PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Ben Barnes (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Zoltan Soljernitskin (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Barnes
vs
Soljernitskin

195 cm
22
210 lbs
5 - 1 - 0

180 cm
29
218 lbs
5 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Great low kicks
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Brute

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ben Barnes!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Zoltan Soljernitskin!
The judges for this bout are Frank Antenori, Don Winkell and Jack Bonds.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Barnes has taken the fight to the clinch.
Barnes lands with a light punch inside.
Barnes using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.

Soljernitskin breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Good leg kick by Barnes there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Barnes feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Soljernitskin's calf.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barnes lands with a kick to the temple. Soljernitskin shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Barnes scoring well with a low kick there.
Barnes with a nice cross.
A slapping leg kick lands for Barnes.
Soljernitskin looks winded!
Barnes slaps away a takedown attempt from Soljernitskin, before circling back to the center of the mat.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Barnes.
Barnes works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Barnes throws a head kick that half lands.

Soljernitskin moves into range and clinches up with Barnes.
Barnes's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Barnes prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnes lands an elbow inside that Soljernitskin shrugs off.
A knee to the head by Barnes.
Soljernitskin lands a shoulder strike.
Barnes swings wildly with an uppercut but Soljernitskin uses good head movement to avoid it.
Barnes pushes off an throws an elbow but Soljernitskin leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Barnes misses with a knee to the head.
Barnes throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Soljernitskin blocks it with crossed arms.
Barnes creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Soljernitskin's defenses.
Soljernitskin can't find room to land a body shot as Barnes controls the action.
Soljernitskin is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Barnes is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Barnes doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Soljernitskin lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Soljernitskin digs a right hand underneath Barnes's ribcage. Barnes let out a lung full of air as it connected.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Soljernitskin.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Barnes lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Soljernitskin backwards.
Barnes using the Thai clinch to land knees to the body.
Soljernitskin blocks an elbow strike from Barnes.

Soljernitskin drags the fight down to the ground.
Barnes pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Soljernitskin is keeping the position for now.
Barnes trying to stand up but can't free himself from Soljernitskin's guard.
Barnes trying to control the position from guard on top but Soljernitskin is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Soljernitskin working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Barnes.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Soljernitskin is on top in guard.
Soljernitskin trying to control but Barnes is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Soljernitskin pushes down on Barnes's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Soljernitskin is thwarting Barnes's attempts to control the position.
Soljernitskin wants to pass the guard but Barnes is defending well.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Soljernitskin is working for a kimura but Barnes is defending it quite comfortably.

Soljernitskin is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Barnes has managed to free his arm - good work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Soljernitskin throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

Soljernitskin seems to be looking for submissions.
Barnes trying to hold on to Soljernitskin's head to control him but Soljernitskin postures up.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Soljernitskin trying to control from half guard but Barnes is working away.
Barnes knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Soljernitskin on the ground.
Barnes is looking to escape.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Barnes dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Soljernitskin takes one to the side of the head.
Barnes throws a body punch but Soljernitskin moves out of range.
Barnes wants to clinch.
Soljernitskin misses with an uppercut. Barnes saw that one coming.
A head kick misses from Barnes.
Barnes works Soljernitskin's body with a nice hook.
Barnes scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.
Barnes jabs at Soljernitskin's body.
A head kick misses from Barnes.
Soljernitskin takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Barnes tries to clinch up.
Barnes tries to clinch up
and Soljernitskin counters with a lovely straight right hand!

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soljernitskin walks into a stiff left hand from Barnes.
Barnes is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Soljernitskin stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Barnes.
Ben Barnes is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Barnes lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!
Barnes works Soljernitskin's body with a nice hook.
Barnes tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Soljernitskin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Soljernitskin looks to score with a jab to the body but Barnes is just out of range.
Barnes connects with a leg kick. Soljernitskin looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
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!
Soljernitskin throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Soljernitskin is breathing heavily.
Barnes fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Ben Barnes is winning the standup battle so far.
Good exchange - Barnes coming out on top.
Soljernitskin sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Soljernitskin on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Barnes. Barnes obviously looking to wear him down.
Barnes is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Soljernitskin on the wrong end of a vicious looking body shot.
Barnes lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Good leg kick by Barnes there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Barnes turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Barnes tries to close the distance and clinch up against the cage but Soljernitskin paws at him with a jab and circles away.
Barnes lands with a thumping leg kick.
Barnes misses the shot to the body.
A jab from Barnes does it's job there.
Soljernitskin on the wrong end of a nice low kick. He's acting like it's no big deal but he doesn't want to take many more of those.
A looping hook to the body misses from Barnes. Soljernitskin does a little dance to reset his feet.
Barnes is looking to wear down Soljernitskin with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Barnes connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Soljernitskin's hands.
A left and a right from Barnes both land. Nice combination.
Soljernitskin changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Barnes tries to avoid it but Soljernitskin manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Barnes to the ground. Barnes escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Ben Barnes seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Barnes wants to clinch up but Soljernitskin keeps it at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A combination from Barnes does no damage.
Barnes scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Barnes scores with a push kick.
Barnes throws a right high kick that is partially blocked by Soljernitskin.
Barnes wants to clinch.
Barnes lands a leg kick and bounces back 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!
Soljernitskin takes a head kick and shrugs it off.
Barnes scores with a jab. Soljernitskin acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Soljernitskin is rocked!
Barnes is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Soljernitskin can do to turn this around?
Barnes punishes Soljernitskin's body with a nice straight punch.
Barnes lands a leg kick that knocks Soljernitskin off balance momentarily.
A nice leg kick lands there from Barnes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Barnes clinches with his opponent.
Barnes creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Soljernitskin's defenses.
Barnes lands an elbow that stopped Soljernitskin in his tracks for a moment.
Barnes lands a hook that snaps the head of Soljernitskin backwards.
Barnes lands a left hand.
Barnes landing knees to the body.
A right handed body shot lands from Barnes.
Barnes is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Barnes with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Barnes utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Soljernitskin's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Barnes throws a head punch that misses.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barnes working Soljernitskin over with knees to the body.
Soljernitskin takes an elbow to the temple.
Barnes pushes Soljernitskin back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
Barnes lands a right hand.
Barnes gets through Soljernitskin's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ben Barnes dominated that second round.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Barnes lands with a kick to the temple. Soljernitskin shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"

Barnes lands a big head kick that sends Soljernitskin tumbling to the mat! Barnes takes a step backwards and waves Soljernitskin back to his feet - he wants the finish!
Soljernitskin is still on wobbly legs! Can Barnes finish him?
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Soljernitskin displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Barnes throws out the jab.
Barnes misses with a wild body shot.
Barnes lands a front kick.
Soljernitskin seems to have recovered his senses.
Soljernitskin showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Barnes.
Barnes tries to close the distance and clinch up but Soljernitskin swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Barnes misses with an uppercut. Soljernitskin saw that one coming.
Barnes throws a quick inside leg kick.
Barnes scores with a shot to the body.
Barnes plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
Barnes scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Soljernitskin takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Barnes scores with a leg kick.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Soljernitskin takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Barnes thumps Soljernitskin with a low kick.

Soljernitskin fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Barnes, pushing him back against the cage.
Soljernitskin is trying to pull guard but Barnes turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
Barnes misses with a punch on the inside.
Soljernitskin lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Barnes stalling in the clinch.
Soljernitskin on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Barnes tries to land knees in the clinch but Soljernitskin avoids the damage to the body.
Barnes misses with an elbow over the top.
Barnes lands a nice elbow.
Barnes crunches a lovely knee into Soljernitskin's ribcage.
Soljernitskin jumps guard but Barnes stands there with Soljernitskin around his waist. Soljernitskin gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Barnes tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Soljernitskin avoids it.
Ben Barnes has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Knees in the clinch landing for Barnes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Barnes tries to land knees in the clinch but Soljernitskin avoids the damage to the body.
Barnes blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
Soljernitskin taking a breather.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Barnes.
Barnes comes over the top with an elbow. That landed flush.
Soljernitskin takes a shot to the head.
Barnes tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Soljernitskin lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Soljernitskin lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Barnes with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Barnes lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Barnes softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Soljernitskin jumps guard but Barnes turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Ben Barnes has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Zoltan Soljernitskin.
Barnes connects with a nasty looking knee right to Soljernitskin's face.
Barnes blocks a body shot from Soljernitskin.
Barnes with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barnes lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Soljernitskin takes an elbow to the temple.
Barnes lands a good knee to the midsection. Soljernitskin won't want to take too many of those.
Barnes is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Soljernitskin is keeping busy.
Barnes lands a knee to the body.
Barnes landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Zoltan Soljernitskin has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Barnes lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Knees to the body from Barnes.
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!
Barnes scores with a hook to the body.
Barnes with an attempt at a knee that misses.
Barnes misses with a hook to the ribs.
Barnes landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Soljernitskin tries to pull guard but Barnes forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Barnes.
Barnes is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Barnes utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
Soljernitskin digs a right hand underneath Barnes's ribcage. Barnes let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Barnes has Soljernitskin pressed against the cage, preventing Soljernitskin from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
A nice left hand lands by Barnes.
Barnes looking to throw knees to the head but Soljernitskin is blocking nicely.
Barnes working Soljernitskin over with knees to the body.
Barnes lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Barnes lands an elbow just above Soljernitskin 's eye.
Barnes lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Barnes softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Barnes lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Soljernitskin backwards.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Soljernitskin avoiding damage as Barnes throws knees to the body.
Soljernitskin tries to throw a body punch but Barnes avoids it by throwing Soljernitskin back against the cage.
Barnes scores with a nice hook to the head.
Barnes pushes Soljernitskin back against the cage and unloads with a body punch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Ben Barnes showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Barnes, 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Frank Antenori scores the fight 30:26
Judge Don Winkell scores the fight 30:26
Judge Jack Bonds scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Ben Barnes!
A victorious Ben Barnes thanked his army of followers in his post fight interview, telling people to make sure they follow him on Twitter.