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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Craig Carter (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sepi Kumpulainen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Carter comes to the cage accompanied by Swedish House Mafia - One (Your Name). The key to victory for Craig Carter has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.
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| 162 cm
25
150 lbs
14 - 3 - 0 |
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172 cm
28
143 lbs
16 - 5 - 0 |
Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
KO power |
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Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Powerful |
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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 Las Vegas, Craig Carter!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sepi Kumpulainen!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Arvi Lind and Anni Minnemäki.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kumpulainen tries to clinch but Carter moves away
and Carter cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Carter goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kumpulainen fails with the takedown
and Carter counters with a slapping leg kick.
Carter lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kumpulainen has his takedown stuffed
and Carter counters with a stiff right hand.
Carter throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Kumpulainen shoots in and bounces Carter off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Kumpulainen won't allow Carter to get back to his feet.
Kumpulainen with a flurry of punches that miss.
Carter keeping moving, preventing Kumpulainen from controlling successfully.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumpulainen trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Carter looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Kumpulainen puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Kumpulainen is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Carter sees it coming and defends easily.
Kumpulainen missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kumpulainen thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Carter's head.
Carter wants to control but Kumpulainen is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kumpulainen is pressing down on Carter's thigh, looking to free his foot. Carter is holding on for now.
Kumpulainen is trying to control. Carter wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Carter has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Kumpulainen is working away from the top position though.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Kumpulainen is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Carter sees it coming and defends easily.
Carter is staying active underneath Kumpulainen, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Carter wants to get back to full guard.
Carter trying to hold on to Kumpulainen's head to control him but Kumpulainen postures up.
Kumpulainen seems to be trying to get a kimura but instead Carter has recovered full guard.
Carter avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Carter is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Carter has escaped and now he's on top!
Carter stays in close to Kumpulainen's body and controls the position.
Kumpulainen manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Carter manages to get himself to full guard.
Kumpulainen trying to control the position from guard on top but Carter is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Carter trying to control the position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen wants to control from the top but Carter keeps moving.
Kumpulainen drops back, looking for a kneebar! Carter looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Carter looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Carter!
Kumpulainen struggling a bit here.
Kumpulainen is looking for a sweep.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Craig Carter dominated 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.
Kumpulainen fails with the takedown
and Carter counters with a straight right hand.
Kumpulainen checks a low kick from Carter.
Kumpulainen shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Carter counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kumpulainen thinking.
Carter buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Carter throws a hook to the side of Kumpulainen's head but Kumpulainen sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kumpulainen with a poor takedown
and Carter counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Craig Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sepi Kumpulainen.
Kumpulainen on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Carter. Carter obviously looking to wear him down.
Carter rushes Kumpulainen and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Come on Carter - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Kumpulainen blocks an elbow strike.
Kumpulainen has Carter pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Carter manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kumpulainen avoiding damage as Carter throws knees to the body.
Carter taking a breather.
Kumpulainen drags the fight down to the ground.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Carter got a little sloppy there for a moment and Kumpulainen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Carter has managed to get both his arms back between Kumpulainen's legs - danger averted.
Kumpulainen throwing some rather feeble looking strikes off his back.
Kumpulainen is breathing heavily.
Kumpulainen looking to control.
Carter advances to half guard.
Carter keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Kumpulainen tries to get to full guard but Carter has control of the leg.
Carter is thwarting Kumpulainen's attempts to control the position.
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.
Carter is trying to control the action in half guard but Kumpulainen is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Kumpulainen trying to control here.
Kumpulainen is looking to improve his position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
A jab from Carter misses.
Kumpulainen shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Carter counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A shot to the liver by Carter. Beautiful body shot.
Kumpulainen with a lazy takedown attempt
and Carter counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kumpulainen tries for a takedown but Carter circles away easily
and Carter counters with a straight right hand.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown attempt
and Kumpulainen takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sepi Kumpulainen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Carter misses with a wild body shot.
Kumpulainen throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Carter counters with an inside leg kick.
Nice shot by Carter.
Carter connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Carter fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Kumpulainen, pushing him back against the cage.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Carter.
Kumpulainen is working for takedown but Carter is calmly controlling the position for now.
Carter looking to slow down the pace here.
Carter makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Kumpulainen can't get the takedown.
Carter works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Carter just leaning against Kumpulainen, taking a breather.
Carter looking to stall.
Carter pushes off an throws an elbow but Kumpulainen leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen wants a takedown but no success here.
Carter lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Carter stalling in the clinch but Kumpulainen improves position.
A right hand to the body from Carter.
Kumpulainen blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Carter wants to stall.
Kumpulainen gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Carter looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kumpulainen trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Carter being controlled here, momentarily.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kumpulainen trying to control but Carter is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Craig Carter dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Kumpulainen gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Craig Carter is winning the standup battle so far.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Carter lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Kumpulainen has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kumpulainen and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kumpulainen takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Kumpulainen tries for a takedown but Carter circles away easily
and Carter counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Carter.
Carter is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Carter breaks from the clinch.
Carter walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Kumpulainen checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kumpulainen takes one to the side of the head.
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown
and Carter counters with a good low kick that Kumpulainen was not able to check.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Carter misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kumpulainen.
Kumpulainen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Carter misses with a hook
and Kumpulainen counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Carter is pulling down on Kumpulainen's head. It's preventing any offense from Kumpulainen, at least for the moment.
Kumpulainen has gone for a leg lock! Carter slips out almost immediately though and dives into Kumpulainen's guard.
Kumpulainen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kumpulainen looking to control.
Kumpulainen looking for subs off his back but Carter has passed one foot through into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen trying to keep hold of his opponent's head but Carter manages to pass to mount!
Carter content just to control the position here.
Kumpulainen sneaks a leg back under and regains half guard and is working straight away to try and get back to guard. He hasn't managed just yet though.
Carter is trying to control. Kumpulainen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen wants to control but Carter is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Carter is keen to just control but Kumpulainen is a slippery customer.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kumpulainen wants to improve his position but Carter is controlling well.
Kumpulainen looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Kumpulainen trying to control here.
Kumpulainen is trying to get back to full guard.
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.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Kumpulainen is trying to control but can't.
Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Carter is looking to slow Kumpulainen down with leg kicks.
Kumpulainen doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Carter counters with an outside leg kick.
Craig Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sepi Kumpulainen.
Kumpulainen bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Carter tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Kumpulainen wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Craig Carter clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown
and Carter counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Carter throws a head kick that half lands.
Kumpulainen takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Carter throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kumpulainen with a lazy takedown attempt
and Carter counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Carter throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kumpulainen.
Carter lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Kumpulainen takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Craig Carter is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Carter chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Carter fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kumpulainen gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Craig Carter has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sepi Kumpulainen.
Kumpulainen is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Carter lands a lovely overhand right.
Kumpulainen slips a jab and a cross from Carter.
Craig Carter is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A punch combination from Carter misses.
Kumpulainen with a poor takedown
and Carter counters with a slapping leg kick.
A solid leg kick lands there for Carter.
Carter dips to his left and cracks Kumpulainen with an uppercut!
Kumpulainen's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kumpulainen checks a leg kick.
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown
and Carter counters with a stiff right hand.
Kumpulainen shoots and misses
and Carter counters with a nice uppercut.
Kumpulainen avoids the head kick by Carter.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Carter chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kumpulainen on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Carter shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Kumpulainen eats them both and turns towards Carter to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
Carter misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kumpulainen slips a jab from Carter.
Kumpulainen gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Carter counters with a stiff right hand.
Carter lands with a right hand.
Kumpulainen with a lazy takedown attempt
and Carter makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
A combination from Carter does no damage.
Carter scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
A leg kick checked by Kumpulainen.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kumpulainen swings widly with a right hand
and Carter finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Kumpulainen takes one on the button.
Carter pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kumpulainen tries for a takedown but Carter circles away easily
and Carter counters with a leg kick.
Kumpulainen takes a jab right on the kisser.
Kumpulainen moves out of range as Carter strikes.
Kumpulainen shoots and misses
and Carter counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown attempt
and Carter counters with an inside leg kick.
Carter scores with a three punch combo!
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown
and Carter makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Carter.
Carter throws a nice outside leg kick.
Kumpulainen takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Carter swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kumpulainen.
Carter fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Carter throws a hook but Kumpulainen blocks it.
Kumpulainen misses with a takedown
and Carter counters with a nice uppercut.
Kumpulainen has his takedown stuffed
and Carter counters with a slapping leg kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kumpulainen has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Carter.
Kumpulainen checks a low kick from Carter.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Craig Carter had his way with Sepi Kumpulainen in 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. This is the final round!
Carter tries to bum rush Kumpulainen with a series of wild strikes but Kumpulainen uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Kumpulainen tries for a takedown but Carter circles away easily
and Kumpulainen takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Carter connects with a solid leg kick.
Kumpulainen walks into a left hand.
Kumpulainen shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Kumpulainen misses with a series of strikes from mount. He'll no doubt be working on his ground and pound when he gets back to the gym.
Kumpulainen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Carter is looking to escape.
Kumpulainen moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Carter has worked his arm free - good work by Carter!
Kumpulainen is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
That's one minute gone in the round.
Kumpulainen wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Carter, who protects the arm well.
Kumpulainen tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Kumpulainen has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Kumpulainen working away.
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.
Kumpulainen tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Kumpulainen tries to move into full mount but can't pass Carter's legs.
Kumpulainen is looking to take a break and control but Carter is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Carter is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Kumpulainen off and has taken his back!
Kumpulainen can't escape the position.
Craig Carter is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kumpulainen trying to control the action but Carter just sinks the hooks in.
Carter is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kumpulainen can do to turn this around?
Carter wants to control but Kumpulainen is keeping busy.
Kumpulainen trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Kumpulainen prevents Carter from getting a body triangle.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kumpulainen wants to control his opponent's hands but Carter gets his hands free.
Kumpulainen tries to escape but Carter has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Kumpulainen trying to control the action but Carter just sinks the hooks in.
I really don't envy Kumpulainen right now.
Sepi Kumpulainen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kumpulainen rolls and manages to get back to half guard. Nicely done.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Kumpulainen looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
And that's the end of the fight!
Craig Carter showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Carter, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. 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 50:44
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 50:44
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 50:44
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Craig Carter!
Craig Carter retains his featherweight 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
75% |
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