kowalczyk wants to counter with a clinch but Islay pushes him away.
Kowalczyk throws out a loose jab but Islay uses good head movement to avoid it.
Islay wants to clinch.
Islay throws a jab but it's blocked by Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kowalczyk tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kowalczyk feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Islays jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Islay loads up on a big right hand but Kowalczyk slips the punch.
Kowalczyk waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Islay.
Islay tests Kowalczyk's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Islay takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Kowalczyk lands with an uppercut that bounces Islay off the cage and back into range.
Islay slips under a jab from Kowalczyk.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk closes the distance and clinches.
Islay tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Islay just leaning against Kowalczyk, taking a breather.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kowalczyk misses with some punches.
Islay lands with a right to the head.
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
Kowalczyk gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Islay.
Kowalczyk gets through Islay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Islay drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kowalczyk pulls his leg out and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ardbeg Islay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook.
The fighters circling - Kowalczyk throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kowalczyk feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Islays jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Kowalczyk tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Islay was well out of range. Poor timing from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Islay counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Nice sprawl there from Kowalczyk as Islay shoots in.
Islay fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Islay bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Kowalczyk's head backwards.
Kowalczyk fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Islay on the side of the head.
Kowalczyk gets tackled into the cage by Islay. Islay maintains the clinch.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Islay throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kowalczyks head.
Kowalczyk blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Islay manages to break the clinch.
Islay on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Nikodem Kowalczyk is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kowalczyk just misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalczyk uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Islay.
Kowalczyk dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Islay takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Islay closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kowalczyk circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kowalczyk looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
An attempted straight right counter from Islay misses the target.
Kowalczyk tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Islay was well out of range. Poor timing from Kowalczyk.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
A big left from Kowalczyk misses.
Kowalczyk misses with a body shot.
Islay slips a jab and a cross from Kowalczyk.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kowalczyk looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Islay throws a jab when Kowalczyk was well out of range.
Kowalczyk works the jab nicely.
Kowalczyk bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kowalczyk throws a right hand that misses
and Islay counters with a stiff right hand.
Kowalczyk ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Islay moves away.
A looping hook to the body misses from Islay. Kowalczyk does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kowalczyk ducks under a wild hook from Islay.
Kowalczyk tries to close the distance and clinch but Islay swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kowalczyk uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Islay.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Nikodem Kowalczyk dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
Islay lands with an overhand left.
Kowalczyk waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Islay.
Kowalczyk defending well as Islay loads up on a big left hand.
Kowalczyk throws the left hand but Islay avoids the punch easily.
Islay staying out of range there.
Islay is looking to counter punch.
Kowalczyk closes the distance and pushes Islay back into the cage.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Islay.
Kowalczyk lands a hook to the side of the head.
Islay swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kowalczyk is leaning against Islay and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Islay is working for takedown but Kowalczyk is calmly controlling the position for now.
Islay tries to circle away but Kowalczyk has him pinned against the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Islay manages to break the clinch.
Islay avoids the body shot from Kowalczyk.
A counter left hand to the body from Islay misses its target.
Kowalczyk lands a nice shot that snaps Islay's head back.
Kowalczyk fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Islay takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kowalczyk throws a lazy right hand but Islay sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Islay is looking to counter punch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Islay bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Islay. Kowalczyk does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kowalczyk has managed to clinch.
Islay avoiding damage.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Kowalczyk gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Islay.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kowalczyk.
Islay goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kowalczyk prevents it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ardbeg Islay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Islay blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Islay.
Islay is trying to push Kowalczyk away but Kowalczyk has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Islay.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Islay goes for a takedown attempt but Kowalczyk pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Nikodem Kowalczyk seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kowalczyk scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk moves into the clinch.
Kowalczyk tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Islay's elbow.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A short left from Kowalczyk.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Islay has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Islay.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk lands an uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Kowalczyk scores with a nice short uppercut.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kowalczyk lands a nice shot to the body.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk tries to work over Islay's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kowalczyk misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk prevents a body shot from Islay.
A short right from Kowalczyk on the inside.
Kowalczyk misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kowalczyk scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kowalczyk blocks a body shot from Islay.
Kowalczyk gets underhooks to prevent Islay's takedown attempt.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Islay tries a body shot but Kowalczyk blocks it.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kowalczyk.
A shot in the inside from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk digs a right hand into Islay's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Islay's gas tank.
Kowalczyk misses with the head strike.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Islay tries to stall but Kowalczyk uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Kowalczyk has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kowalczyk works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Islay's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk can't find room to land a body shot as Islay controls the action.
Islay throws a head punch that misses.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Nikodem Kowalczyk seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Kowalczyk cracks Islay with a nice body shot.
Islay lands a shoulder strike.
Kowalczyk gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Islay.
Islay fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kowalczyk gets through Islay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Islay cracks Kowalczyk with a nice body shot.
Nice body punch from Kowalczyk - that landed with a thud.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Nice body punch from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Islay's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Nice body punch from Kowalczyk - that landed with a thud.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Nikodem Kowalczyk showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Kowalczyk tries to close the distance and clinch but Islay swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kowalczyk throws a looping overhand right but Islay ducks down to avoid it.
Islay connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Islay on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Kowalczyk thuds his right hand into Islay's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Kowalczyk misses with a looping left.
Islay looks to land a left hand but Kowalczyk moved out of range nicely.
Kowalczyk tries to clinch up
and Islay counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Islay staying out of range there.
Kowalczyk closes the distance and clinches.
Kowalczyk works on Islay's body with a couple of short punches.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
A nice left hand lands by Kowalczyk.
A right hook to the body lands for Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Islay's elbow.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Islay looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot.
Islay breaks from the clinch.
Islay keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Islay seemed to be looking to counter by closing the distance.
Islay drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kowalczyk blocks an uppercut.
Islay takes a shot to the head.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch.
Kowalczyk throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Islays head.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Islay.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk lands a nice uppercut.
Kowalczyk is working Islay over against the cage.
A short body shot lands from Kowalczyk as the two fighters clinch.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kowalczyk lands with a short shot to the head.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Islay swings wildly with an uppercut but Kowalczyk uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Islay tries a body shot but Kowalczyk blocks it.
Kowalczyk scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kowalczyk can't find room to land a body shot as Islay controls the action.
Kowalczyk tries to work over Islay's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kowalczyk.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kowalczyk.
A right handed body shot lands from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk digs a right hand into Islay's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Islay's gas tank.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk pushes Islay back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk lands a nice uppercut.
Kowalczyk pushes Islay back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kowalczyk.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch.
Kowalczyk tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Islay's elbow.
Islay can't get the takedown.
Kowalczyk scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kowalczyk lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kowalczyk scores with a nice hook to the head.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kowalczyk tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Islay's elbow.
Kowalczyk works on Islay's body with a couple of short punches.
Kowalczyk lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short right from Kowalczyk on the inside.
A hook to the body from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kowalczyk presses Islay against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A short right from Kowalczyk.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Kowalczyk - that landed with a thud.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kowalczyk lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kowalczyk digs a right hand underneath Islay's ribcage. Islay let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Kowalczyk lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kowalczyk lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A short left from Kowalczyk.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Nikodem Kowalczyk really dominated that round.
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.
Kowalczyk moves into the clinch successfully.
Kowalczyk misses with a punch to the body.
Islay working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
A right hand to the body from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk cracks Islay with a nice body shot.
Kowalczyk tries to work over Islay's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Islay prevents a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Islay has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Islay tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
Islay wants to take the fight to the mat but Kowalczyk manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot.
Kowalczyk pushes Islay back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalczyk lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Kowalczyk lands a left hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk gets underhooks to prevent Islay's takedown attempt.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Kowalczyk works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
A short body shot lands from Kowalczyk as the two fighters clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a hook that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Islay's efforts to push away.
A short left from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Islay.
Kowalczyk can't find room to land a body shot as Islay controls the action.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Islay can't get the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ardbeg Islay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kowalczyk blocking some punches.
Kowalczyk works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Kowalczyk lands a shot to the body.
Good body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
A right hand to the body from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a hook that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot in the clinch.
Good body shot from Kowalczyk.
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!
Kowalczyk lands a nice uppercut.
Kowalczyk misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalczyk gets through Islay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk works on Islay's body with a couple of short punches.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk works on Islay's body with a couple of short punches.
Kowalczyk works on Islay's body with a couple of short punches.
Kowalczyk lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kowalczyk has Islay pressed against the cage, preventing Islay from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk prevents Islay from breaking the clinch.
Kowalczyk works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Islay drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kowalczyk pulls his leg out and moves away.
The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
Kowalczyk lands an uppercut.
A head punch on the inside from Islay fails to land.
Islay throws a head punch that misses.
Kowalczyk tries to throw a body punch but Islay avoids it by throwing Kowalczyk back against the cage.
Kowalczyk gets through Islay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Islay.
Kowalczyk lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk can't find room to land a body shot as Islay controls the action.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kowalczyk.
Islay looking for a takedown.
A head punch on the inside from Islay fails to land.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kowalczyk.
Islay wants to break free but Kowalczyk has control.
Kowalczyk lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Islay prevents a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk digs a right hand into Islay's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Islay's gas tank.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Islay prevents a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Islay prevents a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk tries to work over Islay's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Islay swings away with an uppercut that misses.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.
Nikodem Kowalczyk dominated that fourth round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
Kowalczyk ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Islay moves away.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook. Islay ducked under it nicely.
Islay has managed to clinch.
Ardbeg Islay has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kowalczyk misses with a punch to the body.
Islay breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kowalczyk moves out of range of the strikes.
A jab from Islay misses.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook. Islay ducked under it nicely.
Islay wants to clinch up but Kowalczyk keeps it at a distance.
Kowalczyk closes the distance and pushes Islay back into the cage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kowalczyk lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kowalczyk lands a nice uppercut.
A hook to the body from Kowalczyk.
Islay can't break the clinch.
Islay misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kowalczyk scores with a shot to the side of Islay's head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Kowalczyk lands a right hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kowalczyk tries a body shot but Islay blocks it.
Islay has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kowalczyk is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Islay blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk lands a left hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kowalczyk stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
Kowalczyk lands a shot to the body.
Kowalczyk gets through Islay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Islay fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kowalczyk working aggressively here.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch.
Kowalczyk working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
A short body shot lands from Kowalczyk as the two fighters clinch.
Kowalczyk pushes Islay back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Islay wants to get back to striking at distance but Kowalczyk won't allow it.
Kowalczyk pushes Islay back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Islay or not.
Good body shot from Kowalczyk.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk cracks Islay with a nice body shot.
Kowalczyk works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kowalczyk gets underhooks to prevent Islay's takedown attempt.
Kowalczyk tries to work over Islay's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kowalczyk tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Islay's elbow.
Kowalczyk stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Islay misses with the head strike.
Kowalczyk gets through Islay's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Islay wants a takedown but no success here.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ardbeg Islay. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kowalczyk goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Kowalczyk misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kowalczyk pushes Islay back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kowalczyk is leaning against Islay and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Kowalczyk.
A body shot lands from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kowalczyk lands a left hand that snaps the head of Islay backwards.
Kowalczyk is leaning against Islay and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Kowalczyk tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Islay's elbow.
Kowalczyk lands a body shot in the clinch.
Islay working aggressively here.
Islay fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A short right from Kowalczyk.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk misses with a punch to the body.
Islay tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
Kowalczyk lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Islay.
This has been an exciting period of action!
A short body shot lands from Kowalczyk as the two fighters clinch.
Kowalczyk misses with a punch to the body.
Kowalczyk scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kowalczyk misses with a body punch.
Kowalczyk scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kowalczyk blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Islay blocks a body shot from Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk lands with a light punch inside.
Kowalczyk stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kowalczyk doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Kowalczyk misses with a hook to the ribs.
Islay blocks an uppercut.
Kowalczyk struggles to land a body shot inside as Islay controls his hands.
And that's the end of the fight!
Nikodem Kowalczyk comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kowalczyk 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 Wesley Smith scores the fight 43:50
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 45:50
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 43:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikodem Kowalczyk!
Nikodem Kowalczyk is the new middleweight champion!
Nikodem Kowalczyk was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.
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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
73% |
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