BHFC 17 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Lamar Fernandez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and John Christmas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lamar Fernandez had a look across the cage there at his opponent. He definitely means business

Fernandez
vs
Christmas

220 cm
21
250 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

201 cm
18
265 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Big heart

Good wrestler
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lamar Fernandez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, John Christmas!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Christmas closes the distance and clinches up with Fernandez, looking for a takedown. Christmas pushes Fernandez against the cage but Fernandez circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Fernandez shoots for a takedown but Christmas saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Christmas fails with the takedown

and Fernandez counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Fernandez is trying to control the action in half guard but Christmas is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
Fernandez passes to full mount!
Fernandez looking to control but Christmas is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Christmas really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Fernandez. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Christmas wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Christmas tries to hold on but Fernandez pushes him away.
Christmas really wants to buck Fernandez off and get back to his feet.
Fernandez is landing with some decent strikes but Christmas is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Fernandez looking to control but Christmas is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Christmas reaches up to try and control the position but Fernandez seems to have an arm triangle now! Uh oh! Christmas rolls and tries to escape and now Fernandez has his back!
Christmas is trying to get back to his feet but Fernandez has full control of the position and if anything, Christmas has just worked his way into a worse spot.
Fernandez really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fernandez controlling the position well here. Christmas rolled but Fernandez kept the hooks locked in and stayed in the dominant position.
Christmas holding both Fernandez 's hands and preventing any damage.
A lull in the action here.
Christmas trying to get back to his feet but Fernandez is in full control for now.
Christmas looks gassed!
Can Christmas hold on?! Fernandez is landing more strikes to his hapless foe.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Christmas holding both Fernandez 's hands and preventing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Fernandez has his arm under Christmas's chin here. Game over son! Fernandez squeezes tightly and Christmas is forced to tap out!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Lamar Fernandez!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Jamie Rooney (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kemal Ataturk (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rooney comes to the cage accompanied by Prodigy - Spitfire. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Rooney
vs
Ataturk

180 cm
19
179 lbs
4 - 4 - 0

195 cm
20
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jamie Rooney!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kemal Ataturk!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Rooney darts in and clinches Ataturk up against the cage.

Rooney escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Rooney fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Ataturk is out of range.
Rooney throws a leg kick which misses Ataturk's front leg but catches the back leg as Ataturk tries to avoid it.
Ataturk checks a leg kick nicely.

Rooney shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Rooney was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Rooney goes for an armbar but Ataturk turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Ataturk.
Ataturk is looking to stand up but Rooney won't let him.
Rooney wants to stand up but Ataturk is controlling him.
Ataturk has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Rooney is proving hard to escape from.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rooney wants to get back to his feet but he's too absorbed in his own little project and Ataturk manages to pass to side control.
Ataturk is keen to just control but Rooney is a slippery customer.
Ataturk is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Ataturk tries to pass to full mount but Rooney defends it.
Rooney is looking for a sweep. Ataturk is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Rooney makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

Rooney gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Rooney's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ataturk on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Ataturk tries to clinch up but Rooney circles away and keeps his distance.
A head kick misses from Ataturk.
Rooney lands a leg kick that knocks Ataturk off balance momentarily.
Rooney motions for Ataturk to come forward. Rooney throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ataturk blocks a leg kick.
Ataturk tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rooney was well out of range. Poor timing from Ataturk.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ataturk tries to clinch but Rooney moves out of range.
Ataturk with a poor takedown

and Rooney counters with a single leg into guard. Ataturk didn't expect that.
Ataturk looks gassed!
Ataturk trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Rooney might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Rooney decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Ataturk, up you get!
Ataturk blocks a leg kick.
Rooney throws a low kick but Ataturk avoids it.
Jamie Rooney seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Rooney moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Ataturk shoots in for a double leg but Rooney sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Rooney connects with a solid leg kick.
Rooney tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Ataturk is able to avoid easily.
Rooney connects with an inside leg kick.

Rooney moves into the clinch.
Rooney lands a nice elbow.

Rooney escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Rooney forces Ataturk back against the cage and clinches.

Rooney jumps guard and drags Ataturk to the mat. He's obviously going to be looking for submissions off his back.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Rooney pushes Ataturk off and gets back to his feet.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rooney moves into the clinch.
Rooney creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Ataturk's defenses.

Rooney breaks the clinch.
Rooney lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Rooney lands a leg kick that knocks Ataturk off balance momentarily.
Rooney scores with a nice body kick.

Rooney gets a takedown into half guard.

Rooney stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Rooney misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Rooney throws a quick inside leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jamie Rooney 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.

Rooney misses with a low kick as Ataturk jumps back.

Rooney moves into range and clinches up with Ataturk.
Ataturk takes an elbow to the temple.
Rooney lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.
Ataturk is trying to force a seperation but Rooney has the dominant position.

Rooney's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rooney lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Rooney throws a series of punches but Ataturk moves out of range.
Ataturk fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ataturk misses with a takedown

and Rooney counters by clinching up.
Ataturk's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Ataturk has Rooney pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Rooney manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.

Rooney manages to break the clinch.

Rooney moves into range and clinches up with Ataturk.
Ataturk takes an elbow to the temple.
Ataturk can't get the takedown.
Jamie Rooney has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kemal Ataturk.

Rooney breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ataturk blocks a leg kick.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Rooney fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ataturk, pushing him back against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rooney breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ataturk on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.

Rooney closes the distance and clinches.

Rooney breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Rooney swinging wildly here.
Rooney motions for Ataturk to come forward. Rooney throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.

Rooney darts in and clinches Ataturk up against the cage.

Rooney gets double underhooks and manages to take the fight to the ground.

Ataturk is working an open guard so Rooney takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Ataturk tries to clinch up.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Ataturk checks a leg kick.
Ataturk fails with a takedown attempt.

Rooney instigates a clinch.

Rooney's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rooney lands a leg kick that knocks Ataturk off balance momentarily.
Ataturk misses with a takedown

and Rooney counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Rooney.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ataturk wants to improve his position but instead Rooney has moved into half guard.

Rooney stands up out of the half guard.
Ataturk shoots in for a takedown but Rooney shows good takedown defense.
Rooney connects with an inside leg kick.
Ataturk shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Rooney scores with a leg kick.

Rooney shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Ataturk is trying to defend but Rooney finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.

Rooney stands up and beckons Ataturk to join him on the feet.
Rooney looking to land some kicks to the body here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ataturk closes the distance and clinches up with Rooney, looking for a takedown. Ataturk pushes Rooney against the cage but Rooney circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Rooney throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Ataturk tries to clinch but Rooney is having none of it.
Rooney is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Ataturk can do to turn this around?
Ataturk has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Rooney.
Ataturk ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rooney moves away.
Ataturk dodges the punch combination from Rooney.
Rooney chopping away at his opponent's legs.

Rooney takes the fight into the clinch.

Rooney is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Ataturk can't fight it off and eventually Rooney manages to take the fight to the floor. Ataturk looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Ataturk trying to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Rooney gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Rooney throws a low kick but Ataturk moves out of range easily.
Rooney misses with a jab, cross combination.
Rooney takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Ataturk looks for a takedown but Rooney sprawls well.
Rooney looks to land a body kick but Ataturk moved away.
Rooney throws a low kick but Ataturk avoids it.
Ataturk pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Ataturk gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Rooney counters by clinching up.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Rooney lands a nice elbow.
Rooney leaning his opponent against the cage.
Rooney wants to break the clinch but can't.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jamie Rooney dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! And we move into the final round!

A head kick misses from Ataturk.
Rooney attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Rooney will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Rooney throws a right hand that Ataturk ducks under and follows up with a left that Ataturk also avoids with ease.
Ataturk checks a low kick from Rooney.
Rooney throws a head kick but Ataturk moves out of range.
Rooney throws a push kick but Ataturk slaps the foot to one side.

Rooney gets a takedown into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Rooney wants to get back to his feet.
Ataturk is pressing down on Rooney's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Ataturk throwing strikes off his back to little effect.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Rooney stands up from Ataturk's guard - Rooney perhaps looking for a knockout.
Ataturk shoots for a takedown but Rooney saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Rooney clinches up with Ataturk and pushes him back against the cage.

Rooney's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Rooney will need to close the distance a bit before he attacks - that leg kick was thrown from too far away.
Rooney tries to clinch up.
Rooney circles away from the clinch attempt

and Rooney counters with a shoot takedown. Ataturk fights it but they end up in guard.
Ataturk 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.
Ataturk is trying to keep Rooney in close.
Rooney has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Rooney decides to stand up and beckons his opponent to follow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ataturk shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Ataturk misses with a head kick.
A chopping leg kick lands by Rooney.

Rooney fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Ataturk, pushing him back against the cage.

Rooney pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Rooney is looking to clinch.
Rooney throws out a leg kick but Ataturk moves out of range and Rooney only half commits.
Ataturk tries to clinch but Rooney moves out of range.
Ataturk shoots in for a takedown but Rooney shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Jamie Rooney has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kemal Ataturk.
A good leg kick by Rooney.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ataturk wants a takedown.

Rooney escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Rooney closes the distance and clinches.

Rooney escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Ataturk gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Rooney counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Ataturk's guard now.
Ataturk has a butterfly guard looking to sweep but Rooney has passed into side control.
Ataturk is looking for a sweep.

Rooney decides to stand up, so the ref orders Ataturk to his feet.
Ataturk with a hook.
Rooney throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Ataturk's head.
Rooney throws a right and a left that Ataturk avoids nicely.
Ataturk is trying desperately to land a takedown but Rooney is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Ataturk.
Ataturk looks for a takedown but Rooney sprawls well.
A good leg kick by Rooney.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ataturk shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Rooney defends it nicely.
Rooney with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

Ataturk tries to keep at a distance but Rooney has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ataturk being controlled against the cage.
Ataturk tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
A frustrated look appears on Rooney's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Rooney's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ataturk looks for a takedown but Rooney sprawls well.

Rooney moves into the clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ataturk tries for a takedown. No joy.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Rooney pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kemal Ataturk has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Rooney closes the distance and clinches.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jamie Rooney showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Rooney has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:25
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:26
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jamie Rooney!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
73%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between john cena (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and The Kraken (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). cena comes to the cage accompanied by you cant see me . Kraken has chosen Battle Without Honor Or Humanity as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. The Kraken is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

cena
vs
Kraken

185 cm
18
255 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

188 cm
25
280 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Self confident

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Determined

KAISER

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, john cena!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, The Kraken!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kraken feints and as cena raises his hands in defense, Kraken changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
Kraken is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
cena controls Kraken momentarily but Kraken frees himself.
Kraken trying to control the position from guard on top but cena is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Kraken content to stall in guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
cena checks a low kick from Kraken.
cena lands with an overhand left.

Kraken drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
cena defending against the ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kraken lands a few punches from side control.

Kraken tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
cena wants to control but Kraken postures up.
Kraken controlling the position from side mount.
Kraken has knee on belly and moves into mount.

Kraken looking for a guillotine from mount but cena is having none of it.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
cena has given up his back.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
cena trying to control but not successfully.

cena won't enjoy being in this position. Kraken looking for the choke. Oh... he's slipped the arm under the neck - cena is tapping - it's over boys! Kraken picks up the submission victory!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:32 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). The Kraken!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
69%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Hoger Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Steve Massakatti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gracie
vs
Massakatti

178 cm
24
170 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

180 cm
22
180 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Basic striking
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Hoger Gracie!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Steve Massakatti!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Massakatti connects with a high kick.
Massakatti cracks Gracie with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Massakatti throws a body kick that misses.
Gracie shoots for a takedown but Massakatti saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Massakatti misses with a jab, cross combination.
Massakatti tries for a takedown but Gracie sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Gracie takes a kick to the side of the head.

Gracie shoots in for a takedown and gets it.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Massakatti is trying to stand up here but Gracie is controlling him well.

Gracie is working for a submission of some sort.

Gracie is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gracie wants to work for an arm triangle but Massakatti is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.

Gracie is trying for a kimura here. Massakatti looks like he's in a lot of pain... and he's tapping out! Gracie wins by kimura!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:43 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Hoger Gracie!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sunil Ganga (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Vitunmoinen Runkkari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Ganga
vs
Runkkari

187 cm
26
180 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
170 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Prefers standup

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Fight Club Clothing™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sunil Ganga!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Vitunmoinen Runkkari!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Runkkari throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ganga.
Runkkari throws a right hand that Ganga ducks under and follows up with a left that Ganga also avoids with ease.
Runkkari takes one on the button.

It looks like Vitunmoinen Runkkari has been cut.
Runkkari throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

Runkkari tries to keep at a distance but Ganga has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ganga is pushing Runkkari up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Ganga.
Runkkari wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ganga dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.
Nice body punch from Ganga.
Runkkari looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Ganga lands a shot to the body.
Runkkari is trying to force a seperation but Ganga has the dominant position.
Ganga stalls.
Ganga lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Runkkari wants to get back to striking at distance but Ganga won't allow it.
Ganga lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Runkkari or not.
Runkkari tries to break free but Ganga pushes him back against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Runkkari's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Runkkari tries to break free but Ganga pushes him back against the cage.
Ganga stalling.
Ganga lands with a left to the head.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Runkkari tries to bum rush Ganga with a series of wild strikes but Ganga uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Runkkari throws a series of punches but Ganga avoids them all with ease.
Runkkari looks gassed!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ganga slips a jab and a cross from Runkkari.

Ganga moves into the clinch successfully.
Ganga lands with a light punch inside.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Ganga.
Ganga lands a shoulder strike.
Ganga lands a nice shot to the body.
Ganga pushes Runkkari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

Ganga breaks from the clinch.

Ganga rushes Runkkari and presses him up against the cage.
Ganga lands a body punch in the clinch.
Ganga displaying some good clinch control by pressing Runkkari up against the cage.

Ganga escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Ganga fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Runkkari, pushing him back against the cage.
Ganga lands a body punch in the clinch.
Ganga digs a right hand into Runkkari's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Runkkari's gas tank.
Ganga is leaning against Runkkari and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Ganga lands a body shot.
Ganga stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Ganga throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A body shot lands from Ganga.
Ganga displaying some good clinch control by pressing Runkkari up against the cage.
Ganga digs a right hand underneath Runkkari's ribcage. Runkkari let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Ganga leaning against his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Runkkari throws a wild combination but nothing lands.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Ganga lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ganga scores with a hook to the body.
Ganga stalling the fight.
Ganga gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.

Ganga breaks from the clinch.
Runkkari throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Jab, jab by Ganga - just one landing.

Ganga closes the distance and clinches.
Come on Ganga - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Ganga pushes Runkkari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Ganga pushes Runkkari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A right hook to the body lands for Ganga.
Ganga lands a nice shot to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Ganga.
Ganga is working Runkkari over against the cage.
Good body shot from Ganga.
Ganga lands a shot to the body.
A hook to the body from Ganga.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ganga stalling in the clinch.
Ganga lands a nice shot to the body.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Ganga drives through and clinches with Runkkari against the cage.
Ganga works on Runkkari's body with a couple of short punches.
Ganga avoiding damage.
A short uppercut from Ganga.
Runkkari is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.

Ganga pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ganga tries to clinch but Runkkari moves out of range.
Runkkari misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Ganga.

Ganga clinches up with Runkkari and pushes him back against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Ganga.
Runkkari has had enough of the clinch but Ganga keeps him there for the moment.
Ganga manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Ganga lands a body punch.
Ganga lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Ganga pushes Runkkari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
A body shot lands from Ganga.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Ganga.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good body shot from Ganga.
Ganga lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Runkkari backwards.
Ganga lands a left hand.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Ganga.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ganga tries to close the distance and clinch up but Runkkari swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Ganga moves into the clinch.
Ganga is working Runkkari over against the cage.
Ganga keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Runkkari's efforts to push away.
Runkkari working hard to break the clinch.
Ganga is leaning against Runkkari and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Runkkari tries to break free but Ganga pushes him back against the cage.
Runkkari is trying to force a seperation but Ganga has the dominant position.
A right hook to the body lands for Ganga.
Ganga lands a left hand that snaps the head of Runkkari backwards.
Ganga slows down the pace here.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Runkkari lunges at Ganga with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Ganga's hand.

Ganga instigates a clinch.
Runkkari wants to get back to striking at distance but Ganga won't allow it.
A bit of stalling here from Ganga.
A left hand lands to the body for Ganga.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sunil Ganga dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Vitunmoinen Runkkari's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Ganga fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Runkkari, pushing him back against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

Ganga pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Runkkari throws a hook but Ganga avoids it easily.
Ganga wants to clinch up but Runkkari keeps it at a distance.
Runkkari throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Runkkari misses with a hook. Ganga ducked under it nicely.
Vitunmoinen Runkkari is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Runkkari fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Runkkari looks to land a combination but Ganga avoids it well.

Ganga moves into the clinch.
A right handed body shot lands from Ganga.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Ganga gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Nice body punch from Ganga - that landed with a thud.
Ganga will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Runkkari up against the cage.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ganga presses Runkkari against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Ganga has Runkkari pushed against the cage.
A short left from Ganga.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right hook to the body lands for Ganga.
Ganga cracks Runkkari with a nice body shot.
Ganga is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Runkkari can do to turn this around?
Ganga stalling here - the referee won't stand for too much of that.
Ganga digs a right hand underneath Runkkari's ribcage. Runkkari let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Ganga digs a right hand into Runkkari's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Runkkari's gas tank.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.
Ganga lands with an overhand left.
Ganga throws a series of strikes that have Runkkari backpedaling.

Ganga clinches up against the cage.
Ganga throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Ganga stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.

Ganga breaks the clinch.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!

Ganga clinches.
A short body shot lands from Ganga as the two fighters clinch.
The referee calls for Ganga to work.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.

Ganga gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Ganga digs a right hand into Runkkari's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Runkkari's gas tank.
Nice body punch from Ganga.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Runkkari working hard to break the clinch.
Ganga scores with an uppercut up the middle.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Runkkari swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Ganga holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Ganga is struggling to control the position.
A right hook to the body lands for Ganga.

Ganga's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Ganga bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Runkkari's head.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ganga looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ganga tries to clinch up.
Ganga is looking to clinch.
Ganga tries to close the distance and clinch up but Runkkari swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Ganga forces Runkkari back against the cage and clinches.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Runkkari is trying to break the clinch but Ganga is controlling him.
Ganga lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Runkkari is trying to break free.
Nice body punch from Ganga.
Runkkari wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Ganga has him pressed against the cage.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.

Ganga has Runkkari up against the cage in a clinch.
Ganga content to slow the pace in the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ganga lands a shot to the body.
Ganga lands a body shot.
Ganga holding his opponent close, against the cage.
A right hook to the body lands for Ganga.
Ganga lands a shoulder strike.
Runkkari is trying to force a seperation but Ganga has the dominant position.
A body shot lands from Ganga.
Ganga works on Runkkari's body with a couple of short punches.
Sunil Ganga has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Ganga lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Ganga has Runkkari up against the cage in a clinch.
Runkkari wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ganga avoiding damage.
A right hook to the body lands for Ganga.
Ganga content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Runkkari is trying to force a seperation but Ganga has the dominant position.
A short body shot lands from Ganga as the two fighters clinch.
Runkkari wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ganga lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Runkkari or not.
Good body shot from Ganga.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

Ganga moves into range and clinches up with Runkkari.
Runkkari tries to break the clinch but Ganga is controlling the position.
Ganga lands a left hand.
Ganga is stalling here.
The crowd are getting pretty annoyed with Ganga for his constant stalling in the clinch and are voicing their displeasure.

Ganga pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.

Ganga has managed to clinch.
Ganga lands a nice uppercut.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Runkkari is trying to break the clinch but Ganga has him pressed against the cage.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Runkkari wants to break the clinch but can't.
The referee is keeping an eye on Ganga - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Runkkari tries to break free but Ganga pushes him back against the cage.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Ganga.
Ganga lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Runkkari backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sunil Ganga dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Vitunmoinen Runkkari's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Ganga tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Runkkari paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Runkkari will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Ganga scores with a three punch combo!
Runkkari throws a right and a left that both miss.
Runkkari circles away from the clinch attempt.

Ganga moves into the clinch.
Ganga lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

Ganga escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Runkkari jabs Ganga right on the nose. Ganga blinks but takes it well.
A punch combination from Runkkari misses.
A swing and a miss from Runkkari.
Nice jab there from Ganga.

Ganga fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Runkkari, pushing him back against the cage.
Ganga digs a right hand underneath Runkkari's ribcage. Runkkari let out a lung full of air as it connected.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.

Ganga forces Runkkari back against the cage and clinches.
Ganga's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Ganga.
Ganga has Runkkari pushed against the cage.

Ganga breaks from the clinch.
Ganga is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Runkkari throws a combination. Ganga tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Ganga tries to clinch but Runkkari is having none of it.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
The referee calls for Ganga to work.
Ganga lands a shot to the body.
Runkkari wants to get back to striking at distance but Ganga won't allow it.
Ganga lands a hook to the side of the head.
Nice body punch from Ganga - that landed with a thud.
Ganga displaying some good clinch control by pressing Runkkari up against the cage.
Ganga softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Runkkari is trying to force a seperation but Ganga has the dominant position.
Nice body punch from Ganga.
A left hand lands to the body for Ganga.
Ganga pushes Runkkari back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Ganga lands a shot to the body.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.
Runkkari throws a series of punches but Ganga moves out of range.

Runkkari tries to keep at a distance but Ganga has taken the fight into the clinch.
Vitunmoinen Runkkari has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A short uppercut from Ganga.
Runkkari tries to break free but Ganga pushes him back against the cage.
Runkkari tries to circle away but Ganga has him pinned against the cage.
Runkkari wants to break the clinch but can't.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Ganga.
Ganga presses Runkkari against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Ganga throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Ganga lands on the inside with an uppercut.

Ganga breaks from the clinch.

Ganga takes the fight into the clinch.

Ganga escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Runkkari scores with a one two! Ganga had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Ganga has taken the fight to the clinch.
Runkkari wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Runkkari wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Ganga lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Runkkari or not.
Ganga lands a body shot.
Ganga blocks an uppercut.
Ganga stalling in the clinch.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.
Ganga scores with a nice head shot.
Runkkari lands with a hook. Ganga tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ganga moves into the clinch successfully.
Runkkari wants to get back to striking at distance but Ganga won't allow it.
Nice body punch from Ganga.
Ganga stalling.

Ganga manages to break the clinch.
Runkkari throws a left and a right that both miss
and Ganga counters with a stiff right hand.
Runkkari misses with a combination

and Ganga counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Ganga pressing his opponent against the cage.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Ganga scores with a jab. Runkkari acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Runkkari swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Ganga holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Ganga pressing his opponent against the cage.
Ganga lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Runkkari is looking to break free of the clinch but Ganga has double underhooks.
Runkkari tries to break free but Ganga pushes him back against the cage.
Ganga stalling the fight.
Ganga is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

Ganga breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Runkkari lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

Ganga has closed the distance and engaged Runkkari in a clinch.

Ganga pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Ganga slips a jab and a cross from Runkkari.
Ganga is looking to clinch.

Ganga clinches with his opponent.
Runkkari tries to break the clinch but Ganga is controlling the position.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Runkkari.
Ganga stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Ganga just leaning against Runkkari, taking a breather.
Runkkari wants to break the clinch but can't.
Good body shot from Ganga.
Ganga scores with a nice hook to the head.
Runkkari is trying to break the clinch but Ganga is controlling him.
Ganga slowing the pace effectively.

Ganga's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.

Ganga pushes Runkkari up against the cage in a clinch.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Runkkari wants to break free but Ganga has control.
Runkkari is trying to break free.

Ganga breaks the clinch.
Runkkari misses with a double jab

and Ganga counters by moving into the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sunil Ganga showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Ganga has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:26
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:26
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sunil Ganga!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
94%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Separi Seppo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hermanni Hesse (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hermanni Hesse has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Seppo
vs
Hesse

178 cm
26
190 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

185 cm
21
196 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Fight Club Clothing Helsinki™

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Separi Seppo!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Hermanni Hesse!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Arvi Lind and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Seppo slaps away a takedown attempt from Hesse, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Seppo misses with a few strikes there.
Seppo closes the distance and lands a crisp combination that knocks Hesse out cold! Hesse corner are devastated, head in hands behind our commentary position. Poor guys.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:11 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Separi Seppo!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sami Kuristaja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Abu Al Zarqawi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Kuristaja
vs
Al Zarqawi

189 cm
20
195 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

180 cm
24
195 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sami Kuristaja!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Abu Al Zarqawi!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Roosa Järviläinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kuristaja darts in and clinches Al Zarqawi up against the cage.
With the fighters up against the cage, Al Zarqawi throws an elbow but misses.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja won't allow it.
Al Zarqawi has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kuristaja avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

It looks like Abu Al Zarqawi has been cut.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but Kuristaja stands there with Al Zarqawi around his waist. Al Zarqawi gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Sami Kuristaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abu Al Zarqawi.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kuristaja is stalling here.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kuristaja is looking to clinch but Al Zarqawi is avoiding it.
Kuristaja throws a leg kick which misses Al Zarqawi's front leg but catches the back leg as Al Zarqawi tries to avoid it.
Kuristaja scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Al Zarqawi looks gassed!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kuristaja buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

Kuristaja clinches up with Al Zarqawi and pushes him back against the cage.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
Kuristaja stalling in the clinch.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja has Al Zarqawi pushed against the cage.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.

That has opened up Abu Al Zarqawi's cut even more.
Kuristaja slowing the pace effectively.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja crunches a lovely knee into Al Zarqawi's ribcage.
Kuristaja stalls.
Kuristaja landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Al Zarqawi tries for a takedown but Kuristaja manages to get underhooks.
Kuristaja stalling in the clinch.
Kuristaja working Al Zarqawi over with knees to the body.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
Kuristaja working Al Zarqawi over with knees to the body.
Kuristaja lands a left hand that snaps the head of Al Zarqawi backwards.
Kuristaja gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja lands a good knee to the midsection. Al Zarqawi won't want to take too many of those.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja pressing his opponent against the cage.
A nice left hand lands by Kuristaja.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kuristaja.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja holds him up against the cage and eventually Al Zarqawi drops back down to his feet.
Kuristaja working Al Zarqawi over with knees to the body.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the body.
Kuristaja unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kuristaja crunches a lovely knee into Al Zarqawi's ribcage.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi being controlled against the cage.
Kuristaja tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Al Zarqawi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuristaja taking a breather.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Al Zarqawi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja won't allow it.
Al Zarqawi has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Kuristaja is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.
Kuristaja avoiding damage.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kuristaja stalling in the clinch but Al Zarqawi improves position.
Al Zarqawi changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kuristaja fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kuristaja tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Al Zarqawi moves out of range as Kuristaja throws a body kick.
Al Zarqawi is looking to clinch but Kuristaja is avoiding it.
Al Zarqawi on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Sami Kuristaja is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kuristaja throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
An inside leg kick from Kuristaja misses.
Kuristaja dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Al Zarqawi. That did some damage!
Kuristaja tries to clinch but Al Zarqawi moves out of range.

Kuristaja rushes Al Zarqawi and presses him up against the cage.
Kuristaja scores a nice knee to the body.
Knees to the body from Kuristaja.
Kuristaja just leaning against Al Zarqawi, taking a breather.
Al Zarqawi tries to circle away but Kuristaja has him pinned against the cage.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kuristaja working Al Zarqawi over with knees to the body.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.
Kuristaja stalling against the cage.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Knees to the body from Kuristaja.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Kuristaja dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Abu Al Zarqawi's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kuristaja lands with a thumping leg kick.
Al Zarqawi avoids the head kick by Kuristaja.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull guard.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Kuristaja controlling the action here for a moment.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Al Zarqawi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kuristaja just stands there and leans against the cage.
Kuristaja avoiding damage.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Al Zarqawi tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kuristaja smiles and moves away.
Sami Kuristaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abu Al Zarqawi.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuristaja misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Kuristaja lands with a kick to the temple. Al Zarqawi shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kuristaja tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Al Zarqawi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that misses.
Kuristaja tries to clinch but Al Zarqawi moves out of range.
Kuristaja pushes Al Zarqawi away with a front kick.
Kuristaja is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Al Zarqawi can do to turn this around?
Kuristaja pivots, looking for a leg kick but Al Zarqawi is out of range and Kuristaja settles back down.
Kuristaja avoids the clinch attempt nicely.

Kuristaja closes the distance and clinches.
Kuristaja has Al Zarqawi pressed against the cage.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Kuristaja tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Zarqawi avoids the head kick by Kuristaja.
Kuristaja tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Kuristaja instigates a clinch.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but Kuristaja stands there with Al Zarqawi around his waist. Al Zarqawi gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Al Zarqawi goes for a takedown in the clinch but Kuristaja prevents it.
Kuristaja stalling the fight.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Sami Kuristaja has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Al Zarqawi has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Kuristaja avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja won't allow it.
Al Zarqawi is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Al Zarqawi is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee right on the jaw!

The cut above Abu Al Zarqawi's eye is starting to cause him problems now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Al Zarqawi.
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Nice elbow from Kuristaja.
Kuristaja utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull guard.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Al Zarqawi has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuristaja tries a knee to the head but Al Zarqawi blocks it.
Al Zarqawi blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kuristaja misses with a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi tries to stall but Kuristaja uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kuristaja feints and then cracks Al Zarqawi's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Al Zarqawi down.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Kuristaja takes the fight into the clinch.
Al Zarqawi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja unloads a knee to the mid-section. Al Zarqawi lets out a prehistoric sounding urrrrgh.
Kuristaja gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kuristaja unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Kuristaja scores a nice knee to the body.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Kuristaja.
Kuristaja lands a shoulder strike.
Kuristaja tries a knee to the head but Al Zarqawi blocks it.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull guard.
Kuristaja lands a nice elbow.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.
Kuristaja utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Kuristaja dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Abu Al Zarqawi'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.

Kuristaja throws a head kick that misses.
Kuristaja 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.
Kuristaja connects with a solid leg kick.
Sami Kuristaja is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Al Zarqawi blocks the body kick.
Kuristaja wants to clinch

and Al Zarqawi counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kuristaja working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Al Zarqawi.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kuristaja keeping full guard, as Al Zarqawi tries to pass.
Al Zarqawi throws a big right hand that misses.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Al Zarqawi has gone for a leg lock! Kuristaja slips out almost immediately though and dives into Al Zarqawi's guard.
Kuristaja wants to stand but Al Zarqawi has a closed guard, so he can't escape.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kuristaja avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Al Zarqawi looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Kuristaja passes into half guard.
Kuristaja tries to stand but his arm is trapped.
Al Zarqawi flails away from the bottom but he's not doing any damage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Kuristaja decides to stand up and try his luck on the feet.
Al Zarqawi's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kuristaja throws a nice outside leg kick.

Kuristaja has taken the fight to the clinch.
Kuristaja just leaning against Al Zarqawi, taking a breather.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the body.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kuristaja taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja holds him up against the cage and eventually Al Zarqawi drops back down to his feet.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kuristaja.
Kuristaja with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja holds him up against the cage and eventually Al Zarqawi drops back down to his feet.
Sami Kuristaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abu Al Zarqawi.
Kuristaja lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the head but Al Zarqawi blocks with his arms.
Kuristaja tries a knee to the head but he's missed.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi is working for takedown but Kuristaja is calmly controlling the position for now.
Kuristaja lands a nice knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kuristaja smiles and moves away.
Kuristaja cracks a nice hook into Al Zarqawi's ribs.
Kuristaja pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kuristaja throws a leg kick but Al Zarqawi checks it.
Sami Kuristaja seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuristaja tries to clinch there but Al Zarqawi circles away.
Al Zarqawi tries to clinch up but Kuristaja circles away and keeps his distance.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that half lands.
Kuristaja doesn't manage to clinch there - Al Zarqawi circles away.
Kuristaja lands a head kick. Al Zarqawi smiles back at him and beckons him forward.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Al Zarqawi fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kuristaja dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Al Zarqawi. That did some damage!
Kuristaja throws a sloppy head kick and Al Zarqawi moves out of range easily.
Kuristaja tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Sami Kuristaja is winning the standup battle so far.
Al Zarqawi is looking to clinch.
Al Zarqawi fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kuristaja tries to clinch up.
Kuristaja lands with a thumping leg kick.
Kuristaja misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Kuristaja fails with an attempt to clinch.
Al Zarqawi checks the leg kick.
Kuristaja moves in looking to clinch but Al Zarqawi pushes him off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Kuristaja clearly takes that round.
The cut man is working on Abu Al Zarqawi's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Al Zarqawi just misses with a punch to the body.

Kuristaja forces Al Zarqawi back against the cage and clinches.
Al Zarqawi has Kuristaja pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kuristaja manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja just leaning against Al Zarqawi, taking a breather.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.
Kuristaja just leaning against Al Zarqawi, taking a breather.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Kuristaja just stands there and leans against the cage.
Al Zarqawi changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kuristaja fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Sami Kuristaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abu Al Zarqawi.
Kuristaja throws a wild body kick that Al Zarqawi sees coming a mile off.
Kuristaja scores with a push kick.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kuristaja scores with a slapping inside leg kick.

Kuristaja rushes Al Zarqawi and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja will no doubt start fighting again in a minute but for now he's just having a little rest, leaning Al Zarqawi up against the cage.
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kuristaja crunches a lovely knee into Al Zarqawi's ribcage.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja won't allow it.
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kuristaja crunches a lovely knee into Al Zarqawi's ribcage.
Kuristaja stalling.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja holds him up against the cage and eventually Al Zarqawi drops back down to his feet.
Knees to the body from Kuristaja.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull guard.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja is looking to control Al Zarqawi's arms but Al Zarqawi gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kuristaja has his back to the cage.
Kuristaja gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Al Zarqawi.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja won't allow it.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee to the side of the body.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Al Zarqawi as Kuristaja tries to tie him up.
Al Zarqawi drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Al Zarqawi wants a takedown.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Kuristaja creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Kuristaja looking to throw knees to the head but Al Zarqawi is blocking nicely.
Al Zarqawi managing to block the knees to the body from Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
A slapping body kick lands there for Kuristaja.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja throws a head kick but Al Zarqawi moves out of range.
Kuristaja connects with a solid leg kick.

Kuristaja moves into the clinch successfully.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kuristaja fails in his attempt to clinch.
Al Zarqawi blocks a head kick by Kuristaja.
Kuristaja throws a sloppy head kick and Al Zarqawi moves out of range easily.
Al Zarqawi circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kuristaja circles away from the clinch attempt.

Kuristaja gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body.
Al Zarqawi drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Kuristaja gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Al Zarqawi tries to stall but Kuristaja uses the opportunity to gain a better position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja lands a nice knee to the body.
The referee calls for Kuristaja to work.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kuristaja lands with a kick to the temple. Al Zarqawi shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kuristaja tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kuristaja fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kuristaja circles away from the clinch attempt.
Al Zarqawi tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kuristaja throws a body kick that misses.

Kuristaja moves into the clinch.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head.
Kuristaja throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Al Zarqawi blocks it with crossed arms.
Good anti-grappling being displayed by Kuristaja as Al Zarqawi tries to tie him up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Kuristaja had his way with Abu Al Zarqawi in that round.
The cut man is working on Abu Al Zarqawi'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!

Al Zarqawi tries to clinch but Kuristaja is having none of it.
Kuristaja tries to clinch there but Al Zarqawi circles away.

Kuristaja has Al Zarqawi up against the cage in a clinch.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Kuristaja obliges.
Knees to the body from Kuristaja.
Kuristaja unloads a knee to the mid-section.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee right on the jaw!
Kuristaja scores a nice knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi has Kuristaja pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kuristaja manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Al Zarqawi is trying to break the clinch but Kuristaja is controlling him.
A left hand lands to the body for Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but Kuristaja stands there with Al Zarqawi around his waist. Al Zarqawi gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuristaja lands a nice knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi can't get the takedown.
Sami Kuristaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Abu Al Zarqawi.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Al Zarqawi tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kuristaja smiles and moves away.
Kuristaja goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Al Zarqawi is looking to clinch.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Al Zarqawi checks a leg kick.

Kuristaja darts in and clinches Al Zarqawi up against the cage.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Al Zarqawi.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kuristaja connects with a knee to the head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull guard.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja holds him up against the cage and eventually Al Zarqawi drops back down to his feet.
Al Zarqawi takes a knee right on the jaw!
Al Zarqawi tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Kuristaja dodges an elbow strike from Al Zarqawi.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kuristaja pulls his leg out and moves away.

Kuristaja closes the distance and clinches.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Al Zarqawi.
Kuristaja prevents a takedown attempt there.
Kuristaja lands a hook that snaps the head of Al Zarqawi backwards.
Kuristaja is pushing Al Zarqawi up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A knee to the head by Kuristaja.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Kuristaja scores with a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but Kuristaja stands there with Al Zarqawi around his waist. Al Zarqawi gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Kuristaja scores a nice knee to the body.
Al Zarqawi tries to pull guard but Kuristaja won't allow it.
Knees in the clinch landing for Kuristaja.
Al Zarqawi has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kuristaja is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.
Sami Kuristaja is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kuristaja taking a breather.
Al Zarqawi fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Kuristaja with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Al Zarqawi misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Al Zarqawi jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Kuristaja walks away with a smile on his face. Al Zarqawi gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Kuristaja dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Al Zarqawi. That did some damage!
Kuristaja misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Al Zarqawi moves out of range as Kuristaja throws a body kick.
Kuristaja throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that misses.
Kuristaja scores with a push kick.
Kuristaja tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kuristaja misses with a head kick.

Kuristaja pushes Al Zarqawi up against the cage in a clinch.
Al Zarqawi is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Kuristaja pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kuristaja on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Kuristaja with a knee to the head.
Abu Al Zarqawi has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kuristaja connects with a nasty looking knee right to Al Zarqawi's face.

Abu Al Zarqawi's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Kuristaja effectively controlling the action here.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sami Kuristaja showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kuristaja, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 50:41
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 50:41
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 50:41

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sami Kuristaja!
Sami Kuristaja retains his middleweight title!