Play by Play - Fighter's Fight Commentary

Event: MMMA Fright Night 7
Date: Jun 27, 2018

#R1#
The fighters circling - Shot throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A little feinted left hand from Sakurai on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Shot lands a lovely overhand right.
Shot lands a body shot.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
Shot throws a jab when Sakurai was well out of range.
Sakurai on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Shot lands with a nice body punch.
Shot lands a slapping body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shot connects with a crisp jab.
Shot misses with a double jab.
Shot waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakurai.
Sakurai moves out of range of the strikes.
Shot's coach down at Soul Supremacy Rio was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Shot's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.#T1#
Shot with a jab.
Shot tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sakurai swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sakurai takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakurai misses the target.
A right-left combo lands from Shot.
Shot throws a series of punches but Sakurai moves out of range.
Sakurai misses with a straight right.
Shot throws a big shot that misses.
A counter left hand to the body from Sakurai misses its target.
Shot wants to clinch.
Shot looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Sakurai was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.#T2#
Shot lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.#CL2#
Shot fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sakurai, pushing him back against the cage.
Sakurai misses with a punch to the body.
Shot blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Shot jumps guard but Sakurai stands there with Shot around his waist. Shot gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch. #TD2#
Shot ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Shot no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakurai trying to control the position from guard on top but Shot is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakurai won't allow Shot to sweep him here.
Sakurai postures up.
Sakurai preventing the sweep. #SUB2#
Shot is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Sakurai preventing the sweep. #T3#
Shot trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Sakurai knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Shot on the ground.
Sakurai won't allow Shot to sweep him here.
Sakurai pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Shot is keeping the position for now.
Sakurai trying to control the position from guard on top but Shot is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #SUB2#
Shot pushes a forearm under Sakurai's chin to create some space. He's escaped his hips and pivoted quickly for an armbar! Can he extend the arm? Yes, Sakurai is tapping out! Damn, that was fast!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:42 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Sebastian Shot!
A very excited looking Sebastian Shot made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
The defeated Hideo Sakurai had this to say: '......'.

Event: MMMA 77 Britton Vs Gray
Date: May 20, 2018

#R1#
Pozar goes for a double leg but Sakurai avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Sakurai continues to drive forward.
A quick step to the side and Sakurai tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Pozar closes the distance but Sakurai moves to the side
and Sakurai counters with a right hand to the body.
Pozar shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Sakurai as he avoids it easily.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a big counter.
Sakurai displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Pozar.
Hideo Sakurai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pozar Pozar.
Pozar tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sakurai swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sakurai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Pozar tries to clinch up.
Sakurai keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Pozar is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pozar tries to clinch up.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Pozar takes one on the chin but keeps coming. #T1#
Sakurai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Pozar is defended easily by Sakurai.
A big left from Sakurai misses.
And Pozar tries to counter it with a takedown but Sakurai pushes his down on his head and steps out.
A big right from Sakurai misses.
Sakurai throws a body punch but Pozar moves out of range.
Pozar fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Sakurai. No joy for Pozar on that attempt.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Pozar throws a sloppy head kick and Sakurai moves out of range easily.
Pozar has tried to improve his agility in the runup to this fight.
Pozar throws a body kick that misses
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Pozar connects with a right hand. Sakurai shakes it off.#T2#
Pozar shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Sakurai pinned against the cage. Sakurai gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Pozar throws a series of punches but Sakurai avoids them all with ease. #CL2#
Pozar moves into the clinch.#BC#
Sakurai breaks from the clinch.
Pozar Pozar seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A big left from Sakurai misses.
Sakurai takes a swing at Pozar's ribcage but misses.
Pozar slips a straight right by Sakurai.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!#TD2#
Pozar shoots in and gets a takedown into Sakurai's guard.
Pozar wants to control from the top but Sakurai keeps moving. #SU2#
Pozar stands up from guard. Let's bang! #T3##TD2#
Pozar closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
A lull in the action here.
Pozar is looking to take a break and control but Sakurai is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom. #SUB2#
Pozar tries for a kimura but Sakurai is defending well.
Pozar lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face. #T4#
Sakurai is looking to reverse the position.
An elbow from Pozar crashes against the mat.
Pozar staying calm.#SU2#
Pozar stands up and we're back to a striking position.
Sakurai displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Pozar.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakurai misses the target.
Pozar is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hideo Sakurai dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
#R2#
Pozar uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sakurai.
Pozar wants to clinch up but Sakurai keeps it at a distance.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakurai misses the target.
Sakurai connects with a single shot there.#CUT#
It looks like Pozar Pozar has been cut.
Sakurai scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.#ROC#
Pozar is rocked!#CL2#
Pozar closes the distance and clinches.
Pozar is still on wobbly legs! Can Sakurai finish him?
Pozar blocking some punches.
A short uppercut from Sakurai.
Sakurai is pressed up against the cage. Pozar has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Sakurai down to the mat. Sakurai avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance. #TD2#
Pozar is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Sakurai's half guard.
Pozar Pozar has got the better of the ground game so far.
Pozar wants to take a breather but Sakurai is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Pozar looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Pozar is looking to take a break and control but Sakurai is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Pozar missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Pozar seems to have recovered his senses.
Pozar passes to side control.
Pozar has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#T1#
Sakurai stuck in half guard on the bottom here.#SUB2#
Pozar wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sakurai, who protects the arm well.
Pozar working the ground and pound but Sakurai is defending the strikes.
The referee asks Pozar politely if he wouldn't mind getting on with it and actually doing something. Pozar prefers to stall for the moment though.
An elbow from Pozar crashes against the mat.
Sakurai knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Pozar on the ground.
Sakurai is trying to escape the position but Pozar is controlling the position.
Pozar trying to control the position but Sakurai is working away. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#SU2#
Pozar has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.
Pozar takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.#TD2#
Pozar gets a double leg takedown into Sakurai's guard.
Pozar throwing strikes but missing.
Pozar wants to control from the top but Sakurai keeps moving.
Pozar passes Sakurai's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
Sakurai is trying to control but can't. #T3#
Pozar trying to control the pace.
Pozar is trying to control. Sakurai wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Pozar thows a huge punch but Sakurai dodges it nicely.
Pozar is trying to control the action in half guard but Sakurai is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Sakurai tries to kick Pozar off but Pozar keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.#T4#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Pozar fails with the takedown
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakurai checks a leg kick.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#CL2#
Pozar forces Sakurai back against the cage and clinches.
Sakurai doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Sakurai has a couple of punches blocked by Pozar.
Sakurai lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Sakurai swings wildly with an uppercut but Pozar uses good head movement to avoid it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.#BC#
Sakurai breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Pozar shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Sakurai defends it nicely.
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 Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Pozar Pozar's cut.
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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!
#R3#
Pozar closes the distance but Sakurai moves to the side #KD#
and Sakurai counters with a crisp right hand that drops Pozar! Sakurai lets Pozar back up to his feet, looking for a finish!
Sakurai stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Sakurai wants it to stay on the feet.
Pozar fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sakurai avoids it really well and circles away.
Sakurai circles away from the clinch attempt.
It looked like Sakurai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Pozar bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakurai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Pozar was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakurai.
Sakurai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Pozar.
Pozar looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.#T1#
Pozar blocks a jab.
Pozar shoots in for a takedown but Sakurai shows good takedown defense.
Hideo Sakurai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Pozar Pozar.
Sakurai swats away the attempt to clinch by Pozar.
Sakurai missing with a left hand there. Pozar was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Pozar with a poor takedown
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sakurai throws an overhand right that drops Pozar like a sack of potatoes! Sakurai dives in to finish the fight with more strikes and this one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:39 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hideo Sakurai!
A victorious Hideo Sakurai thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
The defeated Pozar Pozar had this to say: 'Thanks my sponsors and all my fans!!!'.

Event: MMMA 70 Vurny vs Williams
Date: Apr 01, 2018

#R1#
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Shot moved out of range.
Sakurai has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Arvins Bootcamp in the buildup to the fight.
Shot misses with an uppercut. Sakurai saw that one coming.
Sakurai moves forwards but Shot connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Shot throws a big shot that misses.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Shot thows a left - swing and a miss! #TD2#
Sakurai gets caught napping as Shot dives in and scores a takedown. Sakurai manages to retain guard.
Sakurai is wriggling around but Shot manages to pass to half guard. #REVR#
Still in half guard, Shot seems content to control.#SUB2#
Shot 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.
Sakurai is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though. #T1#
Shot takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Shot thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sakurai's head.
Sakurai avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Shot.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.#SUB2#
Shot seems to be working for a kimura but Sakurai defends the submission attempt.
Shot takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Shot is nestled in close to Sakurai, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Shot is keen to just control but Sakurai is a slippery customer.
Shot lands strikes from half guard.#T2#
Sakurai is looking to improve his position.
Shot performing his best blanket impression for a moment. #SUB2#
Shot is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Shot throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Sakurai won't allow Shot to pass to mount.
Sakurai holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Shot has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.#SUB2#
Shot is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sakurai doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Shot.
Shot seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Sakurai does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back. #T3#
Sakurai tries to kick Shot off but Shot keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Shot thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Shot throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Shot throws a strike but Sakurai avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Shot trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Sakurai manages to land a sweep and now he's on top! #REVR#
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Shot looking to control. #SUB2#
Shot escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Sakurai gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Shot bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Sakurai's guard. #REVB##T4#
Sakurai keeping moving, preventing Shot from controlling successfully.
Shot might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Sakurai haven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Shot engaging in some classic timewasting tactics.
Shot trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakurai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Shot postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Sakurai is trying to control the position but Shot postures up.
Sakurai keeping moving, preventing Shot from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sebastian Shot dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
#R2##CL2#
Shot darts in and clinches Sakurai up against the cage.
Shot prevents Sakurai from breaking the clinch.
Sakurai scores with a nice hook to the head.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Shot.
Shot misses with a hook from the clinch.
Shot is working for takedown but Sakurai is calmly controlling the position for now.#BC#
Sakurai manages to break the clinch.
Sakurai throws a body shot but no joy.
A countering left hand to the body from Shot misses.
Shot has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Sakurai tries to move into range but Shot moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Good work by Sakurai as he checks the leg kick.
Sakurai rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
letting Shot counter with a right hand.
Shot connects with a single shot there.
A big right from Sakurai misses. #T1#
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of Shot's head but Shot sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Shot has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sakurai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai throws a jab but it's blocked by Shot.
Shot lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Sakurai rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
enabling Shot to counter with a crisp jab.
Shot darts in trying to clinch
and Shot takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nice defenses there by Sakurai.
It looked like Sakurai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Shot fails with a takedown attempt. #T2#
Shot lunges at Sakurai with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Sakurai's hand.
Shot misses with the combination. #KD#
Sakurai drops Shot with a beautiful combination! Shot stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Sakurai is looking for the KO!#ROC#
Shot is rocked!#CUT#
It looks like Sebastian Shot has been cut.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
A low kick from Shot misses
and Sakurai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Shot misses with a double jab.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut. Shot saw that one coming.
Nice defenses there by Shot.#T3#
Shot bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Sakurai's head.
Sakurai darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Hideo Sakurai is winning the standup battle so far.
The fighters circling - Sakurai throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sakurai moves away from the strike by Shot.
Sakurai scores with a nice strike.
Sakurai walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
Sakurai checks the leg kick nicely there.
Sakurai is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Shot rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sakurai moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sebastian Shot seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Shot.
Sakurai takes one to the chin there.
Sakurai connects with a body shot.#T4#
Shot misses with a double jab.
Shot tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sakurai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Shot somewhat.
Hideo Sakurai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sebastian Shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Shot.
Shot is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakurai.
Sakurai is looking to counter punch.
Shot throws a shot from downtown. Sakurai moves away and avoids it.
Shot connects with a jab.
Sakurai takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A shot to the liver by Shot. Beautiful body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sebastian Shot will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Sebastian Shot's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
#R3#
Shot keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sakurai.
A little jabbing left from Shot on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Shot misses with a hook.
Shot uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sakurai.
A big left from Shot misses.
Shot dives in and grabs Sakurai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sakurai pushes down on Shot's head and hops out.
A big left from Shot misses.
Sakurai throws a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Shot rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sakurai counters with a one-two to the body.
Shot throws a series of punches but Sakurai moves out of range.
Sakurai lands a nice looking body shot.
Shot wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.#T1#
Shot scoring well with a low kick there. #CL2#
Shot gets a clinch.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Sakurai looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.#BC#
Sakurai pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Shot throws a nice looking combination but Sakurai bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Sakurai listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Shot tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Sakurai manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Shot throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
It looked like Sakurai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Shot misses the body punch
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#T2#
Sakurai ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
A quick step to the side and Sakurai tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Shot chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Shot with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Shot.
A telegraphed right hand from Shot misses the target.
A combination from Shot does no damage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Shot misses with a low kick as Sakurai jumps back.
Shot ducks under a wild hook from Sakurai.
Sakurai scores with a crisp jab that stopped Shot in his tracks.
Shot slips a jab from Sakurai.
Shot throws a counter combo.#T3#
Shot throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Shot tries to clinch up#KD#
and Sakurai counters with a nice right hand that sends Shot toppling to the canvas! Shot scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Sakurai finish him?!
Shot is still on wobbly legs! Can Sakurai finish him?
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Shot misses with a straight left.
Sakurai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Shot doesn't manage to clinch there - Sakurai circles away.
A little feinted left hand from Sakurai on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Sakurai lands a body shot.
Shot thuds a left hand into Sakurai's body.
Shot seems to have recovered his senses.
Sakurai lands a jab to the nose.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Shot misses with a wild combination.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Shot manages to avoid it.#T4#
Shot misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sakurai.
Sakurai slips a jab from Shot.
Shot fails with an attempt to clinch.
Shot uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Sakurai has time to react.
Shot looks to land a body kick but Sakurai moved away.
Sebastian Shot is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Shot tries to clinch there but Sakurai circles away.
Hideo Sakurai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Shot darts in trying to clinch
and Sakurai counters with a right hand to the body.
Shot throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hideo Sakurai showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Shot 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 Daniel Franklin scores the fight 28:29
Judge Cecil Peabody scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tiny Johnson scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sebastian Shot!
Sebastian Shot decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.
Hideo Sakurai was interviewed post fight and said '......'.

Event: Quick Fight Championship
Date: Feb 27, 2018

#R1#
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Sakurai.
Sakurai throws the left hand but Tutov avoids the punch easily.
Horrible takedown attempt by Tutov or perhaps it was just good defense by Sakurai, which made it look bad.
Sakurai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Sakurai checks a leg kick nicely.
Sakurai looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sakurai misses with a shot to the body
and Tutov counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Sakurai swings widly with a right hand
and Tutov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tutov lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Tutov.
Tutov scoring well with a low kick there.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Tutov does a little dance to reset his feet.#T1#
A punch combination from Sakurai misses.
Tutov lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Sakurai misses with a right hand
and Tutov cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tutov misses with an uppercut
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakurai takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Tutov gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Tutov tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sakurai swivels and escapes.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andrey Tutov. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T2#
Tutov takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Sakurai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tutov manages to avoid it.
Sakurai throws an overhand right that lands on Tutov's shoulder, as Tutov tries to avoid the shot.
Tutov throws a body punch but Sakurai moves out of range.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Sakurai is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Sakurai throws a shot from downtown. Tutov moves away and avoids it.
Sakurai throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Tutov counters with a stiff right hand.
Tutov misses the shot to the body.
Sakurai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.#T3##CL#
Tutov has taken the fight to the clinch.
Tutov is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.#BC#
Tutov pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sakurai misses with a wild body shot.
Tutov tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sakurai sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Tutov somewhat.
Sakurai looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Tutov defending well as Sakurai loads up on a big left hand.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Tutov is defended easily by Sakurai.#T4#
Tutov lands a jab to the nose.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Sakurai doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Tutov throws a left and a right that both miss
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Tutov slips a jab and a cross from Sakurai.
Sakurai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Tutov shoots in but no luck this time.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sakurai! But no joy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.
#R2#
Tutov shoots in looking for a takedown but Sakurai manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Tutov's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Tutov uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sakurai.
Tutov takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Tutov throws a low kick but Sakurai avoids it.#TD#
Tutov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Sakurai manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Sakurai is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Tutov is controlling him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai tries to land a sweep but no joy.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tutov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Sakurai utilising some decent striking defenses from the guard, preventing the ground and pound. #T1#
Tutov working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Sakurai wants to stand but Tutov is controlling the position.
Sakurai looking to control.
Sakurai looking for a sweep. Not yet Sakurai, not yet. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Sakurai throws a jab but it's blocked by Tutov.
Tutov looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Tutov throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Tutov shoots for a double leg takedown but Sakurai sprawls well. He's pushed Tutov's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andrey Tutov. That's going to take a lot out of him.#T2##TD#
Tutov gets the takedown into side control.
Sakurai is trying to control Tutov's posture but Tutov avoids it.
Tutov 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.
Tutov wants to control but Sakurai is keeping him busy.
The ground and pound from Tutov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Sakurai can't do much from the bottom here.
Sakurai is not content to let Tutov control the position.
Tutov tries to advance to mount but Sakurai denies him. #T3##SUB#
Tutov looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #SUB#
Tutov is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Sakurai has escaped the position, nice work there.
The ground and pound from Tutov seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Tutov tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Sakurai is not content to let Tutov control the position.
Sakurai is trying to get back to half guard.#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
The strikes coming from Tutov are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Sakurai defending against the ground and pound.
Sakurai is not content to let Tutov control the position. #SUB#
Tutov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sakurai, who protects the arm well.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Tutov moves into full mount!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Andrey Tutov dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!
#R3#
Sakurai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Tutov seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Tutov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Sakurai misses the shot to the body.
Tutov moves away from the strike by Sakurai.
Sakurai swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Tutov counters with a series of strikes. Sakurai will be more careful next time no doubt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Tutov manages to avoid it.
Tutov tries to counter with a takedown but Sakurai is quick to defend against it.
Tutov misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Tutov misses with a kick to the body. #T1#
Sakurai throws a jab when Tutov was well out of range.
Tutov dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Tutov moves out of range of the strikes.
Tutov attempts a counter takedown but Sakurai avoids it well and moves away.
Sakurai catches Tutov with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Sakurai ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Tutov closes the distance and clinches up with Sakurai, looking for a takedown. Tutov pushes Sakurai against the cage but Sakurai circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Tutov throws a nice outside leg kick.
Tutov with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Sakurai to score with a decent uppercut.#T2#
Good work by Sakurai as he checks the leg kick.
Tutov shoots and misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Andrey Tutov. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tutov fails with a takedown attempt.
A right-left combo lands from Tutov.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakurai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Tutov.
A little feinted left hand from Tutov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Tutov shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Sakurai as he jumps to the side.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be getting the better of the standup.#T3#
Sakurai throws a sloppy body shot
and Tutov counters with a two punch combo.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Tutov moved out of range.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Tutov blocks a jab.
Sakurai throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Tutov uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sakurai.
Tutov tried to counter with a leg kick but Sakurai avoided it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Tutov. Sakurai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sakurai with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Tutov ducks down and throws a hook to the body.#T4#
A slow jab from Sakurai misses its intended target.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Tutov does a little dance to reset his feet.
A little feinted left hand from Tutov on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Tutov throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut. #TD#
Tutov shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Sakurai manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Sakurai really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Tutov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Tutov in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Tutov won't allow Sakurai to get back to his feet.
Tutov trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakurai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Tutov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Hideo Sakurai.
I think Sakurai 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 Tiny Johnson scores the fight 28:29
Judge Alan Glass scores the fight 28:29
Judge Stewart Dunkirk scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Hideo Sakurai!
Hideo Sakurai thanked the fans post fight for their support.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 165
Date: Jan 28, 2018

#R1#
Day throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a right hand to the body.
Sakurai walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Day fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Day fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sakurai connects with a jab.
Day throws a body punch but Sakurai moves out of range.
Day lands an overhand right.
Sakurai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Day misses with a jab, cross combination.
It seemed like Sakurai was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Sakurai takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Day swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Day avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
A swing and a miss from Sakurai.
Day definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Sakurai throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Day. #T1#
Day slips a straight right by Sakurai.
Day lands a slapping body shot.
Sakurai takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Day throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Day throws a body shot but no joy.
A nice leg kick lands there from Day.
Day lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Day throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut.
Sakurai lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Day backs up against the cage. #CUT2#
It looks like Gary Day has been cut.
Day throws a lazy right hand but Sakurai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sakurai throws out a counter right but Day avoids it with no problem.
Sakurai lands a nice shot to the body.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.#T2#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Day steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sakurai.
Day pivots, looking for a leg kick but Sakurai is out of range and Day settles back down.
A little jabbing left from Sakurai on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Day keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
As Sakurai tries to get set, Day tries to push him back and clinch up but Sakurai manages to avoid the attempt.
Sakurai defending well as Day loads up on a big left hand.
Sakurai let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Day swings for the body but Sakurai moves out of range.
Day avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
It looked like Day was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Sakurai.
Sakurai takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Day swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A nice side step and Sakurai releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Sakurai throws a shot to the body.
Day misses with a body punch
and Day takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Day misses with a jab to the body
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakurai misses with a looping left.
Day cracks Sakurai with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.#T3#
Sakurai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Day throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Sakurai missing with a left hand there. Day was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nice body punch from Sakurai.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Day does a little dance to reset his feet.
A little feinted left hand from Day on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Sakurai staying out of range there.
It seemed like Sakurai was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Day misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Sakurai.
Day slips a straight right by Sakurai.
Day cracks Sakurai with a right hand to the side of the head.
Day lands with a hook. Sakurai tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The fighters circling - Day throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Day misses with a wild body shot. #T4#
Day moves away from the strike by Sakurai. #TD#
Day bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Day working the ground and pound but Sakurai is defending the strikes.
Sakurai defending against the ground and pound.
Day in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Day in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
Day working the ground and pound but Sakurai is defending the strikes.
Day working the head with strikes.
Day grinds an elbow into Sakurai's temple.
Day prevents Sakurai from escaping the position.
Day grinds an elbow into Sakurai's temple.
Day in side control, trying to ground and pound but not landing this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Gary Day dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Gary Day's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
#R2#
Day scores with a crisp jab that stopped Sakurai in his tracks.
Day throws the kick towards the body but Sakurai avoids it.
Sakurai throws an overhand right that lands on Day's shoulder, as Day tries to avoid the shot.
Day is looking to counter punch.
Gary Day seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Day fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Sakurai has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Day takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Day moves into range and connects with a jab.
Gary Day is winning the standup battle so far.
Day throws a combination that misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
The fighters circle momentarily. Day darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Day scores with a nice head shot.
Day misses with a wild body shot.
A little jabbing left from Sakurai on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Day throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Day scores with the left hand. Sakurai knows he should have avoided that one.
Day swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches. #T1#
Day throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sakurai staying out of range there.
Day throws a right hand that Sakurai ducks under and follows up with a left that Sakurai also avoids with ease.
It seemed like Sakurai was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
Day connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Sakurai's hands.
Day throws a poor cross that misses
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut.
Day uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sakurai.
A telegraphed right hand from Day misses the target.
Sakurai looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Day throws a lazy uppercut
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakurai pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sakurai misses with a left hand
and Day counters with a stiff right hand.
Day on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Day bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T2#
Day looks to throw the jab but Sakurai is out of range.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakurai takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Day misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Day.
Day misses with a left hand
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab.
Sakurai avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Sakurai is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Day with a body shot.
Day misses with a lunging right hand
and Sakurai counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Day throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Day smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Sakurai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai gets cracked there but stands up to it. #T3#
Day throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Sakurai avoids the body shot from Day.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Sakurai checks a leg kick.
Sakurai takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Day slips under a jab from Sakurai.
Sakurai takes one on the button.
Day's corner calls for a 1-2. Day obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Sakurai throws a body shot but no joy.
Day staying out of range there.
Day ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Day misses with a right hand
and Sakurai counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Day scores with the left hand. Sakurai knows he should have avoided that one. #T4#
A head kick by Day misses
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakurai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Day.
Day lands a jab to Sakurai's midsection.
Day on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Day paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Sakurai on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A shot to the body from Day misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Day throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Sakurai's corner calls for a 1-2. Sakurai obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Sakurai gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Day.
Sakurai throws a good cross that connects.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Day throws a body punch but Sakurai moves out of range.
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 Gary Day will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gary Day's cut.
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. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!
#R3#
Day steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Sakurai.
Sakurai misses with a left hand
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
and Day cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Day ducks under a wild hook from Sakurai.
Day misses with a leg kick.
Sakurai takes a swing at Day's ribcage but misses.
Sakurai has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Day scores with a nice strike.
Day swings wildly with a couple of big hooks #KD2#
and Sakurai counters with a crisp one two that drops Day! Sakurai thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Day to his feet! Day is in big trouble!#ROC2#
Day is rocked!
Day scores with a nice right hand.
Oh Day is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Day misses with a body punch
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab.
Day misses with a left hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice body shot.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Day misses the shot to the body.
Day seems to have got his legs back now.
Day fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.#T1#
Day scoring well with a low kick there.
Sakurai misses the shot to the body.
Sakurai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakurai misses with a wild body shot.
Sakurai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Day was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakurai.
Sakurai uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Day.
Day keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sakurai.
Day uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sakurai.
Day's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Day duly obliges.
Sakurai lands a jab to the head.
Day walks into a straight right hand from Sakurai.
Sakurai throws a body punch but Day moves out of range. #T2#
Day jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
A leg kick checked by Sakurai.
Sakurai connects with a good right hand that stumbles Day. Day circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Day ducks under a wild hook from Sakurai.
Day thinks about countering with a body kick.
Day misses with a lunging right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Day thinking.
Gary Day is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakurai misses the target.
A slapping leg kick lands for Day.
Day connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Day blocks a jab.
Day throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakurai counters with a right hand to the body.
Sakurai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Day. #T3#
Sakurai drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Day buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Day fails with the takedown.
Sakurai lands a nice hook to Day's body. Day takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Sakurai takes a swing at Day's ribcage but misses.
Sakurai takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Sakurai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Day is looking for a counter combo.
Sakurai takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Day comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.#T4#
Sakurai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Day uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sakurai.
Day fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Day throws out a powerful jab.
A shot to the body from Sakurai misses
and Day counters with a nice leg kick.
Day slips a jab from Sakurai.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakurai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Day.
Hideo Sakurai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Day misses with an uppercut. Sakurai saw that one coming.
Day staying out of range there.
Day throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakurai.
Day lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sakurai circles away quickly and effectively.
Sakurai moves away from the strike by Day.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Hideo Sakurai.
I think Day 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29

The fight is ruled a draw!

Event: MMAHelsinki - 163
Date: Jan 14, 2018

#R1#
Drawers bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Drawers keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Sakurai checks a leg kick.
Drawers tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Drawers moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Sakurai lands a jab to Drawers's midsection.
Drawers misses with a low kick.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Drawers manages to avoid it.
Sakurai moves out of range as Drawers throws a body kick. #CL2#
Drawers has taken the fight to the clinch.
Drawers misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A nice right hand lands inside from Drawers.
Sakurai misses with some punches.
Drawers lands with a light punch inside.
Sakurai lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Drawers throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Sakurai tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage. #T1#
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
Drawers scores with a nice hook to the head.
Drawers swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Drawers fails to pull guard. #TD2#
Drawers pulls Sakurai into guard. #SUB2#
Drawers is active off his back here, looking for submissions. #SUB2#
Drawers throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Sakurai controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#SUB2#
Drawers throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #SUB2#
Drawers working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Sakurai doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Sakurai manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Drawers looking to control. #T2##SUB2#
Drawers is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Sakurai defends well.
Sakurai distracts Drawers with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Sakurai would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard. #SUB2#
Drawers looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening. #SUB2#
Drawers working for a triangle but Sakurai defends it easily. #SUB2#
Sakurai got a little sloppy there for a moment and Drawers has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Sakurai has managed to get both his arms back between Drawers's legs - danger averted.#SUB2#
Drawers has his foot on Sakurai's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Sakurai works his way back into a safe position though.#T3#
Sakurai trying to stand up but can't free himself from Drawers's guard.#SUB2#
Drawers throwing his legs up looking for a triangle. #SUB2#
Drawers working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Sakurai doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Sakurai manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Sakurai wants to stand but Drawers is controlling his posture from full guard. #SUB2#
Drawers is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle. #SUB2#
Drawers is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Sakurai is aware though and is defending well.
Drawers can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Sakurai controls the pace.#T4#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.#SUB2#
Drawers has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Sakurai doesn't defend quickly enough and Drawers has managed to lock this one up! Can Sakurai escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Drawers on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:19 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Chester Drawers!
Chester Drawers spent the whole post fight interview bigging himself up. It didn't go down that well with the fans after a while as they thought it was a bit arrogant.
In defeat, Hideo Sakurai stepped up to the mic, saying '......'.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 160
Date: Dec 30, 2017

#R1#
Sakurai misses with a hook. Built ducked under it nicely.
Sakurai rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Built counters with a lovely straight right hand!
A chopping leg kick lands by Built.
Built misses with a body kick.
Sakurai has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Sakurai closes the distance and lands a one-two.#CUT2#
It looks like Pa‘Akea Built has been cut.
Sakurai walks forward, straight into a front kick from Built.
Built digs a good hook to Sakurai's body.
Sakurai connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Built's hands.
Built ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sakurai throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air. #T1#
Sakurai on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Sakurai misses with a jab, cross combination.
Sakurai lands a body shot.
Sakurai swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Sakurai misses with a lunging right hand
and Built counters with a stiff right hand.
Built misses with an uppercut
and Built takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakurai misses the target.
Built lifts his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Built misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.#T2#
Built shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Built throws a body kick that misses
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Built moves away from the strike by Sakurai.
Built has been talking about how he's improved his wrestling in the run up to the fight so let's see if that's enough to sway the balance.
Sakurai throws the left hand but Built avoids the punch easily.
Sakurai misses with a double jab
and Built counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Sakurai might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut.
Built was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Built takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Built ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Jab from Built.#T3#
Built bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Built throws a body kick despite being completely out of range
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Sakurai takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Built on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Built blocks a jab.
Built tries to land a body kick
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Sakurai uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Built throws a combination. Sakurai tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
A head kick by Built misses
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut. #T4#
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Built throws a lazy head kick
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Sakurai takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Built is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakurai.
Built fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Built shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Sakurai throws an off balance right hand
and Built counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Built bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Built lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Built lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.#ROC#
Sakurai is rocked!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Pa‘Akea Built's cut.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
#R2#
Sakurai scores with a nice right hand.
Sakurai is still on wobbly legs! Can Built finish him?
Built cracks Sakurai with a left hook right on the temple and Sakurai goes down! He's out! Referee! Stop the fight! Built lands a few more punches before the dopey ref steps in - hopefully Sakurai is OK!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:12 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Pa‘Akea Built!
A victorious Pa‘Akea Built thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.
In defeat, Hideo Sakurai stepped up to the mic, saying '......'.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 157
Date: Dec 09, 2017

#R1#
Mark misses with an uppercut.
Mark digs a good body shot into Sakurai's ribs.
Mark misses with a looping left.
Mark misses with an uppercut.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakurai misses the target.
Sakurai looks to score with a jab to the body but Mark is just out of range.
A punch lands to the side of Sakurai 's head but he takes it in his stride.
Mark scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sakurai doesn't seem bothered though.
Mark digs a good body shot into Sakurai's ribs.
Mark misses with a looping left.
A big left from Mark misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Mark fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sakurai looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Mark fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Sakurai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Mark manages to avoid it.
Mark connects with a jab.#T1#
Mark lands a jab to Sakurai's midsection.
Mark jabs Sakurai to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Mark moves out of range as Sakurai strikes.
Sakurai definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Mark ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
It looked like Sakurai was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
A telegraphed right hand from Mark misses the target.
Sakurai is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Mark fails to land with a series of punches.
Sakurai on the wrong end of a nice hook.
Mark throws a body shot but no joy.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mark connects with a single shot there.
Sakurai swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mark is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakurai. #TD2#
Mark shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Sakurai is trying to defend but Mark finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mark content to control rather than advance. #T2#
Mark is looking to take a break and control but Sakurai is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Sakurai is trying to stand back up but Mark is controlling him #SUB2#
Mark is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Sakurai defends it well.
Sakurai is looking to improve his position.
Mark trying to pass the guard but Sakurai defending well. #T3#
Mark looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Mark wants to pass to mount but Sakurai is defending the position.
Sakurai trying to control but Mark postures up.
Mark seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Sakurai is trying to stand back up but Mark is controlling him
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Sakurai is refusing to be controlled, as Mark sits in half guard. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.#T4#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Mark bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Sakurai walks into a straight right hand from Mark.
Mark throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Mark closes the distance and clinches up with Sakurai, looking for a takedown. Mark pushes Sakurai against the cage but Sakurai circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Sakurai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Mark appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Mark throws a shot from downtown. Sakurai moves away and avoids it.
Sakurai takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Mark doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sakurai counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Mark shoots and misses
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hideo Sakurai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Marky Mark.
Sakurai throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakurai scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Marky Mark dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.
#R2#
Sakurai slips under a jab from Mark.
Sakurai gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Mark misses with a body punch
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The fighters circling - Sakurai throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sakurai listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.#ROC#
Mark is rocked!
Sakurai ducks down into range and throws a picture perfect right hook that connects with Mark's jaw. Mark's eyes stare off into space as he falls to the mat, out cold! Sakurai does the decent thing and steps back, rather than landing any shots to his unconscious opponent.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:30 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Hideo Sakurai!
Hideo Sakurai tried to hype himself up post fight but didn't word it too well and it ended up with him sounding like a bit of a tool.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 141
Date: Sep 02, 2017

#R1#
Sakurai checks a leg kick.
Sakurai listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.#CUT2#
It looks like Gary Day has been cut.
Day dives in and grabs Sakurai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sakurai pushes down on Day's head and hops out.#CL#
Day moves into the clinch successfully.
A nice left hand lands by Day.
Day misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sakurai wants to get back to striking at distance but Day won't allow it.
Day tries to pull guard but Sakurai won't allow it.
Day leaning against his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai tries to circle away but Day has him pinned against the cage.
Day working aggressively here.
Day lands a right hand that snaps the head of Sakurai backwards. #BC#
Day breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat. #T1#
Day throws a leg kick that is checked
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sakurai has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Day 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.
Sakurai misses with a double jab.
Sakurai throws a body punch but Day moves out of range.
Day tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sakurai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Day.
Day keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Day dives in and grabs Sakurai's left leg, looking for a takedown. Sakurai pushes down on Day's head and hops out.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gary Day. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Sakurai swinging wildly here.
Day is looking to counter the offense by Sakurai and move into the clinch.
Day displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakurai throws out the jab. #T2#
Day throws a leg kick that is checked
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Day works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Sakurai 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.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Day moved out of range.
Sakurai throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Day throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Day throws a combination. Sakurai tries to block but a couple of punches get through.#CL#
Day darts in and clinches Sakurai up against the cage.#TD#
Day drags the fight down to the ground. #SUB#
Day has his foot on Sakurai's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Sakurai works his way back into a safe position though.#SUB#
Day working for a triangle but Sakurai defends it easily. #T3#
Sakurai stays in close to Day's body and controls the position.
Sakurai is continuing to stall.#SUB#
Day is looking for a triangle but Sakurai pushes his legs off easily.
Sakurai content to stall in guard here.
Sakurai trying to control the position from guard on top but Day is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can. #T4#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Sakurai trying to stand up but can't free himself from Day's guard.
Day throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
Day seems to have improved his submission grappling technique since last time we saw him. Let's see if he can pull off a submission.
Sakurai wants to stand but Day is controlling his posture from full guard.
Sakurai really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Day. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Day 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.
Sakurai controls the pace of the fight for a moment.#SUB#
Sakurai avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Sakurai wants to stand but Day has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Gary Day will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Gary Day's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
#R2#
Day throws out a loose jab but Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakurai connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Day throws a leg kick
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Sakurai throws a good cross that connects.
Sakurai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Day throws out the jab.
Sakurai lands a jab.
Day fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Sakurai checks it well.
A little jabbing left from Sakurai on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Sakurai misses with a few strikes there.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai digs a good body shot into Day's ribs.
Nice defenses there by Day.
Sakurai ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.#T1#
Day slips under a jab.
Day swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Sakurai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Day manages to avoid it.
Day throws a low kick but Sakurai moves out of range easily.
Day throws a low kick, looking for Sakurai's leg but Sakurai calmly moves out of range.
The fighters circling - Sakurai throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A counter left hand to the body from Day misses its target.
Day dodges the punch combination from Sakurai.
Day appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Day moves away from the strike by Sakurai.
Day pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Sakurai back to the cage. Day follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Day scores with a slapping inside leg kick.#T2#
Sakurai lands a body shot.
Day slips a jab and a cross from Sakurai.
Sakurai has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Day.
Sakurai scores with a jab. Day acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Day 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.
Sakurai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Day throws a front kick aimed at Sakurai's knee but Sakurai avoids it well.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sakurai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Sakurai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Day.
Sakurai is clearly trying to counter these attacks from Day with a body shot.
Day bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.#T3#
Day fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Sakurai is out of range.
Sakurai throws out a counter right but Day avoids it with no problem.
Day throws a low kick but Sakurai moves out of range easily.
Sakurai throws out a counter right but Day avoids it with no problem.
Day misses with a two punch combination.
Sakurai falls off balance throwing a combination
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Day does a little dance to reset his feet.
Day fires out a quick counter leg kick but Sakurai just manages to avoid it.
Day stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Day misses with a low kick.
Sakurai moves out of range of the leg kick from Day.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
Day misses with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Gary Day seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.#T4#
Day misses with a kick to the body.
Some bone on bone action there as Sakurai checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Sakurai throws a predictable looking body shot
and Day counters with a lovely straight right hand!#TD#
Day closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Sakurai did well to prevent Day getting side control.
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!
Day throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Sakurai is trying to stand.
Day throwing shots but Sakurai is blocking nicely.
Day missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Day throwing shots but Sakurai is blocking nicely.
Day throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Gary Day's cut.
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. This is the final round!
#R3#
A head kick misses from Day.
Sakurai takes a swing at Day's ribcage but misses.
Day misses with a body kick.
Sakurai looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sakurai changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Sakurai missing with a left hand there. Day was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai throws the left hand but Day avoids the punch easily.
Sakurai works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai throws a hook but Day avoids it easily.
Sakurai throws a big shot that misses.
Day walks into a straight right hand from Sakurai.
Day connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there. #T1#
Sakurai looks to land a left hand but Day moved out of range nicely.
Day attempts a counter takedown but Sakurai avoids it well and moves away.#CL#
Day gets a clinch.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but Day is controlling him.
Sakurai wants to get back to striking at distance but Day won't allow it.
Day jumps guard but Sakurai stands there with Day around his waist. Day gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but Day has him pressed against the cage.
Sakurai has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but Day has him pressed against the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Day.
Sakurai is trying to push Day away but Day has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.#T2#
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Sakurai is looking to break free of the clinch but Day has double underhooks.
Sakurai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Day stalling in the clinch but Sakurai improves position.
Day misses with a hook to the ribs. #BC2#
Sakurai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Day throws a leg kick
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Day slips a jab from Sakurai.
Sakurai looks to land a combination. Day sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Day does a little dance to reset his feet.
Day rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Day moves away from the strike by Sakurai. #T3#
Day swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Day throws an overhand right that lands on Sakurai's shoulder, as Sakurai tries to avoid the shot.
Sakurai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Day.
Day throws a lazy body kick
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Day misses with a low kick.
Sakurai fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Day looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakurai is just out of range.#TD#
Day bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.#SUB#
Day tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though. #SUB#
Day is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Sakurai is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Sakurai can do anything to dispel that myth.#T4#
Sakurai gets back to half guard.
Sakurai trying to control but Day postures up.
Day looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hideo Sakurai comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Sakurai 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 28:29
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Hideo Sakurai!
Hideo Sakurai seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 136
Date: Aug 05, 2017

#R1#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two defending well as Sakurai loads up on a big left hand.
Sakurai seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Sakurai throws a shot from downtown. Seven Nine Zero Four Two moves away and avoids it.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two shoots in for a takedown but Sakurai shows good takedown defense.
Sakurai misses with a wild body shot.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two takes a shot to the body in his stride. #TD2#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two wants to control for a moment but Sakurai uses the opportunity to move back to half guard.
Sakurai on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Sakurai tries to get out of the position.#SUB2#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game. #T1#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two is trying to control. Sakurai wants to improve his position but can't escape this time. #SUB2#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Sakurai doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Seven Nine Zero Four Two.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two works his foot free and advances to mount.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two tries to control but Sakurai wriggling away. #T2#
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Sakurai has given up his back.
Sakurai tries to break free. #SUB2#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two looking for the choke but no joy. #SUB2#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two is looking for the choke from the back position but Sakurai is controlling his hands well.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two tries to get the hooks in deep but Sakurai pushed the leg off.
Sakurai controlling the position well but he knows he's in a bad spot. #SUB2#
Sakurai fending off the submission attempt from Seven Nine Zero Four Two.
Seven Nine Zero Four Two is hanging on to Sakurai's back as he tries to escape. #T3##SUB2#
Seven Nine Zero Four Two is working on the RNC. He looks like he's got it but Sakurai won't tap... Oh, he's out! The ref rips Seven Nine Zero Four Two off his unconscious opponent!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Inmate Seven Nine Zero Four Two!
Inmate Seven Nine Zero Four Two was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 130
Date: Jul 01, 2017

#R1#
Kravichenko scores with a nice right hand.
Kravichenko throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kravichenko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
No joy there for Kravichenko, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Sakurai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kravichenko.
Sakurai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kravichenko was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakurai.
Kravichenko throws a counter combo.
Kravichenko thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sakurai seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
Kravichenko 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.
Kravichenko misses with a looping left.
Kravichenko throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sakurai's waist but Sakurai gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Kravichenko off to one side.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kravichenko swings for the body but Sakurai moves out of range.
Good exchange - Sakurai coming out on top.#CUT#
It looks like Oleg Kravichenko has been cut.
Kravichenko tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Sakurai was well out of range. Poor timing from Kravichenko.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kravichenko throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kravichenko tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut. #T1#
Kravichenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
Sakurai throws out a loose jab but Kravichenko uses good head movement to avoid it.
A cross from Kravichenko lands.
Kravichenko swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Kravichenko looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakurai is just out of range.
Kravichenko throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Sakurai stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kravichenko lands a two punch combo.
Kravichenko uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Sakurai.
Kravichenko throws an ugly left hook that misses
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab.
Sakurai slips a jab from Kravichenko.
Kravichenko throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Kravichenko manages to avoid it.
Kravichenko throws a hard body shot but it just misses. #T2#
Kravichenko lands a jab to Sakurai's midsection.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kravichenko throws a hook but Sakurai blocks it.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Kravichenko.
Sakurai throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Kravichenko throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kravichenko thinking.
Kravichenko throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut.
Kravichenko misses with a looping left.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Kravichenko wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Sakurai is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight. #T3#
Kravichenko misses with a shot to the body
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CUT#
That has opened up Oleg Kravichenko's cut even more.
Kravichenko throws a predictable looking body shot
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Nice straight punches there by Sakurai. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Sakurai.
Kravichenko jabbing away but nothing is landing.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakurai misses the target.
Kravichenko lands a jab to Sakurai's midsection.
Kravichenko misses with a looping right.
It looked like Sakurai wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Kravichenko just misses with a punch to the body.
Kravichenko misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kravichenko connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sakurai. Sakurai circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Kravichenko misses with a looping right.
Kravichenko throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Sakurai was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Kravichenko fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Sakurai is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Kravichenko scores with a jab to the head. #T4#
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sakurai ducks right into an uppercut from Kravichenko.
A swing and a miss from Sakurai.
The fighters circling - Sakurai throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kravichenko doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Kravichenko misses with a body shot
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
A shot to the body from Kravichenko misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.#CUT#
The cut above Oleg Kravichenko's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Kravichenko throws a predictable looking body shot
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kravichenko connects with a looping right hand.
Sakurai slips under a jab.
Kravichenko thuds a left hand into Sakurai's body.
Kravichenko ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Sakurai blocks a jab.
Sakurai swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Kravichenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oleg Kravichenko dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Oleg Kravichenko's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.
#R2#
Kravichenko throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nice uppercut lands for Kravichenko. That snapped Sakurai's head back.
Sakurai uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kravichenko.
Kravichenko has been the more effective fighter overall so far.#TD2#
Kravichenko shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Sakurai's guard.
Kravichenko being controlled here momentarily.
Kravichenko advances to half guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Well, if Kravichenko is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Sakurai won't allow Kravichenko to pass to mount. #T1#
Sakurai tries to kick Kravichenko off but Kravichenko keeps his base steady and stays in half guard. #SUB2#
Sakurai is defending against the submission attempts here by Kravichenko.
Sakurai tries to roll over but Kravichenko keeps him under control.
Kravichenko works his way into full mount!
Kravichenko tries to control but Sakurai wriggling away. #T2#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.#SUB2#
Kravichenko wants to finish this one by submission but Sakurai is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Kravichenko.
Kravichenko can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Sakurai is looking to escape. #SUB2#
Kravichenko working for a guillotine from mount but Sakurai is in no mood to give up.
Kravichenko tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position. #T3#
Kravichenko trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Kravichenko throwing strikes but Sakurai bucks up and reverses the position. He's now in guard on top.
Sakurai has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Kravichenko is proving hard to escape from.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kravichenko is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
Kravichenko controls Sakurai momentarily but Sakurai frees himself.
Sakurai tries to free his leg and advance position but Kravichenko is retaining full guard. #T4#
Kravichenko being controlled here, momentarily.
Kravichenko has Sakurai pulled in close to control his posture.
Sakurai looking to pass the guard.
Sakurai postures up and lands a big shot to Kravichenko's brow.
Kravichenko is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Sakurai is controlling him.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Sakurai is looking to stand up but Kravichenko won't let him. #REF3#
The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Kravichenko misses with a wild body shot.
A quick step to the side and Sakurai tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kravichenko dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Oleg Kravichenko showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Oleg Kravichenko's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
#R3#
Kravichenko throws a poor cross that misses
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Kravichenko throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai staying out of range there.
Sakurai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kravichenko ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kravichenko thuds his right hand into Sakurai's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Oleg Kravichenko seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kravichenko connects with a body shot that sends Sakurai's belly button to the back.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kravichenko throws a lazy right hand but Sakurai sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sakurai is looking for a counter combo.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kravichenko throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
A little feinted left hand from Sakurai on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Kravichenko. Sakurai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Kravichenko misses with a wild body shot.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Kravichenko lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.#T1#
Sakurai takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Kravichenko misses with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kravichenko thinking.
Sakurai keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kravichenko.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Kravichenko manages to avoid it.
Kravichenko swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A big right from Kravichenko misses.
Sakurai misses with a right hand
and Kravichenko counters with a nice uppercut.
Kravichenko fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Kravichenko moved out of range.
Sakurai throws a big shot that misses.
Sakurai misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Kravichenko to counter with a crisp jab.
A jab from Sakurai does it's job there.
Sakurai staying out of range there.#T2#
Sakurai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kravichenko throws out the jab.
Sakurai appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Sloppy strikes from Kravichenko. Those never looked like landing.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kravichenko rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Kravichenko takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Nice defenses there by Kravichenko.
Kravichenko looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kravichenko throws a body shot but no joy.
Kravichenko misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Kravichenko moved out of range.
The fighters circling - Kravichenko throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kravichenko misses with an uppercut. Sakurai saw that one coming.
Sakurai throws a body punch but Kravichenko moves out of range.
Kravichenko avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kravichenko misses the body punch
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.#T3#
Kravichenko lands with a nice body punch.
Kravichenko waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakurai.
Kravichenko 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.
Kravichenko throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Sakurai.
Oleg Kravichenko seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kravichenko throws a poor cross that misses
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kravichenko throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#CUT#
Oleg Kravichenko's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Kravichenko throws a hook to the side of Sakurai's head but Sakurai sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakurai comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kravichenko throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kravichenko connects with a looping right hand.
Sakurai takes a jab right on the kisser.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kravichenko throws a looping overhand right but Sakurai ducks down to avoid it. #T4#
Kravichenko misses with a body shot.
Kravichenko throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Kravichenko misses with a straight left.
A jab from Sakurai misses.
Kravichenko lands a nice hook to Sakurai's body. Sakurai takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Oleg Kravichenko is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Sakurai defending well as Kravichenko loads up on a big left hand.
Hideo Sakurai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kravichenko swings for the body but Sakurai moves out of range.
Kravichenko takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kravichenko missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai gets cracked there but stands up to it.
A big left from Kravichenko misses.

And that's the end of the fight!
Oleg Kravichenko comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Kravichenko 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 27:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Oleg Kravichenko!
Oleg Kravichenko decided to thank the fans in attendance for making a great atmosphere. It seemed to go down pretty well.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 125
Date: Jun 11, 2017

#R1#
Fawkes takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Fawkes throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Fawkes misses with a jab to the body
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Fawkes gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sakurai.
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of Fawkes's head but Fawkes sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
A quick step to the side and Fawkes tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakurai works Fawkes's body with a nice hook.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakurai is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Fawkes.
Fawkes misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
Sakurai unleashes a big counter combination but Fawkes bobs and weaves and avoids any damage.
Sakurai looks to land a left hand but Fawkes moved out of range nicely.
Fawkes appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Fawkes misses with a lunging right hand
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Fawkes throws a body punch but Sakurai moves out of range.
Sakurai throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Fawkes connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of Fawkes's head but Fawkes sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakurai throws a series of punches but Fawkes moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Fawkes misses the target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Fawkes defending well as Sakurai loads up on a big left hand.
Sakurai misses with a looping left.#T1#
Sakurai missing with a left hand there. Fawkes was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Fawkes uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Sakurai.
Sakurai throws a right hand that misses
and Fawkes makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sakurai, as that shot connected.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Fawkes moved out of range.
Sakurai takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Sakurai keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Fawkes.
Fawkes takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Fawkes tries to score with a low kick but Sakurai moves his leg out of the way.
Sakurai avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Sakurai throws a looping overhand right but Fawkes ducks down to avoid it.
Fawkes misses with a left hand
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand. #T2#
Sakurai misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Fawkes counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Fawkes ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Fawkes misses with a body shot.
Fawkes connects with a single shot there.
Sakurai is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Fawkes had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Fawkes slips a straight right by Sakurai.
Fawkes swings for the body but Sakurai moves out of range.
Sakurai lunges at Fawkes with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Fawkes's hand.
Sakurai misses with a looping left.
Fawkes was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Fawkes gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sakurai.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Fawkes moved out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Fawkes misses the target.
Sakurai throws the left hand but Fawkes avoids the punch easily.
Sakurai throws a right and a left that both miss.
Fawkes throws a right and a left that both miss.#T3#
Fawkes misses the shot to the body.
Fawkes misses with an attempted mid kick.
Sakurai rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Fawkes cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Fawkes connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakurai momentarily.
Sakurai misses the shot to the body.
Fawkes takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Fawkes takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sakurai loads up on a big right hand but Fawkes slips the punch.
Sakurai throws out a powerful jab.
Sakurai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fawkes.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Fawkes, right into the meat.
Sakurai throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Fawkes counters with a nice body shot.
Fawkes attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Sakurai looks like he wants to counter punch here.#T4#
This has been an exciting period of action!
Sakurai misses with a body shot
and Fawkes counters with a solid body kick.
Sakurai might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Fawkes takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Sakurai misses with a shot to the body
and Fawkes counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Fawkes sizes up Sakurai with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Sakurai throws a big shot that misses.
An attempted straight right counter from Fawkes misses the target.
Fawkes fails to land with a series of punches.
Sakurai scores with a hook to the body. Fawkes takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Fawkes gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Fawkes just misses with a punch to the body.
Sakurai misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Fawkes cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
A big right from Sakurai misses.
Sakurai thows a left - swing and a miss!
It looked like Fawkes wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sakurai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod.
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.
#R2#
Sakurai lands with a hook. Fawkes tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Fawkes uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sakurai.
A quick step to the side and Fawkes tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Fawkes misses the body punch
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakurai throws a predictable looking body shot
and Fawkes counters with a left and a right that stings Sakurai. #ROC#
Sakurai is rocked!
Fawkes dances in with a quick combination. Sakurai is being worked over with jabs and crosses. Oooh, a right straight from Fawkes snaps Sakurai's head back. Sakurai stumbles backwards against the cage. Fawkes steps forward and delivers a right cross that connects with Sakurai's jaw, simultaneously knocking him out and sending his mouthpiece into the crowd! There's a worthy souvenir for the fans. This one is over folks. Sakurai just didn't come prepared.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:24 of round 2, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Gareth Fawkes!

Event: MMAHelsinki - 117
Date: May 10, 2017

#R1#
Day doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Day tries for a takedown but Sakurai sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Sakurai throws a hook but Day avoids it easily.#CL#
Day has closed the distance and engaged Sakurai in a clinch. #BC#
Day escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Day fails with the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gary Day. That's going to take a lot out of him.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#TD#
Sakurai gets caught napping as Day dives in and scores a takedown. Sakurai manages to retain guard.
Day wants to pass the guard but Sakurai is keeping the position.
Sakurai wants to improve his position but instead Day has moved into half guard. #T1#
Day is trying to control. Sakurai wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Sakurai is trying to stand.
Day is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Day content just to control the position here. #T2#
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Sakurai manages to regain half guard. Good work.
Day thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sakurai's head.
Day is looking to advance position but Sakurai won't allow it.
Day trying to control the pace.
Sakurai tries to kick Day off but Day keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.#T3#
Sakurai won't allow Day to pass to mount.
The referee calls for the fighters to work. #SU#
Day gets to his feet - back to striking we go!
Day gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Day staying out of range there.
Day throws a lazy head kick
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Day. Sakurai does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sakurai misses with a straight right. #T4#
Sakurai defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Day.
Day dives in for a single leg takedown but Sakurai sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Sakurai looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Day tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sakurai swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Sakurai swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Sakurai wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Sakurai leaves Day with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sakurai! But no joy.
Day throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Day closes the distance but Sakurai moves to the side
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod.
That's time! Back to the action!
#R2#
Day shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Day takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Day throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Sakurai is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Sakurai feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Days jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Gary Day is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.#TD#
Day gets the takedown into side control.
Day wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sakurai keeps working.
Day happy to just control the position for now.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.#SUB#
Day is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Sakurai is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now. #T1#
Sakurai is trying to improve his position.
Sakurai really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Day. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Day trying to control the position but Sakurai is working away. #SU#
Day decides to stand back up. #T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.#CL#
Day drives through and clinches with Sakurai against the cage.
Day jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Sakurai walks away with a smile on his face. Day gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Sakurai with a hook.
Day has his takedown stuffed
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Gary Day. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Day throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Day tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.#CL#
Day fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sakurai, pushing him back against the cage.#BC2#
Sakurai pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Day with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CUT2#
It looks like Gary Day has been cut.#T3#
Day with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.#ROC2#
Day is rocked!
Day scores with a kick to the body.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sakurai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Day moves away.
Sakurai lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Oh Day is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Day slips under a jab.
Sakurai misses with a series of wild punches.
Day seems to have got his legs back now.
Day moves in looking to clinch but Sakurai pushes him off.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sakurai! But no joy.
Day tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
A big right from Sakurai misses. #T4#
Day digs a good body shot into Sakurai's ribs.
Sakurai lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Sakurai has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Nice sprawl there from Sakurai as Day shoots in.
Sakurai throws a sloppy body shot
and Day counters with a series of strikes. Sakurai will be more careful next time no doubt.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Day throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sakurai's waist but Sakurai gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Day off to one side.
Day misses with a double jab
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Sakurai might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Sakurai scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Day doesn't seem bothered though. #TD#
Day closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard. #SUB#
Day is looking for a kimura here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hideo Sakurai showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Gary Day's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!
#R3#
Day darts in trying to clinch
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nice defenses there by Day.
Sakurai has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Day shoots and misses
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Day with a lazy takedown attempt
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Day walks straight into a right hand from Sakurai - that's dropped him! Sakurai jumps into mount and starts pounding away - can he finish?! More strikes go undefended and the referee has to dive in to save Day from any more punishment! Day complains about the stoppage but falls over as he tries to stand back up, so it was clearly a good stoppage.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Punches). Hideo Sakurai!
A victorious Hideo Sakurai thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 109
Date: Apr 07, 2017

#R1#
Diamond throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!#CUT2#
It looks like King Diamond has been cut.
Sakurai misses with a lunging right hand
and Diamond counters with a nice uppercut.
Diamond lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Diamond just misses with a punch to the body.
Diamond misses with a hook
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Diamond looks to land a right hand but Sakurai moved out of range.#CL#
Diamond forces Sakurai back against the cage and clinches.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but Diamond has him pressed against the cage.
Good body shot from Sakurai.
A short left from Sakurai.
Sakurai tries to break free but Diamond pushes him back against the cage.
Sakurai works on Diamond's body with a couple of short punches.
Sakurai swings wildly with an uppercut but Diamond uses good head movement to avoid it. #BC2#
Sakurai escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Diamond wants to clinch but Sakurai slips to the side
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand. #T1#
Sakurai fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Diamond looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Diamond works the jab nicely.
Sakurai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Diamond.
As Diamond backs off Sakurai throws a huge counter combo but Diamond manages to avoid it all.
Sakurai takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakurai throws a jab when Diamond was well out of range.
Diamond changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Diamond swings away with a body shot that misses
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Diamond swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Sakurai has done a lot of speed work in the buildup to this fight.
Diamond fails in his attempt to clinch. #CL#
Diamond gets a clinch.
Diamond tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it. #BC2#
Sakurai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Diamond bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Diamond catches Sakurai with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!#T2#
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!
Diamond tries to clinch
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut. #CL#
Diamond has taken the fight to the clinch.
Sakurai lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Diamond wants a takedown.
Sakurai is pressed up against the cage. Diamond has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Sakurai down to the mat. Sakurai avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for King Diamond. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Diamond misses the shot to the body.
Sakurai takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Sakurai keeps the fight on the outside.
Sakurai takes a punch to the jaw and another one to the bread basket.
Diamond scores with a nice head shot.
Diamond swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
As Diamond backs off Sakurai throws a huge counter combo but Diamond manages to avoid it all.
Diamond throws a body punch but Sakurai moves out of range.
Diamond takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Diamond throws a right hand that misses
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab. #CUT2#
King Diamond's cut is getting worse.#T3#
Sakurai lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Diamond at a distance.
Sakurai throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Diamond keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sakurai.
Diamond tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Sakurai looks to land a left hand but Diamond moved out of range nicely.
Diamond throws a right and a left that both miss.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakurai misses.
Sakurai connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Diamond avoids the body shot from Sakurai.
Diamond is looking to clinch. #KD2#
Oooooh!!! Sakurai has knocked Diamond down with a huge combo! Sakurai steps away and waves a wobbly Diamond back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!#ROC2#
Diamond is rocked!
Sakurai is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Diamond had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Diamond throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Oh Diamond is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!#T4#
Diamond takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Sakurai fakes a right and follows up with a big left that drops Diamond to one knee - oooooh, he's wobbly! Diamond looks to clinch but Sakurai throws him off and pummels him into the canvas! Diamond taps out under the strikes! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:09 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Hideo Sakurai!
A relieved looking Hideo Sakurai thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
The defeated King Diamond had this to say: 'Thanks to all the fans, I'll be back!!'.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 106
Date: Mar 25, 2017

#R1#
Smith throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sakurai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Smith was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakurai.
Jay Smith seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Smith throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakurai.
Smith misses the shot to the body.
Smith shoots in but Sakurai avoids the takedown attempt easily.#TD#
Smith shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Let's see what he's got on the mat.
Smith landing with the ground and pound.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith passes easily into side control. Nice work.
Sakurai wants to get back to his feet.#T1#
Smith wants to lay and pray for a moment but Sakurai keeps working. #SUB#
Smith looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything. #SUB#
Smith tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Sakurai can't do much from the bottom here.
Sakurai is not content to let Smith control the position. #T2##SUB#
Smith is working to tighten his grip on Sakurai's neck. He's isolated an arm and is working for an arm triangle. Sakurai has recognised the danger and is trying to turn with the submission but Smith is really squeezing tight and eventually Sakurai passes out! Smith breaks the hold and jumps onto the cage to celebrate! Submission of the night, I'd say!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:24 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Jay Smith!

Event: MMAHelsinki - 100
Date: Feb 28, 2017

#R1#
Sakurai slips a straight right by Griffin.
Sakurai swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Griffin throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut
enabling Griffin to counter with a crisp jab.
Griffin throws the left hand but Sakurai avoids the punch easily.
Griffin throws a jab when Sakurai was well out of range.
Sakurai is looking to counter punch.
Griffin throws a shot from downtown. Sakurai moves away and avoids it.
It looked like Sakurai was trying to counter with a body shot coming off that last attack from Griffin.
Sakurai takes a shot to the body in his stride.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffin looks to land a right hand but Sakurai moved out of range.
Griffin ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Sakurai moves away.
A big right from Griffin misses.
Sakurai throws a sloppy body shot
and Griffin counters with a lovely straight right hand!#T1#
Sakurai moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Griffin getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Griffin loads up on a big right hand but Sakurai slips the punch.
Nice defenses there by Griffin.
A countering left hand to the body from Griffin misses.
The fighters circling - Griffin throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Griffin listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Griffin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakurai throws out the jab.
Sakurai throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Griffin stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Griffin on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Griffin rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #T2#
Sakurai takes one on the button.
Sakurai definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
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!
Griffin looks to land a right hand but Sakurai moved out of range.
A counter left hand to the body from Sakurai misses its target.
Sakurai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Griffin moves away.
Sakurai misses the jab.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Griffin! But no joy.
Griffin misses with an uppercut
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sakurai fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Griffin looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Sakurai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Griffin.
Griffin swings widly with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Sakurai pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Griffin back to the cage. Sakurai follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.#T3#
Griffin throws a series of punches but Sakurai avoids them all with ease.
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of Griffin's head but Griffin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakurai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Griffin looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sakurai connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Griffin throws a right hand that misses
and Griffin takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #ROC#
Griffin is rocked!
Sakurai lands an uppercut out of nowhere! Griffin falls backwards - clearly groggy! Sakurai dives in and finishes the fight with more strikes for a TKO finish!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:40 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hideo Sakurai!
A very excited looking Hideo Sakurai made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.
In defeat, Peter Griffin stepped up to the mic, saying 'I'll put on a better show next time for you all, mark my words!'.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 91
Date: Jan 21, 2017

#R1##CL2#
Diamond clinches with his opponent. #TD2#
Diamond successfully pulls guard.
Sakurai tries to free his leg and advance position but Diamond is retaining full guard.
Diamond looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
Let's hope that Diamond has the urge to step up the pace any second now because for the last 15 or 20 seconds he's just been holding on tight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai preventing the sweep.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.#T1#
Diamond can't keep his opponent in guard - Sakurai advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount. #SUB2#
Diamond is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Sakurai pulls his head out easily.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Sakurai prevents Diamond from improving his position.
Sakurai wants to take a breather but Diamond is having none of it.
Diamond wants to get back to full guard.
Sakurai is pressing down on Diamond's thigh, looking to free his foot. Diamond is holding on for now.
Sakurai tries to stand but can't do so whilst Diamond controls his leg.
Diamond is refusing to be controlled, as Sakurai sits in half guard.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Diamond can do anything to dispel that myth.#T2#
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Diamond is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Diamond is still trying to improve position.
Sakurai wants to stand but Diamond has hold of a leg and an arm, so he's trapped for now. #REF3#
The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A punch lands to the side of Sakurai 's head but he takes it in his stride.
King Diamond seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Diamond takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sakurai scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Sakurai avoids the head kick by Diamond. #CL2#
Diamond has Sakurai up against the cage in a clinch.
Diamond jumps guard but Sakurai stands there with Diamond around his waist. Diamond gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Sakurai wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Diamond has him pressed against the cage.#T3##TD2#
Diamond manages to pull guard.
Sakurai has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Sakurai wants to control from the top but Diamond keeps moving.
Diamond bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Sakurai's guard. #REVB#
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Diamond won't allow Sakurai to get back to his feet.
Diamond keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Sakurai's head.
Sakurai knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Diamond on the ground.
Diamond trying to control the position from guard on top but Sakurai is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakurai controlling Diamond's posture.
Diamond slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.#SUB2#
Diamond wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Sakurai, who protects the arm well. #T4#
Sakurai gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Diamond content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Diamond's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Diamond sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Sakurai defending well though.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Diamond trying to control the action but Sakurai is working from the bottom.
Diamond controlling the action here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

King Diamond 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.
#R2#
Sakurai throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Diamond.
Diamond comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Diamond connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sakurai. Sakurai circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Diamond tries to clinch
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Sakurai misses with a straight right. #CL2#
Diamond has managed to clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Diamond.
Sakurai throws a punch but it's blocked by Diamond.
Sakurai stops a takedown attempt from Diamond.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but Diamond has him pressed against the cage.
Sakurai throws a head punch that misses.
Diamond misses with an elbow strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Diamond tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Sakurai just stands there and leans against the cage.
Diamond stalls.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Diamond creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sakurai. #T1##TD2#
Diamond pulls guard successfully.
Diamond is pulling down on Sakurai's head. It's preventing any offense from Sakurai, at least for the moment.
Diamond lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.#REVB#
Sakurai working a defensive guard here.
Diamond is looking to advance position but Sakurai has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!#REVR#
Diamond is working to get back to half guard.
Sakurai wants to control the action but instead Diamond gets a body lock and reverses into Sakurai's guard! Nice work! #T2#
Diamond looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Diamond works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Diamond stalling. #SUB2#
Sakurai is defending against the submission attempts here by Diamond.
King Diamond has got the better of the ground game so far.#T3#
Diamond throwing shots but Sakurai is blocking nicely.
Diamond controlling the action here.
Diamond thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Sakurai's head.
Diamond perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Diamond wants to free his trapped foot but Sakurai is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Sakurai is trying to get back to full guard.#T4#
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Diamond controlling the action here.
Diamond tries to pass to full mount but Sakurai defends it. #SUB2#
Diamond is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Sakurai is just riding it out for now. Diamond eventually gives up the hold.
Diamond seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Diamond drops an elbow to the side of Sakurai's head.
Diamond looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

King Diamond showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.
#R3#
Diamond throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakurai.
A punch combination from Diamond misses.
A jab lands there for Diamond.
Diamond moves to clinch but Sakurai breaks away
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut.
Sakurai ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Diamond has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Diamond throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai counters with a nice body shot.
Sakurai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Diamond.
A quick step to the side and Sakurai tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakurai scores with the left hand. Diamond knows he should have avoided that one.
Sakurai goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Diamond avoids the body shot from Sakurai.
Diamond throws an overhand right that lands on Sakurai's shoulder, as Sakurai tries to avoid the shot.
Diamond fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Diamond.
Sakurai throwing a counter right hand but Diamond manages to avoid it.
Diamond jabbing away but nothing is landing. #CL2#
Diamond darts in and clinches Sakurai up against the cage.
Diamond jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Sakurai walks away with a smile on his face. Diamond gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Sakurai swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Diamond looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Diamond tries to clinch up but Sakurai circles away and keeps his distance.#T1#
Diamond throws the left hand but Sakurai avoids the punch easily.
Sakurai misses with a straight left.
Diamond moves in looking to clinch but Sakurai pushes him off.
Jab, jab by Diamond - just one landing.
Diamond takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Diamond walks into a straight right hand from Sakurai.
Diamond looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Diamond might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Diamond throws a body punch but Sakurai moves out of range.
Sakurai scores with a jab to the body.
Diamond throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Diamond fails with an attempt to clinch.
Diamond throws a shot from downtown. Sakurai moves away and avoids it.
An attempted straight right counter from Sakurai misses the target.
Diamond is looking to clinch.
Sakurai defending well as Diamond loads up on a big left hand.
Sakurai looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Sakurai staying out of range there.
Diamond uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Diamond tries to close the distance and clinch but Sakurai swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Sakurai avoids the body shot from Diamond. #CL2#
Diamond has closed the distance and engaged Sakurai in a clinch.
King Diamond is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.#T2#
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!
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Diamond takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Sakurai lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Diamond is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Sakurai to keep the fight standing.#BC#
Sakurai's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Diamond wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A lazy left from Sakurai finds it's target.
Diamond takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Diamond missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai digs a good hook to Diamond's body.
Sakurai lands with a cross.
Sakurai waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Diamond.
Diamond keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Diamond tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Sakurai counters with a nice uppercut.
Sakurai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Diamond looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Diamond connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe. #T3#
Sakurai lands a nice hook to Diamond's body. Diamond takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Sakurai looks to score with a jab to the body but Diamond is just out of range.
Sakurai throws a body shot but no joy.
Diamond throws a hook to the side of Sakurai's head but Sakurai sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakurai with a jab.
A lazy left from Sakurai finds it's target.
Sakurai swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Diamond missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai avoids the body shot from Diamond.
Diamond throws a looping overhand right but Sakurai ducks down to avoid it.
Diamond scores with a nice one two combo and darts back out of range to avoid anything coming in the opposite direction.
Diamond misses with a wild body shot.
Sakurai was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Sakurai wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Diamond moves in looking to clinch but Sakurai pushes him off.
Diamond misses with the combination.
Hideo Sakurai is winning the standup battle so far.
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!
Diamond missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Diamond. #T4#
Diamond moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Diamond closes the distance looking to clinch
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Hideo Sakurai has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Diamond.
A jab lands there for Sakurai.
Sakurai sizes up Diamond with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Diamond throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Diamond takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Diamond lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Sakurai at a distance.
Diamond is looking to clinch. #CL2#
Diamond moves into the clinch successfully.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Diamond is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Sakurai to keep the fight standing.
Hideo Sakurai has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of King Diamond.
Diamond prevents a body shot from Sakurai. #BC#
Sakurai manages to break the clinch.
Diamond clobbers Sakurai with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.

And that's the end of the fight!
Hideo Sakurai showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Diamond 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 Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... King Diamond!
A very excited looking King Diamond made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 87
Date: Jan 01, 2017

#R1#
Sakurai moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Sakurai scores with a body shot.
Sakurai throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Sakurai misses with an uppercut.
Sakurai has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Griffin is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Griffin looks to score with a jab to the body but Sakurai is just out of range.
Sakurai takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Griffin throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Sakurai throws a predictable looking body shot
and Griffin counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Griffin swings widly with a right hand
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Griffin waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakurai.
Nice cross by Griffin.#T1#
Griffin throws a lazy uppercut
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Sakurai swings widly with a right hand
and Griffin counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sakurai ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Griffin misses the jab.
Sakurai lands an overhand right.
Sakurai misses with a wild body shot.
Sakurai throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Griffin sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Griffin.
Sakurai throws a series of strikes that have Griffin backpedaling. #CL#
Griffin closes the distance and clinches.
Both guys are working to get underhooks. #T2#
Sakurai lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Sakurai lands a left hand.
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!
Sakurai misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Sakurai cracks Griffin with a nice body shot.
Griffin is pushing Sakurai up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Griffin definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Sakurai is working Griffin over against the cage.
Sakurai lands with a left to the head.
Sakurai lands with a short shot to the head.
A bit of stalling here from Sakurai.
Sakurai lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Sakurai. #T3#
Sakurai cracks Griffin with a nice body shot.
Griffin lands an elbow inside that Sakurai shrugs off.
Griffin trying to stall but Sakurai improves his position. #BC2#
Sakurai breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Sakurai pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Nice defenses there by Sakurai.
Sakurai loads up on a big right hand but Griffin slips the punch.
Griffin fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Nice uppercut lands for Griffin. That snapped Sakurai's head back.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Griffin was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Griffin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sakurai works the jab nicely.#T4#
Sakurai uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Griffin.
Griffin misses with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Griffin connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Sakurai momentarily.
Griffin moves away from the strike by Sakurai.
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!
Sakurai swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
A swing and a miss from Griffin.
Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Griffin.
Sakurai scores with a decent looking hook.
Griffin misses with an uppercut
and Sakurai cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Peter Griffin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakurai slips a straight right by Griffin.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hideo Sakurai dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
#R2#
Griffin takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Sakurai rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Griffin moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sakurai misses with a straight right.
Griffin misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
Sakurai throws a counter combo.
Sakurai drops his hands momentarily and Griffin takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Griffin misses with a lunging right hand
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sakurai has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Sakurai misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Griffin doesn't seem bothered though.
Sakurai on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.
Griffin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai connects with a body shot that sends Griffin's belly button to the back.#T1#
Sakurai misses with a body shot.
Griffin walks into a jab.
Griffin works the jab nicely.
Griffin takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Sakurai throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Griffin.
Griffin lands with an overhand left.
Sloppy strikes from Griffin. Those never looked like landing.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Griffin bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Griffin is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Griffin throws a combination that misses
and Sakurai counters with a one-two to the body.
Griffin throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect. #T2#
Griffin misses with a straight left.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakurai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Griffin.
Griffin misses with an uppercut
and Sakurai counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Griffin.
Griffin misses with a looping left.
Sakurai swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Sakurai throws a shot to the body.
Sakurai throws a lazy right hand but Griffin sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Griffin missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Sakurai, as that shot connected.
Sakurai lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Griffin at a distance. #T3##CL#
Griffin clinches.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Sakurai stalling the fight.
Sakurai throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Griffin swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid it. #BC2#
Sakurai breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Sakurai uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Griffin has time to react.
Griffin fails in his attempt to clinch.
Griffin misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
Sakurai misses with a body shot.
Jab by Griffin.#T4#
Griffin throws the left hand but Sakurai avoids the punch easily.
Sakurai dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Sakurai on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Sakurai throws a shot from downtown. Griffin moves away and avoids it.
Griffin defending well as Sakurai loads up on a big left hand.
It looked like Griffin wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Sakurai bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Griffin throws the left hand but Sakurai avoids the punch easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sakurai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Griffin dodges the punch combination from Sakurai.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hideo Sakurai showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!
#R3#
Griffin misses with a left hand
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Griffin avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Sakurai cracks a nice hook into Griffin's ribs.
Sakurai staying out of range there.
Sakurai moves away from the strike by Griffin.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakurai misses.
Sakurai throws a good cross that connects.
Sakurai throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
enabling Griffin to counter with a crisp jab.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffin throws a shot from downtown. Sakurai moves away and avoids it.
Griffin missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Sakurai misses with a left hand
and Griffin counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Griffin misses the shot to the body. #T1#
Sakurai swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
Griffin tests Sakurai's chin there with a solid looking shot.
A swing and a miss from Sakurai.
Griffin takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Griffin ducks under a wild hook from Sakurai.
Griffin thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Griffin.
Sakurai looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Griffin throws a poor cross that misses
and Sakurai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.#T2#
Griffin scores with a hook to the body. Sakurai takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Nice uppercut lands for Sakurai. That snapped Griffin's head back.
Sakurai throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Griffin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A little jabbing left from Sakurai on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Sakurai moves away from the strike by Griffin.
Griffin showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Sakurai.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Griffin throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Griffin lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Griffin throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.#T3#
A big left from Griffin misses.
Sakurai doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Griffin lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Sakurai circles away quickly and effectively.
Sakurai throws out a counter right but Griffin avoids it with no problem.
Sakurai slips a jab and a cross from Griffin.
Griffin ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Griffin cracks Sakurai with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Griffin takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Griffin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
Sakurai scores with a hook to the body. Griffin takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Griffin misses with a right hand
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand. #T4#
The fighters circling - Sakurai throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Griffin takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Sakurai moves away from the strike by Griffin.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
Griffin takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
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!
Griffin throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Griffin throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakurai.
Sakurai throws out a counter right but Griffin avoids it with no problem.
Griffin throws an overhand right that lands on Sakurai's shoulder, as Sakurai tries to avoid the shot.
Sakurai lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Sakurai lands a glancing blow to the side of Griffin's head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Griffin does a little dance to reset his feet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Hideo Sakurai just about did enough to take it.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!
#R4#
Sakurai uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Griffin has time to react.
Sakurai slips a straight right by Griffin.
Sakurai scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Griffin misses with a hook
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Griffin catches Sakurai with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Griffin throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Griffin throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Griffin misses with an uppercut.
Griffin cracks Sakurai with a right hand to the side of the head.
Griffin swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.#T1#
Sakurai's jab looks to have found its range, popping Griffin under the eye.
Sakurai misses with a double jab
and Sakurai takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakurai misses with a straight right.
Griffin throwing a counter right hand but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Sakurai has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Griffin misses with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Griffin misses the shot to the body.
Sakurai uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Griffin.
A nice side step and Sakurai releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Sakurai throws a looping overhand right but Griffin ducks down to avoid it.
Griffin dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A combination from Sakurai does no damage. #T2#
Sakurai swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Griffin cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Griffin thuds his right hand into Sakurai's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Griffin lands with a hook. Sakurai tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Griffin fails to land with a series of punches.
Griffin throws a body shot but no joy.
Sakurai misses with a double jab.
Sakurai takes a swing at Griffin's ribcage but misses.
Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Griffin.
Griffin avoids a punch combination nicely. #T3#
A jab from Sakurai misses.
Griffin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakurai throws out the jab.
Griffin was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Sakurai lands with a straight right. Griffin didn't see that one coming.
A cross from Griffin lands.
Griffin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of Griffin's head but Griffin sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Sakurai bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Griffin dodges the punch combination from Sakurai. #T4#
Griffin throws a right and a left that Sakurai avoids nicely.
Griffin misses with a lunging right hand
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Sakurai throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Griffin counters with a stiff right hand.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
Griffin misses with a hook to the body
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Griffin misses the jab.
Griffin slips a jab from Sakurai.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Griffin has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Griffin misses with a looping left.
Sakurai now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Hideo Sakurai will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!
#R5#
Griffin slips under a jab.
A slow jab from Sakurai misses its intended target.
Sakurai looks to land a right hand but Griffin moved out of range.
Nice uppercut lands for Sakurai. That snapped Griffin's head back.
Sakurai moves away from the strike by Griffin.
Griffin misses with a hook
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Griffin dodges the punch combination from Sakurai.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai looks to land a combination but Griffin avoids it well.
Nice defenses there by Griffin.#T1#
Sakurai lands with a good body shot.
Griffin avoids the body shot from Sakurai.
Griffin was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Griffin uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Sakurai.
Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Griffin.
Griffin scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
A big right from Sakurai misses.
Griffin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Sakurai looks to land a left hand but Griffin moved out of range nicely.
A looping hook to the body misses from Griffin. Sakurai does a little dance to reset his feet.#T2#
Griffin misses with a hook
and Griffin takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakurai takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Griffin throws a right hand that misses
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Sakurai jabs Griffin to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Griffin scores with a nice strike.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Sakurai just misses with a punch to the body.
A left lands for Griffin.
Sakurai stalks Griffin and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Griffin's face. Griffin staggers backwards, shaken.
Griffin waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Sakurai.#T3#
Sakurai misses with a hook
and Griffin counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Sakurai swings for the body but Griffin moves out of range.
An attempted straight right counter from Griffin misses the target.
Sakurai misses with a body punch
letting Griffin counter with a right hand. #ROC#
Sakurai is rocked!
Griffin circles away before darting back in with a big straight right hand. It connects beautifully and sends Sakurai tumbling to the canvas! He's out cold! Griffin wins by KO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:26 of round 5, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Peter Griffin!
Peter Griffin retains his lightweight title!
Peter Griffin decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 75
Date: Nov 15, 2016

#R1#
Drygalos stalks Sakurai and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Sakurai's face. Sakurai staggers backwards, shaken.
Drygalos throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
A jab from Sakurai misses.
Sakurai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Drygalos moves away.
Drygalos scores with a nice right hand.
Drygalos throws an off balance right hand
and Sakurai counters with a left to the body.
Drygalos smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Drygalos fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Sakurai manages to avoid it.
Drygalos misses the body punch
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sakurai jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Drygalos fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Sakurai looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Drygalos misses with a wild body shot.
Drygalos throws a looping overhand right but Sakurai ducks down to avoid it.
Kacperos Drygalos seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Drygalos misses with a hook. Sakurai ducked under it nicely.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sakurai! But no joy.#T1#
Sakurai keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Drygalos.
Drygalos bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Sakurai's head backwards.
Drygalos dips to his left and cracks Sakurai with an uppercut!
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakurai throws a one two combo.
Sakurai throws a right and a left that both miss.
Drygalos throws a poor cross that misses
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand.
Drygalos really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Drygalos showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Sakurai.
Drygalos lands a really nice looking cross but Sakurai seems unphased.
Drygalos doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Sakurai to counter with a crisp jab. #ROC2#
Drygalos is rocked!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Sakurai lands with a jab that stuns his opponent. Drygalos is looking to close the distance but Sakurai sees it coming and throws a beautiful knee! Drygalos crumbles to the mat and that's all she wrote! Let's hope Drygalos is OK because that was naaaaaasty!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:58 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Knee). Hideo Sakurai!
During a confident post fight interview, Hideo Sakurai thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 65
Date: Sep 29, 2016

#R1#
Sakurai ducks under a wild hook from Griffin.
Sakurai seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
Sakurai misses with a right hand
and Griffin counters with a left and a right that stings Sakurai.
Sakurai has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Sakurai there as he acknowledges the shot.
Griffin throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Sakurai sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Griffin has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Sakurai missing with a left hand there. Griffin was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Griffin swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Griffin throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakurai.
Sakurai was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Griffin throws a hook but Sakurai avoids it easily.
Peter Griffin seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai walks into a stiff left hand from Griffin.
Sakurai throws out a loose jab but Griffin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Griffin.#T1#
Sakurai pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Griffin misses with an uppercut.
Sakurai throws a hook but Griffin blocks it.
Sakurai looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
A big left from Griffin misses.
Sakurai misses with a combination
and Griffin counters with a stiff right hand.
A shot to the body from Sakurai misses
and Sakurai takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Griffin scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Good exchange - Griffin coming out on top.
Sakurai uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Griffin.
Griffin might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.
Griffin missing with a left hand there. Sakurai was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one. #T2#
Sakurai cracks Griffin with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakurai misses the target.
Griffin takes a swing at Sakurai's ribcage but misses.
Griffin slips a straight right by Sakurai.
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!
Sakurai connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
A jab from Sakurai does it's job there.
Griffin scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sakurai doesn't seem bothered though.
Griffin throws a lazy uppercut
and Sakurai counters with a two punch combo.
Sakurai keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Griffin.
Sakurai punishes Griffin's body with a nice straight punch.
Griffin lands an overhand right.#T3#
Griffin lands with a cross.
Sakurai with a jab.
Griffin throws a jab but it's blocked by Sakurai.
Griffin ducks under a wild hook from Sakurai.
Griffin misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Griffin takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
A looping hook to the body misses from Sakurai. Griffin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Griffin lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Griffin is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Sakurai had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
Griffin is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Sakurai steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Griffin.
Sakurai throws a right hand that Griffin ducks under and follows up with a left that Griffin also avoids with ease.#T4#
Nice cross by Sakurai.
Griffin blocks a jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Griffin swings widly with a right hand
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Sakurai throws a series of punches but Griffin moves out of range.
Sakurai will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Griffin takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Sakurai's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Griffin connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Sakurai scrambles back to his feet.
Griffin scores with a punch to the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Peter Griffin will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R2#
Sakurai misses with a few strikes there.
Peter Griffin seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Sloppy strikes from Griffin. Those never looked like landing.
Sakurai throws a poor cross that misses
and Griffin counters with a straight right hand.
Griffin is pawing at Sakurai, trying to feel the distance before throwing out a cross that crashes into Sakurai's nose. Sakurai is badly hurt! Griffin pounces, throwing wild strikes as both fighters end up on the ground! Sakurai tries desperately to hold on but Griffin is relentless in his assault! As Sakurai receives an ever increasing number of unanswered strikes the referee pulls Griffin away and this one is in the books!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:23 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Peter Griffin!
Peter Griffin is the new lightweight champion!
After the fight, Peter Griffin was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 58
Date: Sep 02, 2016

#R1#
Too tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sakurai swivels and escapes.
Sakurai swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Too tries to counter with a takedown but Sakurai is quick to defend against it.
Sakurai lands a body shot.
Too has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Restricted area in the buildup to the fight.#TD#
Too scores with a takedown into Sakurai's guard.
Sakurai wants to sweep but no luck.
Too throws an elbow that misses. Sakurai uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Too's guard. Nice move by Sakurai!#REVB#
Sakurai wants to stand but Too is controlling his posture from full guard.
Sakurai is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.#T1#
Sakurai trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Sakurai controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Sakurai tries to stand but Too is controlling from the bottom.
Too working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Sakurai.
Too is striking from the bottom but Sakurai uses the opportunity to pass into half guard.#T2#
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Sakurai is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Too is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Too is working hard here to advance position.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Sakurai is taking a breather. Too says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.#REF3#
The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Hideo Sakurai is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sakurai bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Too's head backwards.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Sakurai moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Sakurai lands with a nice combination. Too backs away looking to recover.#T3#
Too tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a huge left! Too is in big trouble! He's backing up but Sakurai isn't giving him chance to recover. Under a barage of punches the ref has to step in to save Too from any more damage. A dominating finish by Sakurai!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Hideo Sakurai! Hideo Sakurai retains his lightweight title!
After the fight, Hideo Sakurai was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 52
Date: Aug 07, 2016

#R1#
O Whitersson misses with an uppercut
letting Sakurai counter with a right hand. #CUT2#
It looks like Whitey O Whitersson has been cut.
Sakurai takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Sakurai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but O Whitersson moves away.
O Whitersson went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Sakurai keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
O Whitersson fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Sakurai on the side of the head.
O Whitersson tries to clinch up
and Sakurai counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
O Whitersson misses the body punch
and Sakurai connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
O Whitersson keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Sakurai.
Sakurai misses with a hook.
O Whitersson avoids the body shot from Sakurai.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
O Whitersson misses with a straight right.
Donk. O Whitersson catches Sakurai right on the button with a cross.#T1##CL#
O Whitersson gets a clinch.
Sakurai tries a body shot but O Whitersson blocks it.
Sakurai goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Sakurai tries to break the clinch but O Whitersson is controlling the position.
Sakurai working aggressively here.
Sakurai blocks a body shot from O Whitersson.
Sakurai prevents a body shot from O Whitersson.
Sakurai tried to land a shot to the body but connects with O Whitersson's elbow.
O Whitersson misses with a punch to the body.
Sakurai blocks a body shot from O Whitersson.
O Whitersson misses with a short punch on the inside.
Sakurai blocking some punches.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Sakurai wants to break free but O Whitersson has control. #T2#
O Whitersson lands a nice uppercut.
O Whitersson lands an uppercut.
Sakurai looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Sakurai misses with a punch to the body.
A short right hand to the side of the head by O Whitersson.
O Whitersson misses with a punch to the body.
A hook to the body from O Whitersson.
Sakurai lands a shot to the body.
O Whitersson goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Sakurai lands with a left to the head.
Sakurai can't find room to land a body shot as O Whitersson controls the action.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but O Whitersson is controlling him.
O Whitersson slows down the pace here.
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!
Sakurai lands a nice shot to the body.
Sakurai doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short uppercut from O Whitersson. #T3#
O Whitersson works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
A body shot lands from Sakurai.
O Whitersson struggles to land a body shot inside as Sakurai controls his hands.
Sakurai misses with a body punch.
O Whitersson swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid it.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
A nice right hand lands inside from O Whitersson.
Sakurai lands with a short head shot on the inside.
O Whitersson presses Sakurai against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
A bit of stalling here from Sakurai.
O Whitersson lands with a short shot to the head.
O Whitersson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Nice body punch from Sakurai - that landed with a thud. #T4#
O Whitersson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Sakurai doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
O Whitersson throws a head punch that misses.
O Whitersson stalling the fight.
O Whitersson lands a hook that snaps the head of Sakurai backwards.
O Whitersson fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A bit of stalling here from O Whitersson.
A frustrated look appears on Sakurai's face as he tries to break the clinch.
O Whitersson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
O Whitersson swings wildly with an uppercut but Sakurai uses good head movement to avoid it.
Sakurai misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but O Whitersson is controlling him.
O Whitersson scores with a shoulder strike.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
O Whitersson blocks a body shot from Sakurai.
Sakurai lands a body punch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Whitey O Whitersson dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Whitey O Whitersson's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
#R2#
Sakurai displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as O Whitersson throws out the jab.
Sakurai takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Whitey O Whitersson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
O Whitersson throws a left and a right that both miss
and Sakurai counters with a straight right hand.
Nice jab there from O Whitersson.
A telegraphed right hand from Sakurai misses the target.
O Whitersson went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
O Whitersson lands a nice shot that snaps Sakurai's head back.
We've been told by O Whitersson's head coaches at Odins Body Workshop that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
A decent looking cross lands there for Sakurai.
Sakurai ducks down and throws a hook to the body but O Whitersson moves away.
Sakurai bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakurai misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
O Whitersson's jab looks to have found its range, popping Sakurai under the eye.#CL#
O Whitersson fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Sakurai, pushing him back against the cage.
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!
Sakurai throws a head punch that misses.
O Whitersson can't find room to land a body shot as Sakurai controls the action. #T1#
Sakurai blocks a body shot from O Whitersson.
O Whitersson misses with the head strike.
Sakurai blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
O Whitersson is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakurai can do to turn this around?
Sakurai tries to throw a body punch but O Whitersson avoids it by throwing Sakurai back against the cage.
O Whitersson tries a body shot but Sakurai blocks it.
O Whitersson tries to work over Sakurai's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
A quick uppercut on the inside from O Whitersson.
Sakurai misses with a punch on the inside.
O Whitersson working aggressively here.
O Whitersson softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
O Whitersson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sakurai's elbow.
O Whitersson lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Whitey O Whitersson has scored more points in the clinch so far.
O Whitersson tries to throw a body punch but Sakurai avoids it by throwing O Whitersson back against the cage.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
A short right hand to the side of the head by O Whitersson.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
Sakurai letting O Whitersson take a breather here.#T2#
O Whitersson tries to throw a body punch but Sakurai avoids it by throwing O Whitersson back against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Sakurai.
O Whitersson throws a head punch that misses.
Sakurai doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Sakurai misses with a punch to the body.
A quick uppercut on the inside from O Whitersson.
O Whitersson has not gone for a single takedown so far in this fight, which seems like a very strange tactic when you consider that he has the superior wrestling and BJJ.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
O Whitersson makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
O Whitersson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
O Whitersson misses with the head strike.
O Whitersson blocks a body shot from Sakurai.
O Whitersson lands a left hand that snaps the head of Sakurai backwards.
Sakurai cracks O Whitersson with a nice body shot.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs. #T3#
O Whitersson lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
O Whitersson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short right from O Whitersson on the inside.
A shot in the inside from O Whitersson.
Sakurai tries to throw a body punch but O Whitersson avoids it by throwing Sakurai back against the cage.
A short right from O Whitersson.
O Whitersson misses with a punch to the body.
Sakurai blocking some punches.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from O Whitersson.
Sakurai tries to work over O Whitersson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
O Whitersson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
O Whitersson tries a body shot but Sakurai blocks it.
O Whitersson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
O Whitersson blocks a body shot from Sakurai.
A short right hand to the side of the head by O Whitersson.#T4#
Sakurai is leaning against O Whitersson and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.#BC2#
Sakurai breaks from the clinch.
Sakurai throws out a powerful jab.
Hideo Sakurai seems to be getting the better of the standup.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sloppy strikes from Sakurai. Those never looked like landing.
O Whitersson misses with a wild combination.
O Whitersson lands a nice shot that snaps Sakurai's head back.
A jab from O Whitersson misses.
A big left from Sakurai misses.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by O Whitersson!
O Whitersson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of O Whitersson's head but O Whitersson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Whitey O Whitersson dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Whitey O Whitersson's cut.
That's time! O Whitersson's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.
#R3#
O Whitersson misses with a combination
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
O Whitersson swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Sakurai.
Sakurai works the jab nicely.#ROC2#
O Whitersson is rocked!
O Whitersson pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Sakurai now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Oh O Whitersson is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Jab by O Whitersson.
O Whitersson seems to have got his legs back now.
O Whitersson misses with a looping left.
A countering left hand to the body from Sakurai misses.
O Whitersson rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sakurai moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but O Whitersson was well out of range. Poor timing from Sakurai.
Sakurai circles away from the clinch attempt#KD2#
and Sakurai counters with a nice right hand that sends O Whitersson toppling to the canvas! O Whitersson scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Sakurai finish him?!#T1##CL#
O Whitersson moves into the clinch.
Sakurai misses with a body punch.
O Whitersson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
O Whitersson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sakurai tried to land a shot to the body but connects with O Whitersson's elbow.
O Whitersson scores with a hook to the body.
Sakurai can't find room to land a body shot as O Whitersson controls the action.
O Whitersson stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
O Whitersson avoiding damage.
Sakurai struggles to land a body shot inside as O Whitersson controls his hands.
A quick uppercut on the inside from O Whitersson.
O Whitersson wants to stall.
O Whitersson pushes Sakurai back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.#T2#
Sakurai tries to work over O Whitersson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
O Whitersson scores with a shoulder strike.
O Whitersson misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Still in the clinch, O Whitersson scores with a nice short uppercut.
O Whitersson blocks a body shot from Sakurai.
Sakurai tried to land a shot to the body but connects with O Whitersson's elbow. #BC2#
Sakurai manages to break the clinch.
O Whitersson misses with a shot to the body
and Sakurai counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakurai misses with a right hand
and O Whitersson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head. #CL#
O Whitersson closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Sakurai.
O Whitersson lands an uppercut.
Sakurai lands a shot to the body.
Sakurai goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
A body shot lands from Sakurai. #T3#
Sakurai misses with the head strike.
O Whitersson tries to throw a body punch but Sakurai avoids it by throwing O Whitersson back against the cage.
Sakurai throws a head punch that misses.
O Whitersson lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Sakurai backwards.
O Whitersson tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Sakurai's elbow.
Sakurai prevents a body shot from O Whitersson.
O Whitersson can't find room to land a body shot as Sakurai controls the action.
O Whitersson misses with a punch on the inside.
O Whitersson swings away with an uppercut that misses.
O Whitersson throws a head punch that misses.
O Whitersson tries to throw a body punch but Sakurai avoids it by throwing O Whitersson back against the cage.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as O Whitersson takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for O Whitersson.
Sakurai tries to throw a body punch but O Whitersson avoids it by throwing Sakurai back against the cage.
Sakurai prevents a body shot from O Whitersson. #T4#
Sakurai working hard to break the clinch.
O Whitersson lands with a left to the head.
O Whitersson tries to work over Sakurai's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Sakurai tries to work over O Whitersson's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
O Whitersson tries to throw a body punch but Sakurai avoids it by throwing O Whitersson back against the cage.
O Whitersson tries a body shot but Sakurai blocks it.
A right hook to the body lands for Sakurai.
Sakurai tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
O Whitersson misses with a punch to the body.
Sakurai gets through O Whitersson's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
O Whitersson tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Sakurai wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
O Whitersson tries to throw a body punch but Sakurai avoids it by throwing O Whitersson back against the cage.
Sakurai misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Sakurai misses with a hook to the ribs.
O Whitersson doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Whitey O Whitersson did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Whitey O Whitersson's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!
#R4#
Sakurai rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but O Whitersson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Sakurai dodges the punch combination from O Whitersson.
Sakurai now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Sakurai circles away from the clinch attempt
and Sakurai makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
O Whitersson misses with a double jab
and Sakurai counters with a lovely straight right hand!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakurai lands with a shot to the body.
Sakurai avoids a punch combination nicely.
Sakurai takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.#T1##CL#
O Whitersson moves into the clinch successfully.
O Whitersson is leaning against Sakurai and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Sakurai is trying to break the clinch but O Whitersson is controlling him.
O Whitersson misses with a short punch on the inside.
O Whitersson lands a shoulder strike.
Stalling in the clinch from O Whitersson. #BC2#
Sakurai manages to break the clinch.
O Whitersson swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sakurai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
O Whitersson listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Sakurai tests O Whitersson's chin there with a solid looking shot.
No joy there for O Whitersson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
O Whitersson misses with a lunging right hand
and O Whitersson takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles. #T2#
Sakurai scores with a body shot.
Whitey O Whitersson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
O Whitersson misses with a combination
and Sakurai counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
O Whitersson throws a lazy uppercut
and Sakurai counters with a lovely shot to the body.
O Whitersson misses with a hook
and Sakurai counters with a stiff right hand.
Sakurai uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by O Whitersson.
O Whitersson keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
O Whitersson is looking to clinch but Sakurai is avoiding it.
O Whitersson throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Sakurai counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
O Whitersson blocks a jab.
Sakurai fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Sakurai throws a hook to the side of O Whitersson's head but O Whitersson sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.#T3#
Sakurai takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
O Whitersson is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.
Sakurai keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from O Whitersson.
Sakurai circles away from the clinch attempt#KD2#
and Sakurai counters with a nice right hand that sends O Whitersson toppling to the canvas! O Whitersson scrambles and gets back to his feet - can Sakurai finish him?!
O Whitersson is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakurai.
Sakurai appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Sakurai grits his teeth and throws a big right-left combo! O Whitersson takes both shots clean on the chin and is out cold! Sakurai cracks him once more on his way down, as the crowd goes wild! They enjoyed that one!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:43 of round 4, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Hideo Sakurai! Hideo Sakurai retains his lightweight title!
After the fight, Hideo Sakurai was humble in paying tribute to his opponent but made it clear he wants to go on to bigger and better things. It seemed to go down well with the crowd who cheered him loudly.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 47
Date: Jul 09, 2016

#R1##KD2#
Sakurai drops Drygalos with a beautiful combination! Drygalos stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Sakurai is looking for the KO!#ROC2#
Drygalos is rocked!#CUT2#
It looks like Kacperos Drygalos has been cut.
Drygalos tries for a takedown but Sakurai circles away easily
and Sakurai counters with a powerful cross that connects right on the chin and the lights go out! A massive one punch knock out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Hideo Sakurai!
Hideo Sakurai is the new lightweight champion!
Hideo Sakurai was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

Event: MMAHelsinki - 42
Date: Jun 17, 2016

#R1#
Sakurai throws a right and a left that both miss.
Barile throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Barile tries a head kick but it misses.
Sakurai misses with a looping right.
Sakurai throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Barile looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
Barile throws a nice outside leg kick.
Sakurai fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Barile manages to avoid it.
Barile slips under a jab.
Barile throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Sakurai punishes Barile's body with a nice straight punch.
Sakurai throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Barile on the side of the head.
Barile displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakurai throws out the jab.
Sakurai will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Sakurai misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Barile.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Barile throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena. #KD2#
Sakurai drops Barile with a beautiful combination! Barile stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Sakurai is looking for the KO!#ROC2#
Barile is rocked!#CUT2#
It looks like Tonino Barile has been cut.#T1#
Barile walks right into a perfectly timed right hook and goes down hard! He's out cold! The ref cradles Barile limp body while Sakurai jumps on to the cage and waves to the roaring crowd. Wow that was just a brutal knockout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:07 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Hideo Sakurai!
A less than humble Hideo Sakurai misjudged his post fight interview somewhat and came across a little too arrogant whilst trying to hype up his own abilities.

Event: Infinity: Broken Dreams
Date: May 25, 2016

#R1#
Spaletti on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Sakurai scores with a nice head shot.
Sakurai thows a left - swing and a miss!
Spaletti half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Sakurai misses with a hook. Spaletti ducked under it nicely.
Spaletti attempts a counter takedown but Sakurai avoids it well and moves away.
Sakurai misses with a lunging right hand #TD#
and Spaletti counters with a takedown into side control! That could mean trouble for Sakurai! #SUB#
Spaletti has an Americana. Sakurai didn't react quickly enough there and he's in big trouble now! He tries to squirm out but is forced to tap! Spaletti is delighted and gyrates in front of the ring girls. They seem to like the attention - it'll be interesting to see if Spaletti hooks up with any of them at the after show party.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:35 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Americana). Chem Spaletti!

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