Domination PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Ernest Bass (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Raul Hernandez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Bass
vs
Hernandez

180 cm
25
170 lbs
3 - 6 - 0

185 cm
25
166 lbs
5 - 7 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Solid 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 3 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ernest Bass!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Raul Hernandez!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Tarja Halkonen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Bass circles away from the clinch attempt.
Hernandez tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Bass paws at him with a jab and circles away.

Hernandez closes the distance and clinches.

Bass pulls guard.
Bass is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Hernandez stands up over Bass, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Bass has a closed guard, preventing Hernandez from standing up.

Hernandez has gone for a leg lock! Bass slips out almost immediately though and dives into Hernandez's guard.
Bass trying to stand up but can't free himself from Hernandez's guard.
Bass tries to free his leg and advance position but Hernandez is retaining full guard.
Hernandez looking to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bass wants to control from the top but Hernandez keeps moving.
Bass throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Hernandez works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Hernandez trying to control the position.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Bass works over Hernandez with some ground and pound from guard.
Hernandez trying to control the position.
Bass prevents Hernandez from getting back to his feet.
Hernandez keeping moving, preventing Bass from controlling successfully.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Hernandez, right into the meat.
Bass is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Hernandez.
Bass lands a leg kick that knocks Hernandez off balance momentarily.

Hernandez has taken the fight to the clinch.
Hernandez looks to throw an elbow but misses.

Bass pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Bass chopping away at his opponent's legs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Bass throws a leg kick
and Hernandez makes him pay by landing a thudding low kick.
Bass connects with a good right hand that stumbles Hernandez. Hernandez circles away out of range and recomposes himself.

It looks like Raul Hernandez has been cut.
Hernandez looks gassed!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Hernandez takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Bass throws a head kick that misses
and Hernandez counters with a nice body kick.
Hernandez looks to clinch
and Bass counters with a nice body shot.
Ernest Bass is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
A big right from Bass misses.
Bass thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Hernandez if he has to take too many more of those.
Bass lands with a thumping leg kick.
Bass lands a lovely overhand right.
Bass throws an overhand right that lands on Hernandez's shoulder, as Hernandez tries to avoid the shot.
A solid leg kick lands there for Bass.
Bass cracks Hernandez with a right hand to the side of the head.

Hernandez is rocked!
Bass digs a good hook to Hernandez's body.
Hernandez is still on wobbly legs! Can Bass finish him?
Bass fakes a right and follows up with a big left that drops Hernandez to one knee - oooooh, he's wobbly! Hernandez looks to clinch but Bass throws him off and pummels him into the canvas! Hernandez taps out under the strikes! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Strikes). Ernest Bass!

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 Hans Klein (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Bolo Yung (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bolo Yung will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Klein
vs
Yung

210 cm
26
240 lbs
5 - 12 - 0

192 cm
22
265 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Very strong

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Solid 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 5 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Hans Klein!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Bolo Yung!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Matti Vanhoillinen and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Yung comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Yung works over Klein's head and body with a nice combination.

It looks like Hans Klein has been cut.
Left hook, right uppercut from Yung.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Yung paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.

Klein is rocked!
A combination from Yung does no damage.
Oh Klein is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Yung misses with the combination.
Klein seems to have got his legs back now.
Yung drops a shoulder and throws an uppercut that cracks Klein right on the button. Klein goes down! Yung follows him to the mat and finishes the job with more strikes! Yung gets the win via TKO!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Bolo Yung!

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Keijo Lerppa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Brick Hardmeat (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Keijo Lerppa has the edge in experience - let's see if he can make that count tonight.

Lerppa
vs
Hardmeat

210 cm
22
209 lbs
3 - 3 - 1

177 cm
20
205 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

Good wrestler
Counter striker
Powerful

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 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Keijo Lerppa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Brick Hardmeat!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Marco Blurström and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lerppa with a lazy takedown attempt
and Hardmeat counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Lerppa misses with a takedown attempt
and Hardmeat counters with a stiff right hand.
Lerppa has his takedown stuffed
and Hardmeat counters with a stiff right hand.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Keijo Lerppa. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Lerppa shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Lerppa was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Hardmeat is desperately trying to improve his position but Lerppa has a good base and remains in mount.

Lerppa has hold of Hardmeat's left arm, perhaps looking for a submission. The two fighters tussle over control of the isolated limb and Hardmeat manages to get his arm back to his side and away from danger.
Hardmeat is looking to get to half guard.
Hardmeat is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Hardmeat regains half guard.

Lerppa seems to be working for a kimura but Hardmeat defends the submission attempt.
Hardmeat regains full guard. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lerppa drops back looking for a leg! Hardmeat is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Hardmeat manages to kick Lerppa off! Lerppa jumps back into Hardmeat's guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Hardmeat lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Lerppa!
Hardmeat controlling his opponent.
Lerppa looking to escape from mount but he's given up his back!
Hardmeat just keeping the dominant position. He can't wait too long though, otherwise the referee will stand them back up.
It looks like Hardmeat might be adopting somewhat of a lay and pray gameplan here, which I'm sure won't go down too well with the paying fans in attendance... Or the ring announcers come to think of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lerppa is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
Hardmeat is controlling his opponent, waiting for an opportunity to finish.
Hardmeat's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
Lerppa really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.

Brick Hardmeat has forced the referee to step in and restart the fight on the feet.

Hardmeat scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Hardmeat remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Lerppa regains half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hardmeat seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Lerppa tries to get to full guard but Hardmeat has control of the leg.
Hardmeat content to control rather than advance.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Lerppa wants to improve his position but Hardmeat is controlling well.
Hardmeat perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Brick Hardmeat was stalling too much, according to the referee.
Lerppa tries for a takedown but Hardmeat circles away easily

and Hardmeat decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Lerppa's guard.
Hardmeat content to stall in guard here.
Lerppa will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hardmeat slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Hardmeat drops back looking for a leg! Lerppa is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Lerppa manages to kick Hardmeat off! Hardmeat jumps back into Lerppa's guard.
Hardmeat slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lerppa looking to hit a scissor sweep but Hardmeat is one step ahead there.
Hardmeat works a leg free and moves into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Hardmeat performing his best blanket impression for a moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brick Hardmeat dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Lerppa doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Hardmeat counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Hardmeat.

Lerppa looking for a guillotine here but Hardmeat defends easily.
Hardmeat passes into half guard.
Well, if Hardmeat is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
Lerppa tries to get to full guard but Hardmeat has control of the leg.
Hardmeat controlling the action here.
Hardmeat wants to pass the guard but Lerppa is defending well.
Brick Hardmeat has got the better of the ground game so far.
Lerppa is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Hardmeat's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Hardmeat's back!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hardmeat covering up well under a series of strikes from Lerppa.
Hardmeat manages to reverse the position and now he's in Lerppa's guard. Nice work there by Hardmeat.
Lerppa 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.
Hardmeat slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.
Hardmeat wants to control from the top but Lerppa keeps moving.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

Lerppa looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Hardmeat trying to control but Lerppa is working from the bottom.
Hardmeat works a leg free and moves into half guard.
Lerppa is looking to improve his position.

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.
Still in half guard, Hardmeat seems content to control.
Hardmeat passes to side control.
Hardmeat moving around in side mount but really he's just happy to control for now.

Hardmeat tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Lerppa is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Lerppa seems a little lost for a moment, as Hardmeat dominates the positioning.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lerppa is looking for a sweep.
Lerppa is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

Hardmeat 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.
Hardmeat is keen to just control but Lerppa is a slippery customer.

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.

Lerppa looking for submissions off his back.

Lerppa is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Hardmeat pulls his head out easily.
Hardmeat not doing much here.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!

Hardmeat is trying to work for a kimura but Lerppa is defending well.
Lerppa works his way to full guard. Good work.
Hardmeat sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Lerppa's guard.
Hardmeat content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Brick Hardmeat showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Lerppa shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Hardmeat counters with a single leg into guard. Lerppa didn't expect that.
Hardmeat wants to control from the top but Lerppa keeps moving.

Lerppa throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Lerppa is looking for a triangle but Hardmeat pushes his legs off easily.
Hardmeat sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Lerppa 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.
Hardmeat pushes down on Lerppa's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Lerppa is refusing to be controlled, as Hardmeat sits in half guard.

Hardmeat is looking for a kimura here.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Hardmeat is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Lerppa is just riding it out for now. Hardmeat eventually gives up the hold.

Lerppa actively working from the bottom here.
Lerppa is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Hardmeat passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Lerppa!
Hardmeat takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.

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.
Lerppa tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Hardmeat controlling the pace for now.

Hardmeat is working close to his opponent, looking to work a submission by the looks of things. Oh, he's managed to get a guillotine from mount as his opponent reached up! That looks tiiiiight! Will he tap? YES, he's tapped! Impressive submission by Hardmeat!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:34 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Brick Hardmeat!

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between Lisandro Licha (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tauno Puukko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Licha comes to the cage accompanied by In Bloom. The key to victory for Lisandro Licha has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Licha
vs
Puukko

181 cm
22
180 lbs
7 - 7 - 0

180 cm
21
170 lbs
4 - 9 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Excellent boxer
Big right hand

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent boxer
Knockout power

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 7 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lisandro Licha!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tauno Puukko!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Arvi Lind and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Puukko takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Left hook, right uppercut from Puukko.

It looks like Lisandro Licha has been cut.
Licha fails to land with a series of punches.
Left hook, right uppercut from Licha.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
A jab from Licha finds it's way through Puukko's defenses.
Licha bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
A looping hook to the body misses from Puukko. Licha does a little dance to reset his feet.
Licha slips under a jab from Puukko.
Licha throws a nice looking combination but Puukko bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Licha connects with a good right hand that stumbles Puukko. Puukko circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Puukko misses with a two punch combination.
Licha misses with a body kick.
Licha scores with a one two! Puukko had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Puukko is rocked!
Licha finds Puukko's off switch, with a big overhand right that connects perfectly to the side of the head! Puukko flops back against the cage, eyes gazing into the distance. Licha lands an unnecessary shot before the referee has time to step in and end the fight. Brutal stuff but I'm sure Puukko will be OK.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of KO (Punch). Lisandro Licha!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Co-main event

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

Smith
vs
James

210 cm
23
275 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

191 cm
22
272 lbs
7 - 6 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Very quick

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the heavyweight 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, Jasper Smith!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rand James!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
James misses with a straight right.
James cracks Smith with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

It looks like Jasper Smith has been cut.
No luck with that takedown attempt from James.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Smith.
Smith gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and James counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Smith lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
James with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Smith counter with a right hand.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Smith tries for a takedown but James sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jasper Smith. That's going to take a lot out of him.
James throws a sloppy head kick
and Smith connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Smith pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces James back to the cage. Smith follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.

Smith darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Smith wants to take a breather but James is having none of it.
James tries to roll over but Smith keeps him under control.
Smith prevents James from standing back up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Smith seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Smith throws a strike but James avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
James keeping moving, preventing Smith from controlling successfully.
Smith missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Smith is pushing down on James's leg trying to pass to half guard. James is fighting to maintain full guard but Smith has managed to sneak the leg through.
Smith tries to pass the half guard into mount. James knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Smith 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.
Smith trying to control from half guard but James is working away.

Smith is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
Smith wants to pass to mount but James is defending the position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed James's head.
Smith throwing shots but James is blocking nicely.
Smith takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Smith looking to pass the half guard. Not this time.
Smith throws a strike but James avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Smith postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Smith with a flurry of punches that miss.
Smith is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. James swivels though and keeps the full guard.
James working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Smith.
Smith passes James's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Smith stalling away here and it's allowed James to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
Smith makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Smith trying to control but James is working from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jasper Smith dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jasper Smith's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Smith fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with James, pushing him back against the cage.
James has had enough of the clinch but Smith keeps him there for the moment.
A shot in the inside from Smith.

Smith wants the takedown. James is fighting it off but Smith persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in James's guard against the cage.
Smith passes James's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Smith seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but James does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Smith prevents James from standing back up.
Smith is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Smith lands strikes from half guard.
Smith working over James with some ground and pound. James looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Jasper Smith overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Smith 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.
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. Smith connects with a nice short shot to James's temple.

That's one minute gone in the round.
James wants to get back to his feet.
Smith throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Smith stalling away here and it's allowed James to slip out his trapped foot and regain full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Smith postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Smith looking to pass the guard.
Smith is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but James is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Smith passes James's left leg - he's now in half guard.

Smith is looking for a kimura here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control the action but James is working from the bottom.
Smith is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Smith is looking to advance position but James won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
James is refusing to be controlled, as Smith sits in half guard.
Smith slows the pace down in half guard.
Smith missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
James blocking the ground and pound attempt from Smith.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jasper Smith dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Jasper Smith's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Smith closes the distance and clinches up with James, looking for a takedown. Smith pushes James against the cage but James circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

Smith fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. James sprawls well initially but Smith persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Smith wants to control but James is keeping him busy.
Smith missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Smith throwing shots but James is blocking nicely.
Smith uses his free foot to push down on James's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for James.
Smith is stalling here but it's allowed James to get half guard.
Smith is looking to take a break and control but James is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.

Smith is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and James defends it well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. James defending well though.
Smith throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Ground and pound from Smith.
Smith 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.
Smith is just content to waste time from the top position. James takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
James keeping full guard, as Smith tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but James manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

Smith looking for a guillotine here but James defends easily.
Smith looking for a sweep. Not yet Smith, not yet.
Smith is trying to control the position but James postures up.
James stopping the sweep attempt from Smith.
James wants to control from the top but Smith keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control the position.
James looking to sit in guard and control but Smith gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Smith trying to control but James is working from the bottom.
Smith loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Smith content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Smith slips nicely into half guard.
James keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Rand James has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Jasper Smith is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith controlling the action here.
Smith is looking to advance position but James won't allow it.
Smith is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Smith's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jasper Smith showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Smith 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight for Jasper Smith!
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Jasper Smith!
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight for Jasper Smith!

Jasper Smith wins by unanimous decision!
Jasper Smith retains his heavyweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
36%

Main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Steve Smith (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rogerio Gracie (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Gracie has chosen Amazing entrance! with the theme FORT BATTLE from The Last of the Mohicans as his entrance music. Rogerio Gracie told me before the fight that he's been watching a lot of DVDs so let's see if that helps him in this one! I can't wait to find out!

Smith
vs
Gracie

160 cm
24
160 lbs
9 - 1 - 0

185 cm
24
176 lbs
8 - 0 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Very strong

Powerful takedowns
Good elbows
Powerful

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 9 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Steve Smith!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rogerio Gracie!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Smith looks to land a combination but Gracie avoids it well.
Smith misses with a looping right.
A shot to the body from Gracie misses
and Smith counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gracie thinking.
Gracie avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gracie was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.
Smith jabbing away but nothing is landing.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie with a poor takedown
and Smith counters with a straight right hand.
Gracie has his takedown stuffed
and Smith counters with a straight punch to the midsection.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Smith counters with a left and a right that stings Gracie.
Steve Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rogerio Gracie.
Smith just misses with a punch to the body.
Gracie tries to clinch but fails miserably
and Smith counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Steve Smith is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Gracie avoids the body shot from Smith.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gracie shoots and misses
and Smith counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Gracie avoids the body shot from Smith.
Gracie steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Smith.
Smith throws a series of punches but Gracie avoids them all with ease.
Smith thows a left - swing and a miss!
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gracie was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gracie was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.
Gracie staying out of range there.
No joy there for Smith, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Smith jabs Gracie right on the nose. Gracie blinks but takes it well.
Gracie swings away with a body shot that misses
enabling Smith to counter with a crisp jab.
Gracie ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Gracie takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Gracie has his takedown stuffed
and Smith counters with a nice uppercut.
Smith misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Gracie.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gracie with a poor takedown
and Smith connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Smith tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gracie was well out of range. Poor timing from Smith.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Smith throws a hook to the side of Gracie's head but Gracie sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Gracie tries to close the distance and clinch up but Smith swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Gracie with a poor takedown
and Smith counters with a lovely shot to the body.
It really doesn't seem like the step up in weight is hurting Smith here at all. He's more than holding his own against the bigger man.
Gracie slips a jab from Smith.
Smith thows a body shot but no joy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Smith throws a sloppy body shot
and Gracie makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Gracie tries for a takedown but Smith circles away easily
letting Smith counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith misses the shot to the body.
Smith misses with a wild body shot.
Gracie tries to move into range but Smith moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Smith just misses with a punch to the body.
Gracie looks to land a right hand but Smith moved out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Smith fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Gracie manages to avoid it.
Smith misses with a two punch combination.
Smith misses with a lunging right hand

and Gracie counters with a single leg into guard. Smith didn't expect that.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Smith has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Gracie trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Smith keeping moving, preventing Gracie from controlling successfully.
Smith pulls Gracie in close to prevent any damage.

Steve Smith has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Gracie misses with a body shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Gracie slips a straight right by Smith.
Gracie is looking to clinch.
Smith takes a swing at Gracie's ribcage but misses.
Smith misses with a hook. Gracie ducked under it nicely.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Gracie fails with the takedown
and Smith counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Rogerio Gracie will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

A looping hook to the body misses from Smith. Gracie does a little dance to reset his feet.
Gracie with a poor takedown
and Smith counters with a nice body shot.
Smith misses with a telegraphed body shot

so Gracie counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Gracie drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Gracie jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Gracie pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Smith is keeping the position for now.
Gracie trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Smith manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith wants to stand and escape but instead Gracie has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Gracie trying to control the position from guard on top but Smith is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Smith on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Smith tries to get out of the position.
Gracie is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Smith can't keep his opponent in guard - Gracie advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Smith is looking for a sweep. Gracie is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Gracie is looking for a kimura here.

Gracie is looking for a kimura here.
Gracie is keen to just control but Smith is a slippery customer.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gracie works his foot free and advances to mount.
Smith is wriggling around here but as he tries to escape, Gracie has taken his back.
Well, with Gracie on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Smith is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Smith wants to control his opponent's hands but Gracie gets his hands free.

Gracie is looking to finish the fight by rear naked choke. Smith knows exactly what he's got planned though, so he's defending well. Maybe a few strikes would soften Smith for a finish.
Smith might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.

Gracie is looking for the choke from the back position but Smith is controlling his hands well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith looking very determined here, making life difficult for Gracie.

Gracie looking for the choke but no joy.
Gracie tries to get the hooks in deep but Smith pushed the leg off.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Nice defenses there by Gracie.
Gracie doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Smith counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Smith loads up on a big right hand but Gracie slips the punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gracie doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Smith counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gracie tries for a takedown but Smith circles away easily
and Smith counters with a stiff right hand.
Steve Smith has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rogerio Gracie.
Smith throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gracie throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Gracie gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Smith.
Gracie uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Smith.

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.
Smith rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Gracie moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Gracie moves away from the strike by Smith.
Smith takes a swing at Gracie's ribcage but misses.
Smith throws a shot from downtown. Gracie moves away and avoids it.
A looping hook to the body misses from Smith. Gracie does a little dance to reset his feet.
Smith throws a right and a left that Gracie avoids nicely.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Smith misses with a hook. Gracie ducked under it nicely.
Smith swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Gracie shoots and misses
and Smith counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Smith scores with a jab to the head.
Gracie has his takedown stuffed
and Smith counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gracie thinking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith misses with a wild body shot.
Gracie gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Smith counters with a left to the body.
Gracie shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Smith counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Gracie thinking.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Steve Smith had his way with Rogerio Gracie in that round.
That's time! Smith's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Smith looks to throw the jab but Gracie is out of range.

Gracie shoots in and gets a takedown into Smith's guard.
Smith looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gracie stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Smith swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Smith wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Smith tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Smith controls Gracie momentarily but Gracie frees himself.
Gracie controls the pace of the fight for a moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Steve Smith just wasn't active enough.
Gracie just misses with a punch to the body.
Gracie keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Smith throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Gracie shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Smith counters with a straight right hand.

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.
Smith throws a series of punches but Gracie moves out of range.
Smith throws a shot to the body.
Smith with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Gracie with a lazy takedown attempt
and Smith counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Smith misses with a body punch

and Gracie counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Smith!

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gracie goes for an armbar but Smith turns quickly into his guard - lovely anticipation from Smith.
Smith distracts Gracie with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Smith throwing strikes but missing.
Smith controls the pace of the fight for a moment.
Gracie is pulling down on Smith's head. It's preventing any offense from Smith, at least for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Smith trying to control the position from guard on top but Gracie is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

Steve Smith has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Gracie moves out of range of the strikes.
Decent striking displayed by Smith there.
Steve Smith is winning the standup battle so far.
Smith lands a jab to Gracie's midsection.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Rogerio Gracie.
I think Gracie has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.

Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Rogerio Gracie!
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight for Steve Smith!
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight as a draw!

The fight ends as a draw!
Steve Smith retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!