Infinity 137: PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Pakile Pike (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nyyrikki Takaraivo (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.

Pike
vs
Takaraivo

191 cm
24
210 lbs
7 - 4 - 3

179 cm
33
220 lbs
17 - 21 - 1

Good wrestling
Dangerous knees
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Lethal high kicks
Good gas tank

The Empire Clothing and Laundry
AnonymouS

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 7 - 4 - 3, fighting out of Helsinki, Pakile Pike!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 17 - 21 - 1, fighting out of Helsinki, Nyyrikki Takaraivo!
The judges for this bout are Marco Blurström, Tarja Halkonen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Takaraivo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Takaraivo misses with a double jab.
Takaraivo uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Pike.
We've been told by Pike's head coaches at Holding Cell that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Takaraivo misses with a body shot.
A head kick misses from Pike.
Pike looks for the body kick but Takaraivo saw that one coming.
Pike throws a right hand that misses
and Takaraivo counters with a series of strikes. Pike will be more careful next time no doubt.
A head kick misses from Takaraivo.
Pike misses with an attempted mid kick.
Takaraivo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Pike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pike blocks a head kick by Takaraivo.
Takaraivo misses the shot to the body.
Pike fires out a quick counter leg kick but Takaraivo just manages to avoid it.
Takaraivo tries to clinch up but Pike circles away and keeps his distance.
Takaraivo tries to land a leg kick but Pike saw it coming and moves away.
Takaraivo throws a right and a left that both miss.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pike throws a series of punches but Takaraivo moves out of range.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Pike, right into the meat.
Takaraivo blocks a jab.
Takaraivo raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Takaraivo fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Pike is out of range.
An inside leg kick from Pike misses.
Pike tries to land a front kick but Takaraivo steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Takaraivo throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Pike's head.

It looks like Pakile Pike has been cut.
Takaraivo pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Pike is looking to counter punch.
Takaraivo with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Takaraivo scores with a head kick. Pike tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Pike.
Takaraivo connects with an inside leg kick.
Crunch! Pike slams his shin into Takaraivo's torso.
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!
Pike has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Takaraivo.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pike throws a series of punches but Takaraivo moves out of range.
Pike throws a sloppy head kick and Takaraivo moves out of range easily.
Pike tries a head kick but it misses.
Takaraivo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Pike moves away.
Pike throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Takaraivo misses with a kick to the body.
Pike throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Despite the aggression on Takaraivo's face he doesn't fully commit to the counter.

Takaraivo gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Some stalling of biblical proportions here from Pike.
Pike with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Takaraivo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Takaraivo takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Takaraivo tries a head kick but it misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takaraivo misses with a low kick.
Takaraivo checks the leg kick.
Pike throws a head kick but Takaraivo moves out of range.

Takaraivo moves into the clinch.

Takaraivo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Takaraivo throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pike scores with a leg kick.
Good work by Takaraivo as he checks the leg kick.
Pike misses with a body kick.

Takaraivo takes the fight into the clinch.
Pike misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pike utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Pike presses Takaraivo against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

Takaraivo breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Takaraivo connects with a nice looking jab.
Takaraivo slips a jab from Pike.
Takaraivo throws out a counter right but Pike avoids it with no problem.
Takaraivo tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Takaraivo defending well as Pike loads up on a big left hand.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pike throws a head kick that misses.
Takaraivo was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Takaraivo connects with a single shot there.
Takaraivo scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
A head kick misses from Takaraivo.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nyyrikki Takaraivo dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Pakile Pike's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Takaraivo clinches up against the cage.
A bit of stalling here from Takaraivo.
Pike tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Takaraivo avoids it.
Pike misses with a punch to the body.

Takaraivo breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Takaraivo connects with an inside leg kick.
Takaraivo misses with a low kick.
Takaraivo swinging wildly here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pike throws a series of punches but Takaraivo avoids them all with ease.
Nyyrikki Takaraivo seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Pike blocks a head kick by Takaraivo.
Pike shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Pike misses with a body kick.
Takaraivo throws a counter combo.
Pike looks to land a right hand but Takaraivo moved out of range.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Pike misses with a wild body shot.
Takaraivo takes a kick to the side of the head.
Pike misses with a kick to the body.
Takaraivo is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Takaraivo throws a right and a left that both miss.

Takaraivo clinches up with Pike and pushes him back against the cage.
Pike trying to land knees to the body.
Takaraivo blocks an uppercut.
Pike has had enough of the clinch but Takaraivo keeps him there for the moment.
Pike effectively controlling the action here.
Pike working aggressively here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pike missing with knees to the body.
Pike swings wildly with an uppercut but Takaraivo uses good head movement to avoid it.
Pike goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Takaraivo trying to control the position but instead, Pike has worked for underhooks and has pushed Takaraivo into the cage.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Takaraivo blocks a body shot from Pike.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pike throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pike ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Takaraivo moves away.
Pike misses with a leg kick
and Takaraivo counters with a leg kick.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses.
A slapping leg kick lands for Pike.
Takaraivo has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Pike misses with an uppercut. Takaraivo saw that one coming.
Pike steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Takaraivo. That one must have hurt.
Pike misses with a wild body shot.
Takaraivo connects with a leg kick. Pike looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
A head kick misses from Takaraivo.
Takaraivo tries to land a front kick but Pike steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Pike misses with a low kick.
Takaraivo is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Takaraivo tries a head kick but it misses.
Takaraivo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pike looks to score with a jab to the body but Takaraivo is just out of range.
Pike lands a nice hook to Takaraivo's body. Takaraivo takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Takaraivo looks to land a combination but Pike avoids it well.
Pike throwing a counter right hand but Takaraivo manages to avoid it.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Takaraivo, right into the meat.
A head kick misses from Takaraivo.
Some wild striking there from Pike.
Takaraivo keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Takaraivo checks a leg kick nicely.
Takaraivo throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Takaraivo keeping at a good range here, avoiding a leg kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Nyyrikki Takaraivo will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Pakile Pike's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

Pike scores with a head kick.
Pike misses with a low kick as Takaraivo jumps back.
Takaraivo tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Pike manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Takaraivo throws a sloppy head kick
and Pike counters with a left to the body.
Takaraivo ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Pike moves away.
Pike throws a body punch but Takaraivo moves out of range.
Pike throws a push kick but Takaraivo slaps the foot to one side.
Pike throws a head kick that misses.
Takaraivo looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Pike wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Takaraivo blocks a head kick by Pike.
Takaraivo tries to close the distance and clinch but Pike swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Takaraivo blocks a head kick by Pike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Takaraivo tries a head kick but it misses.
It looked like Pike was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Takaraivo tries a head kick but it misses.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Takaraivo lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Pike has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Pike and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Pike thinks about countering with a body kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Takaraivo. That's going to slow Pike down.
Pike connects with a body shot.
Takaraivo avoids a kick to the body.
Pike motions for Takaraivo to come forward. Pike throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Pike.
A chopping leg kick lands by Takaraivo.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses
and Pike counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Takaraivo thinking.
Takaraivo misses with a head kick.
Takaraivo takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Pike throws a leg kick that misses.
Takaraivo shapes to counter with a head kick.
Pike is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Pike lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Pakile Pike has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Pike misses with a head kick.
Takaraivo takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Pike throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Takaraivo's head.
Pike misses with an attempted mid kick.
Takaraivo scores with a head kick.
Good work by Takaraivo as he checks the leg kick.
Takaraivo moves out of range as Pike throws a body kick.
Takaraivo blocks a head kick by Pike.
Takaraivo throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
As Takaraivo looks to move away, Pike throws a big counter combo bu Takaraivo just gets out of the way.
Pike throws a head kick that misses
and Takaraivo counters with a nice body kick.
Takaraivo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Pike tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Pike moves out of range of the body kick.
Pike is looking to wear down Takaraivo with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Takaraivo throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Takaraivo throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Pike on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Takaraivo. Takaraivo obviously looking to wear him down.
Takaraivo misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Takaraivo throws a head kick but Pike moves out of range.
Takaraivo loads up on a big right hand but Pike slips the punch.
Pike was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.

Takaraivo moves into the clinch.
Takaraivo avoiding damage as Pike throws knees to the body.
Pike using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Takaraivo has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Pike pressing his opponent against the cage.
Takaraivo managing to block the knees to the body from Pike.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Pike tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Takaraivo on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Pike wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Takaraivo has him pressed against the cage.
Takaraivo has Pike pressed against the cage, preventing Pike from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Pike creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Pike misses with a knee strike.
Pike stalling.
Pike trying to land knees to the body.
Nyyrikki Takaraivo is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.

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

And that's the end of the fight!
Pakile Pike showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Takaraivo 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Nyyrikki Takaraivo!
Nyyrikki Takaraivo thanked the fans post fight for their support.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
52%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Ricky Ponting (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Randy West (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.

Ponting
vs
West

170 cm
37
160 lbs
28 - 26 - 0

180 cm
36
166 lbs
22 - 19 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Excellent boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Machiavelli Boutique

V-Mask Clothing (10%)
Spartan Nutrition

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 28 - 26 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ricky Ponting!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Randy West!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A swing and a miss from Ponting.
West throws a lazy body kick
letting Ponting counter with a right hand.
Ponting bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Ponting throws an uppercut from half a mile away. West sees it coming and avoids it easily.
West looks to throw the jab but Ponting is out of range.
West throws a sloppy head kick and Ponting moves out of range easily.
Ponting seems to be moving with more speed, compared to his last bout. He must have been working on that in the gym.
West walks into a straight right hand from Ponting.
Ponting clobbers West with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Ponting throws a series of punches but West avoids them all with ease.

Ponting shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Ponting was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
West is trying to get back to half guard.
Ponting throwing strikes but West manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!
Ponting 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.
West is looking to take a break and control but Ponting is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Ponting is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but West has just dragged him back down to the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ponting tries to get back to half guard but can't.
West creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Ponting sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Ponting is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on West's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Ponting trying to control here.
Ponting tries to roll over but West keeps him under control.
Ponting gets back to full guard.

Ponting looking for a guillotine here but West defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
West stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ponting swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Ponting wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
West stopping the sweep attempt from Ponting.
West must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
West wants to control from the top but Ponting keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
West throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Ponting looking for a sweep. Not yet Ponting, not yet.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.
West throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Ponting pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
West moves forwards but Ponting connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A head kick misses from West.
Ponting appears to be looking for a big counter.
West misses with the combination.
Ponting throws a body punch but West moves out of range.
A little jabbing left from West on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
West throws a head kick but Ponting moves out of range.
West misses with an uppercut
and Ponting connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Ponting waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract West.
West tries to counter by closing the distance.
West tries to land a leg kick but Ponting saw it coming and moves away.
A big right from Ponting misses.
Ponting loads up on a big right hand but West slips the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
West throws a nice outside leg kick.
West throws a solid leg kick but Ponting takes the impact on his shin and smiles at West.
West slips a straight right by Ponting.
West steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Ponting.
West showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Ponting.
Randy West is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
West misses the shot to the body.
West slips under a jab from Ponting.
West looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ponting swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
West looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Ponting loads up on a big right hand but West slips the punch.
Ponting misses with a lunging right hand

and West counters by clinching up.
Ponting wants to get back to striking at distance but West won't allow it.
Ponting wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
West is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Ponting wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
West misses with a knee strike.
Ponting wants to break free but West has control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ponting misses with a straight left.
West throws a leg kick but Ponting checks it.
Ponting throws a head kick that misses.
Ponting waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract West.
West raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
West moves out of range of the leg kick from Ponting.
West misses with a few strikes there.
West works the jab nicely.
Ponting darts in looking for a takedown but West gets double underhooks and turns Ponting into the cage.
West steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Ponting.
West misses with a combination
and Ponting counters with a straight right hand.
Ponting is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that West can do to turn this around?
Ponting fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ponting thuds his right hand into West's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
West moves away from the strike by Ponting.
West throws a low kick, looking for Ponting's leg but Ponting calmly moves out of range.
Ponting takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Ponting misses the body punch
and West cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
West misses with a body shot.
Ponting swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
A head kick misses from West.
West throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Ponting throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
West is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Ponting gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
West lands a nice looking body kick.
West pulls out of a head kick attempt.
West walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Ponting checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Ponting tries a head kick but it misses.
West lands with a slapping head kick.
West changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Ponting, as that shot connected.
West loads up on a big right hand but Ponting slips the punch.
An attempted straight right counter from Ponting misses the target.
Ponting sizes up West with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Ponting checks a leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ponting lands a nice hook to West's body. West takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
West lands a slapping body shot.
Ponting throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Ponting throws a jab when West was well out of range.
Ponting throws a lazy right hand but West sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
West uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ponting.
Ponting takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ponting misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Ponting swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
A shot to the body from Ponting misses
and West cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Ponting throws a hook but West avoids it easily.
West takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
West is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ponting.
West misses with a head kick.
West just manages to avoid a counter high kick fromPonting.
Ponting takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
West digs a good body shot into Ponting's ribs.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
West jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from West, right into the meat.
Ponting fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but West avoids it really well and circles away.
A left lands for West.
West moves out of range as Ponting strikes.
The crowd cheers as Ponting lands an impressive looking overhand right. West doesn't seem phased though.
West misses with a head kick.
Ponting throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Ponting checks a low kick from West.
Ponting is looking to counter with head kicks.
Ponting misses with a takedown attempt - West sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricky Ponting. That's going to take a lot out of him.
West misses with a few strikes there.
Ponting is looking to counter punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ponting uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Ricky Ponting seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Horrible takedown attempt by Ponting or perhaps it was just good defense by West, which made it look bad.
Ponting misses with a left hand
and West counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
West misses with a wild body shot.
Ponting throws a leg kick but West sees it coming and moves out of range.
Ponting throws a series of punches but West avoids them all with ease.
West takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
West swings for the body but Ponting moves out of range.
Ponting tries to bum rush West with a series of wild strikes but West uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
West misses with a straight right.
Ponting swinging wildly here.
The fighters circling - Ponting throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Ponting throws a hook but West blocks it.
A head kick misses from Ponting.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Randy West will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. And we move into the final round!

Ponting throws an off balance right hand
enabling West to counter with a crisp jab.
Ponting throws a combination but it was largely blocked by West.
Ponting shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts West as he jumps to the side.
West displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ponting throws out the jab.
Ponting tries to bum rush West with a series of wild strikes but West uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from West. Ponting shrugs it off though.
Ricky Ponting is winning the standup battle so far.
West scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
West uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ponting has time to react.
West uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Ponting has time to react.
Ponting lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Ponting paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ponting throws a series of punches but West avoids them all with ease.
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!
West throws a head kick but Ponting moves out of range.
West tries a head kick but it misses.
West throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
West has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Ponting pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

That's one minute gone in the round.
West throws a right and a left that both miss.
Ponting throws a big counter combination but West scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ponting.

Ponting scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
West is looking for a sweep. Ponting is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
West taking some punishment here, with Ponting in his half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ponting stalling.
Ponting throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ponting throwing shots but West is blocking nicely.
Ponting trying to mount his opponent but West defends it.
Ponting thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed West's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
West wants to control but Ponting is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Ponting is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
West gets full guard.
West preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Ponting is working West over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

West looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Ponting throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as West works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Ponting throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
West being controlled here, momentarily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ponting with a flurry of punches that miss.
Ponting with a couple of shots to the head there. Not particularly brutal.
West preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
West preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
West looking to control.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
A chopping leg kick lands by West.
Ponting checks the leg kick.
West moves away from the strike by Ponting.
West displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Ponting.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Ricky Ponting. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Ponting throws a jab but it's blocked by West.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
West misses with a hook.
West swings and misses with a hook to the body.
West connects with a looping right hand.
Ponting tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Ponting throws a right and a left that West avoids nicely.
A big right from Ponting misses.
Ponting misses with a body shot.
West fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
West thows a leg kick but Ponting checks it
and Ponting counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Ponting.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
West throws a big shot that misses.
Ponting gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
West connects with a solid leg kick.
Ponting misses with a jab to the body
letting West counter with a right hand.
West throws a leg kick but Ponting checks it.

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 Ricky Ponting.
I think Ponting has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:29

The fight is ruled a draw!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
57%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Kenji Kato (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mika Saarenpaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Kato
vs
Saarenpaa

176 cm
31
167 lbs
21 - 10 - 0

183 cm
27
170 lbs
16 - 5 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Dauntless
Machiavelli Boutique

GREEN!160
KAISER

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kenji Kato!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Mika Saarenpaa!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kato lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kato throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Saarenpaa tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Kato is able to avoid easily.
Saarenpaa has been spending a lot of time sparring his boxing in the run up to the fight, trying to sharpen up those hands and look for a knockout.
Kenji Kato seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kato lands with a straight right. Saarenpaa didn't see that one coming.
Kato tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saarenpaa paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Saarenpaa only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Kato throws a low kick but Saarenpaa avoids it.
Saarenpaa appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Kato works over Saarenpaa's head and body with a nice combination.
Saarenpaa on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Saarenpaa scores with a nice right hand.
Saarenpaa lands the left hand.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saarenpaa digs a good body shot into Kato's ribs.
Kato looks to land a combination but Saarenpaa avoids it well.
Kato has been working on his boxing with his coaches at Netherlands Top Team in the buildup to the fight.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Saarenpaa.
The fighters circling - Kato throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Saarenpaa digs a good hook to Kato's body.
Wow, both these guys are really going for it!
Kato throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Saarenpaa on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
Saarenpaa uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kato.
Saarenpaa fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Kato checks it well.
Kato on the wrong end of a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kato lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Kato lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the body.
Kato takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Saarenpaa slips a straight right by Kato.
Saarenpaa throws a jab when Kato was well out of range.
Saarenpaa wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kato works the jab nicely.
Kato thuds a left hand into Saarenpaa's body.
Kato misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Saarenpaa.
Kato throws a hook but Saarenpaa blocks it.
Saarenpaa looks to score with a jab to the body but Kato is just out of range.
Kato throws a chopping leg kick but Saarenpaa manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A looping hook to the body misses from Saarenpaa. Kato does a little dance to reset his feet.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Kato tries to clinch but Saarenpaa is having none of it.
Saarenpaa is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
An inside leg kick lands from Saarenpaa.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that misses
and Kato counters with a leg kick that reverborates around the arena.
Kato takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Saarenpaa is looking to chop away at Kato's legs.
Nice body kick there by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa throws a jab when Kato was well out of range.
Kato blocks a head kick by Saarenpaa.
Kato scores with a nice strike.
Kato misses with a body kick.

Kato has managed to clinch.
Kato throws a punch but it's blocked by Saarenpaa.
Kato lands a hook to the side of the head.

Kato breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Saarenpaa throws the left hand but Kato avoids the punch easily.
Kato lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kato.
Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kato.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kato avoids the body shot from Saarenpaa.
Kato throwing a counter right hand but Saarenpaa manages to avoid it.
Kato misses with a straight left.
Saarenpaa let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Saarenpaa feints and then cracks Kato's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kato down.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Kato.
Kato on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Saarenpaa. Saarenpaa obviously looking to wear him down.
Kato blocks the body kick.
Saarenpaa takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Saarenpaa lands a high kick!
Saarenpaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Kato moves away.
Saarenpaa has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Saarenpaa throws a body shot but no joy.
Saarenpaa cracks Kato with a good jab.
Oooooooooooh, not good. A low kick from Saarenpaa lands where it shouldn't have, right in the... well, you know what he did? He kicked him in the penis. He's injured, injured bad. The referee sends both fighters to their corners and Kato has 5 minutes to recover. He's OK now though... a thumbs up from Kato and we're back underway with a touch of gloves.
Kato takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kato thows a left - swing and a miss!
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Saarenpaa! But no joy.
Saarenpaa is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Kato.
That's a knee to de groin and it's over and out! Kato crumples to the ground after an illegal strike from Saarenpaa - the referee stops the clock and Kato gets 5 minutes to recover from that one. "I'm sorry" says Saarenpaa. Kato manages to get back to his feet and the fight resumes.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kato looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Kato misses with a right hand
and Saarenpaa counters with a nice body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kato throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Saarenpaa stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Kato wants to clinch up but Saarenpaa keeps it at a distance.
Saarenpaa cracks Kato with an open hand slap.
Kato misses with a hook.
Kato wants to clinch up but Saarenpaa keeps it at a distance.
Saarenpaa looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Saarenpaa swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Kato.
Saarenpaa pushes Kato away with a front kick.
Kato throws a shot to the body.
Saarenpaa ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Kato throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Kato will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Kato shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick.
Kato throws a shot from downtown. Saarenpaa moves away and avoids it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Saarenpaa looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
A swing and a miss from Kato.
Saarenpaa is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kato takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but Kato sees it coming and moves out of range.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Mika Saarenpaa will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Kato tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Saarenpaa paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Kato throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa lands a nice looking kick to the body. Kato takes a step back to recover.
Mika Saarenpaa seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kato looks to land a left hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range nicely.
Kato tries to clinch up.
Some bone on bone action there as Kato checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
Saarenpaa connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kato with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kato looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
A slapping leg kick lands for Saarenpaa.
Kato pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Kato takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kato is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Saarenpaa uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kato.
Kato throws a lazy right hand but Saarenpaa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Some bone on bone action there as Kato checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
A big right from Kato misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Kato throws a lazy uppercut
and Saarenpaa counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kato's knee momentarily.
Kato misses with a body punch
and Saarenpaa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Saarenpaa pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

Kato instigates a clinch.

Kato breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Kato keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kato throws a body punch but Saarenpaa moves out of range.
Saarenpaa throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Saarenpaa lands with a shot to the body.
Saarenpaa connects with a solid leg kick.
Saarenpaa is looking to land body kicks.
A shot to the body from Kato misses
and Saarenpaa counters with a stiff right hand.
Saarenpaa is looking to slow Kato down with leg kicks.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Saarenpaa misses with a body kick.
Kato walks into a stiff left hand from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Saarenpaa.
Kato lands with a thumping leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kato throws a hook to the side of Saarenpaa's head but Saarenpaa sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kato blocks the body kick.
An attempted straight right counter from Kato misses the target.
Saarenpaa keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Kato.
Saarenpaa blocks a jab.
Kato takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kato drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
That kick from Saarenpaa tenderised Kato's leg. Kato is trying to keep his angry face on.
Saarenpaa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Saarenpaa keeps Kato at a distance using the push kick.
Kato is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A nice inside leg kick there by Kato. That's going to slow Saarenpaa down.
Saarenpaa is looking to slow Kato down with leg kicks.
Kato throws a sloppy body shot
and Saarenpaa counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kato just misses with a punch to the body.
Saarenpaa throws a half hearted mid kick.
Saarenpaa lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
A shot to the liver by Kato. Beautiful body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a hook to the side of Kato's head but Kato sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kato swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
A good leg kick by Saarenpaa.
Kato turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Kato.
Saarenpaa steps in looking to counter with the mid kick but it doesn't connect.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick which misses Kato's front leg but catches the back leg as Kato tries to avoid it.
A clash of legs there as Kato blocks the low kick.
Kato throws a body shot but no joy.
A decent looking cross lands there for Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa motions for Kato to come forward. Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick that knocks Kato off balance momentarily.
Kato misses with a double jab.
Kato scoring well with a low kick there.
Saarenpaa feints and then cracks Kato's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kato down.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Kato.
Kato missing with a left hand there. Saarenpaa was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kato swings and misses with a hook to the body.
A countering left hand to the body from Saarenpaa misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Kato throws out the jab.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saarenpaa ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Saarenpaa thuds his right hand into Kato's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Saarenpaa with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kato to score with a decent uppercut.
Saarenpaa feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Katos jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!
Saarenpaa lands with a right hand.
Saarenpaa throws a quick inside leg kick.
Kato blocks a low kick nicely.
Kato swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Saarenpaa was about to counter that last move with a leg kick but changes his mind.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Saarenpaa, right into the meat.
Kato on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Saarenpaa. Saarenpaa obviously looking to wear him down.
A jab from Kato misses.
Saarenpaa looks to throw the jab but Kato is out of range.
Kato throwing a counter right hand but Saarenpaa manages to avoid it.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kato will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kato misses with a right hand
and Saarenpaa counters with a leg kick.
Saarenpaa chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Kato can pounce on him.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mika Saarenpaa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kato steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Saarenpaa. That one must have hurt.
Saarenpaa has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Kato throws a jab when Saarenpaa was well out of range.
Saarenpaa bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Kato walks forward and throws out a flicking leg kick. Saarenpaa checks it nicely though, as he moves to the side.
Kato misses with a series of wild punches.
Kato checks the leg kick.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Kato.
Saarenpaa dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
That kick from Saarenpaa tenderised Kato's leg. Kato is trying to keep his angry face on.
Saarenpaa swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kato misses with a looping right.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Saarenpaa avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Saarenpaa turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a low kick but Kato moves out of range easily.
Saarenpaa feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kato's calf.
Kato is really struggling to find his range with his punches. Saarenpaa's reach advantage is clearly causing him problems.
The fight stays on the outside here - Kato looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Saarenpaa throws a counter combo.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kato connects with a looping right hand.
Saarenpaa lands with an uppercut that bounces Kato off the cage and back into range.
Kato misses the shot to the body.
Saarenpaa throws a hook but Kato avoids it easily.
Saarenpaa tries a low kick but Kato avoids it.
Kato throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Kato.
Kato throws a low kick, looking for Saarenpaa's leg but Saarenpaa calmly moves out of range.
Saarenpaa tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Saarenpaa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kato was well out of range. Poor timing from Saarenpaa.
Kato throws a big shot that misses.
That kick from Saarenpaa tenderised Kato's leg. Kato is trying to keep his angry face on.
A big left from Kato misses.
Saarenpaa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kato throws out a powerful jab.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kato takes a jab right on the kisser.
Saarenpaa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kato takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Saarenpaa feints and then cracks Kato's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Kato down.
Kato looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Saarenpaa uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kato.
Saarenpaa fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Kato manages to avoid it.
Kato tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Saarenpaa cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kato throws a nice looking combination but Saarenpaa bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Kato checks a leg kick.
Kato throws a lazy uppercut
and Saarenpaa counters with a stiff right hand.
An inside leg kick from Kato misses.
Kato misses with a body kick.
Saarenpaa throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Kato.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kato throws a right and a left that both miss.
Kato tries to clinch there but Saarenpaa circles away.
Kato looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Saarenpaa looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Saarenpaa checks a leg kick nicely.
Saarenpaa now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kato looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Saarenpaa has a nice red mark on his side after a thudding body kick by Kato.
Saarenpaa throws a leg kick which misses Kato's front leg but catches the back leg as Kato tries to avoid it.
Kato swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Saarenpaa cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kato thows a leg kick but Saarenpaa checks it
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Saarenpaa throws a nice inside leg kick.
Kato tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kato throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Kato takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Kato looks to land a right hand but Saarenpaa moved out of range.
Saarenpaa takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Kato tried to score with a low kick but Saarenpaa checks it.
Kato takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Saarenpaa lands with a kick to the ribs.
Saarenpaa scores with a kick to the body.
Kato misses with a straight right.
Saarenpaa connects with an inside leg kick.
Saarenpaa wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kato misses with a double jab
and Saarenpaa counters with a slapping leg kick.
Kato stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa scores with a leg kick.
Kato looks to land a combination but Saarenpaa avoids it well.
Saarenpaa thuds his shin into the meat of Kato's side.
Kato gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Saarenpaa.
Kato darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
A big right from Kato misses.
Saarenpaa blocks a jab.
Saarenpaa only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Kato misses with a low kick.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kato walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Saarenpaa scores with a jab to the jaw.
Saarenpaa thumps Kato with a low kick.
Saarenpaa feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kato's calf.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Kato keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Saarenpaa defending well as Kato loads up on a big left hand.
Saarenpaa is trying to counter with his kicks.
Kato misses with a wild body shot.
Saarenpaa connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Saarenpaa is looking to slow Kato down with leg kicks.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kato tries to check a leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
The fighters circling - Kato throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kato throws a poor cross that misses
and Saarenpaa counters with an outside leg kick.
Saarenpaa staying out of range 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!
Kato tries to close the distance and clinch up but Saarenpaa swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Kato waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Saarenpaa.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Saarenpaa lands a right hook to the body.
Saarenpaa throws a front kick aimed at Kato's knee but Kato avoids it well.
Kato tries to clinch but Saarenpaa is having none of it.
Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kato.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Saarenpaa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kato pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.

Kato closes the distance and pushes Saarenpaa back into the cage.
Kato struggles to land a body shot inside as Saarenpaa controls his hands.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Kato.
Saarenpaa misses with some punches.
Kato misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kato misses with a punch on the inside.
Saarenpaa misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Saarenpaa misses with a hook from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kato tries to work over Saarenpaa's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Kato struggles to land a body shot inside as Saarenpaa controls his hands.
Saarenpaa prevents a body shot from Kato.
Saarenpaa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Kato tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Saarenpaa throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Kato.
A short right from Kato.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Saarenpaa misses with a hook to the ribs.
Saarenpaa misses with the head strike.
Saarenpaa swings wildly with an uppercut but Kato uses good head movement to avoid it.
Saarenpaa misses with a punch on the inside.
Saarenpaa scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Kato misses with a punch to the body.
Kato misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kato blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Saarenpaa throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Katos head.
Kato lands a right hand that snaps the head of Saarenpaa backwards.
Kato goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Saarenpaa blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Kato lands a left hand.
Kato scores with a shoulder strike.
Kato blocking some punches.
Saarenpaa lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Saarenpaa blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch on the inside from Kato fails to land.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kato looks to land a body kick but Saarenpaa moved away.
Kato fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kato takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Kato misses with a looping left.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saarenpaa swats away the attempt to clinch by Kato.
Kato throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Saarenpaa lands with a kick to the ribs.
Kato misses with an uppercut. Saarenpaa saw that one coming.
Kato lands a two punch combo.
The fighters circling - Kato throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Saarenpaa moves out of range of the strikes.
Saarenpaa lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Saarenpaa connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Saarenpaa connects with a body shot.
Kato throws an overhand right that lands on Saarenpaa's shoulder, as Saarenpaa tries to avoid the shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Mika Saarenpaa will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Saarenpaa fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Kato.
Saarenpaa throws a shot to the body.
Left hook, right uppercut from Saarenpaa.
Kato misses with a left hand
and Saarenpaa counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Saarenpaa buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Saarenpaa looks for the body kick but Kato saw that one coming.
Kato misses with a looping right.
Kato lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
A good leg kick by Kato.
Saarenpaa thuds his shin into the meat of Kato's side.
Good leg kick by Saarenpaa there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Saarenpaa connects with a right hand. Kato shakes it off.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Saarenpaa tries a head kick but it misses.
Kato misses with a body kick.
Saarenpaa follows through with a counter body kick but it doesn't land.
Kato jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kato closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kato fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kato misses with a straight left.
Kato tries to clinch up but Saarenpaa circles away and keeps his distance.
Saarenpaa ducks under a wild hook from Kato.
Saarenpaa checks a low kick from Kato.
Saarenpaa scores with the left hand. Kato knows he should have avoided that one.

Kato has taken the fight to the clinch.
Saarenpaa fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
A shot in the inside from Saarenpaa.
Kato's legs have taken a beating and he's really slowing down as a result.
Saarenpaa misses with the head strike.
Saarenpaa misses with a short punch on the inside.
Kenji Kato has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Saarenpaa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Still in the clinch, Kato scores with a nice short uppercut.
Saarenpaa prevents a body shot from Kato.
Saarenpaa gets through Kato's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Saarenpaa lands a right hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa struggles to land a body shot inside as Kato controls his hands.
Kato takes a shot to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Kato misses with a short punch on the inside.
A right hand to the body from Saarenpaa.
Kato blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Kato swings wildly with an uppercut but Saarenpaa uses good head movement to avoid it.
Kato lands a left hand.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa lands a body shot.
Kato lands a nice uppercut.
Kato misses with some punches.

Kato's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Saarenpaa misses with a wild body shot.
Kato slips under a jab from Saarenpaa.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Saarenpaa throws a nice outside leg kick.
Saarenpaa lands a jab to the nose.
Kato throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Saarenpaa sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Saarenpaa lets it all go there with a big combo counter but none of the punches connected.
Kato scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kato tries to clinch but Saarenpaa is having none of it.
Kato tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Saarenpaa was well out of range. Poor timing from Kato.
A nice side step and Saarenpaa releases a counter shot to the body, but it doesn't find it's home.
Kato throws a lazy right hand but Saarenpaa sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kato lands with a shot to the body.
Saarenpaa blocks a leg kick.
Saarenpaa closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Saarenpaa misses with a low kick.
A jab from Kato misses.
Saarenpaa slips a jab and a cross from Kato.

Saarenpaa gets tackled into the cage by Kato. Kato maintains the clinch.
Kato is trying to push Saarenpaa away but Saarenpaa has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Kato misses with a hook from the clinch.
Kenji Kato has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kato's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Saarenpaa blocking some punches.
Kato scores with a nice hook to the head.
Saarenpaa misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Saarenpaa.
A head punch on the inside from Saarenpaa fails to land.
Kato misses with a punch to the body.
Kato misses with a punch on the inside.
Saarenpaa swings wildly with an uppercut but Kato uses good head movement to avoid it.
Saarenpaa struggles to land a body shot inside as Kato controls his hands.
Kato has a couple of punches blocked by Saarenpaa.
Saarenpaa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Kato is working Saarenpaa over against the cage.
Kato can't find room to land a body shot as Saarenpaa controls the action.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Mika Saarenpaa.
I've got Saarenpaa winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 46:49
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 45:50
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 45:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Mika Saarenpaa!
Mika Saarenpaa is the new lightweight champion!
Mika Saarenpaa thanked the fans post fight for their support.
Kenji Kato spoke after the fight, saying 'Well shit he beat me twice now, the guy is a stud.'.