PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Akseli Ukkola (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vladimir Smirnov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Smirnov is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: National Anthem Russia. Akseli Ukkola could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Vladimir Smirnov's chin.

Ukkola
vs
Smirnov

214 cm
24
270 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

196 cm
20
268 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Akseli Ukkola!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Vladimir Smirnov!
The judges for this bout are Fedor Mirinova, Dmitry Maklakov and Valeri Chadov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ukkola changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Smirnov tries to avoid it but Ukkola manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Smirnov to the ground. Smirnov escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Smirnov looks really tired already! That doesn't bode well for a good, competitive fight!
Smirnov misses with a takedown attempt

and Ukkola counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Smirnov's guard now.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Smirnov looking to control.
Ukkola is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Ukkola working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ukkola trying to control the position from guard on top but Smirnov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ukkola landing with the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ukkola cracks Smirnov with a solid left hand.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Smirnov can do anything to dispel that myth.
Ukkola in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Ukkola working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Smirnov's head.
Smirnov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ukkola trying to control the position from guard on top but Smirnov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Ukkola stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smirnov swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ukkola controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ukkola trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Ukkola is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

Smirnov is rocked!
Ukkola gets to his feet and stands over Smirnov, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Smirnov felt that one! Ukkola unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Smirnov from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:47 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Akseli Ukkola!
Akseli Ukkola is the new heavyweight champion!
During a confident post fight interview, Akseli Ukkola thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.