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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Will Banks (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rainer Varvaskoukku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Banks comes to the cage accompanied by All I do Is win. Will Banks has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 175 cm
34
156 lbs
33 - 19 - 1 |
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164 cm
30
147 lbs
23 - 10 - 2 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank |
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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
33 - 19 - 1, fighting out of New York, Will Banks!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
23 - 10 - 2, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Rainer Varvaskoukku!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, William Gold and Donald Grub.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Banks wants to clinch up but Varvaskoukku keeps it at a distance.
Varvaskoukku fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Banks is out of range.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Varvaskoukku, right into the meat.
Banks throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Banks scores with a sloppy right hand. Varvaskoukku should have avoided that one.
Varvaskoukku manages to get an easy takedown there - catching Banks on his heels. He'll look to pass Banks's guard now, I'm sure.
My spies in CT Antiga União inform me that Varvaskoukku has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Varvaskoukku working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Banks keeping moving, preventing Varvaskoukku from controlling successfully.
Banks definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Banks is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Banks is trying to control the position but Varvaskoukku postures up.
Banks is controlling Varvaskoukku's posture.
Banks has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
Banks will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Varvaskoukku trying to control but Banks is working from the bottom.
That's one minute gone in the round.
We're going to have a standup here because Will Banks wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Varvaskoukku fails with an attempt to clinch.
Varvaskoukku misses with a hook. Banks ducked under it nicely.
Banks fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Banks throws a sloppy head kick and Varvaskoukku moves out of range easily.
Banks scores with a crisp jab that stopped Varvaskoukku in his tracks.
Banks throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Banks keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Varvaskoukku slips a straight right by Banks.
Banks chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Varvaskoukku can pounce on him.
Banks misses the shot to the body.
Varvaskoukku shoots for a double leg takedown but Banks sprawls well. He's pushed Varvaskoukku's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Banks misses with a head kick.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku fails with a takedown attempt.
Varvaskoukku throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Banks was covering up waiting for the punch and Varvaskoukku finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Varvaskoukku wants to control from the top but Banks keeps moving.
Banks has Varvaskoukku pulled in close to control his posture.
Varvaskoukku pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Banks is keeping the position for now.
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!
Varvaskoukku postures up in Banks's guard and throws a big left but Banks blocks it.
Varvaskoukku landing with the ground and pound.
Varvaskoukku chips away with some ground and pound.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banks controlling Varvaskoukku's posture.
Varvaskoukku stopping the sweep attempt from Banks.
Varvaskoukku missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Banks is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Varvaskoukku working some strikes from top position.
Varvaskoukku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Banks avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Banks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banks looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Varvaskoukku is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
Varvaskoukku wants to pass the guard but Banks is keeping the position.
Banks has control of Varvaskoukku's left arm, preventing Varvaskoukku from doing any damage.
Varvaskoukku has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Varvaskoukku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Varvaskoukku postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Varvaskoukku is looking to work some ground and pound but Banks has wrist control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Banks misses with a wild body shot.
Banks tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Varvaskoukku paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Banks just misses with a punch to the body.
Banks cracks the inside of Varvaskoukku's front leg.
Varvaskoukku swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Banks.
Varvaskoukku shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Banks napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Banks takes a couple of big shots there - the referee warns him that he has to defend himself better.
Banks tries to buck Varvaskoukku off but Varvaskoukku is having none of it.
Varvaskoukku tries for a kimura but Banks is defending well.
Banks managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku working the ground and pound.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Varvaskoukku working the strikes but Banks uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Banks trying to control here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Varvaskoukku wants to pass to mount but Banks is defending the position.
Varvaskoukku thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Varvaskoukku throwing shots but Banks is blocking nicely.
Varvaskoukku is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Banks is looking to control Varvaskoukku's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Banks avoid being mounted?
Varvaskoukku is looking for a kimura but Banks is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Varvaskoukku to get the leverage.
Varvaskoukku looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Banks trying to control from the bottom.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Varvaskoukku thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Banks is looking to improve his position.
Varvaskoukku throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Banks tries to get to full guard but Varvaskoukku has control of the leg.
Varvaskoukku thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Banks keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Rainer Varvaskoukku has got the better of the ground game so far.
Banks has hold of Varvaskoukku's hands but Varvaskoukku slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Varvaskoukku slips a nice elbow through Banks's hands, connecting with Banks's forehead.
Varvaskoukku thows a huge punch but Banks dodges it nicely.
Varvaskoukku missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Varvaskoukku is trying to control. Banks wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Banks is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Varvaskoukku perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Banks avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Banks is looking for a sweep. Varvaskoukku is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Banks controlling the position well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Varvaskoukku is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Banks trying to control but Varvaskoukku postures up.
Banks is not content to let Varvaskoukku control the position.
Varvaskoukku is looking for a kimura but Banks is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Varvaskoukku to get the leverage.
Varvaskoukku thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Banks's head.
Banks wants to control but Varvaskoukku is keeping busy.
Varvaskoukku working Banks over with strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Varvaskoukku sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Banks defending well though.
Varvaskoukku wants to lay and pray for a moment but Banks keeps working.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
Banks connects with the punch.
Nice defenses there by Banks.
Banks scores with a decent looking hook.
Varvaskoukku lands a jab to the nose.
Banks scores with a jab to the body.
Banks takes a swing at Varvaskoukku's ribcage but misses.
Varvaskoukku forces Banks back against the cage and clinches.
Varvaskoukku struggles to land a body shot inside as Banks controls his hands.
A shot in the inside from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Banks tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Varvaskoukku lands a body punch in the clinch.
Varvaskoukku fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Varvaskoukku has a couple of punches blocked by Banks.
A shot in the inside from Banks.
That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee calls for Varvaskoukku to work.
Banks misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Varvaskoukku lands a nice shot to the body.
Varvaskoukku blocks a body shot from Banks.
With the fighters up against the cage, Varvaskoukku throws an elbow but misses.
Varvaskoukku misses with a hook to the ribs.
Varvaskoukku lands a shot to the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Varvaskoukku prevents a body shot from Banks.
Banks swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Banks misses with some punches.
Varvaskoukku pressing his opponent against the cage.
Varvaskoukku throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Bankss head.
Varvaskoukku lands a hook to the side of the head.
Varvaskoukku manages to break the clinch.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Varvaskoukku has his takedown stuffed
and Banks cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Varvaskoukku thows a huge punch but Banks dodges it nicely.
Banks is refusing to be controlled, as Varvaskoukku sits in half guard.
Banks keeping hold of Varvaskoukku's head, controlling as best he can.
Banks is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Varvaskoukku scores with a couple of nice shots.
Varvaskoukku missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Varvaskoukku prevents Banks from improving his position.
Banks trying to hold on to Varvaskoukku's head to control him but Varvaskoukku postures up.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku wants to lay and pray for a moment but Banks keeps working.
Varvaskoukku is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Banks is just riding it out for now. Varvaskoukku eventually gives up the hold.
Banks is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.
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. Varvaskoukku connects with a nice short shot to Banks's temple.
Banks trying to hold on to Varvaskoukku's head to control him but Varvaskoukku postures up.
Varvaskoukku sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Banks defending well though.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku is trying to control the action in half guard but Banks is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Varvaskoukku throwing shots but Banks is blocking nicely.
Varvaskoukku 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.
Varvaskoukku is pressing down on Banks's thigh, looking to free his foot. Banks is holding on for now.
Varvaskoukku is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Banks has managed to free his arm - good work.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Varvaskoukku trying to control from half guard but Banks is working away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku really dominated that round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
Banks works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Banks gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Varvaskoukku tries to throw a body punch but Banks avoids it by throwing Varvaskoukku back against the cage.
A short uppercut from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Banks to keep the fight standing.
Banks blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Banks lands with a light punch inside.
Banks has Varvaskoukku pressed against the cage, preventing Varvaskoukku from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Varvaskoukku lands a body shot in the clinch.
Varvaskoukku breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Varvaskoukku fails with a takedown attempt.
Varvaskoukku looks for the body kick but Banks saw that one coming.
A telegraphed right hand from Banks misses the target.
Banks lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Banks ducks under a wild hook from Varvaskoukku.
Varvaskoukku lands with a nice combination. Banks backs away looking to recover.
Varvaskoukku throws a jab when Banks was well out of range.
Banks dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Rainer Varvaskoukku seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Varvaskoukku uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Banks.
Varvaskoukku lands a nice shot to the body.
Varvaskoukku tries to clinch up but Banks circles away and keeps his distance.
Banks showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Varvaskoukku.
Banks gets caught flat footed, as Varvaskoukku shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Varvaskoukku is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Banks is pulling down on Varvaskoukku's head to control his posture.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku stopping the sweep attempt from Banks.
Banks wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
We're going to have a standup here because Will Banks wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Banks tries to land a front kick but Varvaskoukku steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Banks fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Varvaskoukku manages to avoid it.
Varvaskoukku looks for the body kick but Banks saw that one coming.
Jab from Banks.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku scores with a nice body kick.
Varvaskoukku looks to land a combination. Banks sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Varvaskoukku connects with a nice looking jab.
Varvaskoukku shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Varvaskoukku showed some decent athleticism there.
Varvaskoukku throwing shots but Banks is blocking nicely.
Banks is trying to stand.
Banks tries to get to full guard but Varvaskoukku has control of the leg.
Varvaskoukku missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Varvaskoukku working the head and body with strikes.
Varvaskoukku wants to control but Banks is keeping him busy.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Banks is staying active underneath Varvaskoukku, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Varvaskoukku wants to pass to mount but Banks is defending the position.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Banks keeping hold of Varvaskoukku's head, controlling as best he can.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Varvaskoukku drops an elbow to the side of Banks's head.
Varvaskoukku has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Varvaskoukku wants to control the pace but Banks is squirming around nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Rainer Varvaskoukku dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!
Banks stuffs the takedown attempt from Varvaskoukku. Varvaskoukku gets slowly back to his feet.
Banks pivots, looking for a leg kick but Varvaskoukku is out of range and Banks settles back down.
Banks throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Varvaskoukku cracks the inside of Banks's front leg.
Varvaskoukku scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Varvaskoukku misses with a head shot. Banks uses the momentum to regain guard.
Varvaskoukku looking to sit in guard and control but Banks gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Banks with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Banks is stalling in the full guard.
Varvaskoukku controls Banks momentarily but Banks frees himself.
Banks postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Banks trying to control the position from guard on top but Varvaskoukku is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Varvaskoukku is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Banks working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Varvaskoukku's head.
Varvaskoukku is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.
Varvaskoukku escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Banks gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku keeping moving, preventing Banks from controlling successfully.
Varvaskoukku is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Varvaskoukku is trying to work for a kimura but Banks is defending well.
Varvaskoukku has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Banks is controlling Varvaskoukku's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Varvaskoukku is keen to just control but Banks is a slippery customer.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Varvaskoukku wants to take a breather but Banks is having none of it.
Varvaskoukku is thwarting Banks's attempts to control the position.
Varvaskoukku tries to pass to full mount but Banks defends it.
Banks trying to control here.
Will Banks has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Banks blocking the ground and pound attempt from Varvaskoukku.
Banks moves into full guard.
Varvaskoukku postures up in Banks's guard and throws a big left but Banks blocks it.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Varvaskoukku accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Banks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Varvaskoukku scoring with punches to the head and body.
Banks looking for a sweep. Not yet Banks, not yet.
Varvaskoukku loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Banks looking to hit a scissor sweep but Varvaskoukku is one step ahead there.
Varvaskoukku loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Banks is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Varvaskoukku is aware though and is defending well.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Varvaskoukku trying to control the position from guard on top but Banks is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Varvaskoukku is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
And that's the end of the fight!
Rainer Varvaskoukku comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Varvaskoukku has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Phil Schofield scores the fight 45:50
Judge William Gold scores the fight 45:50
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 45:50
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rainer Varvaskoukku! Rainer Varvaskoukku retains his featherweight title!
Rainer Varvaskoukku decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
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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
100% |
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