PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between John Kurkku (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and DJ Burnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Kurkku might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Födosagan. DJ Burnett has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Kurkku
vs
Burnett

165 cm
23
156 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

175 cm
22
155 lbs
4 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

Morale Booster : 6.99$ to 14.99$ clothing

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, John Kurkku!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, DJ Burnett!
The judges for this bout are , and .

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kurkku moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Nice uppercut there from Kurkku.
Burnett shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kurkku pinned against the cage. Kurkku gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Burnett shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Kurkku pinned against the cage. Kurkku gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
Kurkku misses with a low kick as Burnett jumps back.
Kurkku throws a lazy right hand but Burnett sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kurkku scores with a punch to the head.
Nice body punch from Kurkku.
Kurkku misses with a body shot.
Burnett walks into a stiff left hand from Kurkku.
Burnett moves in looking to clinch but Kurkku pushes him off.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kurkku tries to land a leg kick but Burnett saw it coming and moves away.
Kurkku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Burnett was well out of range. Poor timing from Kurkku.
A big right from Kurkku misses.
The fighters circling - Kurkku throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Kurkku tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Burnett was well out of range. Poor timing from Kurkku.
Burnett shoots for a takedown but Kurkku saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
John Kurkku has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of DJ Burnett.
Kurkku swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Burnett.
Kurkku throws a leg kick but Burnett sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Burnett is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Kurkku connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kurkku lands with a nice combination. Burnett backs away looking to recover.
Kurkku lands a right hook to the body.
A slapping leg kick lands for Kurkku.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku misses with a straight right.
A big left from Kurkku misses.
Kurkku cracks Burnett with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.
Burnett moves away from the strike by Kurkku.
Burnett checks a low kick from Kurkku.
Burnett shoots in looking for a double leg takedown. Kurkku defends it nicely.
Kurkku lands a glancing blow to the side of Burnett's head.
Kurkku darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
Burnett takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Burnett takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Burnett swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Kurkku connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burnett defending well as Kurkku loads up on a big left hand.
The fighters circle momentarily. Kurkku darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.

Burnett has managed to clinch.

Kurkku breaks the clinch.
Kurkku misses with a shot to the body
and Burnett counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Burnett looks gassed!
Burnett checks a low kick from Kurkku.
Burnett throws a leg kick that is checked
enabling Kurkku to counter with a crisp jab.
Kurkku throws a right and a left that both miss.
Burnett takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kurkku lands a nice leg kick that just misses Burnett's sensitive parts.
Kurkku throws a big shot that misses.
John Kurkku seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kurkku throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Burnett.
Burnett gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Kurkku counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Burnett has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Kurkku finds it's way round the side to connect with Burnett's head.
Kurkku scores with the left hand. Burnett knows he should have avoided that one.
Kurkku scores with a three punch combo!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kurkku scores with a three punch combo!
Kurkku with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
A jab from Kurkku does it's job there.
Kurkku throws a shot to the body.
Kurkku fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Kurkku fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Burnett.
Burnett walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Burnett on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Kurkku dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Kurkku lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

The fighters circle momentarily. Kurkku darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Burnett checks a low kick from Kurkku.
Burnett shoots in but doesn't get the takedown
and Kurkku counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Burnett is trying desperately to land a takedown but Kurkku is having absolutely none of it. This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for Burnett.
Burnett checks a leg kick.
Burnett fakes with the hands and throws a leg kick but Kurkku is out of range.
Kurkku bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Kurkku with a hook.
Kurkku is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Burnett can do to turn this around?
Kurkku scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kurkku finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Burnett with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Kurkku to score with a decent uppercut.
Kurkku lands with a shot to the body.
Burnett is breathing heavily.
Kurkku scoring well with a low kick there.
Burnett moves forwards but Kurkku connects with a nice, crisp jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kurkku scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Kurkku connects with a good right hand that stumbles Burnett. Burnett circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Kurkku lands a jab to Burnett's midsection.
Kurkku connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Burnett on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kurkku.
Kurkku ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Kurkku dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kurkku lands a nice leg kick that just misses Burnett's sensitive parts.
Kurkku will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kurkku lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
John Kurkku is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Burnett takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Nice shot by Kurkku.
Kurkku works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Nice jab there from Kurkku.
Kurkku is looking to slow Burnett down with leg kicks.
Kurkku cracks Burnett with a good jab.
Kurkku with a jab.
A left lands for Kurkku.
Kurkku lands with a nice body punch.
A chopping leg kick lands by Kurkku.
Kurkku lands a nice hook to Burnett's body. Burnett takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
DJ Burnett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kurkku fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Burnett checks it well.
A shot to de liver by Kurkku. Beautiful body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku lands with a straight right. Burnett didn't see that one coming.
Kurkku tests Burnett's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kurkku scores with a hook to the body. Burnett takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kurkku scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Kurkku, right into the meat.
Kurkku scores with a nice right hand.
Kurkku misses with a looping left.
Kurkku lands a head shot.
Kurkku shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
John Kurkku is winning the standup battle so far.
Burnett avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Kurkku lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Burnett backs up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Kurkku lands with a shot to the body.
Nice uppercut lands for Kurkku. That snapped Burnett's head back.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Kurkku fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Burnett looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Kurkku scores with a body shot.
Kurkku tests Burnett's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kurkku dips to his left and cracks Burnett with an uppercut!
Burnett looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Kurkku connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Kurkku cracks Burnett with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Burnett has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Kurkku bobs and weaves and throws out a fast jab that snaps Burnett's head backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Kurkku tried to score with a low kick but Burnett checks it.
Burnett swings wildly with a couple of big hooks
and Kurkku counters with a left and a right that stings Burnett.
Kurkku lands with an uppercut that bounces Burnett off the cage and back into rage.
Jab, jab by Kurkku - just one landing.
Burnett needs to keep his hands up - Kurkku had a free shot at his head there.
Jab by Kurkku.
A right-left combo lands from Kurkku.
Kurkku lands a jab to the head.
Kurkku lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Kurkku throws a hook but Burnett avoids it easily.
Burnett takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Kurkku throws a low kick, looking for Burnett's leg but Burnett calmly moves out of range.
Burnett clinches but Kurkku breaks the clinch
and Kurkku counters with a nice uppercut.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Burnett closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Kurkku works Burnett's body with a nice hook.
Kurkku lands a head shot.
Kurkku lands a lovely overhand right.
Kurkku jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kurkku throws out a powerful jab.
Kurkku catches Burnett with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Kurkku bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Burnett's head.
Kurkku cracks Burnett with a right hand to the side of the head.
Good standup being displayed there by Kurkku as he connects with a hook.
Kurkku works over Burnett's head and body with a nice combination.
Kurkku looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Burnett gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Kurkku's corner calls for a 1-2. Kurkku obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Burnett tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Burnett walks into a stiff left hand from Kurkku.
Burnett stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kurkku.
Burnett has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Burnett there as he acknowledges the shot.
Kurkku turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Burnett's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Kurkku throws a leg kick but Burnett checks it.
Kurkku works Burnett's body with a nice hook.
Kurkku lands a nice shot that snaps Burnett's head back.
Kurkku lands with a good body shot.
Kurkku finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Burnett ducks right into an uppercut from Kurkku.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
A left lands for Kurkku.
Burnett tries to move into range but Kurkku moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kurkku throws a low kick but it's checked well by Burnett.
Kurkku tests Burnett's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Kurkku connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Burnett's hands.
Good shot there by Kurkku.
Burnett doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Kurkku scoring well with a low kick there.
Kurkku lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Burnett gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Kurkku sizes up Burnett with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Kurkku scores with a hook to the body. Burnett takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kurkku scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Kurkku is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Burnett.
Kurkku scores with a jab. Burnett acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kurkku misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kurkku fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nice shot lands for Kurkku.
Kurkku looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Kurkku clearly takes that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Kurkku throws a series of punches but Burnett moves out of range.
Kurkku avoids the head kick by Burnett.
A low kick from Burnett is predictable there
enabling Kurkku to counter with a crisp jab.
Kurkku's corner calls for a 1-2. Kurkku obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Nice uppercut lands for Kurkku. That snapped Burnett's head back.
Kurkku connects with a nice looking jab.
Burnett uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Kurkku.
Burnett tries to move into range but Kurkku moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Kurkku throws and low kick but Burnett moves out of range easily.
Burnett will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kurkku lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.
Burnett is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Burnett wants to clinch but Kurkku slips to the side
and Burnett takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Kurkku does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.
Kurkku waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Burnett.
Burnett throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
and Kurkku cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kurkku wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Kurkku scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Kurkku.
Kurkku scores with a shot to the body.
Kurkku with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Kurkku throws a low kick but Burnett avoids it.
Kurkku throws a good cross that connects.
Kurkku cracks Burnett with a nice right hand that draws applause from the crowd.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku stooping low to avoid any incoming strikes and then lunges in with an uppercut come cross that lands flush.
Burnett takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Burnett takes a body punch that cleary hurt but he's trying not to show any weakness.
Kurkku scores with a jab to the body.
Kurkku tests Burnett's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Left hook, right uppercut from Kurkku.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kurkku lands a nice shot to the body.
Kurkku lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Burnett walks into a jab.
Kurkku uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Kurkku looks to score with a jab to the body but Burnett is just out of range.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku throws a leg kick but Burnett moved away.
Kurkku scores with a hook to the body. Burnett takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Kurkku comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kurkku throws out a powerful jab.
The crowd cheers as Kurkku lands an impressive looking overhand right. Burnett doesn't seem phased though.
Kurkku lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Good shot there by Kurkku.
Kurkku swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Burnett.
Kurkku lands a slapping body shot.
Kurkku lands a body shot.
Burnett shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Kurkku scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Kurkku takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
Kurkku digs a good body shot into Burnett's ribs.
Kurkku lands with an overhand left.
Kurkku circles away from the clinch attempt
and Kurkku counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Kurkku tests Burnett's chin there with a solid looking shot.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kurkku connects with a single shot there.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
The crowd cheers as Kurkku lands an impressive looking overhand right. Burnett doesn't seem phased though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

John Kurkku had his way with DJ Burnett in that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Kurkku throws a leg kick which misses Burnett's front leg but catches the back leg as Burnett tries to avoid it.
Kurkku lands a right hook to the body.
Kurkku lands a nice shot that snaps Burnett's head back.
Burnett tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Kurkku lands a head shot.
Kurkku throws out a powerful jab.
Kurkku misses with a low kick as Burnett jumps back.
A jab lands there for Kurkku.
Kurkku scores with the left hand. Burnett knows he should have avoided that one.
Burnett is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Burnett takes one to the chin there.
Kurkku throws a one two combo.

Burnett is rocked!
Kurkku lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Burnett is still on wobbly legs! Can Kurkku finish him?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kurkku with a nice cross.
Kurkku with a hook.
Kurkku scores with a jab to the body.
Burnett seems to have recovered his senses.
Kurkku scores with a nice right hand.
Kurkku throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Burnett stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Burnett needs to keep his hands up - Kurkku had a free shot at his head there.
Kurkku lands with a nice body punch.
Kurkku lunges in with an uppercut that skims his opponent's chin.
Burnett on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Kurkku lands a jab to the nose.
Kurkku thuds a left hand into Burnett's body.
Kurkku slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurkku keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Kurkku throws a couple of head shots and lands with the final one - a decent hook, which struck Burnett on the side of the head.
Kurkku scores with a body shot.
Nice uppercut there from Kurkku.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Burnett takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Kurkku lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Burnett at a distance.
Kurkku scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Burnett walks into a straight right hand from Kurkku.
Burnett drops his hands momentarily and Kurkku takes advantage with a crisp shot to the head.
Nice shot by Kurkku.
Nice jab there from Kurkku.
Some wild striking there from Kurkku.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good exchange - Kurkku coming out on top.
Kurkku comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Kurkku thuds his right hand into Burnett's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Good exchange - Kurkku coming out on top.
Kurkku uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Kurkku turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Burnett takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Burnett takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Burnett uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kurkku.
Kurkku fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Burnett looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Burnett takes a jab right on the kisser.
John Kurkku is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kurkku cracks Burnett with a good jab.
Kurkku lands a body shot.
Kurkku dips to his left and cracks Burnett with an uppercut!
A nice inside leg kick there by Kurkku. That's going to slow Burnett down.
Kurkku misses with a series of wild punches.
Kurkku connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
DJ Burnett has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kurkku lands a jab-cross combination.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kurkku fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Burnett looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kurkku throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Kurkku, as that shot connected.

And that's the end of the fight!
John Kurkku showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Kurkku, 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Andi Peters scores the fight 50:40
Judge Gordon Ramsey scores the fight 50:40
Judge Frank Skinner scores the fight 50:40

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... John Kurkku!
John Kurkku retains his lightweight title!