PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kaino Heikkinen (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Donald Gaskins (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Heikkinen
vs
Gaskins

190 cm
24
199 lbs
12 - 2 - 0

185 cm
24
195 lbs
8 - 3 - 0

Good wrestling
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Excellent boxer
Good gas tank

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 12 - 2 - 0, fighting out of London, Kaino Heikkinen!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 8 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Donald Gaskins!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Saam Ante and Albert Achterberg.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Heikkinen closes the distance and lands a one-two.
Heikkinen has been working on his boxing with his coaches at R.A.D's Lads in the buildup to the fight.
Heikkinen swings widly with a right hand

and Gaskins counters with a takedown into side control.

Gaskins thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
A bit of a lull in the action here.
Heikkinen knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Gaskins on the ground.

Gaskins looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.

Gaskins is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Heikkinen knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.

Gaskins tries for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending well.

Gaskins looking for an arm triangle but it's way too loose to do anything.
Gaskins in the domination position with Heikkinen hanging on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heikkinen is not content to let Gaskins control the position.

Gaskins tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Gaskins has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!
Heikkinen tries to bench press Gaskins off him but Gaskins keeps the position.
Heikkinen gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.
Gaskins wants to free his trapped foot but Heikkinen is holding on for dear life with his legs.
Heikkinen is looking to improve his position.

Gaskins seems to be working for a kimura but Heikkinen defends the submission attempt.

Gaskins is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Heikkinen sees it coming and defends easily.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Gaskins is thinking about going for an arm triangle but he can't free his leg.
Heikkinen is looking to escape.

Gaskins seems to be working for a kimura but Heikkinen defends the submission attempt.
Heikkinen is trying to get back to full guard.
Heikkinen tries to kick Gaskins off but Gaskins keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

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

Heikkinen manages to create a bit of space in order to work his way back to his feet. Gaskins keeps hold of his opponent and drives him back against the cage.
Heikkinen with a knee to the head.
Heikkinen with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Still in the clinch, Heikkinen scores with a nice short uppercut.
Kneeeeees! The crowd are calling for knees to the body. Heikkinen obliges.
Heikkinen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Gaskins backwards.
Gaskins tries to pull guard but Heikkinen holds him up against the cage and eventually Gaskins drops back down to his feet.
Gaskins tries to score a body lock takedown but Heikkinen shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
Heikkinen unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Heikkinen stops a takedown attempt from Gaskins.
Kaino Heikkinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Donald Gaskins.
Gaskins avoiding damage as Heikkinen throws knees to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen landing knees to the head.
A body shot lands from Heikkinen.
Heikkinen with an attempt at a knee that misses.
A hook to the body from Heikkinen.
Heikkinen lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
A nice right hand lands inside from Heikkinen.
Gaskins is trying to pull guard but Heikkinen has him pressed against the cage.
Heikkinen stalling against the cage.
Gaskins wants to take the fight to the mat but Heikkinen manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Gaskins's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Gaskins on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Heikkinen misses with a short punch on the inside.
Heikkinen lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Gaskins backwards.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaino Heikkinen dominated that round.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Heikkinen misses the jab.
Heikkinen throws a body shot but no joy.
Gaskins fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
Heikkinen swings widly with a right hand

and Gaskins counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Heikkinen is trying to control the position but Gaskins postures up.
Heikkinen keeping full guard, as Gaskins tries to pass.

Gaskins drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Gaskins jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Gaskins advances position into side control!
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Gaskins tries for an arm triangle. That looks pretty tight to me. Is this one over!?! Possibly, maybe, no Gaskins has let go of the choke. Obviously it wasn't as tight as we thought!

Gaskins thinks about going for a far side armbar but bails out and retains the dominant position instead.
Heikkinen is trying to escape and get back to his feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gaskins tries for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending well.

Gaskins is looking to finish here, going for an Americana. Heikkinen knows the correct defense though, so he's OK.
Heikkinen is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Heikkinen is looking to reverse the position.
Heikkinen is pushing Gaskins's head away, looking to escape. Gaskins manages to hold on to the position though.
Donald Gaskins has got the better of the ground game so far.
Heikkinen tries to get back to half guard but can't.

Gaskins is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Heikkinen has escaped the position, nice work there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.

Gaskins tries for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending well.
Heikkinen tries to improve position but can't.
Heikkinen is trying to get back to his feet.

Gaskins is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Heikkinen has escaped the position, nice work there.
Heikkinen tries to bench press Gaskins off him but Gaskins keeps the position.
Heikkinen is trying to stand back up. He's worked his way up against the cage but Gaskins has just dragged him back down to the mat.
Heikkinen is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.
Heikkinen is trying to maintain the position but Gaskins is very close to passing his half guard.
Heikkinen tries to get to full guard but Gaskins has control of the leg.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen looks like he's trying to stand up.

Gaskins is trying to work for a kimura. This could be trouble! No, Heikkinen has managed to free his arm - good work.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Gaskins is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Heikkinen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gaskins.
Heikkinen is refusing to be controlled, as Gaskins sits in half guard.
Heikkinen has his hands clasped together around Gaskins's back. He's all about the action.
Heikkinen is trying to get back to full guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Heikkinen is staying active underneath Gaskins, who seems content to just control the action from this position.

Gaskins is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Heikkinen defends it well.

Gaskins is working for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending it quite comfortably.

Gaskins seems to be looking for submissions.
Gaskins prevents Heikkinen from improving his position.
Heikkinen looks like he's trying to stand up.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Heikkinen trying desperately to get back to his feet here but he's not having any joy at all. He's going to tire himself out if he's not careful.

Gaskins is working for submissions here but there's nothing on.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Donald Gaskins showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
That's time! Heikkinen's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

Gaskins takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Gaskins scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.

Gaskins is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Heikkinen sees it coming and defends easily.
Heikkinen tries to roll over but Gaskins keeps him under control.
Heikkinen is trying is best to control the position here.

Gaskins is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Heikkinen is trying to get back to full guard.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Heikkinen looks like he's trying to stand up.

Gaskins is working for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending it quite comfortably.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heikkinen is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Heikkinen is controlling Gaskins's trapped leg to prevent Gaskins from advancing to side control.
Gaskins is thwarting Heikkinen's attempts to control the position.

Gaskins is looking for an arm triangle, whilst trying to pass to side control. Heikkinen doesn't seem that keen to cooperate though. No luck this time Gaskins.

Gaskins is looking for a kimura but Heikkinen is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Gaskins to get the leverage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Heikkinen gets back to full guard.
Heikkinen wants to get back to his feet but Gaskins is in a dominant position and won't allow it.

Gaskins drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Gaskins jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Heikkinen wants to sweep here but Gaskins controlling him for the moment.

Gaskins drops back looking for a leg! Heikkinen is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Heikkinen manages to kick Gaskins off! Gaskins jumps back into Heikkinen's guard.

Gaskins is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

Gaskins drops back looking for a leg! Heikkinen is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Heikkinen manages to kick Gaskins off! Gaskins jumps back into Heikkinen's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Heikkinen tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Heikkinen pulls Gaskins in close to prevent any damage.
It looks like the ref is thinking about a standup.
Heikkinen keeping moving, preventing Gaskins from controlling successfully.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Heikkinen tries to close the distance and clinch but Gaskins swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Gaskins closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Heikkinen did well to prevent Gaskins getting side control.

Gaskins is trying to work for a kimura but Heikkinen is defending well.
Heikkinen is concentrating on defense, preventing Gaskins from advancing position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gaskins wants to pass the guard but Heikkinen is defending well.
Heikkinen is trying to maintain the position but Gaskins is very close to passing his half guard.

Heikkinen pushes Gaskins off and gets back to his feet.

Heikkinen darts in and clinches Gaskins up against the cage.

Gaskins gets control of Heikkinen's arms and successfully pulls guard. Gaskins will no doubt be looking for submissions off his back.

Heikkinen stands up from Gaskins's guard - Heikkinen perhaps looking for a knockout.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!

Heikkinen closes the distance and pushes Gaskins back into the cage.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Heikkinen throws a head punch that misses.
Heikkinen has Gaskins pushed against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Kaino Heikkinen did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
That's time! Back to the action!

Heikkinen lands a jab-cross combination.
A head kick by Heikkinen misses
and Gaskins cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Heikkinen scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Kaino Heikkinen seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Heikkinen swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Heikkinen scores with a head kick.
A punch combination from Gaskins misses.
Gaskins has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
The fight stays on the outside here - Heikkinen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gaskins tries to drive through with a takedown attempt but Heikkinen defends well and Gaskins ends up having to push Heikkinen into the cage where they will battle it out in the clinch.
Gaskins fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Heikkinen avoids it really well and circles away.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A leg kick checked by Gaskins.
Gaskins drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Heikkinen defends it well.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Heikkinen, as that shot connected.
Heikkinen throws a head kick that half lands.
Nice sprawl there from Heikkinen as Gaskins shoots in.
Kaino Heikkinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Donald Gaskins.
Heikkinen tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Heikkinen tries to clinch up
and Gaskins counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Heikkinen tries to score with a low kick but Gaskins moves his leg out of the way.

Heikkinen rushes Gaskins and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.
Heikkinen scores a nice knee to the body.
Gaskins is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Gaskins is trying to pull guard but Heikkinen has him pressed against the cage.
Heikkinen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Gaskins can do to turn this around?
Heikkinen with a knee to the head.
Heikkinen throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Gaskinss head.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen stalling the fight.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Heikkinen stalling.
Heikkinen gets a warning from the ref for wasting time.
Gaskins wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Heikkinen connects with a nasty looking knee right to Gaskins's face.
Come on Heikkinen - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.
Heikkinen misses with a short punch on the inside.
A short uppercut from Heikkinen.
Heikkinen tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Gaskins goes for a takedown attempt but Heikkinen pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.
Heikkinen moves in looking to clinch but Gaskins pushes him off.
Heikkinen throws a sloppy head kick and Gaskins moves out of range easily.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gaskins swats away the attempt to clinch by Heikkinen.
Heikkinen connects with a body shot that sends Gaskins's belly button to the back.
Gaskins keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Heikkinen.

Heikkinen gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.

Gaskins manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.
Heikkinen trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Gaskins not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Gaskins working away from the bottom but not quite defensive enough there because Heikkinen has passed into half guard!
Heikkinen is trying to get back to his feet now but his leg is trapped.
The fighters are battling for position here. Gaskins manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Heikkinen gets to his feet and steps away from his opponent.
Heikkinen throws a right and a left that both miss.
Heikkinen looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Gaskins is trying hard to land a takedown here. Heikkinen sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Gaskins misses with a looping right.
Heikkinen is looking to slow Gaskins down with leg kicks.
Heikkinen lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Heikkinen tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Heikkinen looks for the body kick but Gaskins saw that one coming.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gaskins moves out of range as Heikkinen throws a body kick.
Gaskins tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Gaskins tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Heikkinen swivels and escapes.

Heikkinen has Gaskins up against the cage in a clinch.
Heikkinen taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kaino Heikkinen had his way with Donald Gaskins in that 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. Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Heikkinen fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Gaskins, pushing him back against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Gaskins's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Heikkinen tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A short body shot lands from Heikkinen as the two fighters clinch.
Gaskins letting Heikkinen take a breather here.
Heikkinen tries a knee to the head but Gaskins blocks it.
Gaskins is looking to take this one to the mat.
Heikkinen tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Heikkinen with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Gaskins jumps guard but Heikkinen stands there with Gaskins around his waist. Gaskins gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
A knee to the head by Heikkinen.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Heikkinen throws a knee to the head but misses.
Heikkinen has a couple of punches blocked by Gaskins.

Gaskins decides to pull guard.

Gaskins has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Heikkinen can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Gaskins looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Heikkinen wants to get up but he can't break Gaskins's closed guard. He needs to be careful trying to break the legs open, as he's open to submissions here.

Gaskins is looking for a triangle but Heikkinen pushes his legs off easily.
Heikkinen has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.

Heikkinen decides he's had enough of playing guard and decides to stand. Come on Gaskins, up you get!
Donald Gaskins has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fight stays on the outside here - Heikkinen looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Gaskins drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Heikkinen defends it well.

Heikkinen rushes Gaskins and presses him up against the cage.
Heikkinen misses with the head strike.
Heikkinen misses with a knee strike.
A short right from Gaskins.
Gaskins is looking for a takedown.
Kaino Heikkinen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Donald Gaskins.
Heikkinen gets through Gaskins's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Heikkinen lands with a left to the head.
Heikkinen gets underhooks to prevent Gaskins's takedown attempt.
Heikkinen throws a head punch that misses.
Kaino Heikkinen has scored more points in the clinch so far.
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!
Heikkinen using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Gaskins has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gaskins pulls guard effortlessly.

Heikkinen stands and steps away. Gaskins gets to his feet too and we're back to the striking game.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Gaskins is trying to pull guard but Heikkinen turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.
A short right from Heikkinen on the inside.
Gaskins takes a knee right on the jaw!
Heikkinen effectively controlling the action here.
Heikkinen lands with a light punch inside.
Gaskins tries for a takedown but Heikkinen manages to get underhooks.
Heikkinen lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Gaskins or not.
Gaskins is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Heikkinen manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Heikkinen lands a nice uppercut.
Heikkinen is working Gaskins over against the cage.
Heikkinen misses with a knee to the head.
Gaskins tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Heikkinen smiles and moves away.
Decent striking displayed by Heikkinen there.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Gaskins looks frustrated there after his takedown attempt is stuffed easily.
Heikkinen chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Kaino Heikkinen is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Heikkinen fails in his attempt to clinch.
Gaskins swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.

And that's the end of the fight!
Kaino Heikkinen showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Heikkinen has won this one but let's see what the judges have to say. 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight 49:46
Judge Saam Ante scores the fight 48:47
Judge Albert Achterberg scores the fight 48:47

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