PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kert Nigobson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Onanias Runkman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Runkman has chosen Anderson Silva DANCING Justin Bieber SONG as his entrance music. These two fighters really are very evenly matched on the feet - it will be fascinating to see who can assert themselves in that aspect of the fight.

Nigobson
vs
Runkman

188 cm
32
213 lbs
24 - 14 - 0

188 cm
35
217 lbs
22 - 19 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
Lethal high kicks
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Good gas tank

Spartan Nutrition

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 24 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kert Nigobson!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 22 - 19 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Onanias Runkman!
The judges for this bout are James Glass, Donald Grub and James Atkins.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Runkman lands a nice shot to the body.
Nigobson misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Runkman.
Runkman works the jab nicely.
Nigobson misses with an attempted mid kick.
Runkman doesn't fully commit to the body shot counter.
Runkman scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Nigobson doesn't seem bothered though.
Nigobson lands with an uppercut that bounces Runkman off the cage and back into range.
Runkman misses with the combination.
Runkman looks to score with a jab to the body but Nigobson is just out of range.
A swing and a miss from Runkman.
Runkman fails to land the takedown.
Nigobson takes a jab on the nose. He smiles like he loves it and keeps coming.
Nice jab there from Runkman.
Runkman misses with a body shot.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Runkman gets tackled into the cage by Nigobson. Nigobson maintains the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Runkman.
Nigobson misses with the head strike.
Runkman tries to pull guard but Nigobson forces him back to his feet, against the cage.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Runkman manages to pull guard.

Nigobson avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Runkman escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Nigobson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Nigobson working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Runkman's head.
Runkman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Nigobson is one step ahead there.
Runkman lands a beautiful sweep and he's now moved into his opponent's guard.

Runkman won't allow Nigobson to sweep him here.
Runkman looking to pass the guard.
Nigobson is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Runkman thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nigobson tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Nigobson keeping full guard, as Runkman tries to pass.
Runkman wants to control from the top but Nigobson keeps moving.

Nigobson has his foot on Runkman's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Runkman works his way back into a safe position though.
Runkman trying to control but Nigobson is working from the bottom.
Nigobson looking for a sweep. Not yet Nigobson, not yet.
Runkman wants to pass the guard but Nigobson is keeping the position.
Nigobson looking to control.
Runkman stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Nigobson swivels though and keeps the full guard.
Runkman with a flurry of punches that miss.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nigobson looking to control.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Runkman misses with a hook. Nigobson ducked under it nicely.

Nigobson closes the distance and pushes Runkman back into the cage.
Nigobson lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Runkman is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Nigobson to keep the fight standing.
Kert Nigobson has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Onanias Runkman.

Runkman pulls guard.
Runkman 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.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Nigobson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Nigobson trying to control the position from guard on top but Runkman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nigobson stopping the sweep attempt from Runkman.

Runkman escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Nigobson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Runkman looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

Nigobson got a little sloppy there for a moment and Runkman has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Nigobson has managed to get both his arms back between Runkman's legs - danger averted.
Nigobson wants to pass the guard but Runkman is keeping the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Runkman has momentary wrist control but Nigobson slips an elbow through the middle.
Nigobson wants to control from the top but Runkman keeps moving.
Runkman 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.

Runkman has his foot on Nigobson's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Nigobson works his way back into a safe position though.
Nigobson stopping the sweep attempt from Runkman.
Nigobson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Nigobson postures up and scores with a shot to the body and a follow up elbow to the head.
Nigobson wants to control from the top but Runkman keeps moving.
Nigobson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.
Nigobson 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.
Nigobson trying to control but Runkman is working from the bottom.
Nigobson distracts Runkman with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Nigobson lands a couple of digs.

Runkman looking for a guillotine here but Nigobson defends easily.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Onanias Runkman dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Runkman throws a body punch but Nigobson moves out of range.

Nigobson drives through with a takedown into Runkman's guard. Let's see what he can do from the top position.

Runkman has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Nigobson can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Kert Nigobson overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.

Runkman is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
Nigobson is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Runkman manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Nigobson manages to get himself to full guard.

Nigobson wants to sweep here but Runkman controlling him for the moment.
Runkman throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
My spies in Nordic Top Team inform me that Runkman has been getting involved in the gym's BJJ sparring sessions. Let's see whether that pays dividends!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Nigobson keeping moving, preventing Runkman from controlling successfully.
Nigobson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Runkman is fighting to break Nigobson's control of his arms but Nigobson is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Nigobson is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Runkman throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Runkman passes into half guard.
Runkman prevents Nigobson from improving his position.
Runkman trying to advance position but Nigobson counters by regaining guard.
Nigobson looking for a sweep. Not yet Nigobson, not yet.
Runkman wants to pass the guard but Nigobson is keeping the position.
Nigobson is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Runkman throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nigobson works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Runkman with a flurry of punches that miss.
Runkman pushing down on Nigobson's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nigobson wants to control but Runkman is keeping busy and won't allow it.

Runkman looking for a kimura but he'll have to free his other leg if he wants to finish that. Perhaps he's just using it as a distraction technique.
Nigobson wants to improve his position but Runkman is controlling well.
Runkman is thwarting Nigobson's attempts to control the position.
Runkman is pressing down on Nigobson's thigh, looking to free his foot. Nigobson is holding on for now.
Nigobson trying to control but Runkman postures up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Runkman thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Runkman tries to pass to full mount but Nigobson defends it.

Runkman is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Nigobson sees it coming and defends easily.

Runkman wants to work for an arm triangle but Nigobson is really keeping half guard well and defending the submission attempt.
Runkman wants to pass the guard but Nigobson is defending well.
Nigobson is looking for a sweep. Runkman is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Nigobson makes his way to full guard. A much better position for Nigobson.
Runkman controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
Nigobson keeping moving, preventing Runkman from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Nigobson preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Nigobson avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Runkman wants to pass the guard but Nigobson is keeping the position.
Runkman throwing strikes but missing.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Nigobson is on top in guard.

Runkman escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Nigobson gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Nigobson working some strikes from top position.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!

Runkman looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Nigobson controlling from the guard. I say controlling but really, he's stalling.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Onanias Runkman will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business. This is the final round!

Nigobson throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kert Nigobson seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Runkman uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nigobson.
Nigobson misses with an attempted mid kick.
Nigobson cracks Runkman with an open hand slap.
A nice inside leg kick there by Nigobson. That's going to slow Runkman down.
Runkman throws a right hand that Nigobson ducks under and follows up with a left that Nigobson also avoids with ease.
Nigobson listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
A big left from Runkman misses.
Nigobson half commits to a counter takedown before pushing away, out of range.
Nigobson just misses with a punch to the body.
Nigobson defending well as Runkman loads up on a big left hand.
Runkman throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Runkman with a jab.
Runkman jabs Nigobson right on the nose. Nigobson blinks but takes it well.
Sloppy strikes from Nigobson. Those never looked like landing.
Nigobson throws an off balance right hand
and Runkman counters with a left to the body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Nigobson defending well as Runkman loads up on a big left hand.
Nigobson throws a jab but it's blocked by Runkman.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nigobson misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Nigobson throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Runkman.
Nigobson finds nothing but air with that leg kick attempt.
Nigobson defending well as Runkman loads up on a big left hand.
Nigobson tries to score with an inside leg kick but telegraphs it and Runkman is able to avoid easily.
Runkman works Nigobson's body with a nice hook.
Runkman gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Nigobson.
Runkman misses with a series of wild punches.
Runkman fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nigobson manages to avoid it.
Nigobson fakes the leg kick and cracks Runkman in the body.
Nigobson dives in for a single leg takedown but Runkman sprawls and the fighters end up clinched against the cage.
Runkman connects with the punch.
Runkman misses the shot to the body.
Nigobson drops down looking for a counter takedown but Runkman sprawls and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nigobson works the jab nicely.
Runkman fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Nigobson manages to avoid it.
Runkman changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nigobson throws the left hand but Runkman avoids the punch easily.
Runkman throws a big shot that misses.
A swing and a miss from Runkman.
Nigobson throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Runkman counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nigobson slips a jab from Runkman.
Runkman throws a lazy right hand but Nigobson sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Nigobson gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Nigobson leaning his opponent against the cage.
Nigobson is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Runkman is keeping busy.

Runkman manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Nigobson postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Runkman looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Runkman is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Runkman takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Nigobson wants to control from the top but Runkman keeps moving.

Runkman had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Nigobson defends it easily.

Runkman working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Nigobson doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Nigobson manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Nigobson stands up over Runkman, holding his feet. He dives back in and lands a decent shot to the head.
Nigobson scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
Nigobson trying to control the position from guard on top but Runkman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nigobson lands a couple of elbows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nigobson trying to control the position from guard on top but Runkman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Nigobson throws an elbow that misses. Runkman uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Nigobson's guard. Nice move by Runkman!

Runkman postures up.
Runkman is fighting to break Nigobson's control of his arms but Nigobson is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Runkman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Nigobson is keeping the position for now.
Nigobson looking to hit a scissor sweep but Runkman is one step ahead there.
Nigobson trying to control the position.
Kert Nigobson has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

Nigobson is looking for a triangle but Runkman pushes his legs off easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
Onanias Runkman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Runkman winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 James Glass scores the fight 27:30
Judge Donald Grub scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Onanias Runkman!
Onanias Runkman seemed lost for words in his post fight interview but he remembered to thank his fans and directed everyone to his website.