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PBP Commentary |
Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Niklas Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and David Haggstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Niklas Backstrom has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.
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| 183 cm
26
154 lbs
15 - 5 - 0 |
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183 cm
26
154 lbs
7 - 2 - 0 |
Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced |
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Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin |
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Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the featherweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of
15 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Niklas Backstrom!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of
7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, David Haggstrom!
The judges for this bout are Phil Schofield, James Ackerman and Andrew Berry.
The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
We've got one fighter who appears to only be looking to counter and the other not looking particularly aggressive either, so we could be in for a dull fight.
Haggstrom with a poor takedown
and Backstrom counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
Backstrom is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Backstrom wants to work for an arm triangle but Haggstrom is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Haggstrom is trying to control but can't.
Ground and pound from Backstrom.
Backstrom is trying to control. Haggstrom wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Haggstrom is defending against the submission attempts here by Backstrom.
Backstrom scoring with strikes to the body and head.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Backstrom slows the pace down in half guard.
Backstrom wants to lay and pray for a moment but Haggstrom keeps working.
Backstrom has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Backstrom is looking for a kimura but Haggstrom is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Backstrom to get the leverage.
Backstrom is thwarting Haggstrom's attempts to control the position.
Haggstrom regains full guard. Nicely done.
Haggstrom working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Backstrom has passed into half guard!
Backstrom seems to be working for a kimura but Haggstrom defends the submission attempt.
Backstrom seems to be working for a kimura but Haggstrom defends the submission attempt.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is trying to control. Haggstrom wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Backstrom thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Haggstrom's head.
Haggstrom is defending against the submission attempts here by Backstrom.
Backstrom is looking for a kimura here.
Backstrom wants to work for an arm triangle but Haggstrom is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Haggstrom trying to hold on to Backstrom's head to control him but Backstrom postures up.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom is defending against the submission attempts here by Backstrom.
Haggstrom is looking for a sweep. Backstrom is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Haggstrom is staying active underneath Backstrom, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Haggstrom wants to stand back up but Backstrom manages to pass into side control.
Backstrom wants to take a breather but Haggstrom manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Backstrom.
Backstrom pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Haggstrom is keeping the position for now.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is working hard here to advance position.
Backstrom has gone for a leg lock! Haggstrom slips out almost immediately though and dives into Backstrom's guard.
Haggstrom got a little sloppy there for a moment and Backstrom has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Haggstrom has managed to get both his arms back between Backstrom's legs - danger averted.
Haggstrom sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Backstrom's guard.
Haggstrom seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Backstrom does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Backstrom trying to control here.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Backstrom wants to get back to his feet.
Haggstrom scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
Niklas Backstrom dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.
Haggstrom goes for a double leg but Backstrom avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Backstrom continues to drive forward.
Backstrom gets underhooks to prevent Haggstrom's takedown attempt.
Haggstrom is working on a single leg takedown against the cage. Backstrom can't fight it off and eventually Haggstrom manages to take the fight to the floor. Backstrom looks annoyed but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Niklas Backstrom overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Backstrom tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Haggstrom trying to control but Backstrom is working from the bottom.
Backstrom trying to control the position.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Backstrom is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Haggstrom defends well.
Backstrom has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Haggstrom is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Backstrom.
Backstrom is trying to improve his position.
Backstrom trying his best to control but Haggstrom has mounted him.
Backstrom slips a leg in and gets back to half guard.
Haggstrom seems to be working for a kimura but Backstrom defends the submission attempt.
Haggstrom is looking to take a break and control but Backstrom is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is looking to escape.
Haggstrom is thwarting Backstrom's attempts to control the position.
Backstrom looking for submissions off his back.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Backstrom on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Backstrom is trying to maintain the position but Haggstrom is very close to passing his half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Haggstrom lands a nice short elbow.
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!
Backstrom gets back to full guard.
Backstrom working for submissions but it's allowed Haggstrom to get to half guard.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Haggstrom pulls his head out easily.
Haggstrom is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Backstrom doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Haggstrom.
Haggstrom wants to take a breather but Backstrom is having none of it.
Haggstrom is looking for a kimura here.
Backstrom manages to get to full guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom wants to control from the top but Backstrom keeps moving.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Backstrom looking to control but Haggstrom passes into half guard.
Haggstrom is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Backstrom defends it well.
Backstrom looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Haggstrom wants to free his trapped foot but Backstrom is holding on for dear life with his legs.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Haggstrom wants to take a breather but Backstrom is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
A close second round but David Haggstrom will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's time! Back to the action!
Haggstrom gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Backstrom decides to take the opportunity to score a takedown. He's landed in Haggstrom's guard.
Backstrom wants to pass the guard but Haggstrom is keeping the position.
Haggstrom working a defensive guard here.
Backstrom trying to move into half guard but instead Haggstrom has managed to sweep!
Haggstrom wants to control from the top but Backstrom keeps moving.
Backstrom working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Haggstrom doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Haggstrom manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Haggstrom with a flurry of punches that miss.
Backstrom has his foot on Haggstrom's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Haggstrom works his way back into a safe position though.
Backstrom looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Haggstrom trying to move into half guard but instead Backstrom has managed to sweep!
Haggstrom is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Backstrom has gone for a leg lock! Haggstrom slips out almost immediately though and dives into Backstrom's guard.
Backstrom looking for a guillotine here but Haggstrom defends easily.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom pushes down on Backstrom's leg and manages to get into half guard.
Backstrom is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Haggstrom is looking to take a break and control but Backstrom is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Backstrom wants to control but Haggstrom is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Haggstrom is trying to control. Backstrom wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
Haggstrom seems to be working for a kimura but Backstrom defends the submission attempt.
Haggstrom seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Backstrom does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom content to control rather than advance.
Haggstrom trying to advance position but Backstrom counters by regaining guard.
Haggstrom lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.
Backstrom is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Backstrom stops Haggstrom from getting back to his feet.
Haggstrom is striking from the bottom but he's now found himself mounted! Oh dear - not enough focus on defense there.
Backstrom is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Haggstrom throwing punches from his back but nothing is landing.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom with shots to the head and body - Haggstrom looks very uncomfortable down there.
Backstrom working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Backstrom looking to finish Haggstrom with some ground and pound. This is bad for Haggstrom!
Haggstrom wants to control but Backstrom is having none of it.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Backstrom goes for an armbar but he's fallen flat on his backside there and now Haggstrom is on top in guard.
Haggstrom lands a couple of digs.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Haggstrom showing good wrestling skills to control the position.
Backstrom has momentary wrist control but Haggstrom slips an elbow through the middle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
That was a close round but Niklas Backstrom did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!
Haggstrom shoots in but Backstrom avoids the takedown attempt easily.
Haggstrom shoots in with a takedown attempt and he has Backstrom pinned against the cage. Backstrom gets the underhooks and manages to circle away.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Backstrom stuffs the takedown attempt from Haggstrom. Haggstrom gets slowly back to his feet.
Niklas Backstrom has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of David Haggstrom.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Haggstrom throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Backstrom counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Backstrom.
Backstrom gets underhooks to prevent Haggstrom's takedown attempt.
Haggstrom has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Backstrom is trying to keep an underhook but Haggstrom manages to get the takedown into half guard.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom looking for submissions off his back.
Backstrom slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Haggstrom lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Haggstrom distracts Backstrom with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Backstrom keeping full guard, as Haggstrom tries to pass.
Backstrom is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Backstrom being controlled here, momentarily.
Backstrom wants to stand up but Haggstrom is controlling him.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is trying to control the position but Haggstrom postures up.
Backstrom escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Haggstrom gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Backstrom keeping moving, preventing Haggstrom from controlling successfully.
Backstrom trying to control the position.
Haggstrom working some strikes from top position.
Backstrom has his hands on Haggstrom's head, controlling the position.
Haggstrom keeps in close for a moment and lands a decent shot to the side of Backstrom's head.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom cracks Backstrom with a solid left hand.
Backstrom is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Backstrom has momentary wrist control but Haggstrom slips an elbow through the middle.
Haggstrom lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Haggstrom trying to control but Backstrom is working from the bottom.
Backstrom can't keep his opponent in guard - Haggstrom advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Haggstrom passes into side control, despite Backstrom's attempt to control the position.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Backstrom struggling a bit here.
Backstrom tries to buck Haggstrom off but Haggstrom is having none of it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.
David Haggstrom dominated that fourth round.
That's time! Backstrom's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight. This is the final round!
Haggstrom gets the takedown into side control.
Backstrom tries to bench press Haggstrom off him but Haggstrom keeps the position.
Backstrom on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Backstrom stops Haggstrom from passing to mount.
Haggstrom wants to control but Backstrom is keeping him busy.
Backstrom struggling a bit here.
Backstrom prevents Haggstrom from improving position.
Backstrom is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
That's one minute gone in the round.
Haggstrom working away.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - a gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Backstrom trying to control but Haggstrom flips him over like a cheap hooker and has his back!
Backstrom just trying to survive but Haggstrom is wriggling into a better position, looking to finish.
Haggstrom doesn't have the hooks in and Backstrom manages to turn into his guard.
Haggstrom looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Haggstrom isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Backstrom stacks Haggstrom on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Backstrom!
Haggstrom is looking for a sweep.
That's two minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Haggstrom is not content to let Backstrom control the position.
Backstrom is trying to get an arm triangle but Haggstrom is defending well.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Backstrom trying to control the position but Haggstrom is working away.
Haggstrom is looking for a sweep.
Backstrom working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haggstrom stops Backstrom from passing to mount.
Backstrom tries for a kimura but Haggstrom is defending well.
Haggstrom tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Backstrom wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Backstrom is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Haggstrom knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Backstrom working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Haggstrom is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
That's four minutes gone in the round.
Backstrom is working for a submission of some sort.
Haggstrom makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Haggstrom.
Haggstrom controls Backstrom momentarily but Backstrom frees himself.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Backstrom wants to pass the guard but Haggstrom is keeping the position.
Haggstrom isolates an arm and boxes in a triangle. Backstrom stacks Haggstrom on his neck as he steps over and passes to the side. He's now in a much more dominant position where he can look to do some serious damage. Nice move by Backstrom!
And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to David Haggstrom.
I think Haggstrom 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Phil Schofield scores the fight 48:48
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 47:49
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 48:48
The fight is ruled a majority draw!
Niklas Backstrom retains his title. It's always disappointing when a championship fight ends as a draw but that's what happens when you leave the fight in the judges hands!
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| S |
C
A |
G |
S |
C
B |
G |
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S |
C |
G |
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energy
A | B |
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hype
A | B |
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pop
A | B |
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mgr
A | B |
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FIGHT
RATING
95% |
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