PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kalema Kirunda (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rocky Mercurius (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kirunda comes to the cage accompanied by The Hellacopters - In The Sign of Octopus. Mercurius is bouncing up and down as he enters the arena, backed by Amplifier - The Wave. I can't wait for this one - let's get the fighter introductions out of the way and get this one started!

Kirunda
vs
Mercurius

188 cm
30
185 lbs
16 - 8 - 0

181 cm
25
180 lbs
9 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

Perkele!
Perkele!

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 16 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kalema Kirunda!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rocky Mercurius!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Matti Vanhoillinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Mercurius connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Kirunda momentarily.
Kirunda tries a low kick but Mercurius avoids it.
A decent looking cross lands there for Kirunda.
Kirunda swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Mercurius tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kirunda was well out of range. Poor timing from Mercurius.
Mercurius walks into a left hand.
Kirunda keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Kirunda takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Mercurius works Kirunda's body with a nice hook.
Mercurius throws a leg kick but Kirunda checks it.
Kirunda takes an uppercut right on the jaw but it doesn't phase him.
Kirunda attempts a leg kick but it's missed by a good margin.
Mercurius throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mercurius throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kirunda throws an overhand right that lands on Mercurius's shoulder, as Mercurius tries to avoid the shot.
Mercurius misses with a body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mercurius throws out a leg kick but Kirunda moves out of range and Mercurius only half commits.
Kirunda moves out of range as Mercurius throws a body kick.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Mercurius.
A punch combination from Kirunda misses.
Kirunda throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Mercurius wants to slow Kirunda down by chopping away at his legs.
Mercurius connects with a body shot.
Mercurius shoots in looking for a takedown but Kirunda manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Mercurius's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.
Mercurius avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Mercurius lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Kirunda at a distance.
Kirunda will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kirunda displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Mercurius.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mercurius fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Kalema Kirunda has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Rocky Mercurius.
Mercurius throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Kirunda stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Mercurius stuns Kirunda with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.
Mercurius misses with a leg kick
and Kirunda counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
The fighters circle momentarily. Mercurius darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Mercurius cracks a nice hook into Kirunda's ribs.
Kirunda takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Kirunda tries a low kick but Mercurius avoids it.
Mercurius throws a good cross that connects.
Mercurius fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Mercurius throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Nice shot lands for Mercurius.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice leg kick lands there from Kirunda.
Mercurius lands a lovely overhand right.
Kalema Kirunda is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Mercurius checks a leg kick nicely.
Mercurius swings for the body but Kirunda moves out of range.
Kirunda lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Kirunda throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Mercurius connects with a good right hand that stumbles Kirunda. Kirunda circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Mercurius tries to score a power double leg takedown but Kirunda sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Mercurius somewhat.
Kirunda's jab looks to have found its range, popping Mercurius under the eye.
Kirunda listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Mercurius throws a shot to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kirunda throws a leg kick but Mercurius sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Mercurius swings for the body but Kirunda moves out of range.
Kirunda will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Mercurius is landing a lot of head punches in this opening round! Kirunda had better start moving his head a bit unless he wants his face to turn into pâté.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Mercurius lands a front kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Mercurius.
Mercurius connects with a leg kick. Kirunda looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Kirunda is breathing heavily.
Kirunda checks the leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercurius buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Kirunda waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Mercurius.
Kirunda misses with a kick to the body.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rocky Mercurius 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.

Mercurius misses with a body shot.
Mercurius throws out a powerful jab.
Mercurius slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
Kirunda is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Mercurius takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Mercurius throws a nice inside leg kick.
Mercurius tries a low kick but Kirunda avoids it.
Kirunda lands a glancing blow to the side of Mercurius's head.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Mercurius - that will leave a mark!
That kick from Mercurius tenderised Kirunda's leg. Kirunda is trying to keep his angry face on.
Mercurius just misses with a punch to the body.
A jab from Mercurius misses.
Kirunda swings for the body but Mercurius moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Mercurius throws a leg kick but Kirunda sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Mercurius is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kirunda rather than just go for the knockout.
Kirunda takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kirunda blocks a jab.
Nice cross by Mercurius.
Mercurius avoids the body shot from Kirunda.
Mercurius throws a wild body kick that Kirunda sees coming a mile off.
Mercurius uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Kirunda.

Mercurius scores a trip takedown into side control. Nice.
Mercurius tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Kirunda dodges the ground and pound from Mercurius.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Mercurius throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Mercurius has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Mercurius sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Kirunda is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Mercurius scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Kirunda to see if he's OK.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mercurius scores with a couple of short elbows.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kirunda parries the strikes from Mercurius easily there. Mercurius is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Kirunda to escape.
Mercurius creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Kirunda sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
Mercurius lands a nice forearm strike.
Mercurius advances to mount.
Kirunda avoids a strike by Mercurius and manages to complete a very nice reversal in the process, to end up in Mercurius's guard! Fantastic escape!
Mercurius looking for a sweep. Not yet Mercurius, not yet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mercurius managing to control the position.
Mercurius has a closed guard, preventing Kirunda from standing up.
Mercurius seems keen to control Kirunda's posture.
Kirunda would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kirunda throws a solid leg kick but Mercurius takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Kirunda.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A slapping leg kick lands for Mercurius.
Mercurius throws the kick towards the body but Kirunda avoids it.
Mercurius wants to slow Kirunda down by chopping away at his legs.
Kirunda steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Mercurius.
Mercurius will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Kirunda tries a low kick but Mercurius avoids it.
Mercurius tries to close the distance and clinch up but Kirunda swats him away and circles back towards the center.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kirunda pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Mercurius misses with a straight left.
Mercurius lands a nice leg kick that just misses Kirunda's sensitive parts.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Rocky Mercurius showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Kirunda's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!

Mercurius connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Crunch! Mercurius slams his shin into Kirunda's torso.
Mercurius with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kirunda thows a leg kick but Mercurius checks it
and Mercurius counters with a good low kick that Kirunda was not able to check.
Mercurius throws a leg kick but Kirunda sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Rocky Mercurius seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Mercurius scores with the left hand. Kirunda knows he should have avoided that one.
Mercurius thumps Kirunda with a low kick.
Kirunda is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Crunch! Mercurius slams his shin into Kirunda's torso.
Kirunda has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Mercurius.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Mercurius.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Mercurius with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
Mercurius has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Mercurius throws a sloppy head kick
and Kirunda counters with a nice low kick that buckles Mercurius's knee momentarily.
Both fighters circling a little - Mercurius finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Mercurius feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Kirunda's calf.
Mercurius scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kirunda doesn't seem bothered though.
Mercurius looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Kirunda is fending him off so far but Mercurius persists. Nope, Kirunda circles away and we're back to standing.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Mercurius.
Kirunda has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Mercurius.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Mercurius, right into the meat.
Mercurius tests Kirunda's chin there with a solid looking shot.
Mercurius's jab looks to have found its range, popping Kirunda under the eye.
Kirunda doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Mercurius works Kirunda's body with a nice hook.
Kalema Kirunda has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Mercurius connects with a solid leg kick.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Mercurius punishes Kirunda's body with a nice straight punch.
Kirunda with poor footwork there. He got himself in a bit of a tangle, enabling Mercurius to score with a decent uppercut.
Mercurius lands the left hand.
Mercurius throws a hook but Kirunda blocks it.
Kirunda throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Mercurius lands a jab to the head.
Mercurius scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Kirunda fails to land with a series of punches.
Mercurius works Kirunda's body with a nice hook.
Mercurius lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

Mercurius closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Mercurius is taking a breather. Kirunda says something to him but it's hard to make out. Perhaps he's telling him to get on with it and actually do something.
Kirunda avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Mercurius.
Kirunda keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Mercurius trying to control the pace.
Mercurius has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Mercurius dominating with strikes here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Mercurius is working for a guillotine from mount but Kirunda frees his head quite easily.
Kirunda wriggling around on the bottom manages to avoid the strikes thrown by Mercurius.
Rocky Mercurius is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Kirunda is trying to get to the cage to help him get back to his feet.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Mercurius throwing sloppy strikes here. Perhaps if he tightened up his striking from such a dominant position, he'd be able to finish easier.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rocky Mercurius comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Mercurius has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 26:30
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 26:30
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Rocky Mercurius!