PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Roman Empire (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Elio Mohorovic (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Empire comes to the cage accompanied by Protectors of the Earth. Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Empire
vs
Mohorovic

188 cm
26
188 lbs
8 - 4 - 0

182 cm
22
201 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

Decent wrestler
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Behold The Beast
Behold The Beast

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 8 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Roman Empire!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Elio Mohorovic!
The judges for this bout are Anni Minnemäki, Matti Vanhoillinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Empire needs to keep his hands up - Mohorovic had a free shot at his head there.
Mohorovic tries to close the distance and clinch but Empire swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Empire fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Mohorovic sprawls well initially but Empire persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Mohorovic is looking for a sweep. Empire is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Mohorovic regains full guard. Nicely done.
Empire wanted to stand there but Mohorovic had control of the position.
Mohorovic wants to sweep but no luck.
Empire wants to get up but he can't break Mohorovic's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.
Mohorovic looking for a sweep. Not yet Mohorovic, not yet.
Empire tries to stand but Mohorovic is controlling from the bottom.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
No luck for Empire with that takedown attempt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mohorovic misses with a few strikes there.
The fight stays on the outside here - Mohorovic looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Mohorovic has Empire up against the cage in a clinch.
Good body shot from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic scores with a hook to the body.
Mohorovic keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Empire's efforts to push away.

Empire escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Empire, as that shot connected.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic delivers a nice body kick.
Mohorovic keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Empire throws a jab but it's blocked by Mohorovic.
Empire keeps the fight on the outside.
Empire has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Empire tries to score a power double leg takedown but Mohorovic sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Empire somewhat.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Roman Empire. That's going to take a lot out of him.

Mohorovic closes the distance and clinches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic pushes Empire back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Empire wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Empire wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Mohorovic lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Empire backwards.
A nice left hand lands by Mohorovic.
Empire wants to break free but Mohorovic has control.
Mohorovic has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Empire is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Empire is trying to break free.
Empire's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Mohorovic lands a hook to the side of the head.
Mohorovic gets through Empire's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Empire wants to get back to striking at distance but Mohorovic won't allow it.
Mohorovic lands a body punch in the clinch.
Empire is breathing heavily.
Empire working hard to break the clinch.
Empire wants to get back to striking at distance but Mohorovic won't allow it.
Mohorovic manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

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

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Nice takedown defense from Mohorovic. No joy for Empire on that attempt.
Mohorovic slips a jab from Empire.
Mohorovic moves in looking to clinch but Empire pushes him off.
The fight stays on the outside here - Mohorovic looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Empire misses with a looping left.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Mohorovic tries to close the distance and clinch up but Empire swats him away and circles back towards the center.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Empire misses the shot to the body.
Empire circles away from the clinch attempt.
Mohorovic takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
Mohorovic swinging wildly here.
Mohorovic shoots in and drives through. Empire sprawls well.
Empire throws a hook but Mohorovic avoids it easily.

Empire shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Empire wants to get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mohorovic controlling the position for now.

Empire decides to stand and escape the position.
Empire misses with a takedown attempt

so Mohorovic counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.

Empire uses the cage to get back to his feet.

Empire tries to keep at a distance but Mohorovic has taken the fight into the clinch.
Empire has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Mohorovic misses with a punch to the body.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic lands a right hand that snaps the head of Empire backwards.
Mohorovic lands a body punch.
Mohorovic wants a takedown.
Mohorovic scores with a hook to the body.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Mohorovic.
Mohorovic unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Mohorovic lands a left hand that snaps the head of Empire backwards.
Mohorovic stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Mohorovic works on Empire's body with a couple of short punches.
Mohorovic lands a right hand.
A short left from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic lands a nice uppercut.
Empire wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Mohorovic has him pressed against the cage.
A left hand lands to the body for Mohorovic.
Mohorovic drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Roman Empire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elio Mohorovic.
A right hand to the body from Mohorovic.
A shot in the inside from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic lands a left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic pushes Empire back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mohorovic digs a right hand underneath Empire's ribcage. Empire let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Mohorovic stalling the fight.
Mohorovic lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Empire.
Mohorovic goes for a takedown in the clinch but Empire prevents it.
Empire wants to break free but Mohorovic has control.
A short uppercut from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic lands with a light punch inside.
Mohorovic digs a right hand into Empire's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Empire's gas tank.
Empire wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Mohorovic lands a body punch.
Mohorovic scores with a hook to the body.
Mohorovic throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Empires head.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Mohorovic creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Mohorovic drops to a knee looking for a takedown but Empire gets the underhooks and prevents it.
Mohorovic working Empire over with knees to the body.
Mohorovic connects with a knee to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic stalling against the cage.
Mohorovic digs a right hand underneath Empire's ribcage. Empire let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Mohorovic lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Empire or not.
Empire tries to circle away but Mohorovic has him pinned against the cage.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.
Mohorovic drops down looking for an ankle pick but Empire pulls his leg out and moves away.
Empire fails with the takedown
enabling Mohorovic to counter with a crisp jab.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Mohorovic moves in looking to clinch but Empire pushes him off.
Mohorovic tries to clinch up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Elio Mohorovic 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.

Empire with a lazy takedown attempt

and Mohorovic counters by moving into the clinch.
Mohorovic tries to work over Empire's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Mohorovic scores with a nice hook to the head.
A nice left hand lands by Mohorovic.
Mohorovic looking for a takedown.
Mohorovic cracks Empire with a nice body shot.
Mohorovic swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Empire is looking to break free of the clinch but Mohorovic has double underhooks.
Good body shot from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Empire avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Mohorovic misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mohorovic goes for a takedown attempt but Empire pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Roman Empire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elio Mohorovic.
Empire connects with a nice looking jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Empire gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Mohorovic holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Mohorovic takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Empire blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Mohorovic is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Empire is defending well for now.
Empire blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Empire looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
A hook to the body from Mohorovic.
Empire wants to get back to striking at distance but Mohorovic won't allow it.
Mohorovic misses with a hook from the clinch.
Mohorovic goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Empire blocks a knee to the body. He'll have a nicely bruised forearm in the morning.
Mohorovic misses with some punches.
A frustrated look appears on Empire's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Mohorovic has Empire pressed against the cage, preventing Empire from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Mohorovic misses with a punch on the inside.
Mohorovic has Empire pressed against the cage, preventing Empire from circling away and getting back to striking at range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic prevents Empire from breaking the clinch.
Nice body punch from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic prevents Empire from breaking the clinch.
Mohorovic with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Mohorovic is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Mohorovic is working Empire over against the cage.
Mohorovic lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Empire.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic lands a hook to the side of the head.
Mohorovic scores with a shoulder strike.
Elio Mohorovic seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Mohorovic pressing his opponent against the cage.
A short uppercut from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Empire avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
Empire blocking some punches.
A shot in the inside from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic throws a head punch that misses.
Mohorovic tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Empire managing to block the knees to the body from Mohorovic.
Empire wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
Mohorovic misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Mohorovic stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Mohorovic taking a breather.
Empire has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Empire can't break the clinch.
Mohorovic has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Empire is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.

Empire pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Empire with a poor takedown
and Mohorovic counters with a nice body shot.
A jab from Empire misses.

Empire shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in full mount! That's better than Empire was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Mohorovic is looking to improve his position but Empire isn't that keen on the idea.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Empire tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.

Empire get's back to his feet.
Empire throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
A swing and a miss from Empire.
Mohorovic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Empire closes the distance and clinches up with Mohorovic, looking for a takedown. Empire pushes Mohorovic against the cage but Mohorovic circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Mohorovic tries to clinch up but Empire circles away and keeps his distance.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Elio Mohorovic really dominated that round.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action.

Empire doesn't succeed with the takedown

and Mohorovic holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.
Mohorovic tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Empire's elbow.
Mohorovic has Empire pressed against the cage, preventing Empire from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Nice body punch from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic has Empire pressed against the cage, preventing Empire from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Mohorovic keeps the fight in the clinch, despite Empire's efforts to push away.
Nice body punch from Mohorovic.
Come on Mohorovic - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Nice body punch from Mohorovic - that landed with a thud.
Empire prevents a takedown attempt there.
Still in the clinch, Mohorovic scores with a nice short uppercut.
Mohorovic lands a left hand.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Mohorovic scores with a nice hook to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Empire breaks the clinch.
Mohorovic throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Empire gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Mohorovic counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Mohorovic.
Mohorovic lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Empire backwards.
Empire is trying to break free.
Mohorovic works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Mohorovic works on Empire's body with a couple of short punches.
Mohorovic lands with a right to the head.
Mohorovic scores with a hook to the body.
Nice body punch from Mohorovic - that landed with a thud.
Mohorovic lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Empire being controlled against the cage.
Mohorovic lands a left hand.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic has Empire pressed against the cage, preventing Empire from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Mohorovic pushes Empire back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.
Mohorovic lands a body punch.
Come on Mohorovic - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Mohorovic lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
The referee is keeping an eye on Mohorovic - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Mohorovic drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Mohorovic lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Empire backwards.
Empire looks like he'd prefer to be striking at range right now.
Empire's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Empire wants to break free. God knows he wants to breaaaak freeee.
A left hand lands to the body for Mohorovic.
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!
Nice body punch from Mohorovic - that landed with a thud.
Mohorovic lands a body punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A hook to the body from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Empires head.
Mohorovic lands a nice uppercut.
Mohorovic is pushing Empire up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Empire managing to block the knees to the body from Mohorovic.
Mohorovic changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Empire fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Roman Empire has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Elio Mohorovic.
Empire works Mohorovic's body with a nice hook.
Empire misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Mohorovic counters by clinching up.
Mohorovic has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Empire has had enough of the clinch but Mohorovic keeps him there for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Empire blocks it with crossed arms.
Mohorovic wants a takedown but no success here.
Empire is trying to force a seperation but Mohorovic has the dominant position.
Empire wants to get back to striking at distance but Mohorovic won't allow it.
Mohorovic swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Empire is looking to break free of the clinch but Mohorovic has double underhooks.
Mohorovic misses with a body punch.
Mohorovic can't find room to land a body shot as Empire controls the action.
Empire wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Mohorovic has him pressed against the cage.
Mohorovic misses with a short punch on the inside.
Mohorovic is trying to stall.
Empire is looking to break free of the clinch but Mohorovic has double underhooks.
Mohorovic tries to work over Empire's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Empire stops a takedown attempt from Mohorovic.
Empire tries to circle away but Mohorovic has him pinned against the cage.

Empire pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Empire shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Mohorovic as he avoids it easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Mohorovic tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Empire paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Mohorovic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Empire is trying hard to land a takedown here. Mohorovic sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Mohorovic scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Empire.
Mohorovic tries to close the distance and clinch but Empire swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Empire shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Roman Empire. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Empire fails with a takedown attempt.

Mohorovic moves into the clinch successfully.
Mohorovic is working Empire over against the cage.
Mohorovic looking for a takedown.
Mohorovic lands a left hand.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A short right from Mohorovic on the inside.
Mohorovic scores with a shot to the side of Empire's head.
Mohorovic just leaning against Empire, taking a breather.
Mohorovic lands a nice uppercut.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mohorovic is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Mohorovic scores with a shoulder strike.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Mohorovic.

Mohorovic turns his back and goes for a hip toss. It's a bit messy but it gets the job done and Mohorovic manages to end up in side control.
Mohorovic lands a decent elbow from side control.
Empire is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Mohorovic grinds an elbow into Empire's temple.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Mohorovic connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Empire some visible discomfort.
Mohorovic connects with a decent looking elbow from side control that caused Empire some visible discomfort.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mohorovic prevents Empire from escaping the position.
Mohorovic scoring with punches and elbows.
Mohorovic prevents Empire from escaping the position.
Empire is working to avoid the ground and pound but Mohorovic connects with a decent elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Empire wants to get back to his feet.
Mohorovic cracks Empire with a big right hand but Empire just smiles back at him and invites him to have another go.
Empire is trying to get back to his feet.

Well, the referee has seen enough. Neither fighter is active enough on the ground so he's stood them back up.
Mohorovic wants to clinch.
Mohorovic is looking to clinch but Empire is avoiding it.

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.
Empire shoots in for a takedown but Mohorovic shows good takedown defense.
Mohorovic wants to clinch up but Empire keeps it at a distance.
Mohorovic tries to clinch but Empire is having none of it.
Mohorovic tries to clinch there but Empire circles away.
Roman Empire has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Empire tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Mohorovic swivels and escapes.
Empire throws the left hand but Mohorovic avoids the punch easily.
Elio Mohorovic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Mohorovic fails with an attempt to clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Elio Mohorovic comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Mohorovic 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 Anni Minnemäki scores the fight for Elio Mohorovic!
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight for Elio Mohorovic!
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight for Elio Mohorovic!

Elio Mohorovic wins by unanimous decision! Elio Mohorovic retains his middleweight title!