PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sepi Kumpulainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Valentin Berg (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Kumpulainen
vs
Berg

172 cm
27
143 lbs
14 - 3 - 0

170 cm
22
150 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Very strong

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Powerful

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Balco Boys - Hilo

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 14 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sepi Kumpulainen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Valentin Berg!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Berg doesn't manage to clinch there - Kumpulainen circles away.
Berg misses with a leg kick.
Kumpulainen avoids the head kick by Berg.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Berg defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Kumpulainen.
Kumpulainen shoots for a takedown but Berg saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sepi Kumpulainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Berg is looking to chop away at Kumpulainen's legs.
Kumpulainen takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kumpulainen takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Berg throws a low kick but it's checked well by Kumpulainen.
Berg moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown but Berg shows good takedown defense.
Berg lands with a thumping leg kick.
Berg throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Berg fails in his attempt to clinch.
Berg connects with an inside leg kick.

Kumpulainen throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Berg tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Kumpulainen is in Berg's guard.

Kumpulainen drops back, looking for a kneebar! Berg looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Berg looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Berg!
Kumpulainen is trying to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Berg stands up.
Kumpulainen checks a low kick from Berg.
Kumpulainen closes the distance and clinches up with Berg, looking for a takedown. Kumpulainen pushes Berg against the cage but Berg circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Kumpulainen looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Berg as he avoids it easily.
Kumpulainen uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Berg.
Berg lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Berg tries to work over Kumpulainen's front leg with a kick but Kumpulainen checks it.
Berg scores with a leg kick.
Berg tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kumpulainen shoots in looking for a takedown but Berg manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kumpulainen's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Kumpulainen will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
No luck for Kumpulainen with that takedown attempt.
Berg misses with a low kick.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Berg, right into the meat.
Berg fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kumpulainen dives in and grabs Berg's left leg, looking for a takedown. Berg pushes down on Kumpulainen's head and hops out.
Kumpulainen is breathing heavily.
Berg fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kumpulainen checks it well.
Berg throws a quick inside leg kick.
A leg kick checked by Kumpulainen.
Berg stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Berg wants it to stay on the feet.
Berg is looking to slow Kumpulainen down with leg kicks.
Kumpulainen closes the distance and clinches up with Berg, looking for a takedown. Kumpulainen pushes Berg against the cage but Berg circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
No luck for Kumpulainen with that takedown attempt.
Good work by Kumpulainen as he checks the leg kick.
Kumpulainen avoids the head kick by Berg.
Kumpulainen walks forward, straight into a front kick from Berg.
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!
An inside leg kick lands from Berg.
Berg lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kumpulainen's sensitive parts.
Berg thumps Kumpulainen with a low kick.
Berg ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Berg.
Kumpulainen stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Berg.

Berg closes the distance and clinches.
A left hand lands to the body for Berg.
Berg tries to land a knee to the head but Kumpulainen blocks with his arms.
Kumpulainen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Berg makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
A bit of stalling here from Berg.
Berg tries a knee to the head but Kumpulainen blocks it.

Berg breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kumpulainen shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Berg pinned against the cage. Berg gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Berg connects with an inside leg kick.
Nice body kick from Berg.
A nice inside leg kick there by Berg. That's going to slow Kumpulainen down.
Berg throws a head kick but Kumpulainen moves out of range.
Kumpulainen 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.
Berg moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
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!
A slapping leg kick lands for Berg.
Kumpulainen avoids the head kick by Berg.
Kumpulainen is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen walks forward, straight into a front kick from Berg.
A nice leg kick lands there from Berg.
Berg fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Berg closes the distance and pushes Kumpulainen back into the cage.
Berg working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Berg throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kumpulainens head.
Kumpulainen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Berg scores with a nice hook to the head.
Berg is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Berg lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Berg scores a nice knee to the body.

Berg breaks the clinch.
Berg lands a leg kick that knocks Kumpulainen off balance momentarily.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Berg, right into the meat.
Berg punishes Kumpulainen's body with a nice straight punch.
Berg looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Berg lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
A nice inside leg kick there by Berg. That's going to slow Kumpulainen down.

Berg has managed to clinch.
Berg is pressed up against the cage. Kumpulainen has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Berg down to the mat. Berg avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Berg connects with a leg kick. Kumpulainen looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Valentin Berg dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Berg lands a leg kick that knocks Kumpulainen off balance momentarily.

Berg moves into the clinch.
Kumpulainen scores with a hook to the body.
Berg trying to control the position but instead, Kumpulainen has worked for underhooks and has pushed Berg into the cage.
Kumpulainen tries to pull guard but Berg won't allow it.
Berg pressing his opponent against the cage.
A hook to the body from Berg.
Kumpulainen changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Berg fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown but Berg shows good takedown defense.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sepi Kumpulainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Berg misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Berg. Kumpulainen does a little dance to reset his feet.
Berg throws a solid leg kick but Kumpulainen takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Berg.
Kumpulainen will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Berg throws a head kick but Kumpulainen moves out of range.
Valentin Berg seems to be getting the better of the standup.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Kumpulainen crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Berg - the referee stops the clock and Kumpulainen gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Berg. Kumpulainen manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Berg throws a looping overhand right but Kumpulainen ducks down to avoid it.
Berg throws a leg kick which misses Kumpulainen's front leg but catches the back leg as Kumpulainen tries to avoid it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumpulainen shoots in but no luck this time.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Berg lands a leg kick that knocks Kumpulainen off balance momentarily.
Berg lands a leg kick that knocks Kumpulainen off balance momentarily.
Berg throws a nice outside leg kick.
Valentin Berg is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Berg lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Berg fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Kumpulainen has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Berg - that will leave a mark!
Kumpulainen avoids the head kick by Berg.
A head kick misses from Berg.
Berg connects with a leg kick. Kumpulainen looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Kumpulainen fails with a takedown attempt.
Kumpulainen keeps the fight on the outside.
Berg cracks the inside of Kumpulainen's front leg.
Berg lands a leg kick that knocks Kumpulainen off balance momentarily.
Berg throws a nice head kick!

Berg rushes Kumpulainen and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kumpulainen takes a knee to the side of the body.

Kumpulainen decides to pull guard.
Berg sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Kumpulainen looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Kumpulainen throws his legs up looking for a submission but Berg uses it to pass to side control.
Kumpulainen is looking to regain half guard here but Berg keeps moving and retains side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Kumpulainen's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Kumpulainen manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

Kumpulainen is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Berg doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kumpulainen.

Kumpulainen is looking for a kimura but Berg is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kumpulainen to get the leverage.
Berg taking some punishment here, with Kumpulainen in his half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kumpulainen thows a big elbow that misses, also allowing Berg to regain full guard.
Kumpulainen trying to control but Berg is working from the bottom.
Kumpulainen is pushing down on Berg's leg trying to pass to half guard. Berg is fighting to maintain full guard but Kumpulainen has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kumpulainen trying to control from half guard but Berg is working away.

Kumpulainen is trying to work for a kimura but Berg is defending well.
Berg wants to get back to his feet.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kumpulainen thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Valentin Berg showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kumpulainen fails with the takedown.
Berg tries to clinch but Kumpulainen moves out of range.
Kumpulainen shoots in but Berg avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Nice body kick from Berg.
Kumpulainen takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kumpulainen avoids the head kick by Berg.
Nice body kick there by Berg.
A solid body kick from Berg.
Berg wants to clinch.
Kumpulainen takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Kumpulainen tries to clinch but Berg moves out of range.
Berg throws a right and a left that Kumpulainen avoids nicely.
Berg looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

Berg has closed the distance and engaged Kumpulainen in a clinch.
Berg digs a right hand underneath Kumpulainen's ribcage. Kumpulainen let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumpulainen being controlled against the cage.
Berg tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Berg has Kumpulainen pushed against the cage.
Berg fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

Kumpulainen tightens his grip and picks Berg up, before dumping him to the ground. Berg manages to land in guard.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kumpulainen accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Kumpulainen is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Kumpulainen throws and elbow that misses. Berg uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kumpulainen's guard. Nice move by Berg!
Kumpulainen trying to control the position.
Kumpulainen wants to sweep here but Berg controlling him for the moment.
Berg wants to stand but Kumpulainen is controlling his posture from full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Kumpulainen working for a triangle but Berg defends it easily.

Kumpulainen working for submissions but it's allowed Berg to get to half guard.
Kumpulainen controlling the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen wants to get back to full guard.
Berg wants to pass to mount but Kumpulainen is defending the position.
Berg is looking to take a break and control but Kumpulainen is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Kumpulainen has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Berg is working away from the top position though.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Berg but Berg pushes him off and we're back to square one.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Sepi Kumpulainen. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Kumpulainen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Berg's waist but Berg gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kumpulainen off to one side.
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown attempt - Berg sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Berg throws a nice outside leg kick.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Kumpulainen drags the fight down to the ground.
Kumpulainen has a closed guard, preventing Berg from standing up.

Kumpulainen is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Berg is aware though and is defending well.
Kumpulainen wants to hit a switch here but Berg passes into full mount! Oh no, disaster for Kumpulainen there!
Kumpulainen working to try and regain half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Valentin Berg really dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kumpulainen is trying hard to land a takedown here. Berg sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Berg walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kumpulainen checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Berg with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Kumpulainen closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Kumpulainen lands in his opponent's guard.
Berg keeping moving, preventing Kumpulainen from controlling successfully.
Kumpulainen throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Berg works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Berg controlling Kumpulainen's posture.

Kumpulainen drops back looking for a heel hook - he quickly realises he's not going to get it but Berg manages to dive on top of him before he can escape and now Kumpulainen has Berg in his guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kumpulainen throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Berg preventing the sweep.

Kumpulainen looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Berg has picked Kumpulainen up and slammed him! Kumpulainen can't keep hold of the triangle and Berg manages to pass to side control!
Berg controlling from side mount.
Kumpulainen keeping his opponent close.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Kumpulainen is trying to improve his position.
Kumpulainen is trying to control Berg's posture but Berg avoids it.
Kumpulainen is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Berg off and has taken his back!

Kumpulainen looking for the choke but no joy.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen is trying to control but Berg is trying to escape here - he's now mounted.

Kumpulainen swings around for an armbar but it's a sloppy attempt and Berg is now in Kumpulainen's guard. A big mistake from Kumpulainen there, giving up the dominant position!
Berg stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Kumpulainen swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Kumpulainen can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Berg controls the pace.
Kumpulainen wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Kumpulainen pushes Berg off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.
Berg attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Berg tries to close the distance and clinch but Kumpulainen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Berg pulls out of a head kick attempt.

Kumpulainen bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Kumpulainen swings around for an armbar but Berg sees it coming a mile off and turns beautifully into Kumpulainen's guard.
Berg trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Kumpulainen looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Berg passes into half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close fourth round but I would say that Sepi Kumpulainen will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Berg connects with a body shot.

Kumpulainen pushes Berg up against the cage in a clinch.

Kumpulainen turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Kumpulainen manages to end up in side control.
Kumpulainen creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Berg sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.

Kumpulainen is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Berg has escaped the position, nice work there.
Berg is trying to control Kumpulainen's posture but Kumpulainen avoids it.
Sepi Kumpulainen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Kumpulainen wants to control for a moment but Berg uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumpulainen sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Berg defending well though.
Berg tries to kick Kumpulainen off but Kumpulainen keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

Kumpulainen is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Kumpulainen thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Berg's head.
Berg is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kumpulainen thows a huge punch but Berg dodges it nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Kumpulainen wants to work for an arm triangle but Berg is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Berg can do anything to dispel that myth.

Kumpulainen is working for a kimura but Berg is defending it quite comfortably.
Berg on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.

Kumpulainen is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Berg doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Kumpulainen.
Berg has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kumpulainen prevents Berg from standing back up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kumpulainen prevents Berg from standing back up.
Berg won't allow Kumpulainen to pass to mount.
Berg manages to get to full guard.

Kumpulainen postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Berg is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Kumpulainen, into his guard.

Berg avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen keeping moving, preventing Berg from controlling successfully.
Sepi Kumpulainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Kumpulainen is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Berg stopping the sweep attempt from Kumpulainen.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sepi Kumpulainen showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Berg 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 46:48
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 46:48
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 46:48

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Valentin Berg!
Valentin Berg is the new featherweight champion!