PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Page Knight (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Justina Vanovcan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vanovcan has chosen Moskau as his entrance music. Both fighter's entrance songs getting the crowd jumping here.

Knight
vs
Vanovcan

183 cm
25
144 lbs
12 - 10 - 0

153 cm
30
130 lbs
12 - 5 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cardio machine

Powerful takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Powerful

Beast Body

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Page Knight!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Justina Vanovcan!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Vanovcan shoots in and gets a takedown into Knight's guard.

Knight looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Vanovcan has picked Knight up and slammed him! Knight can't keep hold of the triangle and Vanovcan manages to pass to side control!
Knight gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

Knight looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Vanovcan is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Vanovcan not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Knight looking for submissions off his back.
Knight avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Vanovcan.

Knight looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vanovcan not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Vanovcan wants to stand up but Knight is controlling the position.

Knight actively working from the bottom here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan is looking to take a break and control but Knight is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Knight looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Vanovcan missing with the ground and pound from half guard.

Knight looking to force a kimura from the bottom here. He's concentrating on that move too much though and Vanovcan pushes past his half guard into mount!
Vanovcan looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Knight is in all sorts of trouble here.
A nice elbow there by Vanovcan.
A nice elbow there by Vanovcan.

Vanovcan looking for an armbar but decides to keep the dominant position instead.
Vanovcan with shots to the head and body - Knight looks very uncomfortable down there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Vanovcan is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Knight has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Vanovcan with a couple of short strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Vanovcan wants to finish this one by submission but Knight is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Vanovcan.
Vanovcan working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Vanovcan lands a big shot there that rocks Knight but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Knight takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Vanovcan raining down hammerfists from mount.
Vanovcan landing strikes from the mount and Knight is in trouble!
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Knight is wriggling around trying to escape.
Vanovcan wants to control the pace but Knight is squirming around nicely.
Vanovcan landing strikes, looking to finish!
Vanovcan punishing his opponent with strikes.
Knight 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.

Knight looking for submissions off his back.

Knight is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Vanovcan pulls his head out easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Knight tries to roll over but Vanovcan keeps him under control.

Knight is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Vanovcan pulls his head out easily.

Knight looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Vanovcan not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Knight tries to roll over but Vanovcan keeps him under control.

Knight is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Vanovcan pulls his head out easily.
Vanovcan lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Knight looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Vanovcan wants to lay and pray for a moment but Knight keeps working.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan trying to mount his opponent but Knight defends it.
Vanovcan tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Vanovcan working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Knight really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Vanovcan lands with a punch from half guard.
Vanovcan is looking to take a break and control but Knight is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Vanovcan is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Knight has managed to free his arm - good work.
Vanovcan working Knight over with strikes.
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!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vanovcan not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Vanovcan thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Vanovcan trying to mount his opponent but Knight defends it.

Vanovcan looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justina Vanovcan 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.

Knight tries to keep at a distance but Vanovcan has taken the fight into the clinch.
Vanovcan looking for a takedown.
Vanovcan landing knees to the body.

Knight's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Knight gets caught napping as Vanovcan dives in and scores a takedown. Knight manages to retain guard.

Knight wriggles free and stands up.
Vanovcan fails to land the takedown.
Vanovcan fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Page Knight has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justina Vanovcan.
Vanovcan dodges the punch combination from Knight.
Knight misses with a double jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan slips a jab and a cross from Knight.

Knight gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Vanovcan to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Vanovcan lands a couple of elbows.

Knight escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Vanovcan gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Vanovcan accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Knight keeping full guard, as Vanovcan tries to pass.
Justina Vanovcan has got the better of the ground game so far.

Vanovcan gets to his feet - Knight follows without any prompting.
Vanovcan takes one to the side of the head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Knight. Vanovcan does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vanovcan steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Knight.
Knight avoids the head kick by Vanovcan.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Vanovcan moves into the clinch.
Vanovcan is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Knight to keep the fight standing.
Vanovcan lands an elbow that stopped Knight in his tracks for a moment.

Knight manages to break the clinch.
Vanovcan on the wrong end of a nice jab.
No luck for Vanovcan with that takedown attempt.
Knight will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Vanovcan has taken the fight to the clinch.
Vanovcan unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Knight prevents a takedown attempt there.
Knight dodges an elbow strike from Vanovcan.
Vanovcan is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Knight to keep the fight standing.

Knight breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan is looking to clinch but Knight is avoiding it.
Knight throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Vanovcan.
Knight throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Vanovcan steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Knight.

Vanovcan clinches up with Knight and pushes him back against the cage.
Vanovcan connects with a knee to the head.
Vanovcan tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Vanovcan has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Knight is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Vanovcan is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Knight is defending well.
Vanovcan is breathing heavily.
Vanovcan has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Knight after a bit of a struggle.
Vanovcan landing knees to the body.
Vanovcan tries to pull guard but Knight won't allow it.
Vanovcan lands a nice knee to the body.
Vanovcan wants a takedown.
Knight misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Vanovcan.
Vanovcan misses with a knee strike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan throws a punch but it's blocked by Knight.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Knight.
Vanovcan misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Knight.
Vanovcan keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Knight's efforts to push away.
Vanovcan tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Knight trying to land knees to the body.

Knight ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Knight no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Knight is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Vanovcan avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Vanovcan throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

Knight is working an open guard so Vanovcan takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Knight looks to land a combination but Vanovcan avoids it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justina Vanovcan showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Knight swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Knight lands with a nice combination. Vanovcan backs away looking to recover.
Knight fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Knight displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Vanovcan throws out the jab.
Vanovcan fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Knight misses with a double jab.
Vanovcan showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Knight.
Page Knight is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Vanovcan shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Knight's guard.

Knight is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Vanovcan gets to his feet. Knight looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Knight swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Vanovcan counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Knight!
A nice elbow there by Vanovcan.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Vanovcan can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Knight is looking to escape.
Vanovcan raining down shots from the mount!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan lands a heavy elbow.
Vanovcan working Knight over with strikes here.
Vanovcan controlling from mount.
Knight can't escape the position.
Vanovcan with shots to the head and body - Knight looks very uncomfortable down there.
Knight tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Vanovcan unloading with bombs!
Vanovcan trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Knight is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Knight is bucking up trying to escape but Vanovcan cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Vanovcan manages to capitalize on a mistake by Knight to take his back!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Knight is keeping busy.
Vanovcan cracks Knight with a big shot to body and one to the head - really punishing Knight from the back mount here, looking to soften him up.
Vanovcan is throwing strikes from the back here. Oh that last one was to the back of the head. Vanovcan gets a warning from the referee. He throws another strike to the back of the head straight away though and the referee has seen enough. He breaks up the two fighters and stands them back up. Vanovcan gets a real talking to here and is lucky not to get a point deducted. Vanovcan apologises and we restart here on the feet.
Vanovcan is trying hard to land a takedown here. Knight sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Knight throws out a loose jab but Vanovcan uses good head movement to avoid it.
Knight lands with a right hand.
Vanovcan tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Knight paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Knight throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Vanovcan.

Vanovcan drives through with a takedown into Knight's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Vanovcan got a little sloppy there for a moment and Knight has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Vanovcan has managed to get both his arms back between Knight's legs - danger averted.
Vanovcan stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Knight swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Vanovcan stands up and waves to Knight to follow him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Vanovcan scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Knight tries to improve position but can't.
Vanovcan working the head and body with strikes.
Knight is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Vanovcan in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
Knight is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Vanovcan stands up from half guard.
Horrible takedown by Vanovcan or perhaps it was just good defense by Knight which made him look bad.
Page Knight has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justina Vanovcan.
Vanovcan keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A looping hook to the body misses from Knight. Vanovcan does a little dance to reset his feet.
Vanovcan showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Knight.
Vanovcan uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Knight.
Page Knight is winning the standup battle so far.
Knight steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Vanovcan. That one must have hurt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Horrible takedown by Vanovcan or perhaps it was just good defense by Knight which made him look bad.
Vanovcan dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Vanovcan keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Knight throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Vanovcan sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Vanovcan tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Knight manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
No joy there for Knight, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Knight fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vanovcan manages to avoid it.

Vanovcan closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Knight is looking to regain half guard here but Vanovcan keeps moving and retains side control.
Vanovcan cracks Knight with a big elbow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Vanovcan moves in looking to clinch but Knight pushes him off.
Knight misses with a combination
and Vanovcan counters with a right hand to the body.
Knight fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Knight throws a right hand that Vanovcan ducks under and follows up with a left that Vanovcan also avoids with ease.
Vanovcan's corner calls for a 1-2. Vanovcan obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Knight looks to land a combination but Vanovcan avoids it well.

Vanovcan looking for a takedown here - he's got it.

Vanovcan gets to his feet. Knight looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Knight misses with a wild body shot.
A looping hook to the body misses from Knight. Vanovcan does a little dance to reset his feet.
Knight looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Vanovcan tries to close the distance and clinch but Knight swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Vanovcan tries to clinch up.

Vanovcan clinches.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Vanovcan is looking to take this one to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan managing to block the knees to the body from Knight.
Vanovcan throws a knee to the head but misses.
Knight goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

Vanovcan has Knight pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Vanovcan pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Knight tumbling to the mat - Vanovcan dives into Knight's guard.
Vanovcan with a flurry of punches that miss.

Knight looking for a guillotine here but Vanovcan defends easily.
Vanovcan stands and throws Knight's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Knight tries to bench press Vanovcan off him but Vanovcan keeps the position.

Vanovcan working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Vanovcan works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Knight is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Vanovcan is looking to take a break and control but Knight is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Knight tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Vanovcan stands up and beckons Knight to his feet.
Knight is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Vanovcan.
Knight is looking to wear down Vanovcan with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Knight lands with a nice body punch.
Knight throws a nice looking combination but Vanovcan bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Knight works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Vanovcan shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Knight but Knight pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Page Knight has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Justina Vanovcan.
Vanovcan dives in and grabs Knight's left leg, looking for a takedown. Knight pushes down on Vanovcan's head and hops out.
Knight throws a hook but Vanovcan blocks it.
Knight throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Knight misses the shot to the body.

Vanovcan drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Vanovcan is in close to Knight's body, working some short punches and elbows.

Knight is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

Knight looking for a guillotine here but Vanovcan defends easily.

Knight is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Vanovcan postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Vanovcan trying to control but Knight is working from the bottom.
Vanovcan lands a couple of elbows.
Knight has momentary wrist control but Vanovcan slips an elbow through the middle.

Knight looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Vanovcan passes into side control.
Knight taking a bit of punishment here - Vanovcan scoring with strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Knight sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.

Vanovcan is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Justina Vanovcan dominated that fourth round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Knight throws a right and a left that Vanovcan avoids nicely.

Knight gets tackled into the cage by Vanovcan. Vanovcan maintains the clinch.
Vanovcan misses with a punch to the body.

Vanovcan pulls guard.
Knight advances to half guard.
Vanovcan makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Vanovcan.

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

Vanovcan is trying to get an arm triangle but Knight is defending well.
Knight is trying to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vanovcan scores with a couple of short elbows.
Knight is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Knight is sneaking out the side here. He's bucked Vanovcan off and has taken his back!
Vanovcan wants to control his opponent's hands but Knight gets his hands free.
Knight will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Knight doesn't have the hooks in and Vanovcan manages to turn into his guard.

Vanovcan gets to his feet. Knight looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!
Vanovcan is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Knight misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Vanovcan to counter with a crisp jab.
Sloppy strikes from Knight. Those never looked like landing.

Vanovcan drives through with a takedown into guard.
Page Knight has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vanovcan is working Knight over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Vanovcan content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Vanovcan trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Vanovcan got a little sloppy there for a moment and Knight has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Vanovcan has managed to get both his arms back between Knight's legs - danger averted.
Vanovcan wants to control from the top but Knight keeps moving.

Knight escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Vanovcan gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Knight is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vanovcan throwing strikes from guard but Knight blocks nicely.
Vanovcan working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Knight's head.
Vanovcan wants to pass the guard but Knight is keeping the position.

Knight is looking for a triangle but Vanovcan pushes his legs off easily.
Justina Vanovcan is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Knight keeping full guard, as Vanovcan tries to pass.
Vanovcan sitting in guard, not really doing much.

Vanovcan decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
Knight throws a hook to the side of Vanovcan's head but Vanovcan sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Knight throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Vanovcan counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Vanovcan misses with a knee strike.
Knight wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Knight has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Vanovcan uses from the top position.
Vanovcan slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Knight has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Vanovcan can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Vanovcan decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Knight, up you get!

And that's the end of the fight!
Justina Vanovcan comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Vanovcan 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 45:50
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 45:50
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Justina Vanovcan!