PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jack Rackham (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Johan Axelsson (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Rackham
vs
Axelsson

182 cm
31
193 lbs
27 - 12 - 0

183 cm
31
194 lbs
16 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Good gas tank

GREEN!160
Mohito Fightwear

Spartan Nutrition

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the middleweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 27 - 12 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Jack Rackham!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 16 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Johan Axelsson!
The judges for this bout are Robert Douchet, Yves DeLean and Alec Ball.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Axelsson gets the takedown into side control.
We could do with one of the fighters taking the initiative a bit more on the ground - they're both waiting to capitalize on a mistake.
Axelsson throws a strike aimed at the side of Rackham's head but Rackham avoids it well.
Axelsson controlling from side mount.
Axelsson wants to control but Rackham is keeping him busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rackham regains half guard, as Axelsson was trying to land strikes.
Axelsson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rackham's head.
Axelsson has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Axelsson throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Rackham because Axelsson loaded up on that one.
Rackham wants to control but Axelsson is having none of it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson looking to finish Rackham with some ground and pound. This is bad for Rackham!
Axelsson working away from the top, dropping strikes.
Axelsson throws some wild stikes that Rackham manages to avoid easily.
Axelsson can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Rackham is looking to escape.
Axelsson unloads with some shots from mount but Rackham bucks and avoids them well.
Axelsson lands a big shot there that rocks Rackham but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Axelsson punching from mount but Rackham doing a good job of avoiding damage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson putting on the heat here with some good ground and pound!
A nice elbow there by Axelsson.
Axelsson controlling his opponent.
Axelsson sends his fist crashing into the mat - the crowd let out a collective ooooooh. Let's hope he's not broken it!
Rackham keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Rackham in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Axelsson throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Rackham because Axelsson loaded up on that one.
Rackham on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Rackham tries to get out of the position.
Rackham taking shots to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Axelsson is working for a guillotine from mount but Rackham frees his head quite easily.
Rackham regains half guard.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Axelsson slows the pace down in half guard.
Axelsson's corner are shouting for him to control the position and he seems happy to oblige.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Axelsson tries to pass the half guard into mount. Rackham knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Axelsson works the jab nicely.

Rackham lands a big head kick that sends Axelsson tumbling to the mat! Rackham takes a step backwards and waves Axelsson back to his feet - he wants the finish!

It looks like Johan Axelsson has been cut.
Rackham throws a sloppy head kick

and Axelsson counters with a single leg into guard. Rackham didn't expect that.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Axelsson throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Rackham works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Axelsson has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Axelsson lands a couple of decent looking shots.
Axelsson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Axelsson working some strikes from top position.
Axelsson wants to control from the top but Rackham keeps moving.
Rackham knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Axelsson on the ground.
Rackham pulls Axelsson in close to his closed guard and prevents Axelsson from doing any damage or advancing position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rackham preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Axelsson wants to control from the top but Rackham keeps moving.
Rackham keeping full guard, as Axelsson tries to pass.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Axelsson shoots in looking for a takedown. Rackham tries to sprawl out of it but Axelsson keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Rackham manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
Rackham misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Axelsson wants to counter the offense by Rackham and move into the clinch position.
Axelsson connects with a single shot there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rackham falls off balance throwing a combination
and Axelsson counters with a nice uppercut.
Rackham fails to land with a series of punches.
Axelsson ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Rackham moves away.
Rackham throws a low kick but Axelsson moves out of range easily.
Jack Rackham seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
A shot to the body from Rackham misses
and Axelsson counters with a stiff right hand.
Jab, jab by Rackham - just one landing.
A cross from Axelsson lands.
Rackham misses with an uppercut.
Rackham is looking to chop away at Axelsson's legs.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Rackham.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Rackham throws a lazy head kick

and Axelsson counters with a takedown into side control.
Axelsson scores with a couple of nice shots to the head there. The referee takes a look at Rackham to see if he's OK.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson lands an elbow.
You can see the frustration on Rackham's face as Axelsson controls the position.
Axelsson misses with an attempted head punch from side control.
Axelsson looks up at the clock and then as Rackham takes his cue and looks up at the clock too, Axelsson smacks him right in the chops with a big elbow! How rude!
Axelsson throws a strike aimed at the side of Rackham's head but Rackham avoids it well.
Axelsson working the head with strikes.
Axelsson working the head with strikes.
Sloppy strikes there by Axelsson.
Axelsson wants to lay and pray for a moment but Rackham keeps working.
Axelsson has been the more effective fighter overall so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Axelsson working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
We've been hearing good reports from Rackham's training camp. Apparently he has been rolling around with some good quality BJJ practitioners and has been sharpening his skills. Let's see if that has an impact on the fight today.
Axelsson wants to control but Rackham is keeping him busy.

Axelsson looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
The ground and pound from Axelsson seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Axelsson showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Rackham throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Axelsson cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Rackham looks to throw the jab but Axelsson is out of range.
Axelsson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Rackham misses with a low kick as Axelsson jumps back.
Rackham is looking to chop away at Axelsson's legs.
Axelsson is definitely looking for the counter takedowns here.
Rackham ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Axelsson moves away.
Axelsson throws a hook but Rackham blocks it.
Axelsson moves out of range of the body kick.
Axelsson takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Rackham misses with a body shot.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
A slapping leg kick lands for Rackham.
Rackham throws a head kick that Axelsson semi-blocks.
Rackham throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped
letting Axelsson counter with a right hand.
A punch combination from Rackham misses.
Jack Rackham is winning the standup battle so far.
Sloppy strikes from Axelsson. Those never looked like landing.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rackham fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Axelsson manages to avoid it.
Rackham throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Rackham throws a head kick that misses.
Axelsson looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Axelsson connects with a single shot there.
Rackham misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Axelsson throws out a counter right but Rackham avoids it with no problem.
Rackham lands a high kick!
Rackham is looking to score with low kicks.
Axelsson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Rackham swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Axelsson feints the counter takedown.
Rackham misses with a body kick.
Axelsson thinks about the counter body kick.
Rackham is looking to land body kicks.
Rackham rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Axelsson moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Rackham throws a right hand that Axelsson ducks under and follows up with a left that Axelsson also avoids with ease.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rackham misses with a low kick.
Rackham misses with a low kick.
Rackham throws a body kick that misses.
Rackham throws a low kick but his opponent is out of range.
Axelsson slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Axelsson moves out of range of the body kick.
Axelsson lunges at Rackham with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Rackham's hand.
A nice leg kick lands there from Rackham.
Axelsson wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Axelsson avoids a kick to the body.
Rackham tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Axelsson fails miserably with a takedown attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rackham tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rackham comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Axelsson scores with a shot to the body.
Axelsson scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Rackham doesn't seem bothered though.
Rackham misses with an attempted mid kick.
Axelsson lands with a shot to the body.
Rackham throws a head kick but Axelsson moves out of range.
Axelsson looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Rackham tries to move into range but Axelsson moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Axelsson misses with a body kick.
Rackham uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Axelsson.
Rackham looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Axelsson! But no joy.
A jab from Axelsson does it's job there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson connects with a looping right hand.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rackham looks to land a right hand but Axelsson moved out of range.
Rackham tries a head kick but it misses.
Axelsson lands a jab to the head.
Rackham looks to land a right hand but Axelsson moved out of range.
Rackham throws a right and a left that both miss.
Axelsson lands a glancing blow to the side of Rackham's head.
Rackham misses with a double jab.
Rackham doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Axelsson fails in his attempt to clinch.
Axelsson uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Rackham.
Axelsson is trying to avoid his opponent's strikes and get into the clinch.
Nice body kick there by Rackham.
The fighters circling - Rackham throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
A countering left hand to the body from Axelsson misses.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Jack Rackham did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Rackham takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Rackham misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Axelsson.
Rackham takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Axelsson looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
It looked like Rackham was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Rackham lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Axelsson circles away quickly and effectively.
Rackham just misses with a punch to the body.
Axelsson fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Rackham looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Rackham lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Axelsson circles away quickly and effectively.
Rackham avoids the body shot from Axelsson.
Rackham throws a quick counter kick to the body but Axelsson avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Rackham throws a head kick but Axelsson moves out of range.
Rackham takes a swing at Axelsson's ribcage but misses.
Rackham throws a series of punches but Axelsson moves out of range.
Axelsson lands a really nice looking cross but Rackham seems unphased.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The crowd cheers as Rackham lands an impressive looking overhand right. Axelsson doesn't seem phased though.
Axelsson clobbers Rackham with an overhand right that has the crowd gasping. That made a horrendous noise.
Rackham throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Axelsson.
Axelsson tries to counter with a clinch but Rackham shakes him off and moves away.
Axelsson shoots in for a takedown. He's persisting with it as Rackham sprawls well. Rackham wins this battle and keeps the fight standing. Axelsson gets slowly back to his feet.
Axelsson wants to clinch.
Rackham throws a leg kick

and Axelsson counters with a single leg into guard. Rackham didn't expect that.
Axelsson postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson trying to control the position from guard on top but Rackham is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Axelsson working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Axelsson wants to control from the top but Rackham keeps moving.
Axelsson working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Axelsson trying to control but Rackham is working from the bottom.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Rackham.
Rackham thows a left - swing and a miss!
Axelsson closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Axelsson throws a body punch but Rackham moves out of range.
Rackham looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Rackham takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Axelsson scores with a jab to the jaw.
Rackham buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Axelsson scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.
Axelsson scores with the left hand. Rackham knows he should have avoided that one.
A head kick misses from Rackham.
Rackham avoids the body shot from Axelsson.
As Axelsson looks to move away, Rackham throws a big counter combo bu Axelsson just gets out of the way.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Axelsson lands a jab.
Rackham throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Rackham fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Axelsson manages to avoid it.
A little jabbing left from Axelsson on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A head kick by Rackham misses
and Axelsson counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Good shot there by Axelsson.
Rackham throws out a loose jab but Axelsson uses good head movement to avoid it.
Axelsson swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Rackham bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Rackham throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.
Rackham looks like he's developed a pretty tasty lump over his left eye. He'll need to avoid taking much more damage to that.
Rackham defending well as Axelsson loads up on a big left hand.
A right-left combo lands from Rackham.
Rackham jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johan Axelsson dominated that fourth round.
The cut man is working on Johan Axelsson's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Axelsson checks a low kick from Rackham.
Axelsson drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Rackham defends it well.
Rackham throws a right and a left that Axelsson avoids nicely.
Axelsson throws a body kick, spinning off balance
and Rackham counters with a two punch combo.
Axelsson connects with a looping right hand.
Rackham uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Axelsson has time to react.
The crowd cheers as Axelsson lands an impressive looking overhand right. Rackham doesn't seem phased though.
Rackham scores with a nice head shot.
Rackham throws a head kick that misses.
Axelsson tries to counter with a clinch but Rackham shakes him off and moves away.
Jack Rackham is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Axelsson scores with a body shot.
Axelsson punishes Rackham's body with a nice straight punch.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Axelsson takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Rackham throws a sloppy head kick and Axelsson moves out of range easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Rackham comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Rackham tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Axelsson takes a head kick and keeps coming.

That has opened up Johan Axelsson's cut even more.
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.
Rackham takes a shot right to the bread basket.
A slapping leg kick lands for Rackham.
Rackham scores with a sloppy right hand. Axelsson should have avoided that one.
Rackham throws a nice outside leg kick.
Rackham tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Rackham has his hands up protecting his head but a hook from Axelsson finds it's way round the side to connect with Rackham's head.
A looping hook to the body misses from Axelsson. Rackham does a little dance to reset his feet.
Rackham throws a big counter combination but Axelsson scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Axelsson misses the shot to the body.
Rackham throws a predictable looking body shot
enabling Axelsson to counter with a crisp jab.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Rackham misses the body punch
and Axelsson counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Axelsson scores with a jab. Rackham acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

Rackham is rocked!
Rackham lands a head shot.

Axelsson closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Rackham did well to prevent Axelsson getting side control.
Axelsson is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Rackham wants to get back to full guard.
Axelsson missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Rackham's head.
Axelsson is figuring out what he wants to do next.
Axelsson takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Axelsson trying to control the action but Rackham is working from the bottom.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Rackham misses with a head kick.
Rackham takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Rackham throws a lazy uppercut

and Axelsson counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Axelsson.
Axelsson throwing strikes from guard but Rackham blocks nicely.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Axelsson is just sitting in guard, looking to avoid any submissions.
Jack Rackham has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Axelsson throwing strikes but missing.
Johan Axelsson is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Rackham working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Axelsson.
Axelsson won't allow Rackham to get back to his feet.
Rackham being controlled here, momentarily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Johan Axelsson.
I think Axelsson 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 Robert Douchet scores the fight 45:50
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 45:49
Judge Alec Ball scores the fight 46:49

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johan Axelsson!
Johan Axelsson is the new middleweight champion!
Johan Axelsson thanked the fans post fight for their support.