PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Adam Baum (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Baum has chosen Eye of the Tiger as his entrance music. Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Nickopapadopoulis
vs
Baum

188 cm
24
145 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

175 cm
18
150 lbs
1 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Counter striker
Tends to cut

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 1 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Adam Baum!
The judges for this bout are Tarja Halkonen, Johanna Lukiainen and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Nickopapadopoulis looks to land a combination but Baum avoids it well.
Nickopapadopoulis lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baum circles away quickly and effectively.
Nickopapadopoulis avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nickopapadopoulis lands a jab-cross combination.
A head kick misses from Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a right and a left that both miss.
Nickopapadopoulis lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baum circles away quickly and effectively.
Baum takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Baum will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Baum tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Baum tries to close the distance and clinch but Nickopapadopoulis swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a wild combination.
Nickopapadopoulis keeps the fight on the outside.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a right hand that Baum ducks under and follows up with a left that Baum also avoids with ease.
Nickopapadopoulis lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baum circles away quickly and effectively.
Nickopapadopoulis lands with a cross.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a right and a left that Baum avoids nicely.
Nickopapadopoulis thumps Baum with a low kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nickopapadopoulis lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baum circles away quickly and effectively.
Nickopapadopoulis rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Baum moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Nickopapadopoulis lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Baum circles away quickly and effectively.
Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Baum tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Nickopapadopoulis paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nickopapadopoulis fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Nickopapadopoulis tries to clinch but fails miserably

and Baum counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to force a seperation but Baum has the dominant position.

Nickopapadopoulis's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baum pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Nickopapadopoulis lands a nice shot that snaps Baum's head back.
Nickopapadopoulis scores with a jab to the head.
Baum closes the distance looking to clinch
and Nickopapadopoulis connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Baum shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Nickopapadopoulis as he jumps to the side.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a right hand that Baum ducks under and follows up with a left that Baum also avoids with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Nickopapadopoulis is defended easily by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Baum tries to clinch up but Nickopapadopoulis circles away and keeps his distance.
Nickopapadopoulis blocks a head kick by Baum.
Baum is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Nickopapadopoulis.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Nickopapadopoulis.
Nickopapadopoulis lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
Baum tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Nickopapadopoulis paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nickopapadopoulis swings away with a body shot that misses

and Baum counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Nickopapadopoulis can't break the clinch.

Nickopapadopoulis breaks from the clinch.
Baum dodges the punch combination from Nickopapadopoulis.

Nickopapadopoulis decides to change it up a bit and drives through with a nice takedown into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baum tries to get to full guard but Nickopapadopoulis has control of the leg.

Baum pushes Nickopapadopoulis off and gets back to his feet.
Baum wants to clinch.
Baum darts in trying to clinch
and Nickopapadopoulis counters with a two punch combo.
Nickopapadopoulis really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a combination

and Baum counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Baum.
A frustrated look appears on Nickopapadopoulis's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Baum has Nickopapadopoulis pressed against the cage, preventing Nickopapadopoulis from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Baum drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Nickopapadopoulis gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adam Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to force a seperation but Baum has the dominant position.
Baum with a knee to the head.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to break the clinch but Baum is controlling him.
Baum lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Nickopapadopoulis is breathing heavily.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baum lands a hook that snaps the head of Nickopapadopoulis backwards.
Nickopapadopoulis has had enough of the clinch but Baum keeps him there for the moment.
Baum lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nickopapadopoulis backwards.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to break free but Baum has control.
Baum keeps control of Nickopapadopoulis as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
Baum lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
A short uppercut from Baum.
Baum leaning his opponent against the cage.
Baum misses with a short punch on the inside.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to break the clinch but can't.
Baum lands a hook to the side of the head.
Baum lands a body shot.
Baum with a knee to the head.
Nickopapadopoulis tries to break the clinch but Baum is controlling the position.
Baum drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Baum lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nickopapadopoulis backwards.
Baum misses with a hook from the clinch.
Baum with a knee to the head.
Baum scores with a knee to the head.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to break free but Baum has control.
Good body shot from Baum.
A right handed body shot lands from Baum.
Baum lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Nickopapadopoulis backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Nickopapadopoulis fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Baum closes the distance looking to clinch
and Nickopapadopoulis counters with a head kick. That will keep Baum thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Nickopapadopoulis throws a left and a right that both miss
and Baum makes the exchange count by landing a cracking kick to the body. Nickopapadopoulis really felt that one!
Nickopapadopoulis avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nickopapadopoulis takes a head kick and keeps coming.

Nickopapadopoulis is rocked!

Baum closes the distance and clinches.
Oh Nickopapadopoulis is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Baum goes for a takedown attempt but Nickopapadopoulis pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Nickopapadopoulis seems to have got his legs back now.
Nickopapadopoulis is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Baum closes the distance but Nickopapadopoulis moves to the side
and Nickopapadopoulis counters with a big head kick but Baum shrugs it off.
Nickopapadopoulis stuffs the takedown.
Baum fails with an attempt to clinch.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Nickopapadopoulis swats away the attempt to clinch by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis tries a low kick but Baum avoids it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baum looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Nickopapadopoulis is fending him off so far but Baum persists. Nope, Nickopapadopoulis circles away and we're back to standing.
Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adam Baum.
Baum doesn't manage to clinch there - Nickopapadopoulis circles away.
Baum has a takedown stuffed.
Nickopapadopoulis thumps Baum with a low kick.
Baum showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Nickopapadopoulis.
Baum tries to clinch but Nickopapadopoulis moves out of range.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Baum counters by moving into the clinch.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Baum has him pressed against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Nickopapadopoulis's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Nickopapadopoulis is looking to break free of the clinch but Baum has double underhooks.
Baum scores with a nice hook to the head.
Baum keeps control of Nickopapadopoulis as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

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.
Baum changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Nickopapadopoulis fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Nickopapadopoulis avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Nickopapadopoulis looks to land a combination but Baum avoids it well.
Nickopapadopoulis circles away from the clinch attempt.

Baum shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Baum showed some decent athleticism there.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to get back to full guard.

Baum decides to stand and escape the position.
Baum fails to land with a series of punches.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a nice outside leg kick.

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

Baum rushes Nickopapadopoulis and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Baum connects with a knee to the head.
A right hand to the body from Baum.
Baum with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
A frustrated look appears on Nickopapadopoulis's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Baum scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Nickopapadopoulis prevents the takedown attempt.

Nickopapadopoulis breaks the clinch.
Baum tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Nickopapadopoulis paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a quick inside leg kick.
Nickopapadopoulis blocks a head kick by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis lands with a thumping leg kick.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a series of strikes that have Baum backpedaling.

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.
Nickopapadopoulis avoids the head kick by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with an uppercut.
Baum shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Nickopapadopoulis sprawls well. Nickopapadopoulis wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Baum gets slowly back to his feet.
Nickopapadopoulis fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Nickopapadopoulis swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Baum moves into the clinch.
Baum leaning against his opponent.
Baum tries a knee to the head but Nickopapadopoulis blocks it.
Baum tries a knee to the head but Nickopapadopoulis blocks it.
A short right from Baum on the inside.
Nickopapadopoulis tries to circle away but Baum has him pinned against the cage.
A short uppercut from Baum.
Baum gets through Nickopapadopoulis's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Baum tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Nickopapadopoulis is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Baum misses with the head strike.

Nickopapadopoulis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Adam Baum showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Nickopapadopoulis's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Baum fails with an attempt to clinch.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Baum holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Nickopapadopoulis breaks the clinch.
Baum with a poor takedown
and Nickopapadopoulis counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Baum closes the distance but Nickopapadopoulis moves to the side
and Nickopapadopoulis counters with a two punch combo.
Nickopapadopoulis lands the left hand.
Baum takes a jab right on the kisser.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a double jab

and Baum counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Baum.
A short right from Baum on the inside.
Nickopapadopoulis has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to break the clinch but Baum is controlling him.
Nickopapadopoulis looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.

Nickopapadopoulis breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Baum doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Nickopapadopoulis counters with a low kick, right behind Baum 's knee.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a head kick that misses

and Baum holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

Nickopapadopoulis manages to break the clinch.
Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Baum shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Nickopapadopoulis as he avoids it easily.
Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Adam Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
A slow jab from Nickopapadopoulis misses its intended target.
Nickopapadopoulis avoids the head kick by Baum.
Baum throws a head kick but Nickopapadopoulis moves out of range.
Danga de danga de dang - Baum scores with a four punch combination!
Nickopapadopoulis plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a series of wild punches.
Nickopapadopoulis fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Baum looks to land a combination but Nickopapadopoulis avoids it well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Well, he's not going to score with shots like that. A lazy body kick attempt from Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis tries to clinch
and Baum counters with a body kick that brings a smile to the face of both fighters.
Baum tries to clinch but Nickopapadopoulis moves out of range.
The fight stays on the outside here - Baum looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Nickopapadopoulis swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Baum fails with an attempt to clinch.
Baum fails with an attempt to clinch.
Baum fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Nickopapadopoulis avoids it really well and circles away.
Baum fails with an attempt to clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a combination
and Baum counters with a head kick. That will keep Nickopapadopoulis thinking before he tries any more sloppy attacks!
Nickopapadopoulis throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Baum.
Baum throws a lazy head kick
and Nickopapadopoulis connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Nickopapadopoulis lands with a nice combination. Baum backs away looking to recover.
Baum dives in and grabs Nickopapadopoulis's left leg, looking for a takedown. Nickopapadopoulis pushes down on Baum's head and hops out.
Baum takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Nickopapadopoulis swings wildly with a couple of big hooks

and Baum counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to break free.
Nickopapadopoulis tries to circle away but Baum has him pinned against the cage.
Nickopapadopoulis tries to break free but Baum pushes him back against the cage.
Baum is struggling to control the position.
Baum misses with a hook from the clinch.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to break the clinch but Baum has him pressed against the cage.
A shot in the inside from Baum.
Nice body punch from Baum - that landed with a thud.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Nickopapadopoulis takes an elbow to the forehead.
Baum has Nickopapadopoulis pressed against the cage, preventing Nickopapadopoulis from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A body shot lands from Baum.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Baum prevents Nickopapadopoulis from breaking the clinch.
Baum works on Nickopapadopoulis's body with a couple of short punches.
A short uppercut from Baum.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Baum creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Baum lands a body punch in the clinch.
Baum gets underhooks to prevent Nickopapadopoulis's takedown attempt.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Baum wants a takedown but no success here.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Baum keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Nickopapadopoulis's efforts to push away.
Nickopapadopoulis is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Baum prevents Nickopapadopoulis from breaking the clinch.
Baum throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to break free but Baum has control.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Nickopapadopoulis wants to break the clinch but can't.
Baum crunches a lovely knee into Nickopapadopoulis's ribcage.
Nickopapadopoulis gets underhooks to prevent Baum's takedown attempt.
Baum tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Sotiro Nickopapadopoulis has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Adam Baum is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Nickopapadopoulis throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Baums head.
Nickopapadopoulis misses with a body punch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Adam Baum comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Baum 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Adam Baum!