HFC: Fight Night 1 PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Toni Niinimaki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicholas Weichel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Niinimaki
vs
Weichel

176 cm
20
155 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

183 cm
25
162 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Intelligent

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Toni Niinimaki!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Nicholas Weichel!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Roosa Järviläinen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Niinimaki throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Weichel fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
No luck for Niinimaki with that takedown attempt.
Weichel closes this distance looking for a takedown but Niinimaki circles away.

Niinimaki fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Weichel sprawls well initially but Niinimaki persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.
Weichel is pressing down on Niinimaki's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Weichel kicks Niinimaki off and gets to his feet.
Niinimaki's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Niinimaki duly obliges.
Weichel displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Niinimaki.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!

Excellent takedown into side control there by Weichel.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Weichel has hold of Niinimaki's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Niinimaki seems comfortable defending it but Weichel has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Niinimaki is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Niinimaki is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Weichel couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:09 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Nicholas Weichel!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
47%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between David Petrasek (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikael Saarrinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Petrasek
vs
Saarrinen

185 cm
25
212 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

188 cm
22
210 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

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 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of London, David Petrasek!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mikael Saarrinen!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Petrasek fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Saarrinen manages to avoid it.

Petrasek fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Saarrinen, pushing him back against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Saarrinen's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Petrasek breaks from the clinch.
Saarrinen lands with a nice combination. Petrasek backs away looking to recover.

It looks like David Petrasek has been cut.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Petrasek throws a right and a left that Saarrinen avoids nicely.
Saarrinen doesn't manage to clinch there - Petrasek circles away.
Petrasek keeps the fight on the outside.
Saarrinen tries to clinch up but Petrasek circles away and keeps his distance.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Saarrinen throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Petrasek swinging wildly here.
Petrasek misses with a jab, cross combination.
Saarrinen fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Saarrinen slips a jab and a cross from Petrasek.

Saarrinen tries to keep at a distance but Petrasek has taken the fight into the clinch.
Saarrinen working hard to break the clinch.
Saarrinen is trying to break the clinch but Petrasek has him pressed against the cage.
Saarrinen tries to break free but Petrasek pushes him back against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Saarrinen's face as he tries to break the clinch.

Petrasek turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Petrasek manages to end up in side control.
Petrasek is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Saarrinen wants to get back to his feet but Petrasek drags him back down.
Petrasek controls the position.

Petrasek looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Saarrinen is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Petrasek misses with the ground and pound.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

Petrasek is trying to get an arm triangle but Saarrinen is defending well.
Saarrinen is trying to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Petrasek working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Petrasek working the ground and pound.
Petrasek creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Saarrinen wants to get back to his feet.
Petrasek passes to full mount! That's big trouble for Saarrinen!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Petrasek controlling the pace for now.

Petrasek wants to finish this one by submission but Saarrinen is holding onto his waist, trying to prevent any attacks from Petrasek.
Saarrinen wants to use the cage to get back to his feet here.
Saarrinen is in a horrible position here. Petrasek smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Petrasek controlling the pace for now.
Petrasek landing strikes from the mount.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Petrasek goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Saarrinen turns into him and now he's in Petrasek's guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

David Petrasek dominated that round.
The cut man is working on David Petrasek's cut.
That's time! Petrasek's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Petrasek rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Saarrinen moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Saarrinen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saarrinen looks to land a combination but Petrasek avoids it well.

Petrasek changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Saarrinen looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Saarrinen gives up the full mount - oops, sloppy defensive grappling there!
Petrasek controlling his opponent.
Petrasek seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Saarrinen for as long as he can get away with.
Petrasek won't let Saarrinen get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Saarrinen is breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Petrasek content just to control the position here.
Petrasek drops a big elbow. That's hurt Saarrinen! More shots from Petrasek and the ref steps in! The fight is over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:59 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). David Petrasek!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Mohammad Al Nasser (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Tamao Serizawa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Mohammad Al Nasser has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Al Nasser
vs
Serizawa

178 cm
29
190 lbs
10 - 12 - 0

184 cm
27
200 lbs
10 - 11 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 12 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Mohammad Al Nasser!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 11 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Tamao Serizawa!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Al Nasser doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Serizawa decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Al Nasser's guard.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Al Nasser is trying to keep Serizawa in close.
Al Nasser trying to strike off his back.
Serizawa trying to control but Al Nasser is working from the bottom.
Serizawa is in a good position here but he's just trying to control... And he's not even managing to do that successfully.
Al Nasser trying to strike from the bottom but really, it's not the best position to be doing that from!
Al Nasser thows some rabbit punches from the bottom but they don't do any damage.

Serizawa 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.
Al Nasser manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Serizawa manages to get himself to full guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Serizawa is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Al Nasser is controlling him.
Al Nasser 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.

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

Serizawa looking for subs off his back but Al Nasser has passed one foot through into half guard.

Serizawa manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Al Nasser keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Serizawa is pushing Al Nasser up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Al Nasser is trying to break the clinch but Serizawa has him pressed against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Al Nasser working hard to break the clinch.

Serizawa gets control of Al Nasser's arms and successfully pulls guard. Serizawa will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.
Al Nasser won't allow Serizawa to get back to his feet.
Serizawa keeping moving, preventing Al Nasser from controlling successfully.
Al Nasser content to stall in guard here.

Al Nasser has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Serizawa to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Al Nasser is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Serizawa pulls down on the head and he's put Al Nasser to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:46 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Tamao Serizawa!

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 welterweight MMA rules bout between Ryan Dunham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Marcus Hakkinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Dunham
vs
Hakkinen

185 cm
27
182 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

178 cm
18
150 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Very confident

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 - 4 - 0, fighting out of New York, Ryan Dunham!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Marcus Hakkinen!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hakkinen has his takedown stuffed

and Dunham counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Dunham is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.
Dunham is pushing down on Hakkinen's leg trying to pass to half guard. Hakkinen is fighting to maintain full guard but Dunham has managed to sneak the leg through.
Dunham is taking a breather. Hakkinen says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Hakkinen wants to sweep but Dunham has passed to side control!
Dunham is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.

Dunham has hold of Hakkinen's arm. He's looking for a kimura. Hakkinen seems comfortable defending it but Dunham has shifted his position slighty and is cranking on the arm! Hakkinen is real pain and he's forced to tap out! Hakkinen is disgusted with himself for not defending it better but Dunham couldn't care less - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:48 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Kimura). Ryan Dunham!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Maksim Veremko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jaakko Iloliemi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Maksim Veremko has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Veremko
vs
Iloliemi

194 cm
29
237 lbs
10 - 10 - 0

185 cm
24
265 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
KO power

Good wrestler
Basic striking
Determined

FinnFighter Nutrition (Five 160Q supps!)

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 10 - 10 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Maksim Veremko!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Jaakko Iloliemi!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Matti Vanhoillinen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Iloliemi tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Veremko is able to avoid easily.
Iloliemi avoids a punch combination nicely.

Iloliemi looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Iloliemi stops Veremko from getting back to his feet.
Iloliemi thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Veremko's head.
Iloliemi working over Veremko with some ground and pound. Veremko looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Iloliemi scoring with strikes to the body and head.
Iloliemi wants to pass the guard but Veremko is defending well.
Veremko looks like he's trying to stand up.
Iloliemi throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Veremko blocking the ground and pound attempt from Iloliemi.
Veremko looks like he's trying to stand up.
Iloliemi should think about turning a few of those tyres round his middle into muscle if he wants people to take him seriously as an athlete.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Iloliemi lands strikes from half guard.
Iloliemi controlling the action here.
Veremko has hold of Iloliemi's hands but Iloliemi slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Veremko is looking to escape.
Iloliemi throwing shots but Veremko is blocking nicely.
Iloliemi working Veremko over with strikes.
Iloliemi scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Iloliemi with the ground and pound but Veremko uses the opportunity to regain guard.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Iloliemi prevents Veremko from getting back to his feet.
Veremko is breathing heavily.
Iloliemi content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
We're hearing some news coming in from back stage. It's official - Iloliemi has eaten all the pies!
Iloliemi looking to control the position here, rather than advance.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Iloliemi working some strikes from top position.
Iloliemi is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Iloliemi postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Veremko wants to stand but Iloliemi is controlling the position.
Iloliemi trying to control but Veremko is working from the bottom.
Iloliemi working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Iloliemi is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Iloliemi landing some decent shots from guard.
Iloliemi postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Iloliemi working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Iloliemi trying to control but Veremko is working from the bottom.
Iloliemi makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Iloliemi is in close to Veremko's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Iloliemi loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Iloliemi looking to pass the guard.
Iloliemi lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Veremko is rocked!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Veremko has momentary wrist control but Iloliemi slips an elbow through the middle.
Oh Veremko is still in real trouble! Will he be able to recover?!!
Iloliemi is in close to Veremko's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Iloliemi gets to his feet and stands over Veremko, holding his ankles. He dives in with a big left hand that connects! Veremko felt that one! Iloliemi unloads more punches and elbows and this one is over! The ref has dived in to save Veremko from any more punishment!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 4:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Jaakko Iloliemi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
74%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Anton Jorgensen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Edson Garcia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Edson Garcia is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Jorgensen
vs
Garcia

170 cm
25
141 lbs
2 - 2 - 0

170 cm
28
142 lbs
12 - 7 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Self confident

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

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 2 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Anton Jorgensen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 12 - 7 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Edson Garcia!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jorgensen fails with a takedown attempt.
Jorgensen tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Garcia defends well and Jorgensen ends up having to push Garcia into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Garcia effectively controlling the action here.
A short uppercut from Garcia.
Garcia is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Jorgensen's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Garcia is pushing Jorgensen up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Garcia throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Jorgensen blocks it with crossed arms.
Jorgensen is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Jorgensen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Garcia keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Jorgensen's efforts to push away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Jorgensen looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Garcia has Jorgensen pressed against the cage, preventing Jorgensen from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A short right from Garcia.
Garcia makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Jorgensen goes for a takedown attempt but Garcia pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Anton Jorgensen. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Jorgensen is breathing heavily.
Garcia tries a head kick but it misses.
Jorgensen shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Garcia as he jumps to the side.
Edson Garcia is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Jorgensen fails with a takedown attempt.
Jorgensen is trying hard to land a takedown here. Garcia sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

Jorgensen tries to keep at a distance but Garcia has taken the fight into the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Garcia pushes Jorgensen back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Jorgensen on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Garcia misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Jorgensen.
Jorgensen looks to be in better condition than last time we saw him fight. Obviously he's been working hard on his cardio.
Garcia lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Jorgensen backwards.
Garcia makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Jorgensen is rocked!
Garcia working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Oh Jorgensen is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Garcia lands a big knee to the head and Jorgensen goes down! Garcia pounces and finishes the fight with strikes! He jumps to his feet and celebrates with the crowd!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:33 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Edson Garcia!
In his post fight interview, Edson Garcia started talking himself up. Luckily his charisma kept the crowd on side and gave him a good reception.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
46%

Main event

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Juha Maskinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Eugene Carl Alexander Burns (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Eugene Carl Alexander Burns is the more experienced fighter, so let's see if that makes a difference tonight.

Maskinen
vs
Carl Alexander Burns

180 cm
25
175 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

170 cm
28
205 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Prefers standup

Good wrestler
Counter fighter
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Juha Maskinen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of London, Eugene Carl Alexander Burns!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Maskinen lands a jab.
Burns circles away from the clinch attempt

and Burns counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Burns passes Maskinen's left leg - he's now in half guard.
Maskinen is trying to control but can't.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Burns keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Burns moves nicely into side control.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!

Burns is working for what looks like an arm triangle here. Maskinen is trying to escape and Burns transitions quickly into an armbar! He's slapped it on tight and Maskinen is forced to tap! Nice work there by Burns! Very nice indeed!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Eugene Carl Alexander Burns! Eugene Carl Alexander Burns retains his light heavyweight title!
Eugene Carl Alexander Burns decided to call for a title shot in his post fight interview, which was very strange given the fact this fight was for a title and he's already the champion. I guess that's what getting punched in the head does for you.