PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Nikola Veljanovski (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Ronaldo Abreu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Ronaldo Abreu will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Veljanovski
vs
Abreu

182 cm
27
222 lbs
21 - 9 - 0

191 cm
21
211 lbs
10 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

The Adrenaline Matrix

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 21 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nikola Veljanovski!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Ronaldo Abreu!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, Steven Brown and James Ackerman.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Veljanovski pushes Abreu up against the cage in a clinch.
A bit of stalling here from Veljanovski.
Abreu is trying to break the clinch but Veljanovski is controlling him.
Veljanovski looking to throw knees to the head but Abreu is blocking nicely.
Veljanovski lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Veljanovski has Abreu pushed against the cage.
Veljanovski seems to have come into the fight with the intention of avoiding any damage in the clinch, rather than actually showing any aggression.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Nikola Veljanovski.

Abreu tries to sprawl but Veljanovski drives through with a takedown into half guard.

Abreu actively working from the bottom here.
Veljanovski is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Veljanovski not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.

Veljanovski is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Abreu doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Veljanovski.
Abreu is trying to control but can't.
Abreu wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Abreu wants to control but Veljanovski is keeping busy and won't allow it.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Veljanovski decides to stand and escape the position.
Nikola Veljanovski seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Veljanovski throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Abreu was covering up waiting for the punch and Veljanovski finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Veljanovski with a flurry of punches that miss.

Abreu has his foot on Veljanovski's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Veljanovski works his way back into a safe position though.
Abreu trying to keep a closed guard but Veljanovski is proving a slippery customer.
Veljanovski landing some decent shots from guard.
Abreu wants to sweep here but Veljanovski controlling him for the moment.

Veljanovski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Abreu is keeping the position for now.
Abreu keeping moving, preventing Veljanovski from controlling successfully.

Veljanovski avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Veljanovski content to strike from guard, landing some decent shots.
Abreu is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Veljanovski is controlling him.
Abreu lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.
Veljanovski wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski throwing strikes off his back to little effect.
Veljanovski wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.

Abreu postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Veljanovski is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Abreu, into his guard.
Veljanovski's corner is telling him to maintain position.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Veljanovski trying to stand up but can't free himself from Abreu's guard.
Veljanovski is frustrating his opponent with some stalling tactics from top position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.

Abreu looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Abreu preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski dominated that round.
That's time! Veljanovski's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Abreu shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Veljanovski fails with a takedown attempt.
Veljanovski looks for a takedown but Abreu sprawls well.

Veljanovski shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
Abreu is trying to control but can't.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.

Veljanovski is working for a kimura but Abreu is defending it quite comfortably.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski prevents Abreu from improving his position.
Abreu is trying to control but can't.
Abreu is looking to escape.
Veljanovski throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Abreu trying to control from the bottom.
Abreu has hold of Veljanovski's hands but Veljanovski slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Veljanovski trying to mount his opponent but Abreu defends it.
Nikola Veljanovski overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Veljanovski is nestled in close to Abreu, controlling him well. He's worked in a nice elbow to the side of the head as well, for good measure.
Abreu is looking to control Veljanovski's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Abreu avoid being mounted?

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Abreu manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Abreu is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Abreu is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Veljanovski is controlling him.
Abreu working a defensive guard here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Veljanovski wanted to stand there but Abreu had control of the position.
Veljanovski trying to control but Abreu is working from the bottom.

Abreu working for submissions but it's allowed Veljanovski to get to half guard.
Abreu is breathing heavily.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Abreu wants to get back to his feet.
Veljanovski looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.
Abreu has no desire to be mounted, so is trying to control. Veljanovski is working away from the top position though.
Abreu has hold of Veljanovski's hands but Veljanovski slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Veljanovski stops Abreu from getting back to his feet.
Veljanovski is controlling the pace.
Veljanovski is looking to advance position but Abreu won't allow it.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abreu trying to hold on to Veljanovski's head to control him but Veljanovski postures up.
Abreu is trying to stand.
Veljanovski knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Abreu on the ground.
Veljanovski prevents Abreu from improving his position.

It looks like we're going to have a standup here. Neither fighter is doing enough on the ground.

Veljanovski scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Veljanovski scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Abreu looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski is trying to control. Abreu wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Abreu stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Abreu wants it to stay on the feet.
Veljanovski throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Abreu's waist but Abreu gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Veljanovski off to one side.
Veljanovski darts in looking for a takedown but Abreu gets double underhooks and turns Veljanovski into the cage.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Veljanovski throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Abreus head.
Veljanovski scores with a nice hook to the head.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Veljanovski misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Veljanovski slips under a jab.
Veljanovski throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Abreu's waist but Abreu gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Veljanovski off to one side.
Veljanovski is looking to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Veljanovski darts in and clinches Abreu up against the cage.
Veljanovski misses with the head strike.
Veljanovski misses with the head strike.
Veljanovski is trying to push Abreu away but Abreu has him pressed against the cage, so he's going nowhere.
Veljanovski scores with a hook to the body.
Abreu jumps guard but Veljanovski stands there with Abreu around his waist. Abreu gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch.
Abreu keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Veljanovski goes for a double leg but Abreu avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Abreu continues to drive forward.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski stalling against the cage.
Veljanovski lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Veljanovski misses with some punches.
Veljanovski has Abreu pressed against the cage, preventing Abreu from circling away and getting back to striking at range.
Veljanovski lands with a short shot to the head.
Veljanovski scores with a nice hook to the head.
Veljanovski is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Abreu is defending well for now.
Abreu is working for a takedown up against the cage. He can't get it on this occasion though.
Veljanovski lands with a short shot to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski is struggling to control the position.
Abreu is looking to take this one to the mat.
Veljanovski lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Veljanovski taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Veljanovski lands a nice uppercut.
Still in the clinch, Veljanovski scores with a nice short uppercut.
Veljanovski leaning against his opponent.
Veljanovski lands a shot to the body.
Abreu takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Abreu wants to take the fight to the mat but Veljanovski manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A short right from Veljanovski.

Veljanovski breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.

Veljanovski drives through with a takedown into guard.
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!
Veljanovski wants to control from the top but Abreu keeps moving.

Abreu looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Veljanovski has picked Abreu up and slammed him! Abreu can't keep hold of the triangle and Veljanovski manages to pass to side control!
Veljanovski is moving around in side control but his primary objective seems to be to maintain the position.
Abreu tries to improve position but can't.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Veljanovski advances to full mount.

Veljanovski working to secure an arm triangle but it's not happening for him just yet.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Nikola Veljanovski clearly takes that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Abreu stuffs the takedown.
A telegraphed takedown attempt from Veljanovski is defended easily by Abreu.
Veljanovski shoots in and drives through. Abreu sprawls well.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Nikola Veljanovski. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Abreu stuffs the takedown attempt from Veljanovski. Veljanovski gets slowly back to his feet.
Abreu stuffs the takedown.
Horrible takedown attempt by Veljanovski or perhaps it was just good defense by Abreu, which made it look bad.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Abreu shoots for a takedown but Veljanovski saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Veljanovski stuffs the takedown.
Veljanovski fails with the takedown

and Abreu counters with a takedown into side control.

Abreu thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Veljanovski is looking for a sweep.
Veljanovski is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Abreu asserts his dominance and retains side control.
Veljanovski is not content to let Abreu control the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski struggling a bit here.

Abreu is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Veljanovski has escaped the position, nice work there.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Abreu wants to control but Veljanovski is keeping him busy.

Abreu is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Veljanovski is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Abreu wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Veljanovski, who protects the arm well.
Veljanovski on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Veljanovski tries to get out of the position.

Abreu tries for a kimura but Veljanovski is defending well.
Veljanovski can't do much from the bottom here.

Abreu thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
You can see the frustration on Veljanovski's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Veljanovski is trying to improve his position.
Veljanovski is trying to get back to half guard. He's pushing on Abreu's leg. He's managed it. Nice work.
Veljanovski gets back to full guard.
Veljanovski wants to get back to his feet but Abreu passes into half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Abreu prevents Veljanovski from improving his position.

Abreu is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Ronaldo Abreu dominated that fourth round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Veljanovski fails with the takedown.

Veljanovski drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Veljanovski lands a nice shot whilst sitting in his opponent's guard.

Abreu is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Veljanovski is aware though and is defending well.
Veljanovski postures up and lands a big shot to Abreu's brow.
Abreu is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Veljanovski with a flurry of punches that miss.

Abreu is looking for a triangle but Veljanovski pushes his legs off easily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!

Abreu is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Abreu is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?

That's one minute gone in the round.
Veljanovski stays in close to Abreu's body and controls the position.
Hammerfist, elbow! yells Veljanovski's corner. There ya go! There ya go!

Abreu working for a triangle but Veljanovski defends it easily.
Veljanovski has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Abreu can't keep his opponent in guard - Veljanovski advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Veljanovski is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Veljanovski lands a nice short elbow.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski not doing much here.
Veljanovski trying to mount his opponent but Abreu defends it.

Veljanovski is working for a kimura but Abreu is defending it quite comfortably.
Abreu trying to control here.
Veljanovski frees up his trapped foot and advances to mount.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Veljanovski lands a shot to the body, followed up by a shot to the exposed head of his trapped opponent.
Veljanovski lands a couple of good shots and Abreu has given up his back, trying to escape the position!
Veljanovski is hanging on to Abreu's back as he tries to escape.

Veljanovski tightening his grip on Abreu, looking for the choke.
Veljanovski is hanging on to Abreu's back as he tries to escape.
Veljanovski lands with a nice looking elbow that stuns Abreu.
Abreu wants to control his opponent's hands but Veljanovski gets his hands free.
Veljanovski scores with punches to the body.
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!
Veljanovski lands with a hammerfist to the side of Abreu's head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Abreu staying busy and making it hard for Veljanovski to control.

Veljanovski is working for the rear naked choke. He has one arm under the chin but Abreu has hold of the other arm. A bit of a stalemate here.

Veljanovski looking for the RNC.
Abreu looking very determined here, making life difficult for Veljanovski.

Veljanovski looking for the choke but no joy.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Abreu tries to roll but Veljanovski sticks to his back.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nikola Veljanovski showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Veljanovski has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... 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 Paul Tew scores the fight 49:46
Judge Steven Brown scores the fight 49:46
Judge James Ackerman scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nikola Veljanovski!
Nikola Veljanovski retains his light heavyweight title!