FUC - Evolution PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Caratacos Adalsteinn (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joakim Nystroem (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Adalsteinn comes to the cage accompanied by Wu-Tang Clan - Protect Ya Neck. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Adalsteinn
vs
Nystroem

191 cm
18
265 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

220 cm
19
254 lbs
3 - 1 - 1

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Prefers ground

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Powerful

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 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Caratacos Adalsteinn!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Joakim Nystroem!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Ben Zyskovitsi and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nystroem swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A big left from Nystroem misses.
Nystroem missing with a left hand there. Adalsteinn was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Adalsteinn lands a slapping body shot.
Oh, that's a big right hand from Nystroem and Adalsteinn goes tumbling to the canvas! Nystroem follows him to the ground and looks to finish from half guard.

Adalsteinn is rocked!
Adalsteinn on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Adalsteinn tries to get out of the position.
Nystroem scores with a big shot! Adalsteinn's head bounced off the canvas with a huge thud! More strikes land and the referee has jumped in to save Adalsteinn! He was hurt real bad - good stoppage!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:34 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Joakim Nystroem!

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 super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Vellu Kuikka (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Boy Nespider (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nespider has chosen Perfect gentleman as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Kuikka
vs
Nespider

194 cm
21
280 lbs
2 - 5 - 0

225 cm
19
284 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Vellu Kuikka!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Boy Nespider!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Tarja Halkonen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nespider looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Nespider connects with a stiff jab that staggers Kuikka - oh and he follows up with a huge uppercut that knocks him out cold! Man, that was brutal!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:05 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Boy Nespider!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
13%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Petr Matas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Richard Head (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Richard Head has the eye of the tiger tonight.

Matas
vs
Head

185 cm
23
215 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

190 cm
22
215 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Petr Matas!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Richard Head!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Matas tries to clinch but Head is having none of it.
Head scores with a decent looking hook.

It looks like Petr Matas has been cut.
Matas tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Head dances in with a quick combination. Matas is being worked over with jabs and crosses. Oooh, a right straight from Head snaps Matas's head back. Matas stumbles backwards against the cage. Head steps forward and delivers a right cross that connects with Matas'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. Matas just didn't come prepared.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:10 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punches). Richard Head!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Bobby Lashley (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Valdivia Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Valdivia Gracie is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples.

Lashley
vs
Gracie

190 cm
21
255 lbs
5 - 2 - 0

220 cm
22
265 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

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 5 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Bobby Lashley!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Valdivia Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Lashley closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Lashley lands in his opponent's guard.
Gracie wants to stand but Lashley is controlling the position.

Lashley stands up from Gracie's guard - Lashley perhaps looking for a knockout.
Gracie shoots and misses

and Lashley counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Lashley might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Lashley landing some decent shots from guard.
Lashley showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gracie wants to stand and escape but Lashley is having none of it.
Gracie looks gassed!
Lashley showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lashley postures up and lands a big shot to Gracie's brow.
Lashley content to stall in guard here.
Lashley wants to stand and escape but instead Gracie has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Gracie not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Gracie wants to stand but Lashley is controlling his posture from full guard.

Lashley pushes Gracie off for just long enough to get back to his feet. Very athletic spring there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie fails with the takedown

and Lashley counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Lashley has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Lashley controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Lashley trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Lashley is stalling in the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Bobby Lashley just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Lashley closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Gracie to the mat! Gracie manages to get full guard.
Lashley controls from within his opponent's guard.
Lashley has controlled the position for a good 20 seconds, which will no doubt be starting to frustrate his opponent.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lashley seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Gracie for as long as he can get away with.
Lashley looking to pass the guard.
Lashley is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lashley stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Gracie swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Lashley scoring with some ground and pound.
Gracie wants to stand but Lashley is controlling the position.
Gracie being controlled here, momentarily.

Lashley stands up and waves to Gracie to follow him.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.

Lashley shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Lashley showed some decent athleticism there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Lashley dominated that round.
That's time! Lashley's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Lashley darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Lashley throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Gracie is trying to get back to full guard.
Lashley stops Gracie from getting back to his feet.
Lashley is taking a breather. Gracie 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.
Lashley tries to pass the half guard into mount. Gracie knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Gracie is breathing heavily.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Lashley connects with a nice short shot to Gracie's temple.
Bobby Lashley overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie is trying to stand up here but Lashley is controlling him well.
Still in half guard, Lashley seems content to control.
Gracie has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Lashley is working away from the top position though.
Gracie is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.
Lashley works his foot free and advances to mount.
Lashley controlling the position easily from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Bobby Lashley just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Lashley shoots in and bounces Gracie off the cage to secure the takedown into guard.
Gracie can't keep his opponent in guard - Lashley advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Lashley not doing much here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ground and pound from Lashley.
Lashley lands strikes from half guard.
Lashley takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Lashley stops Gracie from getting back to his feet.
Lashley controlling the action here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Gracie is trying to stand back up but Lashley is controlling him
Lashley controlling the action here.
Lashley seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Gracie keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Lashley looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Gracie is trying to stand.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Bobby Lashley dominated that second round.
That's time! Lashley's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Lashley drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Gracie on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Lashley just content to control the position.
Lashley working the head with strikes.
Gracie is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Lashley asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Gracie struggling a bit here.
Gracie trying to remain calm as Lashley controls from the top position.
Gracie takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Gracie is working to avoid the ground and pound but Lashley connects with a decent elbow.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A lull in the action here.
Gracie struggling a bit here.
Gracie is pushing Lashley's head away, looking to escape. Lashley manages to hold on to the position though.
Lashley is staying tight to Gracie's torso, preventing him from escaping.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Bobby Lashley just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Lashley darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Lashley stops Gracie from getting back to his feet.
Lashley sitting and controlling from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lashley is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
Lashley missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Lashley controlling the pace.
Gracie wants to get back to his feet.
Lashley is controlling the pace.
Gracie tries to kick Lashley off but Lashley keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lashley looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Lashley postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Gracie to stand up.

Lashley darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Lashley seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gracie taking some punishment here, with Lashley in his half guard.
Lashley controlling the action here.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Bobby Lashley just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Lashley darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Bobby Lashley showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Lashley 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:25
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:25
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 30:25

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Bobby Lashley!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
42%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Twisted Fister (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robert thaiswed (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Well, the cameraman is lingering on a pretty young lady for a bit too long there. Keep your eyes on the fighters buddy or you'll miss the fighter intros!

Fister
vs
thaiswed

182 cm
20
161 lbs
2 - 3 - 0

170 cm
23
162 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Cuts easily

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Twisted Fister!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Robert thaiswed!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Arvi Lind and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fister closes this distance looking for a takedown but thaiswed circles away.
Fister fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
thaiswed stuffs the takedown.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Twisted Fister. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Fister tries for a takedown but thaiswed sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Fister tries to bum rush thaiswed with a series of wild strikes but thaiswed uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Fister will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.

thaiswed throws a head kick that lands with a deafening thwack! The crowd roars as Fister stumbles backwards and falls to the mat. thaiswed follows into mount!

Fister is rocked!

It looks like Twisted Fister has been cut.
Fister tries to reverse the position but thaiswed maintains control.
Oh Fister is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Fister is working hard here to advance position.
Fister seems to have got his legs back now.
thaiswed controlling the pace for now.
Fister can't escape the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
thaiswed punishing his opponent with strikes.
Fister tries to get back to half guard but can't.
A nice elbow there by thaiswed.
Fister stops thaiswed from taking his back. Still, being mounted isn't any better.
thaiswed looking to control but Fister is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Fister has given up his back here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
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.
thaiswed is hanging on to Fister's back as he tries to escape.

thaiswed is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Fister has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but thaiswed has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Fister taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. thaiswed doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Robert thaiswed!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Juha Koivikorpi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jose Luis Rodriguez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Koivikorpi
vs
Luis Rodriguez

195 cm
22
240 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

191 cm
22
250 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent knees
Determined

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juha Koivikorpi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jose Luis Rodriguez!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Rodriguez moves in looking to clinch but Koivikorpi pushes him off.
Jose Luis Rodriguez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Koivikorpi changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Rodriguez looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Rodriguez is looking for a sweep.
Rodriguez should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.
Rodriguez manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Rodriguez is looking for a sweep. Koivikorpi is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Rodriguez looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

Rodriguez is thowing punches from the bottom. Koivikorpi grabs hold of a loose arm and pivots for an armbar! It's tight and Rodriguez has to tap! Superb work there from Koivikorpi!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Juha Koivikorpi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Bolodenka Kharitonov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Debe Fantastic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bolodenka Kharitonov has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Kharitonov
vs
Fantastic

185 cm
20
179 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

184 cm
18
172 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Tends to cut

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 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Bolodenka Kharitonov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Debe Fantastic!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kharitonov stuffs the takedown.
Fantastic will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Fantastic avoids a punch combination nicely.
Kharitonov scores with a crisp jab that stopped Fantastic in his tracks.
BOOM! Kharitonov lands a beautiful left hook that drops Fantastic. Fantastic tries to recover but Kharitonov is having none of it, landing more punishing shots from mount. One final crushing shot and Fantastic lies motionless on the canvas. The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:16 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bolodenka Kharitonov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Trainius Reckus (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Algimantas Butautas (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The crowd seem to be enjoying Butautas's choice of entrance music: AC/DC - Evil Walks. Both fighters really staring eachother down here, as Algimantas Butautas enters the cage!

Reckus
vs
Butautas

180 cm
23
195 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

186 cm
19
200 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

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 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Trainius Reckus!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Algimantas Butautas!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Butautas gets a clinch.
Reckus doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

Reckus manages to pull guard.
Reckus seems keen to control Butautas's posture.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Butautas preventing the sweep.
Reckus looking to control.
Reckus pulls Butautas in close to prevent any damage.
Butautas passes Reckus's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Butautas seems to be working for a kimura but Reckus defends the submission attempt.
Reckus makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Reckus.
Reckus wants to sweep but no luck.
Reckus has a closed guard, preventing Butautas from standing up.
Reckus controlling the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Reckus has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Butautas can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Reckus keeping full guard, as Butautas tries to pass.
Butautas is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Reckus is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Reckus tries to pass the half guard into mount. Butautas knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Butautas is trying to maintain the position but Reckus is very close to passing his half guard.
Butautas is trying to stand back up but Reckus is controlling him
Butautas tries to roll over but Reckus keeps him under control.
Butautas is refusing to be controlled, as Reckus sits in half guard.

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.
Reckus works his foot free and advances to mount.
Reckus looking to control but Butautas is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Butautas sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.

Butautas is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Reckus pulls his head out easily.

Butautas looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Butautas looks gassed!
Butautas is pressing down on Reckus's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Butautas working for a triangle but Reckus defends it easily.
Reckus is pushing down on Butautas's leg trying to pass to half guard. Butautas is fighting to maintain full guard but Reckus has managed to sneak the leg through.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Butautas wants to improve his position but Reckus is controlling well.
Reckus trying to control from half guard but Butautas is working away.

Reckus is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.

Butautas looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Butautas is refusing to be controlled, as Reckus sits in half guard.
Butautas wants to get back to full guard.
Reckus moves nicely into side control.
Reckus grinds an elbow into Butautas's temple.
Butautas is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Butautas wants to get back to his feet.
Reckus sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Reckus is looking to take a break and control but Butautas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Butautas looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Butautas is trying to get back to full guard.

Butautas looking for submissions off his back.
Reckus scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Trainius Reckus dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Butautas fails with a takedown attempt.
Butautas tries to close the distance and clinch up but Reckus swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Reckus shoots and misses

and Butautas counters by clinching up.

Reckus pulls guard effortlessly.
Butautas is on the wrong end of a couple of strikes there.
Reckus looking to hit a scissor sweep but Butautas is one step ahead there.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Butautas stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Reckus swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Butautas wants to get up but he can't break Reckus's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Butautas tries to free his leg and advance position but Reckus is retaining full guard.
Reckus is trying to keep Butautas in close.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Nice takedown defense from Butautas. No joy for Reckus on that attempt.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Butautas tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Reckus paws at him with a jab and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Reckus circles away from the clinch attempt.
Reckus swats away the attempt to clinch by Butautas.

Butautas drives through and clinches with Reckus against the cage.

Butautas manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Reckus passes into half guard.
Butautas trying to get back to full guard but Reckus takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Reckus looking to control but Butautas is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Butautas can't escape the position.
Butautas looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!
Butautas manages to reverse the position and now he's in Reckus's guard. Nice work there by Butautas.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Reckus looking for a sweep. Not yet Reckus, not yet.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Butautas tries to close the distance and clinch up but Reckus swats him away and circles back towards the center.

Reckus feints and as Butautas raises his hands in defense, Reckus changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Butautas is on top in guard.
Reckus trying to keep a closed guard but Butautas is proving a slippery customer.
Butautas pushes down on Reckus's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Reckus is looking to improve his position.
Butautas trying to control from half guard but Reckus is working away.

Reckus looking for submissions off his back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Butautas works his way into side control.
Reckus struggling a bit here.

Butautas decides to stand back up. Butautas steps back and let's Reckus get back to his feet.
Butautas lands with a nice combination. Reckus backs away looking to recover.

Butautas closes the distance and clinches.
Butautas lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!

Butautas pulls guard successfully.

Butautas has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Reckus can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Reckus slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Butautas takes an elbow right on the bridge of the nose and winces in pain.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Butautas tries to buck Reckus off but Reckus is having none of it.

Reckus working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Butautas is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Reckus's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Reckus is looking to take a break and control but Butautas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Butautas looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Reckus seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Algimantas Butautas showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. And we move into the final round!

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

Reckus jumps into guard, dragging Butautas to the mat.
Butautas has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Reckus is proving hard to escape from.
Reckus has Butautas pulled in close to control his posture.
Reckus manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Butautas manages to get himself to full guard.

Butautas has his foot on Reckus's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Reckus works his way back into a safe position though.
Reckus not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.
Butautas trying to control the position.

Butautas throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Reckus escapes and throws Butautas's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Reckus working away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Butautas being controlled for a moment.
Reckus working the head with strikes.
Butautas is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Reckus has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Reckus works a knee to the body and follows up with a nice elbow to the head.
Reckus controlling the position from side mount.
Reckus works to advance to full mount. Butautas defends for a few seconds but eventually he succumbs.
Butautas is working to get back to half guard.
Butautas sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Butautas wants to get back to full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Reckus wants to control but Butautas is keeping him busy.
Reckus wants to pass to mount but Butautas is defending the position.
Butautas is looking to escape.
Butautas tries to roll over but Reckus keeps him under control.
Reckus is looking to take a break and control but Butautas is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Butautas looking for submissions off his back.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Reckus shoots in looking for a takedown. Butautas tries to sprawl out of it but Reckus keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Butautas manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Reckus fails with the takedown
and Butautas counters with a left and a right that stings Reckus.
Reckus shoots and misses
and Butautas counters with a good low kick that Reckus was not able to check.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Trainius Reckus. That's going to take a lot out of him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Reckus doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Butautas counters by clinching up.
Reckus jumps guard but Butautas stands there with Reckus around his waist. Reckus gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Butautas ties up his opponent against the cage and manages to drag the fight down to the ground. Butautas no doubt will be looking to work submissions from his guard.

Butautas has his feet on Reckus's thighs here. He's pushed Reckus off and worked for a very quick armbar from the bottom! He's flipped onto his stomach and he's cranking hard on the arm! Reckus screams in pain and taps out! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:34 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Algimantas Butautas!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
70%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Wesley Malcovitch (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sung Kim (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Malcovitch might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to BoomBox song. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Malcovitch
vs
Kim

189 cm
20
190 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

180 cm
23
195 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Good chin

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Intelligent

Syndicate Drugs
Hell's Balls Fightwear

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 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Wesley Malcovitch!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sung Kim!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Roosa Järviläinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kim pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Malcovitch tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kim closes the distance and clinches up with Malcovitch, looking for a takedown. Kim pushes Malcovitch against the cage but Malcovitch circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
No luck for Kim with that takedown attempt.

Malcovitch feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Malcovitch stands up over Kim, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Malcovitch cracks Kim with a solid left hand.
Malcovitch passes Kim's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Malcovitch tries to pass the half guard into mount. Kim knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Kim is trying to control but can't.
Malcovitch knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kim on the ground.
Kim is trying to get back to full guard.
Kim trying to control but Malcovitch postures up.
Kim regains full guard. Nicely done.

Kim has his foot on Malcovitch's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Malcovitch works his way back into a safe position though.
Malcovitch has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kim 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.
Kim looks gassed!
Malcovitch trying to control the position from guard on top but Kim is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Kim working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Malcovitch doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Malcovitch manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Malcovitch keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Kim's head.
Malcovitch loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

Malcovitch avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Malcovitch cracks Kim with a solid left hand.
Malcovitch is pushing down on Kim's leg trying to pass to half guard. Kim is fighting to maintain full guard but Malcovitch has managed to sneak the leg through.
Kim has hold of Malcovitch's hands but Malcovitch slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice strikes from Malcovitch there.
Malcovitch winds up and cracks Kim with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Malcovitch takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Kim on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kim taking some punishment here, with Malcovitch in his half guard.
Malcovitch winds up and cracks Kim with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Malcovitch drops an elbow to the side of Kim's head.
Kim is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Malcovitch is thwarting Kim's attempts to control the position.
Malcovitch looks to score some points with some ground and pound.
Malcovitch working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Kim on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Malcovitch is looking to take a break and control but Kim is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kim gets back to full guard.
Malcovitch scoring with punches to the head and body.
Malcovitch lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Kim trying to control the position.
Malcovitch scoring with some ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kim can't keep his opponent in guard - Malcovitch advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Malcovitch seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Kim is looking for a sweep. Malcovitch is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kim on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Kim is pressing down on Malcovitch's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.
Malcovitch cracks Kim with a solid left hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malcovitch is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Malcovitch trying to control but Kim is working from the bottom.

Kim looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Malcovitch trying to control the position from guard on top but Kim is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Malcovitch works over Kim with some ground and pound from guard.
Malcovitch working some strikes from top position.
Kim working a defensive guard here.

Kim pushes Malcovitch off and gets back to his feet.
Malcovitch tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Wesley Malcovitch dominated that round.
That's time! Malcovitch's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Malcovitch is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kim tries a head kick but it misses.
Malcovitch shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kim pinned against the cage. Kim gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Malcovitch tries to clinch up.

Malcovitch decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.
Kim trying to control from the bottom.
Kim moves into full guard.
Kim looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Malcovitch puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Malcovitch thows a huge punch but Kim dodges it nicely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malcovitch landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Kim trying to control from the bottom.
Malcovitch is looking to take a break and control but Kim is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Malcovitch frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Malcovitch landing strikes from the mount.
Kim is trying desperately to improve position.
Malcovitch is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Malcovitch dominating with strikes here.
Malcovitch unloads with some shots from mount but Kim bucks and avoids them well.
Malcovitch lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.
Kim slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Malcovitch is tying to control. Kim wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Kim makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Kim.

Kim throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Kim looking for submissions from the bottom but instead Malcovitch passes into half guard.
Malcovitch missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Kim is pressing down on Malcovitch's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Kim escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Malcovitch gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kim looking for a sweep. Not yet Kim, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kim controls Malcovitch momentarily but Malcovitch frees himself.
Malcovitch lands a couple of digs.
Malcovitch scoring with some ground and pound.
Kim bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Malcovitch's guard.
Kim controlling from the top position.
Malcovitch looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kim is one step ahead there.
Wesley Malcovitch overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Malcovitch trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!

That's four 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.
Malcovitch can't keep his opponent in guard - Kim advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Malcovitch on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Malcovitch tries to get out of the position.
Malcovitch wants to get back to full guard.
Malcovitch tries to strike from the bottom but it doesn't land.
Kim prevents Malcovitch from improving his position.
Kim seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Malcovitch does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kim tries for a takedown but Malcovitch circles away easily
and Malcovitch connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Malcovitch tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Kim paws at him with a jab and circles away.
The fight stays on the outside here - Malcovitch looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kim avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Sung Kim will probably get the nod - 10:9.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

The fight stays on the outside here - Malcovitch looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Malcovitch tries to clinch but Kim moves out of range.
Malcovitch tries to clinch up but Kim circles away and keeps his distance.
Kim circles away from the clinch attempt.
Malcovitch wants to clinch.
Kim keeps the fight on the outside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Malcovitch keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Malcovitch tries to close the distance and clinch but Kim swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kim throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Malcovitch tries to clinch but Kim is having none of it.
Malcovitch with a lazy takedown attempt

and Kim counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Malcovitch looking to control.
Kim trying to control but Malcovitch is working from the bottom.
Kim slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Malcovitch is looking to reverse the position.
Kim cracks Malcovitch with an elbow. That is naaassty.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Malcovitch tries to bench press Kim off him but Kim keeps the position.
Check out the look on Kim's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!

Kim working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

Kim is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Malcovitch knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Malcovitch is looking to reverse the position.
Kim working the ground and pound.
Malcovitch manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!
Kim slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Malcovitch is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kim avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

Kim had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Malcovitch is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Kim Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Malcovitch's back instead.
Malcovitch looks to control his opponent's hands but he's not mananging it at the moment.

Malcovitch is displaying good submission defense - not really looking in danger of submitting to the rear naked choke at the moment. That could change in an instant of course if Kim gets his way!
Malcovitch is defending well here and trying to improve his position.

Kim is looking for the choke from the back position but Malcovitch is controlling his hands well.

Kim is working really hard to secure the rear naked choke. Malcovitch defends successfully for a significant amount of time. Both fighters are looking very determined.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Malcovitch trying to control the action but Kim just sinks the hooks in.

Malcovitch preventing the rear naked choke attempt from Kim.
Well, with Kim on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Malcovitch is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kim is trying to stick to Malcovitch's back but Malcovitch is turning into Kim. He's managed to reverse the position - now he's in Kim's guard. Polite applause from the crowd in appreciation of some nice Jiu Jitsu by Malcovitch.
Malcovitch trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Kim is on top in guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Malcovitch trying to strike off his back.
Kim tries to free his leg and advance position but Malcovitch is retaining full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sung Kim really dominated that round.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action.

Malcovitch throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Kim counters with a straight right hand.
Malcovitch clinches but Kim breaks the clinch

and Kim counters with a nice double leg into side control. Malcovitch won't be happy with that.

Kim stands up and beckons Malcovitch to his feet.
Kim fails with the takedown

and Malcovitch holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Malcovitch misses with the head strike.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Malcovitch creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Malcovitch slows down the pace here.
Kim can't get the takedown.
Kim fails to pull guard.
Wesley Malcovitch has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sung Kim.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kim wants a takedown.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Malcovitch throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Kims head.
Malcovitch lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Kim backwards.
Kim blocks an uppercut.
Malcovitch misses with the head strike.
Malcovitch has Kim pressed up against the cage and is working for takedown. Kim manages to improve position though and keeps the fight standing.
Malcovitch gets underhooks to prevent Kim's takedown attempt.

Malcovitch gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
Malcovitch slips a nice elbow through Kim's hands, connecting with Kim's forehead.
Kim is trying to control but can't.
Kim has a hand on Malcovitch's thigh, trying to get back to full guard. Malcovitch takes advantage of the position though and mounts him!
Malcovitch in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Malcovitch lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.

Malcovitch goes for an armbar but Kim turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Kim.
Kim trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kim drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Kim jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Malcovitch is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Malcovitch striking off his back but it's not causing Kim any problems.
Malcovitch tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kim works over Malcovitch with some ground and pound from guard.
Malcovitch keeping full guard, as Kim tries to pass.
Malcovitch is trying to keep Kim in close.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Kim shoots and misses

and Malcovitch counters with a single leg into guard. Kim didn't expect that.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kim is trying to control the position but Malcovitch postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kim striking off his back but it's not causing Malcovitch any problems.
Kim keeping full guard, as Malcovitch tries to pass.
Kim looking for a sweep. Not yet Kim, not yet.

Kim working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Malcovitch doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Malcovitch manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Kim 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.
Malcovitch trying to control the position from guard on top but Kim is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Malcovitch would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Kim circles away from the clinch attempt
and Kim counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Malcovitch tries to clinch up

and Kim counters with a single leg into guard. Malcovitch didn't expect that.
Kim prevents Malcovitch from getting back to his feet.
Kim pushing down on Malcovitch's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Kim is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!

Kim throws some shoulder strikes here and then postures up. Oh, he's gone for an armbar! Malcovitch has his hands clasped together but Kim breaks the hold and Malcovitch is forced to tap! This one is aaaaaaaaaaall over! That was lightning fast by Kim!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:54 of round 4, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Sung Kim! Sung Kim retains his middleweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
82%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Sampsa Pikari (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jesse Mortensson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Jesse Mortensson has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Pikari
vs
Mortensson

162 cm
19
183 lbs
7 - 1 - 0

182 cm
22
170 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Solid chin

Golden Lilium

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 7 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sampsa Pikari!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jesse Mortensson!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Tarja Halkonen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Pikari shoots in for a double leg but Mortensson sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.

Mortensson drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Pikari might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Pikari can't keep his opponent in guard - Mortensson advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Mortensson seems to be working for a kimura but Pikari defends the submission attempt.
Pikari moves into full guard.
Mortensson stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Pikari swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Pikari trying to strike off his back.
Mortensson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Pikari keeping moving, preventing Mortensson from controlling successfully.
Mortensson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pikari trying to strike off his back.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Pikari takes a swing at Mortensson's ribcage but misses.
Mortensson pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

Mortensson closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Pikari wants to improve his position but Mortensson is controlling well.
Mortensson throwing shots but Pikari is blocking nicely.
Mortensson is looking to take a break and control but Pikari is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Mortensson is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Pikari is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Mortensson's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Mortensson's back!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson trying to control the hands but Pikari breaks the grip.
Mortensson tries to escape the position - he's now mounted. Is that better or worse? Hard to tell!
Mortensson is desperately trying to improve his position but Pikari has a good base and remains in mount.
Pikari avoids the attempt from Mortensson to control.
Pikari working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Pikari cracks Mortensson with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Pikari landing punches.
Mortensson is in all sorts of trouble here.
Mortensson tries to hold on but Pikari postures up.
Mortensson is trying to escape the mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson tries to lock up and control but Pikari gives him a forearm to the face and pushes him away.
Pikari landing strikes, looking to finish!
Mortensson gets back to half guard.

Mortensson is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Pikari pulls his head out easily.

Mortensson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Mortensson looks gassed!
Mortensson is trying to control but can't.
Mortensson is looking to improve his position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.

Pikari seems to be working for a kimura but Mortensson defends the submission attempt.

Mortensson looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Mortensson wants to get back to full guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Mortensson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Mortensson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pikari.
Pikari takes a swing at Mortensson's ribcage but misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Jesse Mortensson 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.

Pikari loads up on a big right hand but Mortensson slips the punch.

Mortensson closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Pikari tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Mortensson smiles and moves away.
Mortensson tries to clinch there but Pikari circles away.
Mortensson uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Pikari.
Pikari smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pikari circles away from the clinch attempt.
Pikari jabbing away but nothing is landing.

Mortensson clinches up against the cage.
Pikari fails to land with a short punch on the inside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mortensson holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Mortensson changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Pikari fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Pikari feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.
Pikari trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Mortensson trying to keep a closed guard but Pikari is proving a slippery customer.
Mortensson manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Pikari manages to get himself to full guard.
Pikari looking for a sweep. Not yet Pikari, not yet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson wants to control from the top but Pikari keeps moving.
Pikari manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Mortensson manages to get himself to full guard.
Pikari stopping the sweep attempt from Mortensson.

Mortensson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Mortensson is trying to control the position but Pikari postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson tries to land a sweep but no joy.

Mortensson throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Mortensson throws his legs up looking for a submission but Pikari uses it to pass to side control.
Mortensson is breathing heavily.
Pikari in side control lands a decent elbow.
Mortensson is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Pikari is looking for a kimura here.
Mortensson is looking to control Pikari's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Mortensson avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Mortensson.
Mortensson is trying to control the position from the bottom.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mortensson is on top in guard.
Mortensson missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Pikari tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Pikari keeping full guard, as Mortensson tries to pass.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Jesse Mortensson will probably get the nod - 10:9.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Pikari misses with a looping right.
Pikari thows a body shot but no joy.

Mortensson has taken the fight to the clinch.
Pikari misses with a short punch on the inside.

Mortensson tightens his grip and picks Pikari up, before dumping him to the ground. Pikari manages to land in guard.
Mortensson is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Mortensson wants to pass the guard but Pikari is keeping the position.
Pikari looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

Pikari is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

Mortensson drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Mortensson jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mortensson trying to control but Pikari is working from the bottom.
Mortensson advances to half guard.
Mortensson blocks the strikes from Pikari.
Pikari is trying to get back to full guard.
Mortensson trying to control the action but Pikari is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

Mortensson is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.

Mortensson is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Mortensson is looking to advance position but Pikari won't allow it.
Mortensson seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Pikari does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Pikari wants to get back to full guard.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fight is doing enough on the ground.
Pikari misses with a two punch combination.
A punch combination from Pikari misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice jab there from Pikari.
Pikari with a lazy takedown attempt

and Mortensson counters with a single leg into guard. Pikari didn't expect that.
Pikari doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
Pikari manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Mortensson manages to get himself to full guard.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Mortensson is on top in guard.
Pikari keeping moving, preventing Mortensson from controlling successfully.
Pikari punching from the bottom.
Mortensson is stalling in the full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson is pushing down on Pikari's leg trying to pass to half guard. Pikari is fighting to maintain full guard but Mortensson has managed to sneak the leg through.
Mortensson not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Pikari works his way to full guard. Good work.
Mortensson advances position into side control!
Pikari is looking for a sweep.
Mortensson is looking to take a break and control but Pikari is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Mortensson tries for a kimura but Pikari is defending well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse Mortensson really dominated that round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Pikari throws a series of punches but Mortensson avoids them all with ease.
Pikari throws a jab when Mortensson was well out of range.
Mortensson bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Pikari changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Pikari misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Mortensson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Pikari keeping moving, preventing Mortensson from controlling successfully.
Mortensson landing some decent shots from guard.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

Pikari looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pikari keeping moving, preventing Mortensson from controlling successfully.

Mortensson drops back looking for a leg! Pikari is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Pikari manages to kick Mortensson off! Mortensson jumps back into Pikari's guard.
Pikari looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Mortensson stands up over Pikari, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Pikari keeping moving, preventing Mortensson from controlling successfully.
Mortensson controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Pikari 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.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
Pikari misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Mortensson counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Mortensson.

Pikari is fighting off a takedown attempt but Mortensson is just too persistent for him and manages to trip Pikari to the mat. Pikari regains guard as soon as the fighters hit the mat.

Pikari working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Mortensson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Mortensson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Mortensson advances position into side control!
Pikari tries to bench press Mortensson off him but Mortensson keeps the position.
Pikari is not content to let Mortensson control the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Mortensson is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Pikari knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Mortensson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Pikari is looking to reverse the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Mortensson looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Pikari is avoiding damage well.
Pikari is looking to reverse the position.
Mortensson has knee on belly and moves into mount.
Mortensson lands a big shot there that rocks Pikari but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Mortensson content just to control the position here.
Mortensson trying to control but Pikari is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jesse Mortensson dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Pikari bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Mortensson's head backwards.
Pikari swings and misses with a shot to the body

and Mortensson decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Pikari's guard.
Mortensson trying to control but Pikari is working from the bottom.

Pikari had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Mortensson is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Pikari Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Mortensson's back instead.
Mortensson has his hands over his head blocking the strikes from Pikari.
Mortensson covering up well under a series of strikes from Pikari.
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.
Mortensson manages to reverse the position and now he's in Pikari's guard. Nice work there by Mortensson.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mortensson looking to control the position here, rather than advance.
Mortensson loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Mortensson wants to control from the top but Pikari keeps moving.
Mortensson slips nicely into half guard.

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.

Mortensson 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.
Mortensson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Pikari keeps working.
Mortensson is looking for the mount but instead finds himself back in full guard.
Mortensson trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Pikari is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Pikari can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Mortensson controls the pace.

Pikari keeping busy on the bottom but Mortensson has passed one foot through into half guard.
Sampsa Pikari has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Mortensson works his foot free and advances to mount.
Jesse Mortensson has got the better of the ground game so far.

Mortensson looking to secure an arm triangle but Pikari defends it well.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mortensson blocks Pikari's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.
Mortensson lands a big elbow.
Mortensson looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Mortensson breaks from Pikari's wrist control and lands an elbow.
Mortensson trying to control but he's not successful this time.
Pikari regains half guard.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jesse Mortensson comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Mortensson winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 45:50
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 45:50
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Jesse Mortensson!
Jesse Mortensson is the new welterweight champion!