BHFC - Kuristaja vs. Monfriesz PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Pedro Askal (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Sal Lachisseo (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lachisseo has chosen Acid Rain By Dream Theater as his entrance music. Sal Lachisseo will no doubt be looking to use his reach advantage to good effect.

Askal
vs
Lachisseo

190 cm
20
256 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

225 cm
24
285 lbs
1 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Cuts easily

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pedro Askal!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sal Lachisseo!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Roosa Järviläinen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Horrible takedown by Lachisseo or perhaps it was just good defense by Askal which made him look bad.
Lachisseo is a painfully thin specimen of a man. You do wonder whether a good body kick would snap him clean in two.

Lachisseo shoots in with a lovely double leg takedown. Askal manages to land in full guard to minimise the damage.
Lachisseo throws a strike but Askal rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Lachisseo is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Askal is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Lachisseo looking to hit a scissor sweep but Askal is one step ahead there.
Askal trying to control but Lachisseo is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lachisseo has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.
Lachisseo looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Askal looks to land a body kick but Lachisseo moved away.
Askal throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Askal lands a right hook to the body.
Lachisseo uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Askal.
Lachisseo ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Askal dips to his left and cracks Lachisseo with an uppercut!
Askal scores with a jab to the head.
A jab from Askal finds it's way through Lachisseo's defenses.
Askal could do with loosing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.
Lachisseo blocks a leg kick.
Lachisseo closes the distance and clinches up with Askal, looking for a takedown. Lachisseo pushes Askal against the cage but Askal circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Pedro Askal has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sal Lachisseo.
Lachisseo looks gassed!
Askal throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Askal throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Askal uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Lachisseo has time to react.
Pedro Askal is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Askal throws a body punch but Lachisseo moves out of range.
Lachisseo slips under a jab.
Lachisseo misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Askal fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Lachisseo misses with a takedown attempt - Askal sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Askal throws a right and a left that Lachisseo avoids nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Askal throws a right and a left that Lachisseo avoids nicely.

Lachisseo drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Askal is trying to get back to his feet.
An elbow from Lachisseo crashes against the mat.
Lachisseo tries to advance to mount but Askal denies him.
Lachisseo throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Lachisseo throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Lachisseo misses with the ground and pound.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Sloppy strikes from Askal. Those never looked like landing.
Askal tries a head kick but it misses.

Lachisseo bobs and weaves into range and then changes levels and scores with a nice takedown into side control.
Lachisseo scores with punches from side control.
The ground and pound from Lachisseo seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Lachisseo working the head and body with strikes.
Lachisseo working the ground and pound.
Lachisseo misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Lachisseo scores with punches from side control.
Check out the look on Lachisseo's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Lachisseo throwing shots but missing, from side control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lachisseo working the ground and pound.
Askal is trying to get back to his feet.
Lachisseo misses with the ground and pound.
Lachisseo working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Lachisseo throws an elbow but Askal slips to the side and avoids it well.
An elbow from Lachisseo crashes against the mat.
Lachisseo lands a knee to the body and follows it up with some ground and pound to the head. That will wear Askal down.
Lachisseo working the ground and pound but Askal is defending the strikes.
Lachisseo is trying to ground and pound but Askal uses the momentary lack of control by Lachisseo to regain half guard.
Lachisseo thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Askal's head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Lachisseo throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Lachisseo winds up and cracks Askal with a swinging punch to the side of the head.
Askal is trying to stand back up but Lachisseo is controlling him
Lachisseo passes the guard and advances to mount!
Lachisseo lands a nice shot to the head.
Lachisseo scoring with some good ground and pound from mount here. Will he manage to finish Askal?
Lachisseo throwing sloppy strikes, which aren't doing any damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Lachisseo lands a big shot there that rocks Askal but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Lachisseo looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Lachisseo sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Askal is in a horrible position here. Lachisseo smacks him with another shot as he tries to escape the position.
Askal is looking to get back to his feet - it's going to be hard from this position.
Lachisseo lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Askal hang on?
Lachisseo lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Lachisseo won't let Askal get back to his feet... He wants to keep the fight where it is for now.
Lachisseo is landing with some decent strikes but Askal is trying to advance his position so the referee is letting the fight continue.
Lachisseo lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Askal in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Lachisseo lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
Lachisseo looking to finish with strikes here!
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Lachisseo lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Lachisseo working away from the top, dropping strikes.
The referee warns Askal that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Lachisseo scores with a couple of good head shots there.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Lachisseo looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.
Askal trying desperately to get to his feet.
Lachisseo is still in mount, landing shots to his trapped opponent. Askal can't stay in a position like this for much longer.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sal Lachisseo showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Lachisseo shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Askal as he avoids it easily.
Askal lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Lachisseo fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
Lachisseo will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Pedro Askal has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Sal Lachisseo.
Lachisseo walks into a stiff left hand from Askal.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Lachisseo.
Askal connects with a leg kick. Lachisseo looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A combination from Askal does no damage.
A head kick misses from Askal.
Lachisseo shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Lachisseo fails to land the takedown.
Horrible takedown by Lachisseo or perhaps it was just good defense by Askal which made him look bad.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Askal.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Some wild striking there from Askal.
Lachisseo shoots in for a takedown but Askal shows good takedown defense.
Askal throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Lachisseo.
Lachisseo takes one to the side of the head.
Pedro Askal is winning the standup battle so far.
Askal thows a left - swing and a miss!
Lachisseo tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Askal swivels and escapes.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Askal throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

Lachisseo looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Askal preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Lachisseo loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Askal working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Lachisseo.
Askal working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Lachisseo.
Askal is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lachisseo postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Lachisseo working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Askal's head.
Askal wants to stand and escape but Lachisseo is having none of it.
Lachisseo working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Lachisseo thows a big elbow that misses.
Lachisseo in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Lachisseo throws a strike but Askal rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Lachisseo is looking to stand back up but Askal counters by passing into half guard. Oops... bit sloppy there by Lachisseo.

And that's the end of the fight!
Pedro Askal showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Askal 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 28:28
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 28:28
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 29:28

The fight is ruled a majority draw!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
45%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between The Bong (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mikko Ralcha (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Bong comes to the cage accompanied by Hits From The Bong. The Bong has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Bong
vs
Ralcha

205 cm
25
265 lbs
3 - 2 - 0

214 cm
25
225 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Enjoys gardening

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

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ralcha gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Bong stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Ralcha swivels though and keeps the full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Bong postures up.
Ralcha can't keep his opponent in guard - Bong advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Bong moves into full mount! Ralcha won't be happy about that!

Bong is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Bong extends the arm and Ralcha is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:53 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). The Bong!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
49%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Matias Alderson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Biff Tannen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Alderson's entrance music is Dark moon High tide. A fine choice. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Alderson
vs
Tannen

170 cm
24
168 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

185 cm
22
175 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Brawler
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Decent boxing
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the welterweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Matias Alderson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Biff Tannen!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Alderson fails with the takedown.
Tannen is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Alderson swats away the attempt to clinch by Tannen.

Alderson moves into range and clinches up with Tannen.
Tannen misses with a punch on the inside.

Alderson's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Alderson tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Tannen counters by clinching up.
Tannen has a couple of punches blocked by Alderson.
Tannen misses with a short punch on the inside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tannen.
Alderson changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Tannen fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Tannen moves into the clinch successfully.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tannen prevents the takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matias Alderson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tannen throws a punch but it's blocked by Alderson.
Tannen misses with a hook from the clinch.
Tannen working aggressively here.
Tannen tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tannen.
A head punch on the inside from Tannen fails to land.
Alderson goes for a takedown in the clinch but Tannen prevents it.
A head punch on the inside from Tannen fails to land.
Tannen misses with some punches.
Alderson's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alderson.
Alderson drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Tannen gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Tannen working aggressively here.
Alderson taking a breather.
A head punch on the inside from Tannen fails to land.
Tannen working aggressively here.
Alderson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tannen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Tannen throws a punch but it's blocked by Alderson.
Alderson blocking some punches.
Alderson blocks an uppercut.
Tannen gets double underhooks to prevent a takedown attempt from Alderson.

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

Alderson breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Tannen looks to clinch

and Alderson counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Tannen's guard now.

Tannen kicks Alderson off and gets to his feet.
Alderson misses with a takedown attempt

and Tannen counters by clinching up.
Tannen prevents Alderson from breaking the clinch.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Tannen.

Alderson is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Tannen can't fight it off and eventually Alderson manages to take the fight to the floor. Tannen looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Tannen is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Alderson is controlling him.
Alderson pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Tannen is keeping the position for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Tannen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Alderson might be looking to lock onto one of his opponent's long limbs for a submission, whilst we're on the ground.
Tannen wants to stand up but Alderson is controlling him.
Tannen is using up a lot of energy trying to get back to his feet. Perhaps he should improve his position first.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Alderson trying to control but Tannen is working from the bottom.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Matias Alderson wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Alderson tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Tannen moves into the clinch.
Alderson blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Tannen working aggressively here.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alderson.
A head punch on the inside from Tannen fails to land.
Tannen doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tannen.
Alderson blocking some punches.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alderson.
Tannen throws a punch but it's blocked by Alderson.
Alderson is stalling here.
Alderson blocking some punches.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Alderson tries to clinch up

and Tannen counters by clinching up.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alderson.
Tannen working aggressively here.
Alderson holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Alderson has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Tannen is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Tannen working aggressively here.
Alderson has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Alderson wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Tannen has him pressed against the cage.
Alderson blocks a punch to the side of the head.

Alderson escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Alderson throws a right and a left that Tannen avoids nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Alderson circles away from the clinch attempt

and Alderson counters into the clinch. Nicely done.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Tannen fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tannen.
Tannen misses with a hook from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tannen.
Alderson is trying to drag Tannen to the mat but Tannen just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Tannen throws a punch but it's blocked by Alderson.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Tannen.
Tannen working aggressively here.
Tannen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Aldersons head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alderson.
Tannen lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Alderson drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Matias Alderson. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Tannen misses with some punches.
Tannen swings wildly with an uppercut but Alderson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Alderson blocking some punches.
Alderson blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Alderson tries for a takedown but Tannen manages to get underhooks.
Tannen lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Tannen lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Tannen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Tannen misses with the head strike.
Tannen swings wildly with an uppercut but Alderson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Tannen throws a punch but it's blocked by Alderson.
Tannen working aggressively here.
A nice left hand lands by Tannen.

Alderson pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Tannen tries to clinch up

and Alderson counters with a takedown into side control.
Alderson prevents Tannen from escaping the position.
Tannen is breathing heavily.

Alderson stands up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Alderson wants to clinch

and Tannen counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Tannen.
Alderson misses with an elbow strike.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Alderson.
Tannen swings away with an uppercut that misses.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Alderson just misses with a elbow thrown towards Tannen's brow.
A short right from Tannen on the inside.
Alderson tries for a takedown. No joy.

Alderson has clasped his hands together around Tannen's back... aaand, he's got a takedown into side control. Nicely done.

Alderson wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Tannen, who protects the arm well.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Tannen trying to remain calm as Alderson controls from the top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Alderson seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Tannen for as long as he can get away with.
Alderson trying to control the position but Tannen is working away.
Tannen wants to escape from the position here - easier said than done!
Alderson controls the position from side control.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Matias Alderson dominated that second round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action! This is the final round!

No joy there for Alderson, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Tannen tries to grapple but his opponent circles

and Alderson counters with a nice double leg into guard.
Alderson wants to control from the top but Tannen keeps moving.
Tannen wants to stand but Alderson is controlling the position.
Matias Alderson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Alderson is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
Alderson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Alderson trying to control the position from guard on top but Tannen is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Matias Alderson is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

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

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up, due to lack of activity on the part of Matias Alderson.
Nice sprawl there from Tannen as Alderson shoots in.
Matias Alderson is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Alderson changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Tannen tries to avoid it but Alderson manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Tannen to the ground. Tannen escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Tannen closes the distance looking to clinch
and Alderson counters with a good low kick that Tannen was not able to check.
Tannen moves away from the strike by Alderson.
Tannen closes the distance but Alderson moves to the side

and Alderson counters with a shoot takedown. Tannen fights it but they end up in guard.
Alderson stops Tannen from standing up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Tannen takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Alderson slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Biff Tannen has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

The ref stands the fighters back up because Matias Alderson just wasn't active enough.

Alderson looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Tannen throws a strike from the bottom that misses.
Alderson content to control rather than advance.

And that's the end of the fight!
Matias Alderson showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Alderson, 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Matias Alderson!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
34%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Abu Al Zarqawi (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Fran Ortego (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Fran Ortego struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 186.4lbs 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. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Al Zarqawi
vs
Ortego

180 cm
24
195 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

182 cm
25
200 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Solid chin

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 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Abu Al Zarqawi!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Fran Ortego!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ortego avoids the body shot from Al Zarqawi.
Ortego tries to clinch there but Al Zarqawi circles away.
Ortego is looking to clinch but Al Zarqawi is avoiding it.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Ortego.
Ortego tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Al Zarqawi keeps the fight on the outside.
Ortego shoots in but Al Zarqawi avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Al Zarqawi throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Al Zarqawi thows a left - swing and a miss!
Ortego wants to clinch up but Al Zarqawi keeps it at a distance.
Ortego tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Fran Ortego seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ortego is looking to clinch but Al Zarqawi is avoiding it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ortego is looking to clinch.
Al Zarqawi avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Ortego fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ortego fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Abu Al Zarqawi has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fran Ortego.
Ortego shoots in for a takedown but Al Zarqawi shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Ortego tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Al Zarqawi paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Al Zarqawi slaps away a takedown attempt from Ortego, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Ortego misses with a body shot.
Al Zarqawi takes a swing at Ortego's ribcage but misses.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ortego looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Al Zarqawi throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Al Zarqawi takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Ortego tries to close the distance and clinch up but Al Zarqawi swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Ortego looks to throw the jab but Al Zarqawi is out of range.

Ortego instigates a clinch.
Al Zarqawi misses with an elbow strike.
Ortego gets underhooks to prevent Al Zarqawi's takedown attempt.

Ortego breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Ortego moves in looking to clinch but Al Zarqawi pushes him off.
The fight stays on the outside here - Ortego looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Ortego tries to close the distance and clinch but Al Zarqawi swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Al Zarqawi checks a leg kick nicely.
Al Zarqawi throws a lazy right hand but Ortego sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Al Zarqawi shoots in and gets a takedown into Ortego's guard.
Al Zarqawi trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.

Al Zarqawi 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 Zarqawi has gone for a leg lock! Ortego slips out almost immediately though and dives into Al Zarqawi's guard.
Al Zarqawi trying to control the position.
Al Zarqawi trying to strike off his back.

Al Zarqawi has his foot on Ortego's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ortego works his way back into a safe position though.
Al Zarqawi has his hands on Ortego's head, controlling the position.
Al Zarqawi will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Al Zarqawi is trying to keep Ortego in close.
Al Zarqawi tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Al Zarqawi avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Ortego stopping the sweep attempt from Al Zarqawi.
Al Zarqawi is avoiding any damage by keeping wrist control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The referee looks like he's ready to step in and stand the fighters back up.
Ortego trying to control but Al Zarqawi is working from the bottom.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Al Zarqawi swats away the attempt to clinch by Ortego.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Al Zarqawi avoids the head kick by Ortego.
Ortego with a lazy takedown attempt

and Al Zarqawi counters with a takedown into side control.

Al Zarqawi working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Ortego is not content to let Al Zarqawi control the position.
Al Zarqawi creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Ortego sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Al Zarqawi remains in side control and seems content to stay there. It's a versatile position from which he can work both strikes and submissions, whilst maintaining that control, so maybe he'll sit here for a while.
Al Zarqawi lands a nice forearm strike.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ortego managing to avoid any damage from the strikes thrown by Al Zarqawi.
Sloppy strikes there by Al Zarqawi.
Al Zarqawi in side control lands a nice looking series of punches and elbows.

Al Zarqawi thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Al Zarqawi sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Ortego is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Ortego tries to bench press Al Zarqawi off him but Al Zarqawi keeps the position.
Al Zarqawi creates a bit of distance and throws down some hard shots.
Check out the look on Al Zarqawi's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Al Zarqawi lands a knee to the body and a forearm to the face.
Ortego manages to work his way to half guard, despite Al Zarqawi's best efforts.
Ortego is breathing heavily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ortego pushes Al Zarqawi off looking to stand but Al Zarqawi dives back in and keeps control.

Al Zarqawi wants to work for an arm triangle but Ortego is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Ortego trying to hold on to Al Zarqawi's head to control him but Al Zarqawi postures up.
Al Zarqawi missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Ortego trying to control here.
Al Zarqawi content to control rather than advance.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Al Zarqawi is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Ortego has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Al Zarqawi is working away from the top position though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Al Zarqawi is keen to just control but Ortego is a slippery customer.
Al Zarqawi 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.
Al Zarqawi is pressing down on Ortego's thigh, looking to free his foot. Ortego is holding on for now.

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

Al Zarqawi is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Al Zarqawi is keen to just control but Ortego is a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Well. There's a bit of a lull in the action here and the crowd are starting to get restless.
Al Zarqawi not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Ortego keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Ortego tries to roll over but Al Zarqawi keeps him under control.

Al Zarqawi is looking for a kimura but Ortego is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Al Zarqawi to get the leverage.
Ortego wants to control but Al Zarqawi is keeping busy.
Ortego wants to control but Al Zarqawi passes into side.
Ortego seems a little lost for a moment, as Al Zarqawi dominates the positioning.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Abu Al Zarqawi dominated that second round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! This is the final round!

Ortego ducks under a wild hook from Al Zarqawi.
Al Zarqawi circles away from the clinch attempt

and Al Zarqawi counters with a nice double leg into side control. Ortego won't be happy with that.
Al Zarqawi wants to lay and pray for a moment but Ortego keeps working.
Al Zarqawi working the head and body with strikes.
Al Zarqawi sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Ortego is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Al Zarqawi fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Al Zarqawi has knee on belly and now moves to full mount! Trouble for Ortego!
Ortego takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Al Zarqawi lands a big shot there that rocks Ortego but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
BOOM! Al Zarqawi connects with a massive shot to the dome!
Al Zarqawi with the ground and pound from mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Al Zarqawi putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Ortego is squirming around, avoiding Al Zarqawi's attempts to control the action.
Al Zarqawi controlling the position easily from mount.
Ortego is looking to get to half guard.
Al Zarqawi putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
Al Zarqawi looking to ground and pound his opponent to a finish here.

Al Zarqawi is working to isolate an arm here. It's a telegraphed submission attempt but he's gone for it anyway - and he's got it! Al Zarqawi extends the arm and Ortego is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:01 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Abu Al Zarqawi!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
56%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sam Psa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Paul Harris (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Psa
vs
Harris

193 cm
20
200 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

184 cm
26
192 lbs
3 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sam Psa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Paul Harris!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Harris tries to clinch but Psa moves out of range.
Psa throws a sloppy head kick and Harris moves out of range easily.
Psa plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!

It looks like Paul Harris has been cut.
Harris throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Psa lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Harris at a distance.
Harris checks the leg kick.

Psa clinches.
Psa tries to land knees in the clinch but Harris avoids the damage to the body.
Harris is looking to break free of the clinch but Psa has double underhooks.
Psa lands with a short shot to the head.
Harris blocking some punches.
Psa misses with a punch on the inside.
Psa using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Psa lands a body punch in the clinch.
Psa connects with a knee to the head.
Psa using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Harris has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Psa scores with a knee to the head.

Harris is rocked!
Psa creates some distance for himselfand unleashes a massive uppercut that sends Harris's eyes rolling into the back of his head! Harris drops to his knees and Psa pours it on with more strikes until the referee steps in to end the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:57 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Sam Psa!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
93%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kuume Lohineva (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Chuck Powers (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Lohineva comes to the cage accompanied by Mc Nikke T - Jos Haluu saada on pakko antaa . The crowd giving both fighters a great reception on their way into the arena. That's good to see.

Lohineva
vs
Powers

182 cm
23
180 lbs
5 - 3 - 0

188 cm
18
185 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Basic striking
Experienced

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Determined

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 5 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kuume Lohineva!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Chuck Powers!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Powers connects with a nice looking jab.
Lohineva takes one on the chin but keeps coming.

Lohineva shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Lohineva was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Lohineva wants to control the pace but Powers is squirming around nicely.

Lohineva looks like he's working for a submission but he's not found anything just yet.
Lohineva is dominating on the ground here - he's now on his opponent's back, looking to sink in the hooks. Powers is in real trouble.

Lohineva working for a RNC but it's not happening just yet.

Lohineva working for a choke but Powers is defending well.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Lohineva looking for the rear naked choke. And he's got it! Powers taps!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:20 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Kuume Lohineva!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
65%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Felix Sturm (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jyrska Velmu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Velmu has chosen UFO - Doctor Doctor as his entrance music. Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Sturm
vs
Velmu

178 cm
23
169 lbs
6 - 4 - 0

177 cm
20
155 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Determined

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 6 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Felix Sturm!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jyrska Velmu!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Arvi Lind and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Velmu is defended easily by Sturm.
Velmu takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Sturm throws a lazy right hand but Velmu sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Sturm stuffs the takedown.
Velmu is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sturm sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Felix Sturm has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jyrska Velmu.
Sturm cracks Velmu with an open hand slap.
Velmu shoots in and drives through. Sturm sprawls well.
Horrible takedown by Velmu or perhaps it was just good defense by Sturm which made him look bad.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sturm sprawls well. Sturm wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Velmu gets slowly back to his feet.
Sturm connects with a looping right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Velmu is defended easily by Sturm.
Sturm throws a head kick but Velmu moves out of range.
Velmu on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
Horrible takedown by Velmu or perhaps it was just good defense by Sturm which made him look bad.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Velmu is defended easily by Sturm.
Jyrska Velmu seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Velmu has a takedown stuffed.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Sturm looks to land a combination. Velmu sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown but Sturm shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Velmu shoots in but Sturm avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Velmu closes the distance and clinches up with Sturm, looking for a takedown. Velmu pushes Sturm against the cage but Sturm circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Velmu looks gassed!
Sturm stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Sturm wants it to stay on the feet.
Velmu gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Velmu takes one to the chin there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sturm lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Sturm clobbers Velmu with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A jab lands there for Sturm.
Sturm bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Velmu shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Sturm throws a lazy right hand but Velmu sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Velmu looks for a takedown but Sturm sprawls well.
Velmu fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sturm avoids it really well and circles away.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Velmu.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velmu closes this distance looking for a takedown but Sturm circles away.
Sturm is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Velmu fails to land the takedown.
Velmu takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Velmu tries to move into range but Sturm moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Sturm looks to throw the jab but Velmu is out of range.
Sturm scores with a nice body kick.
Velmu fails miserably with a takedown attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Felix Sturm dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Velmu shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Sturm as he avoids it easily.
Velmu is trying desperately to land a takedown but Sturm is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Velmu.
Velmu tries for a takedown but Sturm sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Sturm but Sturm pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Felix Sturm has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jyrska Velmu.
Velmu throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sturm's waist but Sturm gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Velmu off to one side.
Sturm scores with a sloppy right hand. Velmu should have avoided that one.
Jab by Sturm.
Sturm stuffs the takedown.
Velmu is breathing heavily.
Velmu takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Velmu misses with a takedown attempt - Sturm sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Left hook, right uppercut from Sturm.
Sturm with a hook.
Jab from Sturm.
Sturm keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Sturm smiles there as he lands a nice right hand right on the button.
Felix Sturm is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Sturm slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Velmu misses with a takedown attempt - Sturm sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Velmu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Sturm can pounce on him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A jab from Sturm finds it's way through Velmu's defenses.
Velmu tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Sturm swivels and escapes.
Sturm lands a head shot.
Velmu is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sturm sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sturm moves into range and connects with a jab.
Jab, jab by Sturm - just one landing.
Sturm uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Velmu has time to react.
Nice takedown defense from Sturm. No joy for Velmu on that attempt.
Sturm thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Velmu if he has to take too many more of those.
Sturm throws a quick inside leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sturm pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Velmu chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Sturm can pounce on him.
Sturm cracks Velmu with an open hand slap.
Nice takedown defense from Sturm. No joy for Velmu on that attempt.
Velmu fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sturm avoids it really well and circles away.
Velmu takes a jab right on the kisser.
Sturm lunges at Velmu with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Velmu's hand.
Sturm tests Velmu's chin there with a solid looking shot.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Velmu ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sturm throws a hook but Velmu blocks it.
Felix Sturm is winning the standup battle so far.
Sturm lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Jyrska Velmu is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Velmu shoots in looking for a takedown but Sturm manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Velmu's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Velmu has a takedown stuffed.
Velmu shoots in for a double leg but Sturm sprawls well. That's going to sap some energy.
Nice uppercut lands for Sturm. That snapped Velmu's head back.
Velmu fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Felix Sturm dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Sturm with a jab.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Velmu is trying hard to land a takedown here. Sturm sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Sturm lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Sturm stuffs the takedown attempt from Velmu. Velmu gets slowly back to his feet.
Felix Sturm has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jyrska Velmu.
Sturm paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Velmu looks for a takedown but Sturm sprawls well.
Velmu throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Sturm's waist but Sturm gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Velmu off to one side.
Velmu takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Sturm sprawls well. Sturm wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Velmu gets slowly back to his feet.
Velmu looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Velmu shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Sturm but Sturm pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with eachother but Velmu might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Sturm has got the better of the exchanges.
Sturm works the jab nicely.
Sturm works the jab nicely.
Sturm stuffs the takedown attempt from Velmu. Velmu gets slowly back to his feet.
Nice jab there from Sturm.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sturm slaps away a takedown attempt from Velmu, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Sturm tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Sturm stuffs the takedown.
Nice cross by Sturm.
Velmu takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Sturm scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Velmu gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Sturm.
Sturm scores with a nice head shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Velmu fails with a takedown attempt.
Sturm cracks the inside of Velmu's front leg.
Sturm scores with a sloppy right hand. Velmu should have avoided that one.
Velmu fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Sturm avoids it really well and circles away.
Nice shot lands for Sturm.
Sturm scores with a nice head shot.
Sturm scores with a decent looking hook.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sturm bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Velmu tries to score a power double leg takedown but Sturm sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Velmu somewhat.
Sturm bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Sturm connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Velmu momentarily.
Sturm lands with a cross.
Horrible takedown by Velmu or perhaps it was just good defense by Sturm which made him look bad.
Velmu drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.

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

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Felix Sturm!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
29%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Monkey Luffy (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mauso Hietala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Hietala has chosen SAW Theme as his entrance music. Monkey Luffy could well score a knockout today. He has the power to get to Mauso Hietala's chin.

Luffy
vs
Hietala

190 cm
20
220 lbs
4 - 2 - 0

187 cm
23
260 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter striker
Big heart

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Enjoys gardening

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 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Monkey Luffy!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mauso Hietala!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Arvi Lind and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Hietala shoots for a takedown but Luffy saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.

Luffy gets a takedown into half guard.
Hietala is looking to improve his position.
Hietala avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Luffy.
Luffy trying to mount his opponent but Hietala defends it.
Hietala moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Luffyis looking to pass into half guard but Hietala pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Hietala is in guard.
Hietala works over Luffy with some ground and pound from guard.

Luffy working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hietala doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Oh but Luffy is tightening it up a little... Hietala has to be careful here... He's got his foot tucked under now, this looks tight! Hietala reacted too slowly and this one could be over in a matter of seconds! YES! Hietala taps out! nice BJJ there by Luffy!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:02 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle Choke). Monkey Luffy!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
59%

Main event

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Sami Kuristaja (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johnny Monfriesz (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). This should be a great matchup!

Kuristaja
vs
Monfriesz

189 cm
20
195 lbs
6 - 0 - 0

190 cm
24
199 lbs
7 - 4 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Excellent MT
Very quick

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Heavy handed

Full Metal Gear (Top Quality, Low Price)

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 6 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sami Kuristaja!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Johnny Monfriesz!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Anni Minnemäki and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Monfriesz misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kuristaja.
Monfriesz blocks a head kick by Kuristaja.
Monfriesz circles away from the clinch attempt.
Kuristaja takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Kuristaja lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Monfriesz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Kuristaja tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Kuristaja is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Sami Kuristaja seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Monfriesz checks a leg kick.
Kuristaja misses with a leg kick.
Monfriesz throws a jab when Kuristaja was well out of range.
A head kick misses from Kuristaja.
Monfriesz shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Kuristaja as he avoids it easily.
Kuristaja tries a head kick but it misses.
Kuristaja throws a sloppy head kick and Monfriesz moves out of range easily.
Monfriesz takes a swing at Kuristaja's ribcage but misses.
Monfriesz throws out a token jab with nothing on it.

Kuristaja moves into the clinch.
Monfriesz changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kuristaja fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kuristaja goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuristaja thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Monfriesz if he has to take too many more of those.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

Kuristaja clinches up with Monfriesz and pushes him back against the cage.
Kuristaja misses with a knee to the head.

Monfriesz pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kuristaja fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Monfriesz.
Kuristaja scores with a leg kick.
Monfriesz fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Kuristaja throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Kuristaja is looking to clinch but Monfriesz is avoiding it.
Kuristaja throws a leg kick but Monfriesz sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kuristaja throws a head kick but Monfriesz moves out of range.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Kuristaja. Monfriesz shrugs it off though.
Monfriesz moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Kuristaja fails in his attempt to clinch.
Kuristaja misses with a head kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja throws out a leg kick but Monfriesz moves out of range and Kuristaja only half commits.
Kuristaja fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kuristaja blocks a head kick by Monfriesz.

Kuristaja has closed the distance and engaged Monfriesz in a clinch.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Kuristaja landing knees to the body.
Knees to the body from Kuristaja.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kuristaja misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Monfriesz.
Monfriesz is looking to break free of the clinch but Kuristaja has double underhooks.
Kuristaja with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Kuristaja with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Monfriesz has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.

It looks like Johnny Monfriesz has been cut.
Monfriesz is trying to break the clinch but Kuristaja is controlling him.
Kuristaja misses with a knee to the head.
Kuristaja lands a good knee to the midsection. Monfriesz won't want to take too many of those.
Monfriesz can't get the takedown.
Sami Kuristaja has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Johnny Monfriesz.
Monfriesz looks gassed!
Monfriesz looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Monfriesz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Monfriesz is trying to break free.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Monfriesz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Monfriesz blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kuristaja looking to throw knees to the head but Monfriesz is blocking nicely.
Kuristaja misses with a knee strike.
Monfriesz has had enough of the clinch but Kuristaja keeps him there for the moment.
Monfriesz is looking to break free of the clinch but Kuristaja has double underhooks.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Monfriesz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Monfriesz working hard to break the clinch.
Kuristaja tries a knee to the head but Monfriesz blocks it.
Monfriesz takes a knee to the side of the body.
Kuristaja throws a knee to the head but misses.
Monfriesz blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kuristaja scores a nice knee to the body.
Monfriesz wants to break the clinch but can't.
Kuristaja misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Monfriesz.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Monfriesz avoids it.
Monfriesz blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Kuristaja looking to throw knees to the head but Monfriesz is blocking nicely.
Kuristaja scores with a shot to the side of Monfriesz's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Kuristaja has Monfriesz pressed against the cage, preventing Monfriesz from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Monfriesz wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.

Monfriesz breaks from the clinch.
Monfriesz lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Kuristaja throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kuristaja doesn't manage to clinch there - Monfriesz circles away.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Kuristaja.
Monfriesz looks to land a combination. Kuristaja sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Monfriesz fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kuristaja throws a head kick that misses.
Monfriesz connects with a looping right hand.
Kuristaja wants to clinch up but Monfriesz keeps it at a distance.
Kuristaja doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Kuristaja showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Monfriesz.

Kuristaja has Monfriesz up against the cage in a clinch.
Monfriesz tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Kuristaja smiles and moves away.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Sami Kuristaja dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Johnny Monfriesz's cut.
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.

Kuristaja throws a head kick that half lands.
Kuristaja fails with an attempt to clinch.
Kuristaja tries a head kick but it misses.

Kuristaja forces Monfriesz back against the cage and clinches.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Monfriesz tries to break the clinch but Kuristaja is controlling the position.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Kuristaja landing knees to the head.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Monfriesz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the head but Monfriesz blocks with his arms.
Kuristaja using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Monfriesz has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuristaja is looking to control Monfriesz's arms but Monfriesz gets an underhook and turns him. Now Kuristaja has his back to the cage.
Kuristaja just leaning against Monfriesz, taking a breather.
Kuristaja looking to throw knees to the head but Monfriesz is blocking nicely.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Kuristaja misses with a hook from the clinch.
Monfriesz tries to pull guard but Kuristaja holds him up against the cage and eventually Monfriesz drops back down to his feet.
Monfriesz wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kuristaja has him pressed against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuristaja tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Monfriesz avoids it.
Kuristaja lands a knee to the head.

Monfriesz is rocked!
Kuristaja has the Thai clinch. He lands a big knee to the head that stumbles Monfriesz - he's in trouble! Another big knee to the head from Kuristaja, and another! Monfriesz is out on his feet - the ref jumps in to save him and ends the fight!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:16 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Knees). Sami Kuristaja!
Sami Kuristaja retains his middleweight title!