PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vesa Vempula (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mathias Astala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Astala has chosen Turisas - Cursed Be Iron as his entrance music. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Vempula
vs
Astala

195 cm
23
216 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

196 cm
21
205 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Determined

Lightning Fight Gear

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Vesa Vempula!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Mathias Astala!
The judges for this bout are Donald Grub, Chris Edwards and James Glass.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A head kick misses from Vempula.
Astala blocks a head kick by Vempula.
Vempula misses with a head kick.
Vempula tries to clinch there but Astala circles away.
Vempula moves in looking to clinch but Astala pushes him off.
Astala avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Vempula takes the fight into the clinch.
Astala landing knees to the body.
Astala tries a knee to the head but Vempula blocks it.
Vempula looking to throw knees to the head but Astala is blocking nicely.
Vempula using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Astala has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Vempula lands an elbow that stopped Astala in his tracks for a moment.
Vempula throws an elbow but it misses.
Astala avoiding damage as Vempula throws knees to the body.
A knee to the head by Astala.
Astala misses with a knee to the head.
Astala stalling in the clinch but Vempula improves position.
Astala unloads a knee to the mid-section. Vempula lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Vempula throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula looking to throw knees to the head but Astala is blocking nicely.
Astala tries a knee to the head but Vempula blocks it.
Astala is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Vempula is keeping busy.
Vempula lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Astala with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Nice elbow from Vempula.
Vempula with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Astala landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Vempula is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Astala holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but Astala blocks it.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vempula has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Astala stalling in the clinch.
Vempula creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Nice elbow from Vempula.
Astala misses with a knee to the head.
Astala looking to stall.
Astala landing knees to the head.
With the fighters up against the cage, Vempula throws an elbow but misses.
Vempula with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Vempula creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Vempula blocks the elbow strike.
Astala is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Astala avoids the elbow strike from Vempula, against the cage.
Stalling in the clinch from Astala.
Astala throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Astala misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Vempula.
Astala using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vempula has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Vempula lands an elbow inside that Astala shrugs off.

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.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Astala blocks an elbow strike from Vempula.
Astala tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Vempula lands a nice elbow.
A short uppercut from Vempula.
Vempula looking to throw knees to the head but Astala is blocking nicely.
Vempula looking to throw knees to the head but Astala is blocking nicely.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Vempula comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Vempula tries to land knees in the clinch but Astala avoids the damage to the body.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Astala manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Vempula misses with an elbow strike.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but Astala blocks with his arms.

Astala breaks the clinch.

Astala has taken the fight to the clinch.
Vempula throws an elbow that misses.
Astala is trying to stall.
Astala manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Astala with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vempula with a knee to the head.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Vempula pushes off an throws an elbow but Astala leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Vempula lands an elbow inside.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula looking to throw knees to the head but Astala is blocking nicely.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Vempula lands an elbow inside that Astala shrugs off.
Vempula with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Astala lands a knee to the head.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Astala dodges an elbow strike from Vempula.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Astala takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Vempula blocks an elbow strike from Astala.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but Astala blocks with his arms.
Astala just leaning against Vempula, taking a breather.
Astala takes an elbow to the temple.
Astala with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Vempula on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Vempula lands an elbow that stopped Astala in his tracks for a moment.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Vempula blocks it with crossed arms.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Astala tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Astala lands an elbow that stopped Vempula in his tracks for a moment.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Vempula throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Vempula misses with a knee strike.
Astala stalling in the clinch but Vempula improves position.
Vempula crunches a lovely knee into Astala's ribcage.
Vempula misses with a knee to the head.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala throws an elbow but it misses.
Astala with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
A knee to the head by Vempula.
The referee calls for Astala to work.
Vempula crunches a lovely knee into Astala's ribcage.
Vempula scores a nice knee to the body.
Vempula with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Astala using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Astala dodges an elbow strike from Vempula.
Astala looking to throw knees to the head but Vempula is blocking nicely.
Vempula lands an elbow inside.
Vempula misses with a knee strike.
Astala tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula misses with a knee to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mathias Astala dominated that round.
That's time! Vempula's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Astala tries to clinch but Vempula moves out of range.
Vempula will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Astala doesn't manage to clinch there - Vempula circles away.

Vempula darts in and clinches Astala up against the cage.
Astala takes an elbow to the temple.
Astala lands a nice knee to the body.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Vempula lands a shoulder strike.
Vempula lands a nice knee to the body.
Astala is looking to control Vempula's arms but Vempula gets an underhook and turns him. Now Astala has his back to the cage.
Vempula lands a nice knee to the body.
Astala tries to land a knee to the head but Vempula blocks with his arms.
Vempula scores with a knee to the head.
Astala with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A knee to the head by Vempula.
With the fighters up against the cage, Vempula throws an elbow but misses.
Vempula misses with a knee to the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Vempula scores a nice knee to the body.
Vempula on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Vempula lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Astala with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Vempula with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vempula looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala tries to land a knee to the head but Vempula blocks with his arms.
Astala takes an elbow to the forehead.
Astala with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Vempula lands a knee to the head.
Astala manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
A knee to the head by Vempula.
Astala stalling in the clinch but Vempula improves position.
Vempula lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Vempula looking to throw knees to the head but Astala is blocking nicely.
Astala using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vempula has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Astala lands an elbow just above Vempula 's eye.
Vempula comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Vempula gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Vempula lands a nice knee to the body.
Astala throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Vempula blocks it with crossed arms.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
A knee to the head by Vempula.
Astala with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Astala misses with a knee strike.

Astala has clasped his hands together around Vempula's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Astala cracks Vempula with a big right hand but Vempula just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Vempula stops Astala from passing to mount.
Vempula is trying to control Astala's posture but Astala avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Astala lands a few punches from side control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Vempula pushes Astala away and creates a bit of space to escape. He's almost out here... but no, Astala gets a good hold of his legs and remains firmly in side control.
Vempula struggling a bit here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Astala fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Vempula defending against the ground and pound.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Vempula tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Astala counters with a body kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mathias Astala 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!

Astala shoots in and drives through. Vempula sprawls well.
Astala tries to clinch but Vempula moves out of range.
Astala keeps the fight on the outside.
Vempula lands with a slapping head kick.

Vempula rushes Astala and presses him up against the cage.
Astala tries a knee to the head but Vempula blocks it.
Astala is trying to maintain a safe position but Vempula gets an underhook and turns Astala into the cage.
Astala takes an elbow to the temple.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula connects with a knee to the head.
Astala tries a knee to the head but Vempula blocks it.
Vempula landing knees to the body.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Vempula lands an elbow just above Astala 's eye.
Astala takes a knee right on the jaw!
Astala takes an elbow to the temple.
Vempula avoiding damage as Astala throws knees to the body.
Astala misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Vempula.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Astala misses with a knee strike.
Astala dodges an elbow strike from Vempula.
Vempula lands an elbow that stopped Astala in his tracks for a moment.
Vempula blocks an elbow strike from Astala.
Astala blocks an elbow strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vempula lands an elbow inside.
Astala with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Vempula scores with a knee to the head.
Astala blocks the elbow strike.
Astala takes an elbow to the temple.
Vempula unloads a knee to the mid-section. Astala lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Astala misses with a knee strike.
Vempula gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Vempula.
Vempula misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Astala.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Vempula just misses with a elbow thrown towards Astala's brow.
Astala with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Astala trying to land knees to the body.
Astala looking to throw knees to the head but Vempula is blocking nicely.
Astala is trying to maintain a safe position but Vempula gets an underhook and turns Astala into the cage.
Vempula lands an elbow inside that Astala shrugs off.
Vempula lands an elbow just above Astala 's eye.
Astala looking to throw knees to the head but Vempula is blocking nicely.
Astala goes for a takedown in the clinch but Vempula prevents it.
Astala stalling in the clinch but Vempula improves position.

Astala escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vempula throws a head kick but Astala moves out of range.
Vempula lands with a kick to the temple. Astala shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Astala avoids a punch combination nicely.
Astala wants to clinch up but Vempula keeps it at a distance.
Vempula tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Astala holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Vempula misses with an elbow strike.
Astala lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Astala blocks an elbow strike from Vempula.
Astala is trying to maintain a safe position but Vempula gets an underhook and turns Astala into the cage.
Knees in the clinch landing for Vempula.
Astala is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Astala using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vempula has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Vempula lands a knee to the head.
Astala dodges an elbow strike from Vempula.
Vempula lands a damaging elbow.

Astala escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Vempula throws a head kick that misses.

Vempula gets a clinch.
Astala with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Astala with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Vempula connects with a knee to the head.
Astala looking to stall.
Astala missing with knees to the body.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Astala looking to throw knees to the head but Vempula is blocking nicely.
Astala managing to block the knees to the body from Vempula.
A short uppercut from Vempula.
Vesa Vempula has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Astala breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vempula goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Vempula tries to clinch
and Astala counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Vempula lands a head kick!

Vempula fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Astala, pushing him back against the cage.
Astala avoids the elbow strike from Vempula, against the cage.
Vempula using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Astala has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Astala.

Astala breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vempula throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Astala circles away from the clinch attempt

and Astala decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Vempula's guard.
Vempula trying to keep a closed guard but Astala is proving a slippery customer.

Astala decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Vesa Vempula did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Vempula closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Vempula pushes off an throws an elbow but Astala leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Vempula lands an elbow that stopped Astala in his tracks for a moment.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but Astala blocks with his arms.
Astala trying to land knees to the body.
Vempula looks to throw an elbow but misses.
Vempula lands an elbow just above Astala 's eye.
Astala will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Vempula up against the cage.
Astala misses with a knee strike.
Vempula comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Vempula lands an elbow that stopped Astala in his tracks for a moment.
Astala is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Vempula gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Astala tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Vempula lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Vempula lands an elbow inside that Astala shrugs off.
A knee to the head by Vempula.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Vempula using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Astala has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Vempula using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Astala avoids the elbow strike from Vempula, against the cage.
Vempula on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Vempula throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Vempula lands an elbow just above Astala 's eye.
Vempula on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Astala tries to stall but Vempula uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Vempula lands a nice knee to the body.

Astala breaks the clinch.
Astala takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Vempula tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Astala counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Astala.
Vempula managing to block the knees to the body from Astala.
Astala is looking to control Vempula's arms but Vempula gets an underhook and turns him. Now Astala has his back to the cage.
Vempula using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Astala has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Astala misses with a knee to the head.
Astala tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Knees in the clinch landing for Vempula.
Vempula lands an elbow inside.
Vempula lands a nice elbow.

Astala lands a takedown into guard.
Astala is looking to work some ground and pound but Vempula has wrist control.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Astala missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Astala throws a strike but Vempula rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Vempula content to stall in guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vempula preventing the sweep.

That's four 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.
Vempula tries to free his leg and advance position but Astala is retaining full guard.
Vempula wants to control from the top but Astala keeps moving.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Astala is working an open guard so Vempula takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Vesa Vempula had his way with Mathias Astala in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Astala tries for a takedown but Vempula sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Vempula throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Astala's head.

Astala is rocked!
Vempula tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Astala is still on wobbly legs! Can Vempula finish him?
Vesa Vempula is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

Astala darts in and clinches Vempula up against the cage.
Astala seems to have recovered his senses.
Vempula lands an elbow inside.
Vempula with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Vempula lands a knee to the body.
Astala tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Astala takes an elbow to the temple.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Astala trying to stall but Vempula improves his position.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but Astala blocks it.
Astala trying to land knees to the body.
Vempula lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Nice elbow from Vempula.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Vempula throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Astala is looking to control Vempula's arms but Vempula gets an underhook and turns him. Now Astala has his back to the cage.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Astala tries to land knees in the clinch but Vempula avoids the damage to the body.
Astala using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Vempula has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Vempula landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula avoids the elbow strike from Astala, against the cage.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala scores a nice knee to the body.
Astala throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Vempula blocks it with crossed arms.
Vempula comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Astala missing with knees to the body.
Vempula with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Astala tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula connects with a nasty looking knee right to Astala's face.
Astala unloads a knee to the mid-section. Vempula lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Vempula with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Astala with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Vempula landing knees to the head.
A knee to the head by Vempula.
Vempula with a knee to the head.
Vempula throws an elbow but it's blocked.
The referee calls for Astala to work.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula looks to throw an elbow but misses.

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.
Astala takes an elbow to the forehead.
Astala stalls.
Vempula landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Astala stalling in the clinch but Vempula improves position.
Astala trying to land knees to the body.
Vempula lands a damaging elbow.
Vempula throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula takes an elbow to the forehead.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Astala lands a knee to the head.
Astala throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Vempula blocks it with crossed arms.
Vempula with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Astala has had enough of the clinch but Vempula keeps him there for the moment.
Vempula lands an elbow inside that Astala shrugs off.
Vempula gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Vempula misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Astala.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Astala stalls.
Astala trying to land knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Astala on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Vempula throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Astala landing knees to the head.
Vempula gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Vempula lands a knee to the head.
Vempula misses with a knee to the head.
Vempula lands an elbow inside that Astala shrugs off.
Astala with a knee to the head.
Astala blocks the elbow strike.
The is referee keeping an eye on Astala - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Astala tries to land knees in the clinch but Vempula avoids the damage to the body.
Vempula comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.

Astala breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Vempula throws a head kick that Astala semi-blocks.
Astala blocks a head kick by Vempula.
Vempula looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.

Astala gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Vempula gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Vempula tries a knee to the head but Astala blocks it.
Astala misses with a knee to the head.
Vempula lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Astala with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Vempula landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Astala misses with a knee to the head.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Vempula.
Vempula throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Astala blocks it with crossed arms.
Astala unloads a knee to the mid-section. Vempula lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Vempula comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Astala is looking to control Vempula's arms but Vempula gets an underhook and turns him. Now Astala has his back to the cage.
Astala throws a knee to the head but misses.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Astala misses with a knee to the head.
Astala tries a knee to the head but Vempula blocks it.
Vempula lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but Astala blocks with his arms.
Vempula misses with a knee to the head.
Astala stalling in the clinch but Vempula improves position.
Vempula tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.

Astala breaks the clinch.

Vempula fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Astala, pushing him back against the cage.
Vempula throws a knee to the head but misses.
Astala pressing his opponent against the cage.
Vempula lands a damaging elbow.

And that's the end of the fight!
Vesa Vempula showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Vempula has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight for Vesa Vempula!
Judge Chris Edwards scores the fight for Vesa Vempula!
Judge James Glass scores the fight for Vesa Vempula!

Vesa Vempula wins by unanimous decision!
Vesa Vempula retains his light heavyweight title!