PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Rodolpho Vasquel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Niko Nakkeli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Vasquel comes to the cage accompanied by Surviving the Times. The crowd seem to be enjoying Nakkeli's choice of entrance music: LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out. Rodolpho Vasquel has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Vasquel
vs
Nakkeli

186 cm
26
183 lbs
13 - 13 - 3

175 cm
26
180 lbs
9 - 16 - 0

Powerful takedowns
Excellent boxer
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Powerful

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 13 - 13 - 3, fighting out of Helsinki, Rodolpho Vasquel!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 16 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niko Nakkeli!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Marco Blurström and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
A looping hook to the body misses from Nakkeli. Vasquel does a little dance to reset his feet.
Nakkeli keeps the fight on the outside.
Nakkeli looks to land a left hand but Vasquel moved out of range nicely.
Vasquel closes the distance and clinches up with Nakkeli, looking for a takedown. Vasquel pushes Nakkeli against the cage but Nakkeli circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Vasquel looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Nakkeli is fending him off so far but Vasquel persists. Nope, Nakkeli circles away and we're back to standing.
Vasquel scores with a nice looking left hook and follows it up with an uppercut!
Nakkeli misses with a looping right.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Vasquel.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rodolpho Vasquel. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nakkeli throws a body punch but Vasquel moves out of range.
Nakkeli fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Nakkeli lands the left hand.

It looks like Rodolpho Vasquel has been cut.
Vasquel fails with a takedown attempt.
Nakkeli ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Vasquel misses with a double jab
and Nakkeli counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakkeli clobbers Vasquel with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Jab by Nakkeli.
Vasquel looks for a takedown but Nakkeli sprawls well.
Nakkeli defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Vasquel.
Vasquel showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Nakkeli.

Nakkeli gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Vasquel to score an easy takedown into full guard.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Nakkeli preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Vasquel throws a big elbow that misses.
Vasquel will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.

Nakkeli looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Vasquel with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nakkeli is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nakkeli content to control rather than advance.
Nakkeli wants to take a breather but Vasquel is having none of it.

Nakkeli is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Vasquel is just riding it out for now. Nakkeli eventually gives up the hold.
Nakkeli trying to control the action but Vasquel is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Vasquel trying to control here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Vasquel is refusing to be controlled, as Nakkeli sits in half guard.
Vasquel is looking for a sweep. Nakkeli is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nakkeli wants to control but Vasquel is keeping him busy.
Vasquel gets full guard.
Vasquel tries to land a sweep but no joy.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Nakkeli accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Nakkeli sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Vasquel's guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Vasquel is doing well to control the position and prevent Nakkeli from advancing to side control.
Nakkeli throws a strike but Vasquel avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Vasquel keeping moving, preventing Nakkeli from controlling successfully.
Nakkeli throwing strikes from guard but Vasquel blocks nicely.
Vasquel is pulling down on Nakkeli's head. It's preventing any offense from Nakkeli, at least for the moment.
Vasquel is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Nakkeli is trying to get back to full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Nakkeli dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Rodolpho Vasquel's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Nakkeli tries to score a power double leg takedown but Vasquel sees that one coming and sprawls well. That will dishearten Nakkeli somewhat.
Nakkeli displays good takedown defense there as he swats away a double leg from Vasquel.

Nakkeli gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Vasquel to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Nakkeli is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Nakkeli seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Vasquel does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Nakkeli wants to free his trapped foot but Vasquel is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Nakkeli is controlling the pace.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Nakkeli is working for a kimura but Vasquel is defending it quite comfortably.
Vasquel moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Nakkeli tries to free his leg and advance position but Vasquel is retaining full guard.
Nakkeli wants to control from the top but Vasquel keeps moving.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nakkeli must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Nakkeli might have to switch it up a bit here because his efforts to control Vasquel kaven't been going to plan, at least at the current moment in time.
Nakkeli with a flurry of punches that miss.
Nakkeli throwing strikes from guard but Vasquel blocks nicely.

Vasquel looking for a guillotine here but Nakkeli defends easily.
Nakkeli stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Vasquel swivels though and keeps the full guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakkeli postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Vasquel keeping moving, preventing Nakkeli from controlling successfully.
Vasquel wants to control the position but Nakkeli says "no thanks buddy" and passes to half guard.
Nakkeli not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Nakkeli missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Nakkeli is trying to control the action in half guard but Vasquel is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nakkeli throwing shots but Vasquel is blocking nicely.
Vasquel is looking for a sweep. Nakkeli is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Vasquel is trying to maintain the position but Nakkeli is very close to passing his half guard.
Nakkeli not doing much here.
Vasquel is trying to control but Nakkeli passes into side control!
Vasquel is looking to get back to his feet here but Nakkeli is keeping cool and he's managed to take Vasquel's back.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Niko Nakkeli showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Rodolpho Vasquel's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Nakkeli cracks Vasquel with a right hand to the side of the head.
Nakkeli fails to land the takedown.
Nakkeli stuffs the takedown.
Nakkeli fails to land with a series of punches.
Nakkeli dodges the punch combination from Vasquel.
Vasquel is looking to clinch but Nakkeli is avoiding it.
Nakkeli fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Vasquel manages to avoid it.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Vasquel!
Vasquel with a poor takedown
and Nakkeli counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Vasquel tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Nakkeli paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Niko Nakkeli seems to be getting the better of the standup.

Vasquel closes the distance and pushes Nakkeli back into the cage.

Vasquel manages to break the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nakkeli tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Vasquel moves in looking to clinch but Nakkeli pushes him off.
Vasquel throws a series of punches but Nakkeli moves out of range.
Rodolpho Vasquel is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Vasquel misses with a takedown attempt - Nakkeli sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Rodolpho Vasquel. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Nice body punch from Nakkeli.
Vasquel fails with a takedown attempt.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Nakkeli connects with a looping right hand.
Vasquel shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Nakkeli but Nakkeli pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Vasquel throws a right and a left that Nakkeli avoids nicely.
A big left from Nakkeli misses.
Nakkeli throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Vasquel tries to clinch there but Nakkeli circles away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Vasquel wants to clinch up but Nakkeli keeps it at a distance.
Vasquel moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Nakkeli, as that shot connected.
Nakkeli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Vasquel.
Vasquel catches Nakkeli with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Vasquel throws a leg kick but Nakkeli sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Vasquel lands a nice hook to Nakkeli's body. Nakkeli takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Vasquel falls off balance throwing a combination
and Nakkeli counters with a lovely straight right hand!

Vasquel feints and then dives in with a takedown. That was a long way out but the feint bought him enough time to close the distance and complete the takedown. Now we'll play guard for a bit and see who can get the better of that position.

Nakkeli throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Vasquel postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nakkeli has his hands on Vasquel's head, controlling the position.
Nakkeli is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Nakkeli looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Nakkeli avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Vasquel keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Nakkeli's head.
Vasquel is working the ground and pound from guard. He might want to try advancing position though to get more of an impact.
Vasquel stopping the sweep attempt from Nakkeli.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nakkeli striking off his back but it's not causing Vasquel any problems.
Rodolpho Vasquel has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Vasquel working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Nakkeli's head.
Vasquel with a flurry of punches that miss.
Vasquel working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Vasquel postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Vasquel postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Vasquel postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Nakkeli has his hands on Vasquel's head, controlling the position.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Vasquel lands a couple of elbows.

And that's the end of the fight!
Rodolpho Vasquel showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Nakkeli has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. 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 Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 28:29
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 28:29
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Niko Nakkeli!
Our winner, Niko Nakkeli, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.