PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Heikki Vennamo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Frank Henderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vennamo's entrance music is Bacchuksen tiellä. A fine choice. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Vennamo
vs
Henderson

195 cm
26
240 lbs
10 - 7 - 0

186 cm
22
215 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Heikki Vennamo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Frank Henderson!
The judges for this bout are Cecil Peabody, Wesley Smith and Frank Dennis.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Henderson avoids the body shot from Vennamo.
Vennamo throws a nice looking combination but Henderson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Frank Henderson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Henderson just misses with a punch to the body.
Henderson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Vennamo counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Henderson showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Vennamo.

Henderson gets the takedown into side control.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
You can see the frustration on Vennamo's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Vennamo is looking to regain half guard here but Henderson keeps moving and retains side control.
Henderson working the ground and pound.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Henderson tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Henderson trying to control the action but Vennamo is working from the bottom.
Henderson tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Vennamo is trying to control Henderson's posture but Henderson avoids it.
Vennamo is trying to buck Henderson off.
Vennamo wants to control but Henderson postures up.
Vennamo knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Henderson on the ground.
Vennamo is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Henderson asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Henderson working the body and head with strikes.
Henderson working the ground and pound.
Henderson working the ground and pound.
Henderson working the body and head with strikes.
Vennamo is not content to let Henderson control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Henderson scores with punches from side control.
Vennamo tries to buck Henderson off but Henderson is having none of it.
Henderson landing strikes.
Henderson scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Vennamo to see if he's OK.
Henderson lands a nice forearm strike.
Henderson lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Henderson creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Henderson lands some shots froms side control.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Vennamo tries to improve position but can't.
Henderson landing strikes.
Vennamo takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.
Vennamo tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Henderson wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Henderson lands a few punches from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vennamo tries to improve position but can't.
Henderson working the body and head with strikes.
Henderson scoring with punches and elbows.
Henderson working the ground and pound.
Henderson lands a few punches from side control.
Vennamo is not content to let Henderson control the position.
Henderson scores with punches from side control.

Vennamo is rocked!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Henderson working the head with strikes.
Vennamo struggling a bit here.
Henderson lands an elbow.
Vennamo is trying to get back to half guard.
Henderson is putting a hurting on Vennamo here, landing some big shots from side control.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Henderson controls the position from side control.
Henderson scores with punches from side control.
Henderson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Henderson connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Vennamo some visible discomfort.
Vennamo takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Henderson prevents Vennamo from escaping the position.
Vennamo takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Henderson scores with a couple of short elbows.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Henderson lands a few punches from side control.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Henderson working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Henderson scoring with punches from side control.
Oh Vennamo is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Henderson lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Vennamo down.
Vennamo is looking to get back to his feet here but Henderson is keeping cool and he's managed to take Vennamo's back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Henderson dominated that round.
That's time! Vennamo's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Henderson looks for a takedown but Vennamo sprawls well.
Vennamo seems to have got his legs back now.
Vennamo swats away the attempt to clinch by Henderson.
Vennamo lands a nice looking body shot.
Henderson fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Sloppy strikes from Vennamo. Those never looked like landing.
Henderson catches Vennamo with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Henderson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Heikki Vennamo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Henderson.
Henderson shoots for a takedown but Vennamo saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Vennamo takes a swing at Henderson's ribcage but misses.
Henderson shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Vennamo defends it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Vennamo tries to keep at a distance but Henderson has taken the fight into the clinch.
Vennamo lands a right hand that snaps the head of Henderson backwards.

Vennamo's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Henderson shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Vennamo but Vennamo pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Danga de danga de dang - Vennamo scores with a four punch combination!
Vennamo throws a right hand that Henderson ducks under and follows up with a left that Henderson also avoids with ease.
Vennamo throws a nice looking combination but Henderson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.

Henderson moves into the clinch.
Henderson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Vennamo prevents it.
Vennamo is looking to break free of the clinch but Henderson has double underhooks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vennamo drops down looking for an ankle pick but Henderson pulls his leg out and moves away.
Vennamo is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Vennamo keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Vennamo fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Henderson looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Heikki Vennamo is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sloppy strikes from Henderson. Those never looked like landing.

Henderson closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Henderson is putting a hurting on Vennamo here, landing some big shots from side control.
Vennamo is trying to improve his position.
Henderson cracks Vennamo with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Vennamo manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vennamo is looking to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Henderson seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Vennamo wants to improve his position but Henderson is controlling well.
Henderson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Henderson lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Vennamo is looking to improve his position.
Henderson scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Henderson working over Vennamo with some ground and pound. Vennamo looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Vennamo has hold of Henderson's hands but Henderson slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Henderson winds up and cracks Vennamo with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Henderson is nestled in close to Vennamo, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vennamo wants to get back to full guard.
Henderson slips a nice elbow through Vennamo's hands, connecting with Vennamo's forehead.
Henderson scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Henderson seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Henderson not doing much here.
Vennamo wants to get back to his feet.
Henderson is nestled in close to Vennamo, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Henderson drops an elbow to the side of Vennamo's head.
Vennamo is trying to control but can't.
Vennamo is not content to let Henderson control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Frank Henderson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Vennamo misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Henderson.
Vennamo avoids a punch combination nicely.
Vennamo lands a jab to the head.
Vennamo throws a series of punches but Henderson avoids them all with ease.
Vennamo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Henderson.
Henderson moves out of range as Vennamo strikes.
Henderson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Henderson misses with a jab to the body
and Vennamo counters with a lovely straight right hand!
No luck with that takedown attempt from Henderson.
A telegraphed right hand from Vennamo misses the target.
Henderson shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Vennamo as he avoids it easily.
Heikki Vennamo has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Frank Henderson.
Vennamo throws a body punch but Henderson moves out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Henderson fails with the takedown
letting Vennamo counter with a right hand.
Henderson fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Vennamo throws a series of punches but Henderson moves out of range.
Henderson misses with a takedown attempt
and Vennamo counters with a straight right hand.
Henderson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Henderson takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Henderson tries for a takedown but Vennamo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Henderson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Vennamo defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Henderson.
Heikki Vennamo is winning the standup battle so far.
Henderson throws a right hand that Vennamo ducks under and follows up with a left that Vennamo also avoids with ease.
Henderson wants to clinch.
Henderson tries for a takedown but Vennamo sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Heikki Vennamo has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Henderson avoids a punch combination nicely.
Vennamo throws a right hand that Henderson ducks under and follows up with a left that Henderson also avoids with ease.
Sloppy strikes from Vennamo. Those never looked like landing.
Henderson has a takedown stuffed.
Vennamo throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Henderson.
A combination from Vennamo does no damage.
Vennamo is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Henderson closes this distance looking for a takedown but Vennamo circles away.
Henderson gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Vennamo counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Henderson is trying hard to land a takedown here. Vennamo sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Henderson takes one to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vennamo with a jab.
Henderson walks into a jab.
Henderson blocks a jab.
Henderson doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Vennamo cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Henderson takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.

Henderson manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Vennamo on his heels. He'll look to pass Vennamo's guard now, I'm sure.
Henderson postures up.
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!
Henderson passes into half guard under a barage of strikes.
Henderson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Henderson connects with a nice short shot to Vennamo's temple.
Henderson looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Vennamo with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Henderson seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Henderson missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Vennamo is refusing to be controlled, as Henderson sits in half guard.
Henderson 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.
Henderson working Vennamo over with strikes.
Frank Henderson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Henderson wants to control but Vennamo is keeping him busy.
Vennamo is trying to get back to full guard.
Henderson looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Heikki Vennamo.
I think Henderson has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29
Judge Wesley Smith scores the fight 28:30
Judge Frank Dennis scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Frank Henderson!
During a confident post fight interview, Frank Henderson thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.