PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Johan Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ladislav Hemsky (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Axelsson comes to the cage accompanied by Petter - Det går bra nu. The crowd seem to be enjoying Hemsky's choice of entrance music: Onward to Victory. The fight MMA fans around the world have waited their entire lives for!

Axelsson
vs
Hemsky

183 cm
27
209 lbs
8 - 6 - 0

193 cm
37
226 lbs
23 - 13 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 6 - 0, fighting out of New York, Johan Axelsson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 23 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Ladislav Hemsky!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, Dillan Fox and Ian Loll.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hemsky throws out a loose jab but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hemsky catches Axelsson with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Axelsson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
We've been hearing reports that Axelsson has been drilling takedowns in recent sessions so let's see if that has an impact on the result of this fight.
Hemsky ducks under a wild hook from Axelsson.
Hemsky throws a nice looking combination but Axelsson bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Axelsson tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Hemsky missing with a left hand there. Axelsson was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Axelsson ducks under a wild hook from Hemsky.
Hemsky throws a right and a left that both miss.
Hemsky dips to his left and cracks Axelsson with an uppercut!
Hemsky swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Axelsson.
Axelsson clobbers Hemsky with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Hemsky throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Ladislav Hemsky seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Axelsson takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
A swing and a miss from Axelsson.
Hemsky is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Axelsson.
Axelsson circles away from the clinch attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson connects with a right hand. Hemsky shakes it off.
Hemsky misses with a kick to the body.
Hemsky wants to clinch up but Axelsson keeps it at a distance.
Ladislav Hemsky is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Hemsky misses with a body shot.
Axelsson misses with an uppercut. Hemsky saw that one coming.
Axelsson throws a hook but Hemsky avoids it easily.
Axelsson avoids the body shot from Hemsky.
Hemsky on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Axelsson.
Axelsson working away.
Hemsky is looking for a sweep.
Axelsson scores with a couple of short elbows.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Hemsky is looking for a sweep.
Axelsson misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
An elbow from Axelsson crashes against the mat.
Axelsson scoring with punches from side control.
Axelsson misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
An elbow from Axelsson crashes against the mat.
Axelsson controlling the position.
Axelsson tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
Hemsky sneaks a leg under to get back to half guard.
Axelsson has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Axelsson thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Axelsson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Axelsson throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Axelsson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Axelsson controlling the action here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Axelsson takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Axelsson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Hemsky does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Hemsky blocking the ground and pound attempt from Axelsson.
Hemsky wants to improve his position but Axelsson is controlling well.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Axelsson is looking for a kimura here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Axelsson dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Axelsson lands a nice shot to the body.
Axelsson uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Hemsky.

Hemsky takes the fight into the clinch.
Axelsson misses with a hook from the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Axelsson.
Hemsky letting Axelsson take a breather here.
Hemsky throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Axelsson has a couple of punches blocked by Hemsky.
Hemsky blocks a body shot from Axelsson.
Axelsson misses with a punch on the inside.
Axelsson throws a head punch that misses.
Axelsson tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson misses with the head strike.
Hemsky pushes Axelsson back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Hemsky blocks an uppercut.
Hemsky lands with a right to the head.

It looks like Johan Axelsson has been cut.
Hemsky lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Hemsky lands a hook that snaps the head of Axelsson backwards.
Axelsson lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Hemsky.
Axelsson managing to block the knees to the body from Hemsky.
Axelsson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Hemsky avoiding damage as Axelsson throws knees to the body.
Axelsson throws a head punch that misses.
Hemsky has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Axelsson seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Hemsky can turn it around.
Hemsky blocks an elbow strike from Axelsson.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Axelsson.
Axelsson tries to pull guard but Hemsky won't allow it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Axelsson can't find room to land a body shot as Hemsky controls the action.
Axelsson lands with a short punch from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Axelsson.
Axelsson takes a shot to the head.
Axelsson lands an uppercut.
Hemsky lands a left hand that snaps the head of Axelsson backwards.
Axelsson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Axelsson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Axelsson is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Hemsky is keeping busy.
Axelsson tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Axelsson is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Johan Axelsson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Axelsson swings wildly with an uppercut but Hemsky uses good head movement to avoid it.
Hemsky scores with a shoulder strike.
Hemsky missing with knees to the body.
Axelsson tries to work over Hemsky's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson misses with some punches.
Johan Axelsson has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Hemsky with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Axelsson tries to throw a body punch but Hemsky avoids it by throwing Axelsson back against the cage.
Hemsky tries to stall but Axelsson uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Axelsson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Hemsky lands a body shot.
Axelsson throws a head punch that misses.
Hemsky is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Axelsson is defending well for now.
Hemsky with a knee to the head.
Axelsson tries a body shot but Hemsky blocks it.
A short right from Axelsson.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Hemsky.
Axelsson leaning his opponent against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Axelsson lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hemsky misses with the head strike.
Hemsky blocks a body shot from Axelsson.

Axelsson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Axelsson staying out of range there.
Axelsson on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Axelsson throws a lazy right hand but Hemsky sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Hemsky throws a jab but it's blocked by Axelsson.
Hemsky lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Axelsson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Hemsky tests Axelsson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Axelsson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Danga de danga de dang - Axelsson scores with a four punch combination!
Nice body punch from Axelsson.
Hemsky misses with a straight right.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Johan Axelsson will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Hemsky misses with an uppercut.
Axelsson throws a hook but Hemsky avoids it easily.
Axelsson missing with a left hand there. Hemsky was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Axelsson takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Hemsky drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Hemsky throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Axelsson.
Hemsky lands with a nice body punch.
Axelsson avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Axelsson drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Axelsson misses with a straight right.

Axelsson decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Axelsson trying to control from half guard but Hemsky is working away.
Axelsson scoring with strikes to the body and head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Axelsson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Hemsky on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Axelsson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Hemsky keeps working.
Axelsson seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Axelsson is trying to control the action in half guard but Hemsky is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Ladislav Hemsky has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Johan Axelsson.
Hemsky lands with a right hand.
Hemsky defending well as Axelsson loads up on a big left hand.
Hemsky blocks a jab.
Hemsky moves into range and connects with a jab.
Axelsson throws a hook but Hemsky blocks it.
Axelsson throws a jab when Hemsky was well out of range.
Axelsson throws an overhand right that lands on Hemsky's shoulder, as Hemsky tries to avoid the shot.
Hemsky feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Axelssons jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Hemsky ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Axelsson moves away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Hemsky looks to throw the jab but Axelsson is out of range.
Hemsky lands a jab.
Hemsky throws a hook but Axelsson avoids it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson throws a jab but it's blocked by Hemsky.
Ladislav Hemsky seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Axelsson takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Axelsson scores with a hook to the body. Hemsky takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Axelsson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hemsky was well out of range. Poor timing from Axelsson.
Axelsson slips under a jab.
Axelsson avoids the body shot from Hemsky.
Axelsson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hemsky.
A big right from Axelsson misses.
Hemsky darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Axelsson tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Hemsky was well out of range. Poor timing from Axelsson.
Axelsson walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Hemsky throws a hook but Axelsson avoids it easily.
Hemsky throws out a loose jab but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson staying out of range there.
Hemsky scores with a nice strike.
Axelsson throws a big shot that misses.
Johan Axelsson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Axelsson looks to land a right hand but Hemsky moved out of range.
Axelsson throws a shot from downtown. Hemsky moves away and avoids it.
Axelsson just misses with a punch to the body.
Axelsson throws a big shot that misses.
Hemsky tries to clinch up but Axelsson circles away and keeps his distance.
Hemsky fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Hemsky avoids the body shot from Axelsson.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Hemsky misses with a straight right.
Axelsson missing with a left hand there. Hemsky was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Hemsky misses with a straight right.
Axelsson swings widly with a right hand
and Hemsky counters with a lovely straight right hand!

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Ladislav Hemsky.
I think Axelsson 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 29:28
Judge Dillan Fox scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ian Loll scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johan Axelsson!
An out of breath Johan Axelsson thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.