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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Esa Tikkanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jan Sobieski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Tikkanen kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Bring The Pain. Sobieski comes into a darkened arena with his song building. Kto Cię Obroni Polsko kicks in, the lights come on and the crowd goes wild! What a showman! Esa Tikkanen has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?
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| 186 cm
31
208 lbs
27 - 6 - 1 |
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188 cm
33
217 lbs
31 - 9 - 0 |
Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible |
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Olympic wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank |
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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
27 - 6 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Esa Tikkanen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
31 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jan Sobieski!
The judges for this bout are Chris Edwards, Sam Margolis and James Atkins.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Tikkanen lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Tikkanen tries to land a front kick but Sobieski steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Tikkanen punishes Sobieski's body with a nice straight punch.
Tikkanen thumps Sobieski with a low kick.
A head kick by Sobieski misses
and Tikkanen counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Sobieski trying to control but Tikkanen postures up.
Tikkanen lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Tikkanen takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Sobieski looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Tikkanen is looking to take a break and control but Sobieski is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sobieski's head.
Tikkanen tries to pass the half guard into mount. Sobieski knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Sobieski actively working from the bottom here.
Sobieski wants to improve his position but Tikkanen is controlling well.
Tikkanen thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sobieski's head.
Sobieski tries to roll over but Tikkanen keeps him under control.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
We've been hearing good reports from Tikkanen's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Tikkanen is pressing down on Sobieski's thigh, looking to free his foot. Sobieski is holding on for now.
Sobieski makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Sobieski.
Sobieski tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Tikkanen wants to control from the top but Sobieski keeps moving.
Sobieski is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Tikkanen is aware though and is defending well.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski can't keep his opponent in guard - Tikkanen advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Tikkanen trying to control from half guard but Sobieski is working away.
Tikkanen not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Tikkanen is looking for a kimura. It's pretty deep but Sobieski still has the half guard so he's probably OK. Oh, Sobieski has exploded into a beautiful escape there and after a quick scramble, he's ended up in side control on top! Nice work!
Sobieski tries to score with some ground and pound. Tikkanen controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.
Tikkanen can't do much from the bottom here.
Tikkanen is looking for a sweep.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski working away diligently from side control. Landing strikes effectively there - that will score him some points on the judges scorecards.
Sobieski tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Tikkanen parries the strikes from Sobieski easily there. Sobieski is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Tikkanen to escape.
Sobieski is pausing for a moment. What's he doing? It looks like he's clearing his nose. Oh dude! He's shot a load of snot all down Tikkanen's shoulder. That is not cool.
Sobieski tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tikkanen tries to get back to half guard but can't.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tikkanen is working hard here to advance position.
Sobieski scoring with punches and elbows.
Sobieski misses with the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Esa Tikkanen dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
Tikkanen dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tikkanen scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Sobieski takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Tikkanen closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Sobieski quickly recovers to half guard.
Sobieski is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Tikkanen wants to control but Sobieski is keeping him busy.
Tikkanen not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Sobieski gets full guard.
Tikkanen wants to control from the top but Sobieski keeps moving.
Tikkanen won't allow Sobieski to sweep him here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen postures up.
Sobieski has his foot on Tikkanen's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Tikkanen works his way back into a safe position though.
Sobieski lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
Tikkanen manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Sobieski manages to get himself to full guard.
Tikkanen throwing strikes but missing.
Tikkanen is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Sobieski looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen advances position into side control!
Tikkanen has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Tikkanen wants to control the pace but Sobieski is squirming around nicely.
Tikkanen postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Sobieski looks a forlorn figure.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Tikkanen avoids the attempt from Sobieski to control.
Sobieski is working to get back to half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen can't control as he wanted to and Sobieski manages to get the fight back to his half guard.
Tikkanen is trying to control the action in half guard but Sobieski is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sobieski is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Tikkanen thows a huge punch but Sobieski dodges it nicely.
Sobieski wants to improve his position but Tikkanen is controlling well.
Sobieski has hold of Tikkanen's hands but Tikkanen slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Esa Tikkanen overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Sobieski is trying to get back to full guard.
Tikkanen looks to land a strike but Sobieski avoids it nicely and regains full guard.
Tikkanen 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.
Sobieski wants to sweep here but Tikkanen controlling him for the moment.
Tikkanen is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Tikkanen throwing strikes from guard but Sobieski blocks nicely.
Sobieski is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tikkanen trying to control but Sobieski is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Esa Tikkanen dominated that second 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.
Tikkanen throws the kick towards the body but Sobieski avoids it.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Sobieski. Tikkanen shrugs it off though.
Tikkanen throws a body punch but Sobieski moves out of range.
Tikkanen throws a body punch but Sobieski moves out of range.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Sobieski crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Tikkanen - the referee stops the clock and Sobieski gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Tikkanen. Sobieski manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
Tikkanen misses the shot to the body.
Tikkanen fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sobieski manages to avoid it.
Tikkanen throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
The fight stays on the outside here - Tikkanen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Tikkanen motions for Sobieski to come forward. Tikkanen throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sobieski misses with a body kick.
Tikkanen connects with a solid leg kick.
Esa Tikkanen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sobieski blocks the body kick.
Tikkanen throws a good cross that connects.
Tikkanen misses with a hook. Sobieski ducked under it nicely.
Tikkanen lands a jab.
Tikkanen tries to clinch there but Sobieski circles away.
Tikkanen scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sobieski in his tracks.
Tikkanen looks to throw the jab but Sobieski is out of range.
A thudding body kick lands there by Tikkanen!
Sobieski throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen shoots in for a double leg but Sobieski sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Sobieski avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A head kick misses from Sobieski.
Tikkanen pivots, looking for a leg kick but Sobieski is out of range and Tikkanen settles back down.
Tikkanen is looking to land body kicks.
Tikkanen tries to clinch up.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tikkanen fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Sobieski on the side of the head.
An inside leg kick from Tikkanen misses.
Both fighters circling a little - Tikkanen finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Tikkanen scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sobieski doesn't seem bothered though.
The fighters circling - Tikkanen throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Tikkanen tries to land a body kick
letting Sobieski counter with a right hand.
Tikkanen attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Sobieski throws a head kick that misses.
Sobieski shoots in for a double leg but Tikkanen sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Esa Tikkanen is winning the standup battle so far.
Tikkanen does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Sobieski looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Tikkanen throws a leg kick that misses.
Tikkanen misses with a low kick as Sobieski jumps back.
Sobieski takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Tikkanen dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Sobieski. That did some damage!
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Tikkanen. Sobieski shrugs it off though.
Sobieski takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen connects with a body shot.
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!
Tikkanen lands with a cross.
Tikkanen lands with a right hand.
Tikkanen bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Sobieski looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Sobieski has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Tikkanen.
Tikkanen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sobieski.
Tikkanen lands with an uppercut that bounces Sobieski off the cage and back into range.
Tikkanen connects with a solid leg kick.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tikkanen stuffs the takedown.
Tikkanen throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Jab from Tikkanen.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Esa Tikkanen clearly takes that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.
Tikkanen throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tikkanen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Tikkanen misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sobieski.
Tikkanen dives in and grabs Sobieski's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sobieski pushes down on Tikkanen's head and hops out.
Tikkanen takes a swing at Sobieski's ribcage but misses.
Tikkanen clinches.
Tikkanen stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Tikkanen trying to control the position but instead, Sobieski has worked for underhooks and has pushed Tikkanen into the cage.
Tikkanen has a couple of punches blocked by Sobieski.
A head punch on the inside from Tikkanen fails to land.
Tikkanen can't find room to land a body shot as Sobieski controls the action.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Tikkanen swings wildly with an uppercut but Sobieski uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sobieski wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Tikkanen has him pressed against the cage.
Sobieski has hold of one of Tikkanen's legs. Tikkanen is fighting the takedown attempt but Sobieski gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Tikkanen looking for a sweep. Not yet Tikkanen, not yet.
Tikkanen controlling the position.
Tikkanen is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Sobieski missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Tikkanen looking to hit a scissor sweep but Sobieski is one step ahead there.
Tikkanen is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski trying to control the position from guard on top but Tikkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sobieski got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tikkanen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sobieski has managed to get both his arms back between Tikkanen's legs - danger averted.
Sobieski throws a strike but Tikkanen rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Tikkanen forces his way into half guard.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Tikkanen looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski tries to get to full guard but Tikkanen has control of the leg.
Sobieski is not content to let Tikkanen control the position.
Sobieski is trying to get back to full guard.
Nice strikes from Tikkanen there.
Sobieski is not content to let Tikkanen control the position.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen moves into side control, avoiding a weak kimura attempt from Sobieski.
Tikkanen misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Tikkanen throws an elbow but Sobieski slips to the side and avoids it well.
Sobieski prevents Tikkanen from moving into mount.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tikkanen has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Tikkanen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sobieski is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Esa Tikkanen had his way with Jan Sobieski in that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. This is the final round!
Sobieski drives through with a takedown into Tikkanen's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.
Tikkanen is doing well to control the posture of his opponent and prevent any damage.
Sobieski got a little sloppy there for a moment and Tikkanen has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sobieski has managed to get both his arms back between Tikkanen's legs - danger averted.
Sobieski postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Sobieski working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sobieski trying to control the position from guard on top but Tikkanen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tikkanen is trying to control the position but Sobieski postures up.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Sobieski is working Tikkanen over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.
Tikkanen keeping full guard, as Sobieski tries to pass.
Sobieski scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Tikkanen keeping moving, preventing Sobieski from controlling successfully.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Sobieski accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Sobieski postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Tikkanen looking to control.
Tikkanen looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Sobieski postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Tikkanen trying to control the position.
Sobieski throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Esa Tikkanen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Tikkanen is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Tikkanen keeping moving, preventing Sobieski from controlling successfully.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sobieski passes into half guard.
Sobieski is thwarting Tikkanen's attempts to control the position.
Sobieski seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Tikkanen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Sobieski controlling the action here.
Sobieski missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Jan Sobieski has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Tikkanen does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Sobieski working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Tikkanen blocking the ground and pound attempt from Sobieski.
Tikkanen trying to control from the bottom.
Sobieski prevents Tikkanen from improving his position.
Sobieski takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Tikkanen taking some punishment here, with Sobieski in his half guard.
Sobieski is trying to control. Tikkanen wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Tikkanen looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Sobieski wants to free his trapped foot but Tikkanen is holding on for dear life with his legs.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sobieski is nestled in close to Tikkanen, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Sobieski lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Tikkanen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sobieski not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Tikkanen trying to control here.
Tikkanen is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Sobieski's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Sobieski's back!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Tikkanen keeps control of the position as Sobieski tries to break free.
Tikkanen lands a shot to the body.
And that's the end of the fight!
Jan Sobieski comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Tikkanen has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Chris Edwards scores the fight 49:46
Judge Sam Margolis scores the fight 49:46
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 49:46
In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Esa Tikkanen!
Esa Tikkanen retains his light heavyweight title!
A relieved looking Esa Tikkanen thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
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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
98% |
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