PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Michael Nuttree (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Selma Semlan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Nuttree
vs
Semlan

185 cm
18
190 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

187 cm
25
190 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Great elbows
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Michael Nuttree!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Selma Semlan!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nuttree takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

Semlan pushes Nuttree up against the cage in a clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Nuttree drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.

Nuttree pulls Semlan into guard.
Nuttree is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Semlan pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nuttree is keeping the position for now.
Semlan really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Nuttree. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Semlan is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Nuttree is trying to control the position but Semlan postures up.
Semlan trying to control the position from guard on top but Nuttree is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The ref stands the fighters back up, due to lack of action by Selma Semlan.

Semlan closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semlan stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

It looks like Michael Nuttree has been cut.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan avoiding damage as Nuttree throws knees to the body.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Semlan as Nuttree tries to tie him up.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Nuttree looking to stall.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Nuttree looking to slow down the pace here.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Nuttree fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Nuttree is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Semlan is defending well for now.
Nuttree tries to stall but Semlan uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Nuttree is breathing heavily.
Nuttree tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Semlan smiles and moves away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Nuttree. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nuttree shoots for a takedown but Semlan saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Selma Semlan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Semlan has managed to clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the temple.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the temple.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
A bit of stalling here from Semlan.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan stalling.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Semlan lands an elbow inside that Nuttree shrugs off.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan leaning his opponent against the cage.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands an elbow inside that Nuttree shrugs off.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Semlan is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the temple.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan has Nuttree pressed against the cage.
Semlan lands an elbow inside that Nuttree shrugs off.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Nuttree is looking to control Semlan's arms but Semlan gets an underhook and turns him. Now Nuttree has his back to the cage.
Semlan is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Nuttree using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Semlan has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan lands an elbow inside that Nuttree shrugs off.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan stalling.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Selma Semlan dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Michael Nuttree's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Semlan gets in close and instigates a clinch.

Nuttree gets control of Semlan's arms and successfully pulls guard. Nuttree will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Nuttree keeping full guard, as Semlan tries to pass.

Nuttree is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Semlan defends well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Semlan is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Semlan trying to stand up but can't free himself from Nuttree's guard.

Nuttree escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Semlan gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Semlan stopping the sweep attempt from Nuttree.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nuttree working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Semlan doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Semlan manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Semlan looking to pass the guard.
Nuttree is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Nuttree is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Nuttree has a closed guard, preventing Semlan from standing up.
Semlan trying to control the position from guard on top but Nuttree is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two 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.
Semlan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nuttree swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Nuttree bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Semlan's guard.
Semlan not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Semlan wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semlan not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.
Nuttree trying to control the position from guard on top but Semlan is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Semlan lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.

Semlan closes the distance and clinches.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Nuttree tries for a takedown but Semlan manages to get underhooks.
Semlan slowing the pace effectively.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Semlan taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan slowing the pace effectively.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Semlan content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Nuttree tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Selma Semlan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Michael Nuttree's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Ouch! a nice leg kick from Semlan, right into the meat.
Semlan connects with a leg kick. Nuttree looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Good leg kick by Semlan there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.

Semlan clinches up against the cage.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Nuttree tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Semlan avoids it.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
The referee calls for Semlan to work.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan slowing the pace effectively.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Selma Semlan seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the temple.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands a damaging elbow.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan effectively controlling the action here.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Semlan is struggling to control the position.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Semlan avoiding damage as Nuttree throws knees to the body.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Nuttree is trying to stall.
Semlan just leaning against Nuttree, taking a breather.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the temple.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Semlan comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Semlan.
The referee is keeping an eye on Semlan - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Nuttree jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Semlan walks away with a smile on his face. Nuttree gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
That kick from Semlan tenderised Nuttree's leg. Nuttree is trying to keep his angry face on.
Nuttree circles away from the clinch attempt.

Semlan has taken the fight to the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Nuttree trying to stall but Semlan improves his position.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan lands an elbow inside that Nuttree shrugs off.

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.
Nuttree tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Nice elbow from Semlan.
Semlan gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Semlan stalls.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Nuttree jumps guard but Semlan stands there with Nuttree around his waist. Nuttree gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Michael Nuttree. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.
Nuttree is trying to stall.
Nuttree takes an elbow to the forehead.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Semlan lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow just above Nuttree 's eye.
Semlan lands a nice elbow.
Semlan lands an elbow inside.
Semlan creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Nuttree's defenses.
Michael Nuttree has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Nuttree is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Semlan gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Selma Semlan is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Semlan content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Semlan lands an elbow that stopped Nuttree in his tracks for a moment.

And that's the end of the fight!
Selma Semlan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Semlan winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 27:30
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 26:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Selma Semlan!