UTG9 - Endgame Apocalypse PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Josh Koscheck (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lyo Wuan (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Lyo Wuan was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Koscheck
vs
Wuan

177 cm
25
170 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

190 cm
21
182 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Counter striker
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Great elbows
Good gas tank

M/S Paint Fightwear

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Josh Koscheck!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Lyo Wuan!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Wuan lands a nice leg kick that just misses Koscheck's sensitive parts.
Koscheck misses with a few strikes there.
Wuan lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Wuan misses with a few strikes there.
Good shot there by Wuan.
Koscheck tries to clinch up but Wuan circles away and keeps his distance.
Wuan takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Wuan shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Koscheck eats them both and turns towards Wuan to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Koscheck steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Wuan.

Koscheck gets a double leg takedown into Wuan's guard.
Wuan tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Wuan is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Wuan wants to get back to his feet but Koscheck is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Wuan 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.
Koscheck wants to stand but Wuan has a closed guard, so he can't escape.
Koscheck looking to pass the guard.
Koscheck has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Wuan wants to stand but Koscheck is controlling the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Neither fighter is doing enough for the referee's liking and he's decided to stand them back up.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Wuan.
Koscheck gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Wuan stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Wuan wants it to stay on the feet.
Lyo Wuan seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Koscheck fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Wuan manages to avoid it.
Wuan cracks Koscheck with a hook to the jaw. Both fighters smile at eachother and high-five before getting back down to business.
Wuan with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Wuan lunges at Koscheck with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Koscheck's hand.
Decent striking displayed by Wuan there.
A nice combination there by Wuan.
Koscheck is breathing heavily.
Wuan cracks a nice hook into Koscheck's ribs.
A cross from Wuan lands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Wuan lunges at Koscheck with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Koscheck's hand.
Lyo Wuan is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Wuan throws a front kick that sends Koscheck stumbling back into the cage.
Wuan uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Wuan lands a lovely overhand right.

Wuan drops Koscheck with a beautiful combination! Koscheck stares up at his opponent, who ushers him back to his feet - Wuan is looking for the KO!

Koscheck is rocked!
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!
Wuan closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Oh Koscheck is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Wuan fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Koscheck looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Koscheck seems to have got his legs back now.

Oooooh!!! Wuan has knocked Koscheck down with a huge combo! Wuan steps away and waves a wobbly Koscheck back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

Oooooh!!! Wuan has knocked Koscheck down with a huge combo! Wuan steps away and waves a wobbly Koscheck back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!
Wuan throws a 1-2 combo that connects squarely on Koscheck's jaw, knocking him onto his back! Wuan dives in looking to finish as Koscheck flails his arms in a desperate attempt to block Wuan's strikes! Wuan is raining down hammerfists and the ref stops it! Koscheck's desperate flailing just didn't constitute intelligent defence. Some people will probably question the ref's decision but Koscheck was definitely hurt and the ref saved him from taking unnecessary punishment. A fighter's safety is paramount in this sport.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Lyo Wuan!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
95%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Dixon Manners (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kai Maki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Maki has chosen Harvester of Sorrow as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Well, I have no idea who's going to take this one!

Manners
vs
Maki

190 cm
20
270 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

200 cm
25
275 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Cardio machine

BJJ Blue Belt
Dangerous knees
Intelligent

TITAN

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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Dixon Manners!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kai Maki!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Marco Blurström and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Manners closes the distance, clinches up and gets a nice trip takedown into side control. Very smooth.
Manners controlling the position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Manners misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Manners controlling from side mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Dixon Manners.
Maki tries to close the distance and clinch but Manners swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Maki tries a head kick but it misses.
Manners lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.

It looks like Kai Maki has been cut.
Manners cracks Maki on the jaw with a powerful right hand and Maki falls backwards against the cage. Manners follows up with more strikes that drop Maki to his knees. Manners keeps the pressure on and the referee jumps in to save Maki! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:50 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Dixon Manners!
During a confident post fight interview, Dixon Manners thanked all his fans. He seemed very genuine when describing how motivated his fans keep him.

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 light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Chino Ibanez (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aarne Virtanen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Ibanez
vs
Virtanen

185 cm
18
202 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

192 cm
25
215 lbs
1 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Solid boxing
Good chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Tends to cut

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 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Chino Ibanez!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Aarne Virtanen!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ibanez falls off balance throwing a combination
and Virtanen counters with a three punch combo that has Ibanez backing up. Ibanez nods at Virtanen to acknowledge the strikes.
Ibanez throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Ibanez connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Virtanen momentarily.
A clash of legs there as Ibanez blocks the low kick.
Nice sprawl there from Virtanen as Ibanez shoots in.
Virtanen misses with a wild combination.
Virtanen drops his hands momentarily and Ibanez takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.

It looks like Aarne Virtanen has been cut.
Virtanen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ibanez.
Ibanez misses with an uppercut
and Virtanen counters with a two punch combo.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nice cross by Virtanen.
Virtanen throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ibanez.
Virtanen lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Ibanez circles away quickly and effectively.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virtanen is looking to clinch but Ibanez is avoiding it.
Ibanez misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Ibanez throws a series of strikes that have Virtanen backpedaling.
Ibanez throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Ibanez throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Virtanen counters with a straight right hand.
Left hook, right uppercut from Ibanez.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Ibanez misses with a combination
and Virtanen connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ibanez is breathing heavily.
Virtanen slips under a jab from Ibanez.
Virtanen moves in looking to clinch but Ibanez pushes him off.
Virtanen scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Ibanez throws a hook but Virtanen blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Decent striking displayed by Virtanen there.
Virtanen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Virtanen throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Ibanez's waist but Ibanez gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Virtanen off to one side.
Chino Ibanez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ibanez is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Virtanen.
Virtanen checks a low kick from Ibanez.

Ibanez tries to keep at a distance but Virtanen has taken the fight into the clinch.
Virtanen wants to get back to striking at distance but Ibanez won't allow it.
Virtanen has Ibanez pressed against the cage, preventing Ibanez from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Virtanen wants to get back to striking at distance but Ibanez won't allow it.
Ibanez has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Virtanen avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Chino Ibanez. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Virtanen tries to score a body lock takedown but Ibanez shows good agility there to stay on his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Virtanen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Ibanez is trying to break the clinch but Virtanen has him pressed against the cage.
Virtanen is trying to force a seperation but Ibanez has the dominant position.
Ibanez jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Virtanen walks away with a smile on his face. Ibanez gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Ibanez throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Virtanen counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

It looks like Chino Ibanez has been cut.
Virtanen misses with a few strikes there.
Ibanez falls off balance throwing a combination
and Virtanen cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Virtanen lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Virtanen tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Ibanez paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Ibanez throws a combination that misses
and Virtanen counters with a two punch combo.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ibanez falls off balance throwing a combination
and Virtanen counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ibanez takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Virtanen looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Ibanez is fending him off so far but Virtanen persists. Nope, Ibanez circles away and we're back to standing.
Ibanez chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Virtanen can pounce on him.
Virtanen tries to clinch up.
Virtanen throws a nice looking combination but Ibanez bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Virtanen displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Virtanen tries to clinch there but Ibanez circles away.
Ibanez misses with a double jab
and Virtanen counters with a three punch combo that has Ibanez backing up. Ibanez nods at Virtanen to acknowledge the strikes.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Virtanen looks to land a combination but Ibanez avoids it well.
Virtanen lands a two punch combo.
Virtanen tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Ibanez swivels and escapes.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Aarne Virtanen dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action!

Ibanez moves out of range as Virtanen throws a body kick.
The fight stays on the outside here - Virtanen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Chino Ibanez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Virtanen misses with the combination.
Ibanez throws a series of punches but Virtanen moves out of range.
Ibanez lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Virtanen circles away quickly and effectively.
Virtanen lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Ibanez misses with a combination
and Virtanen counters with a two punch combo.
Ibanez throws a left and a right that both miss
and Virtanen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ibanez tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Ibanez throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Virtanen throws a combination. Ibanez tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Virtanen tries to clinch up.
Virtanen fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Ibanez has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Ibanez rushes in with a sloppy looking punch
and Virtanen counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Virtanen throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Virtanen cracks Ibanez with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

Virtanen lands a jab followed by a vicious hook that sends Ibanez sprawling to the canvas. Virtanen follows him down, looking for the kill. Can Ibanez hang on?

Ibanez is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Virtanen lands a big elbow - Ibanez is out of it! He's waving his arms around but his eyes are closed and he's not intelligently defending himself - the ref has no choice but to jump in and stop the fight! This one is in the books! A TKO win for Virtanen!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:55 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Aarne Virtanen!

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 bantamweight MMA rules bout between Keita Aoki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Evelyn Elevenylnenen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be fireworks!

Aoki
vs
Elevenylnenen

165 cm
25
144 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

166 cm
22
145 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Good chin

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Keita Aoki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Evelyn Elevenylnenen!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Arvi Lind and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Elevenylnenen misses with a body shot.
Aoki has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.

It looks like Keita Aoki has been cut.
Elevenylnenen swings for the body but Aoki moves out of range.
Aoki fails with the takedown

and Elevenylnenen counters with a crisp one two that drops Aoki! Elevenylnenen thinks about following him to the mat for a moment but instead steps back and waves Aoki to his feet! Aoki is in big trouble!

Aoki is rocked!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Elevenylnenen closes the distance and lands a vicious right hand that drops Aoki! Elevenylnenen dives in looking to finish! Aoki is still trying to defend himself but he's taking too many shots and the referee has no choice but to stop the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:31 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Evelyn Elevenylnenen!

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 super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Theodore Sturgeon (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tom Knoxville (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Knoxville has chosen DMX - X gon' Give To Ya as his entrance music. Theodore Sturgeon has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Sturgeon
vs
Knoxville

209 cm
25
300 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

205 cm
25
300 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Purple 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 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Theodore Sturgeon!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tom Knoxville!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Sturgeon changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Knoxville looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Sturgeon wants to lay and pray for a moment but Knoxville keeps working.

Sturgeon wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Knoxville, who protects the arm well.
Knoxville is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Sturgeon's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Knoxville is trying to get back to full guard.

Sturgeon is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Sturgeon tries to pass to full mount but Knoxville defends it.
Knoxville is looking for a sweep. Sturgeon is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Knoxville is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
Sturgeon wants to pass the guard but Knoxville is defending well.
Knoxville is trying is best to control the position here.

Knoxville is defending against the submission attempts here by Sturgeon.
Knoxville is staying active underneath Sturgeon, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Sturgeon is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sturgeon prevents Knoxville from improving his position.
Sturgeon throws a strike but Knoxville avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Sturgeon trying to pass the guard. He's being very persistent here but Knoxville manages to land a sweep and now he's on top!
Sturgeon keeping moving, preventing Knoxville from controlling successfully.
Sturgeon working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Knoxville.
Sturgeon looking to hit a scissor sweep but Knoxville is one step ahead there.

Sturgeon throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Sturgeon is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Knoxville is aware though and is defending well.
Knoxville pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Sturgeon is keeping the position for now.
Sturgeon wants to get back to his feet but Knoxville is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Knoxville passes into half guard.

Sturgeon is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Knoxville pulls his head out easily.

Knoxville seems to be looking for submissions.

Knoxville is working for a kimura but Sturgeon is defending it quite comfortably.

Sturgeon looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Knoxville 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.

Knoxville is looking for a kimura but Sturgeon is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Knoxville to get the leverage.

Sturgeon looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

Knoxville seems to be looking for submissions.
Sturgeon moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Knoxville is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.
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!

Knoxville drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Knoxville jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Theodore Sturgeon dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Sturgeon shoots in for a takedown and gets it. Oh and he's advanced to full mount straight away.
Knoxville wants to hold on but Sturgeon pushes him away.
Knoxville tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Knoxville is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Sturgeon locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Knoxville is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:41 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Theodore Sturgeon!

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 featherweight MMA rules bout between Hriday Kakkar (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Lower (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kakkar's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, The Call of Ktulu. This should be fireworks!

Kakkar
vs
Lower

170 cm
25
155 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
21
150 lbs
1 - 4 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good wrestler
Brawler
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Hriday Kakkar!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, James Lower!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Johanna Lukiainen and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kakkar circles away from the clinch attempt
and Kakkar counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kakkar shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Lower but Lower pushes him off and we're back to square one.

Kakkar throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Lower tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Kakkar is in Lower's guard.
Kakkar postures up.
Lower wants to control but Kakkar passes easily into half guard.
Lower trying to hold on to Kakkar's head to control him but Kakkar postures up.

Kakkar is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Kakkar wants to lay and pray for a moment but Lower keeps working.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kakkar trying to pass the guard but Lower defending well.
Kakkar frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Lower really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kakkar. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Kakkar cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Lower can do anything to dispel that myth.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Kakkar cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Kakkar is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Lower is trying to escape the mount.
Kakkar lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Lower throwing hammer fists to the chest of Kakkar. What's that going to do exactly?
Kakkar raining down hammerfists from mount.
Kakkar avoids the attempt from Lower to control.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Lower tries to reverse the position but Kakkar maintains control.
Lower taking shots to the head.
Kakkar looking to control but Lower is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Kakkar is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Lower is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.
Lower is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Kakkar scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Kakkar prevents Lower from getting the reversal.
Lower wants to hold on but Kakkar pushes him away.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kakkar takes a little breather and maintains the position. The referee will be looking for him to stay active from such a dominant position though.
Kakkar scoring with strikes but Lower is staying in there.
Lower takes a big shot to the head but keeps on trying to improve his position.
Kakkar scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Lower?
Kakkar working Lower over with strikes here.
Kakkar 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.
Lower tries to buck Kakkar off but he can't manage it.

Kakkar is in full mount, looking to secure a guillotine but Lower is surviving well by controlling Kakkar's body position as best he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Kakkar cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kakkar working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Kakkar with shots to the head and body - Lower looks very uncomfortable down there.

Lower is rocked!
Kakkar looking to control but Lower is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Lower is still in real trouble! Can Kakkar finish him?

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lower is desperately trying to improve his position but Kakkar has a good base and remains in mount.
Lower seems to have recovered his senses.
Lower is squirming around, avoiding Kakkar's attempts to control the action.
Lower tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kakkar trying to control but Lower is having none of it.
Kakkar lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Kakkar tries to control but Lower wriggling away.
Kakkar fakes a shot to the body and cracks his opponent in the head. Nice ground and pound there!
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Lower is looking to improve his position but Kakkar isn't that keen on the idea.
Kakkar has his opponent pinned against the cage, landing some nasty ground and pound that is really making a bit of a mess out of Lower's face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kakkar shoots in looking for a takedown. Lower tries to sprawl out of it but Kakkar keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Lower manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Kakkar fails with a takedown attempt.

Lower drives through with a takedown into guard.
Lower wants to control from the top but Kakkar keeps moving.
Lower wanted to stand there but Kakkar had control of the position.
Lower wants to control from the top but Kakkar keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

Lower stands up and waves to Kakkar to follow him.

Lower closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Kakkar blocking the ground and pound attempt from Lower.

Lower wants to work for an arm triangle but Kakkar is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Lower trying to control from half guard but Kakkar is working away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kakkar manages to escape and get back to his feet!
Kakkar keeps the fight on the outside.

Kakkar shoots in from a long way out. He's driving through with the takedown attempt and he eventually gets it, landing in Lower's guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kakkar preventing the sweep.
Lower is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Lower keeping moving, preventing Kakkar from controlling successfully.
Kakkar throws a big elbow that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lower keeping full guard, as Kakkar tries to pass.
Lower trying to control the position.
Lower wants to control but Kakkar passes easily into half guard.

Kakkar is working for a kimura but Lower is defending it quite comfortably.
Kakkar uses his free foot to push down on Lower's thigh. Eventually he works his other foot free and he's advanced to mount - this is trouble for Lower.
Kakkar postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Lower looks a forlorn figure.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kakkar scoring with strikes but Lower is staying in there.
Kakkar lands a heavy elbow.
Kakkar lands a nice shot to the head.
Kakkar working Lower over with strikes here.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kakkar is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Lower wants to control but Kakkar is having none of it.
Kakkar postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Lower looks a forlorn figure.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kakkar in mount throwing good strikes here, bouncing his opponent's head off the canvas.
Kakkar looking to finish Lower with some ground and pound. This is bad for Lower!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hriday Kakkar dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Kakkar checks a leg kick.
Kakkar circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kakkar shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Lower counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Kakkar!
Kakkar is trying to escape the mount.
Kakkar is working hard here to advance position.
Kakkar is in a horrible position here, under a barrage of strikes, he's managing to avoid any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kakkar is really trying hard to get back to his feet.
Kakkar is squirming around, avoiding Lower's attempts to control the action.
Kakkar manages to regain half guard. Good work.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Lower is just content to waste time from the top position. Kakkar takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lower postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Lower must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Lower has decided he wants to stand but the closed guard of Kakkar is proving hard to escape from.
Lower postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

Lower gets to his feet - Kakkar follows without any prompting.
Lower closes the distance but Kakkar moves to the side

and Kakkar counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lower is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

Lower looking for a guillotine here but Kakkar defends easily.
Kakkar passes Lower's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Hriday Kakkar overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Lower wants to control but Kakkar is keeping busy.
Kakkar passes the guard and advances to mount!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kakkar landing shots from mount.
Hriday Kakkar is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Lower tries to hold on but Kakkar postures up.
Kakkar content just to control the position here.
Lower is bucking up trying to escape but Kakkar cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Lower working to try and regain half guard.
James Lower has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kakkar blocks Lower's feeble attempts to strike from the bottom.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Hriday Kakkar.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kakkar, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight for Hriday Kakkar!
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight for Hriday Kakkar!
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight for Hriday Kakkar!

Hriday Kakkar wins by unanimous decision!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
67%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Nick Skerlik (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pete Squall (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Skerlik
vs
Squall

165 cm
24
156 lbs
9 - 7 - 0

170 cm
25
154 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 9 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nick Skerlik!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pete Squall!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Tarja Halkonen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Squall ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Skerlik moves away.

Squall bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Skerlik is trying to buck Squall off.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
A lull in the action here as Squall stalls from top position.
Squall moves into full mount!
Skerlik is trying to get back to his feet but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Squall wants to control the pace but Skerlik is squirming around nicely.
Squall tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Skerlik is trying to stand up.
Squall sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Skerlik is trying to escape but when you're mounted that's not too easy.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Squall wants to control the pace but Skerlik is squirming around nicely.
Squall looking to control and managing it successfully.
Squall won't let Skerlik get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Squall controlling from the full mount.
Skerlik is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Squall controlling from the full mount.
Skerlik is not a happy chappy… he wants out of there.
Squall sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Squall wants to control the pace but Skerlik is squirming around nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Squall controlling the pace for now.
Squall throwing strikes here but Skerlik is writhing around nicely and avoiding any serious damage.
Skerlik is squirming around, avoiding Squall's attempts to control the action.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Skerlik's corner are shouting for him to stand up but that's bad cornering - how is he meant to stand up when he's mounted? He should be looking to improve his position on the ground before trying to stand back up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pete Squall dominated that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Squall closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Skerlik quickly recovers to half guard.

Skerlik manages to escape and get back to his feet!

Squall shoots in for a takedown and gets it.
Squall is keen to just control but Skerlik is a slippery customer.
Skerlik looks like he's trying to stand up.
Squall is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Skerlik manages to escape and get back to his feet!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Squall pulls out of a head kick attempt.
A head kick misses from Squall.
Skerlik fails with a takedown attempt from distance.

Squall is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Skerlik's half guard.
Squall lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.

Squall stands up from half guard... He's had enough of that ground malarky for the time being.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Skerlik tries to sprawl but Squall drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Squall is breathing heavily.

Squall is looking to control the position but Skerlik frees his trapped leg and locks up an armbar from the bottom! It looks tight! Squall grimaces and holds on for a second but is forced to tap or have his arm broken! Slick Jiu Jitsu from Skerlik there - Squall really paying for some sloppy defensive work!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:31 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Nick Skerlik!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Undercard bout

Co-main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Buya Kasha (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Joseph Muratti (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Muratti has chosen Limp Bizkit- Break Stuff as his entrance music. Joseph Muratti struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 186.6lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kasha
vs
Muratti

180 cm
26
185 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

196 cm
25
200 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Buya Kasha!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Joseph Muratti!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Muratti blocks a head kick by Kasha.
Kasha moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Kasha tries to clinch up but Muratti circles away and keeps his distance.
That kick from Kasha tenderised Muratti's leg. Muratti is trying to keep his angry face on.
Kasha connects with a high kick.
Muratti changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Kasha tries to avoid it but Muratti manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Kasha to the ground. Kasha escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Buya Kasha seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kasha lands a head kick. Muratti smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Kasha displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Muratti.
Kasha scores with a spinning back kick!
Kasha throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Kasha wants to clinch up but Muratti keeps it at a distance.

Kasha moves into range and clinches up with Muratti.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kasha lands an elbow that stopped Muratti in his tracks for a moment.
A battle for position here, against the cage.

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kasha would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Muratti has his foot on Kasha's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Kasha works his way back into a safe position though.
Kasha trying to control but Muratti is working from the bottom.
Muratti can't keep his opponent in guard - Kasha advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

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

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

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasha is looking to stall here but Muratti recovers full guard.
Kasha wants to control from the top but Muratti keeps moving.
Muratti looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kasha is one step ahead there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasha trying to control but Muratti is working from the bottom.
Kasha stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Muratti swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Muratti keeping moving, preventing Kasha from controlling successfully.
Kasha tries to free his leg and advance position but Muratti is retaining full guard.
Kasha looking to sit in guard and control but Muratti gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kasha is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Muratti throws a strike but Kasha rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Kasha trying to control but Muratti is working from the bottom.
Kasha is looking to stand up but Muratti won't let him.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Muratti is trying to control the position from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buya Kasha dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Kasha moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kasha lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Kasha scores with a head kick. Muratti tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Buya Kasha is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Muratti takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Kasha tries to clinch there but Muratti circles away.
Kasha moves to clinch but Muratti breaks away

and Muratti counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Muratti.
Muratti is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
This has been an exciting period of action!

Muratti is holding a leg here, probably looking for an ankle lock - he drops back and goes for it! Kasha is in trouble! Is it all over??? No! Kasha has escaped and now he's on top!
Kasha trying to control but Muratti is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Muratti manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Kasha wants to control but Muratti is having none of it.

Muratti moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kasha has worked his arm free - good work by Kasha!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Muratti thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Muratti is breathing heavily.
Kasha sneaks back into half guard.

Muratti wants to work for an arm triangle but Kasha is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Buya Kasha overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Muratti is thwarting Kasha's attempts to control the position.
Kasha is doing well to avoid being mounted. He's controlling the position at the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muratti throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
Kasha is trying to maintain the position but Muratti is very close to passing his half guard.

Muratti is looking for a kimura but Kasha is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Muratti to get the leverage.
Kasha is trying to control but can't.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.

Kasha looking for submissions off his back.
Kasha keeping hold of Muratti's head, controlling as best he can.
Kasha is looking to control Muratti's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Kasha avoid being mounted?

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Muratti wants to work for an arm triangle but Kasha is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Muratti is looking to pass the guard... He's managed it - he's now in full mount!
Kasha avoids a series of strikes thrown by Muratti.
Kasha really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Muratti moves into side control, trying to work for a kimura. That looks painful! Will he finish!!?? No, Kasha has worked his arm free - good work by Kasha!
Kasha tries to bench press Muratti off him but Muratti keeps the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Buya Kasha will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Kasha bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Kasha is looking to clinch.
Kasha moves in looking to clinch but Muratti pushes him off.
Muratti walks forward, straight into a front kick from Kasha.
Muratti shoots in but no luck this time.
Kasha is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kasha is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kasha pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Muratti fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Muratti takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kasha tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in the close the distance. Muratti manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Kasha lands a front kick.
Kasha fakes the leg kick and cracks Muratti in the body.
Muratti closes this distance looking for a takedown but Kasha circles away.
Buya Kasha has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Joseph Muratti.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kasha lands a head kick. Muratti smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Kasha lands a head kick. Muratti smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Kasha delivers a nice body kick.
Kasha lands with a slapping head kick.
Kasha throws a front kick that sends Muratti stumbling back into the cage.
Kasha pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kasha throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Muratti.

Kasha moves into the clinch.

Kasha pulls Muratti into guard.
Kasha looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kasha looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasha manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Kasha can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Muratti is looking to escape.
Muratti tries to hold on but Kasha pushes him away.
Kasha seems to be looking to move to his opponent's back but Muratti is holding on tight.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kasha wants to stand but Muratti is holding on to him, trying to stop him posturing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasha can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Muratti is looking to escape.
Muratti working to try and regain half guard.

Kasha stands up from mount. Strange move.
Kasha thows a body kick. Muratti tries to catch it but that hurt him.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kasha looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Buya Kasha is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kasha throws a head kick that Muratti semi-blocks.
Muratti tries for a takedown but Kasha sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Muratti dodges the punch combination from Kasha.
Buya Kasha is winning the standup battle so far.
Kasha goes for a high kick. It partially lands.
Muratti circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kasha stuffs the takedown attempt from Muratti. Muratti gets slowly back to his feet.
Kasha fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.

Kasha darts in and clinches Muratti up against the cage.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Muratti drops down looking for an ankle pick but Kasha pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kasha tries a head kick but it misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buya Kasha clearly takes that round.
That's time! Kasha's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

An inside leg kick lands from Kasha.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kasha.
Nice sprawl there from Kasha as Muratti shoots in.
Kasha lands a head kick!
Kasha moves into range and lands a nice body kick.
Kasha throws a head kick that half lands.
Muratti takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Kasha throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Muratti's head.
A head kick from Kasha lands but Muratti takes it in his stride.
Kasha bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Muratti.
Kasha misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kasha throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kasha fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Kasha is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Muratti can do to turn this around?

Kasha closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Muratti has moved round to his opponent's back and is looking for a suplex! Oh snap! He's tossed Kasha clear over his head and slammed him to the mat!

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

Muratti seems to be going for a rear naked choke. He has an arm under Kasha's chin but Kasha turns very nicely into Muratti's guard. Good BJJ skills being displayed there by Kasha.
Muratti keeping full guard, as Kasha tries to pass.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Muratti keeping moving, preventing Kasha from controlling successfully.
Kasha missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Muratti 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.
Kasha's corner is telling him to maintain position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Muratti has a closed guard, preventing Kasha from standing up.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Muratti managing to control the position.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Buya Kasha wasn't doing enough on the ground.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kasha looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Kasha moves into the clinch.

Kasha has Muratti pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Kasha pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Muratti tumbling to the mat - Kasha dives into Muratti's guard.
Muratti wants to sweep but no luck.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Muratti wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
Kasha trying to control the position from guard on top but Muratti is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kasha trying to move into half guard but instead Muratti has managed to sweep!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Muratti in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Muratti is stalling in the full guard.
Kasha looking to control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Buya Kasha had his way with Joseph Muratti in that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

No joy there for Kasha, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Muratti has his takedown stuffed
and Kasha counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kasha moves in looking to clinch but Muratti pushes him off.
Kasha tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Muratti was well out of range. Poor timing from Kasha.
Kasha tries a head kick but it misses.

Muratti throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Kasha was covering up waiting for the punch and Muratti finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Muratti drops back, looking for a kneebar! Kasha looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Kasha looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Kasha!
Muratti is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

Kasha wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Muratti, who protects the arm well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kasha misses with an attempted head punch from side control.

Kasha tries for a kimura but Muratti is defending well.

Kasha is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Muratti has escaped the position, nice work there.
Kasha wants to stand but Muratti has him controlled and pulls him back into his guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kasha missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Muratti wants to sweep here but Kasha controlling him for the moment.
Kasha pushing down on Muratti's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Muratti is trying to get back to full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kasha wants to get back to his feet.
Kasha tries to pass the half guard into mount. Muratti knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Muratti trying to control from the bottom.

Kasha is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Muratti has managed to free his arm - good work.

Kasha is working for an americana but Muratti has been sneaky and has managed to get back to half guard, whilst Kasha was thinking about the submission.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kasha wants to control from the top but Muratti keeps moving.
Joseph Muratti has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Buya Kasha is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kasha is going to have to think about doing something other than just controlling because Muratti is managing to avoid having the position dictated to him.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight for Buya Kasha!
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Buya Kasha!
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight for Buya Kasha!

Buya Kasha wins by unanimous decision!
Buya Kasha retains his middleweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
55%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Samir Oliva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and James Small (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Samir Oliva could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to James Small's chin.

Oliva
vs
Small

194 cm
25
217 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

180 cm
20
205 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Lethal high kicks
KO power

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Fast

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Samir Oliva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, James Small!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Marco Blurström and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Oliva needs to keep his hands up - Small had a free shot at his head there.

It looks like Samir Oliva has been cut.
Oliva throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Small just misses with a punch to the body.
Oliva throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

It looks like James Small has been cut.
Oliva defending well as Small loads up on a big left hand.
Oliva takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
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!
Oliva pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Oliva uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Small.
Small misses with a double jab.
Oliva misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Small's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Small duly obliges.
Small scores with a decent looking hook.
Oliva throws a sloppy head kick and Small moves out of range easily.
Small throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Oliva throws a wild body kick that Small sees coming a mile off.
Oliva throws a head kick that misses.
Small throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Small scores with a shot to the body.
Oliva is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Oliva throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Small works over Oliva's head and body with a nice combination.
BOOM! Small lands a beautiful left hook that drops Oliva. Oliva tries to recover but Small is having none of it, landing more punishing shots from mount. One final crushing shot and Oliva lies motionless on the canvas. The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:17 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). James Small!
A relieved looking James Small thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.