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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Anssi Kukkonen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Solomon Burke (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Burke has chosen Discoboys - I came for you as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!
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| 188 cm
24
195 lbs
8 - 1 - 0 |
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188 cm
21
192 lbs
9 - 2 - 0 |
Decent wrestler
Solid boxing
Very strong |
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BJJ Purple Belt
Good low kicks
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
8 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anssi Kukkonen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Solomon Burke!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Johanna Lukiainen and Anni Minnemäki.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kukkonen scores with a hook.
Kukkonen connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kukkonen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Anssi Kukkonen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kukkonen moves in looking to clinch but Burke pushes him off.
Kukkonen wants to clinch up but Burke keeps it at a distance.
Burke bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Burke controls the position.
Sloppy strikes there by Burke.
Burke wants to control but Kukkonen is keeping him busy.
Kukkonen is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Burke has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Kukkonen trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.
The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kukkonen fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Burke, pushing him back against the cage.
Burke escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
A good leg kick by Burke.
Burke scores with a shot to the body.
That's one minute gone in the round.
A big left from Kukkonen misses.
Burke tries a head kick but it misses.
Kukkonen tries to clinch there but Burke circles away.
Burke throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Burke lands with an overhand left.
Burke staying out of range there.
Kukkonen takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Anssi Kukkonen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch but Burke swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Burke shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kukkonen defends it nicely.
Burke lands a high kick to the side of Kukkonen's head that stuns him and send him tumbling down to the canvas! Burke dives into guard, looking to finish.
Kukkonen is rocked!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Burke is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Burke pushing down on Kukkonen's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Burke is taking a breather. Kukkonen says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kukkonen has one foot on Burke's thigh - he pushes off and manages to get back to his feet.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Burke scores with a leg kick.
Burke uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kukkonen.
Burke looks for a takedown but Kukkonen sprawls well.
Kukkonen closes the distance and clinches.
Kukkonen scores with a shoulder strike.
Kukkonen misses with the head strike.
Burke manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Burke pulls Kukkonen in to control the position.
Kukkonen stopping the sweep attempt from Burke.
Burke is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Kukkonen is aware though and is defending well.
Kukkonen wants to get up but he can't break Burke's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Burke is trying to keep Kukkonen in close.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burke has a closed guard, preventing Kukkonen from standing up.
Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Burke throws a head kick that half lands.
Burke misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Burke dodges the punch combination from Kukkonen.
Burke throws a head kick but Kukkonen moves out of range.
Kukkonen showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Burke.
Kukkonen lands a nice shot to the body.
Kukkonen gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Kukkonen is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
The fighters are starting to get sweaty, which will make takedowns a bit more tricky.
Kukkonen is working Burke over against the cage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen can't find room to land a body shot as Burke controls the action.
Kukkonen lands a right hand that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen working aggressively here.
Burke wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kukkonen has him pressed against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Kukkonen gets through Burke's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Burke looks gassed!
Kukkonen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
A short right from Kukkonen on the inside.
Kukkonen presses Burke against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Burke drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Anssi Kukkonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Solomon Burke.
Burke tries for a takedown. No joy.
Burke tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kukkonen smiles and moves away.
Kukkonen fails in his attempt to clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kukkonen goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Kukkonen thows a left - swing and a miss!
Burke misses with a head kick.
Kukkonen lands a lovely overhand right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Solomon Burke dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Kukkonen cracks Burke with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Burke shoots in but no luck this time.
Burke connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kukkonen tries to clinch there but Burke circles away.
Kukkonen wants to clinch up but Burke keeps it at a distance.
Burke misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Burke takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Kukkonen clinches up against the cage.
Burke is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kukkonen pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kukkonen lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Burke takes a shot to the head.
Kukkonen lands a body shot.
Burke is breathing heavily.
Kukkonen stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Kukkonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
Burke jumps guard but Kukkonen stands there with Burke around his waist. Burke gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Anssi Kukkonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Solomon Burke.
Burke breaks from the clinch.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Burke keeps the fight on the outside.
Kukkonen clinches up with Burke and pushes him back against the cage.
Kukkonen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kukkonen.
Burke is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kukkonen pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kukkonen gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Burke.
A left hand lands to the body for Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kukkonen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Burke is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Kukkonen just leaning against Burke, taking a breather.
Burke is looking to control Kukkonen's arms but Kukkonen gets an underhook and turns him. Now Burke has his back to the cage.
Kukkonen lands a body shot.
Kukkonen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kukkonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Good body shot from Kukkonen.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen scores with a shoulder strike.
A left hand lands to the body for Kukkonen.
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!
Kukkonen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kukkonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kukkonen lands a body shot in the clinch.
Burke being controlled against the cage.
Kukkonen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Burke is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Kukkonen is defending well for now.
Kukkonen lands a nice uppercut.
A short right from Kukkonen on the inside.
Anssi Kukkonen has scored more points in the clinch so far.
A short uppercut from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a nice shot to the body.
Kukkonen lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Kukkonen lands a body punch in the clinch.
Kukkonen taking a breather.
Burke drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kukkonen gets the underhooks and prevents it.
A hook to the body from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen pushes Burke back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen lands a shot to the body.
Kukkonen working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Kukkonen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Burkes head.
Kukkonen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
A left hand lands to the body for Kukkonen.
Nice body punch from Kukkonen - that landed with a thud.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kukkonen.
A nice left hand lands by Kukkonen.
Kukkonen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kukkonen lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Burke looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kukkonen presses Burke against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kukkonen lands with a right to the head.
Kukkonen is leaning against Burke and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Kukkonen scores with a hook to the body.
Kukkonen pushes Burke back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kukkonen manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Burke fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kukkonen presses Burke against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Kukkonen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Burke wants a takedown but no success here.
Kukkonen lands a body punch in the clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Burke blocks an uppercut.
Nice body punch from Kukkonen.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kukkonen lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Kukkonen lands with a left to the head.
Kukkonen softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kukkonen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Burkes head.
Kukkonen lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Kukkonen lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Burke.
Kukkonen lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Kukkonen lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen effectively controlling the action here.
Burke working hard to break the clinch.
Kukkonen lands a body shot in the clinch.
A short left from Kukkonen.
A nice left hand lands by Kukkonen.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kukkonen.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kukkonen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Kukkonen working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Burke has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Burke has Kukkonen pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kukkonen manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kukkonen lands a nice shot to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Anssi Kukkonen dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Kukkonen connects with a right hand. Burke shakes it off.
Burke takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Burke circles away from the clinch attempt.
Solomon Burke seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kukkonen takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kukkonen fails with an attempt to clinch.
Burke swats away the attempt to clinch by Kukkonen.
Burke throws a head kick that half lands.
Kukkonen tries to clinch but Burke moves out of range.
Kukkonen fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Kukkonen. No joy for Burke on that attempt.
Burke throws a head kick but Kukkonen moves out of range.
Burke takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Burke shoots in but no luck this time.
Kukkonen throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kukkonen tries to clinch up but Burke circles away and keeps his distance.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kukkonen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Burke will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kukkonen tries to clinch up.
Kukkonen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kukkonen takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch but Burke swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Burke looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Kukkonen lands with a nice body punch.
Burke throws a sloppy head kick and Kukkonen moves out of range easily.
Kukkonen is looking to clinch but Burke is avoiding it.
Kukkonen closes the distance and pushes Burke back into the cage.
Kukkonen keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Burke's efforts to push away.
Kukkonen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Kukkonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kukkonen pushes Burke back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Kukkonen scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Kukkonen has Burke pushed against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kukkonen.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen lands a left hand that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen misses with a punch on the inside.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Burke.
Kukkonen pushes Burke back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
A short left from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen lands a right hand.
Kukkonen scores with a hook to the body.
Kukkonen is clearly stalling here... Pick up the pace son.
Burke tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kukkonen just stands there and leans against the cage.
Anssi Kukkonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Solomon Burke.
Kukkonen has Burke pushed against the cage.
Burke has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Kukkonen uses from the top position.
Kukkonen wants to stand but Burke is controlling his posture from full guard.
Kukkonen gets to his feet - Burke follows without any prompting.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen checks a low kick from Burke.
Burke throws a head kick that misses.
Kukkonen throws an overhand right that lands on Burke's shoulder, as Burke tries to avoid the shot.
Burke swats away the attempt to clinch by Kukkonen.
Kukkonen is looking to clinch but Burke is avoiding it.
Kukkonen tries to clinch but Burke moves out of range.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch but Burke swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kukkonen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Burke fails with a takedown attempt.
Kukkonen throws a good cross that connects.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kukkonen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Burke fails with the takedown.
Solomon Burke is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kukkonen has closed the distance and engaged Burke in a clinch.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kukkonen lands an uppercut.
Kukkonen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Burke has had enough of the clinch but Kukkonen keeps him there for the moment.
Burke changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kukkonen fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kukkonen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kukkonen clinches up with Burke and pushes him back against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Burke's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Kukkonen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Kukkonen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
A right hook to the body lands for Kukkonen.
Kukkonen is stalling here.
A right hook to the body lands for Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Burke or not.
Kukkonen digs a right hand underneath Burke's ribcage. Burke let out a lung full of air as it connected.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kukkonen lands a body punch.
A body shot lands from Kukkonen.
Nice body punch from Kukkonen - that landed with a thud.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Anssi Kukkonen clearly takes that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
Kukkonen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Burke paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kukkonen gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Burke with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kukkonen working aggressively here.
Burke tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kukkonen smiles and moves away.
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Kukkonen wants to clinch up but Burke keeps it at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kukkonen blocks the body kick.
Kukkonen is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Burke circles away from the clinch attempt.
Burke pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kukkonen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Burke takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Kukkonen avoids the head kick by Burke.
Burke is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Burke circles away from the clinch attempt.
Burke thumps Kukkonen with a low kick.
Kukkonen wants to clinch up but Burke keeps it at a distance.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch up but Burke swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kukkonen doesn't manage to clinch there - Burke circles away.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Burke paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kukkonen takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Kukkonen scores with a jab to the jaw.
Burke throws a head kick that misses.
Burke lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kukkonen's sensitive parts.
Burke keeps the fight on the outside.
Kukkonen clinches.
Kukkonen works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Kukkonen tries to throw a body punch but Burke avoids it by throwing Kukkonen back against the cage.
Burke tries for a takedown. No joy.
Kukkonen lands a left hand.
Kukkonen taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Kukkonen.
A right hand to the body from Kukkonen.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen swings wildly with an uppercut but Burke uses good head movement to avoid it.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen slowing the pace effectively.
Kukkonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kukkonen prevents a takedown attempt there.
Anssi Kukkonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Solomon Burke.
Kukkonen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kukkonen.
Burke tries to circle away but Kukkonen has him pinned against the cage.
Burke has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kukkonen is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kukkonen lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Burke can't get the takedown.
Burke jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kukkonen walks away with a smile on his face. Burke gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kukkonen closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Kukkonen softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kukkonen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
A shot in the inside from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kukkonen.
Burke looking to stall.
Kukkonen lands a body punch.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice left hand lands by Kukkonen.
Kukkonen scores with a shot to the side of Burke's head.
Nice body punch from Kukkonen - that landed with a thud.
Nice body punch from Kukkonen - that landed with a thud.
Kukkonen scores with a shot to the side of Burke's head.
Kukkonen cracks Burke with a nice body shot.
A nice right hand lands inside from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Burke or not.
Kukkonen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kukkonen softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Burke goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kukkonen prevents it.
Kukkonen lands a right hand.
A short right from Kukkonen.
Burke drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kukkonen pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kukkonen tries to clinch there but Burke circles away.
Kukkonen closes the distance and pushes Burke back into the cage.
Kukkonen stalling the fight.
Kukkonen gets underhooks to prevent Burke's takedown attempt.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen is leaning against Burke and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A hook to the body from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kukkonen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Burkes head.
Kukkonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kukkonen scores with an uppercut up the middle.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
A short right from Kukkonen on the inside.
Kukkonen lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kukkonen.
Burke fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kukkonen working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Kukkonen lands a hook that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kukkonen lands a body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kukkonen scores with a nice hook to the head.
Kukkonen lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A short left from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen digs a right hand into Burke's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Burke's gas tank.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Anssi Kukkonen had his way with Solomon Burke in that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Kukkonen doesn't manage to clinch there - Burke circles away.
A solid body kick from Burke.
Burke chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Kukkonen blocks a head kick by Burke.
A solid leg kick lands there for Burke.
Burke throws a head kick that misses.
Burke looks for a takedown but Kukkonen sprawls well.
Burke shoots in for a double leg but Kukkonen sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kukkonen.
Kukkonen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Burke can do to turn this around?
Burke is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Kukkonen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Burke lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Kukkonen swinging wilding here.
Kukkonen pushes Burke up against the cage in a clinch.
Kukkonen lands a left hand.
Still in the clinch, Kukkonen scores with a nice short uppercut.
Burke scores with a knee to the head.
Kukkonen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Kukkonen lands with a left to the head.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the side of the head.
Burke's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kukkonen lands a nice shot to the body.
Kukkonen lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
A shot in the inside from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands a body punch.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Burke or not.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body punch from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen is stalling here.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Kukkonen for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.
Burke is trying to stall.
Kukkonen lands with a short head shot on the inside.
A body shot lands from Kukkonen.
Kukkonen lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Kukkonen avoiding damage.
Kukkonen working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kukkonen scores with a hook to the body.
Kukkonen works on Burke's body with a couple of short punches.
Kukkonen lands a left hand.
Kukkonen lands a body punch.
Kukkonen lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen lands a left hand.
Kukkonen lands a hook to the side of the head.
Kukkonen is leaning against Burke and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kukkonen.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kukkonen scores with a hook to the body.
Kukkonen lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Burke.
Kukkonen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Kukkonen throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Kukkonen lands a hook that snaps the head of Burke backwards.
Kukkonen leaning against his opponent.
A left hand lands to the body for Kukkonen.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kukkonen.
Solomon Burke has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Burke pulls Kukkonen into guard.
Burke is trying to control the position but Kukkonen postures up.
Kukkonen decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Kukkonen wants to clinch.
Kukkonen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Burke.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kukkonen tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Burke paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Burke keeps the fight on the outside.
Burke throws a sloppy head kick and Kukkonen moves out of range easily.
Kukkonen doesn't manage to clinch there - Burke circles away.
Burke thows a body shot but no joy.
Anssi Kukkonen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kukkonen is looking to clinch.
Burke swats away the attempt to clinch by Kukkonen.
Kukkonen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Burke throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kukkonen sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Kukkonen tries to clinch up.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kukkonen moves in looking to clinch but Burke pushes him off.
Burke scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Burke misses the jab.
Burke circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kukkonen tries to clinch up but Burke circles away and keeps his distance.
And that's the end of the fight!
Anssi Kukkonen showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kukkonen has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 49:45
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 49:45
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 49:45
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Anssi Kukkonen!
Anssi Kukkonen retains his middleweight title!
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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
100% |
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