PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Pikku Nilkki (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Hiroshimo Sakamoto (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Nilkki comes to the cage accompanied by Fintelligens - Sori. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Nilkki
vs
Sakamoto

154 cm
36
153 lbs
27 - 10 - 0

168 cm
30
152 lbs
27 - 13 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

FORCEE
Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)

Zenith Nutrition (160q/225$)

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 27 - 10 - 0, fighting out of New York, Pikku Nilkki!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 13 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Hiroshimo Sakamoto!
The judges for this bout are Dillan Fox, Trevor Gratis and Robert Douchet.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Sakamoto gets off balance looking for a body kick
and Nilkki counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nilkki displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Sakamoto throws out the jab.
Nilkki was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Sakamoto looks to throw a body kick
and Nilkki counters with a slapping leg kick.
Nilkki scores with a jab. Sakamoto acknowledges it with a nod of the head.

It looks like Hiroshimo Sakamoto has been cut.
Sakamoto on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Nilkki lands a really nice looking cross but Sakamoto seems unphased.
Nilkki throws a right hand that misses
and Sakamoto counters with a low kick, right behind Nilkki 's knee.
Sakamoto looks to land a body kick but Nilkki moved away.
Nilkki throws a series of punches but Sakamoto avoids them all with ease.
Sakamoto throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.

It looks like Pikku Nilkki has been cut.
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!

Nilkki moves into range and clinches up with Sakamoto.
With the fighters up against the cage, Nilkki throws an elbow but misses.
Sakamoto dodges an elbow strike from Nilkki.
Sakamoto struggles to land a body shot inside as Nilkki controls his hands.
Sakamoto gets through Nilkki's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Sakamoto is trying to slow down the pace in the clinch, to catch his breath.
Sakamoto is trying to maintain a safe position but Nilkki gets an underhook and turns Sakamoto into the cage.
Sakamoto is trying to slow the pace down but that's a couple of times in a row that he's tried to get underhooks and Nilkki has denied him.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nilkki misses with a knee strike.
Nilkki lands an elbow inside.
Sakamoto's coach down at White Eagle was telling us pre-fight that they have been working on Sakamoto's balance. Obviously they view that as a key factor in the outcome of this fight.
Nilkki misses with an elbow strike.
Nilkki lands an elbow that stopped Sakamoto in his tracks for a moment.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Nilkki.
Sakamoto dodges an elbow strike from Nilkki.
Nilkki stops a takedown attempt from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto taking a breather.
Nilkki lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Sakamoto backwards.
Nilkki lands a damaging elbow.
Nilkki's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Nilkki misses with a punch on the inside.
Nilkki throws an elbow but it misses.
Nilkki makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice elbow from Nilkki.

That has opened up Hiroshimo Sakamoto's cut even more.
Nilkki pushes off an throws an elbow but Sakamoto leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.
Sakamoto is looking to take this one to the mat.
Nilkki pushes off an throws an elbow but Sakamoto leans to the side and avoids it. We're back to clinching against the cage.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto can't find room to land a body shot as Nilkki controls the action.
Sakamoto avoids the elbow strike from Nilkki, against the cage.
Sakamoto stalling against the cage.
Sakamoto misses with an elbow strike.

Sakamoto breaks from the clinch.
A telegraphed right hand from Nilkki misses the target.
Sakamoto works Nilkki's body with a nice hook.
Nilkki has been working on his boxing with his coaches at The Performance Center in the buildup to the fight.
Nilkki throws a hook but Sakamoto blocks it.
Sakamoto lands a leg kick that knocks Nilkki off balance momentarily.
Nilkki swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Sakamoto swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Sakamoto closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A good leg kick by Nilkki.
Nilkki misses with a left hand
enabling Sakamoto to counter with a crisp jab.

Nilkki rushes Sakamoto and presses him up against the cage.
Sakamoto misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto avoids a wild elbow strike from Nilkki.
Sakamoto dodges an elbow strike from Nilkki.
Sakamoto has a couple of punches blocked by Nilkki.
Sakamoto tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Nilkki smiles and moves away.
Pikku Nilkki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hiroshimo Sakamoto.

Nilkki gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Nilkki displaying some good clinch control by pressing Sakamoto up against the cage.
Nilkki lands an elbow that stopped Sakamoto in his tracks for a moment.
Sakamoto misses with a hook to the ribs.

Nilkki's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Sakamoto cracks Nilkki with a good jab.
Sakamoto throws a right and a left that Nilkki avoids nicely.
Sakamoto dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Nilkki. That did some damage!
Sakamoto lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nilkki throws a nice outside leg kick.
Sakamoto throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Nilkki misses with a looping left.
Sakamoto throws a series of strikes that have Nilkki backpedaling.
Pikku Nilkki seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nilkki's corner calls for a 1-2. Nilkki obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.

The cut above Hiroshimo Sakamoto's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
Sakamoto misses with a lunging right hand
enabling Nilkki to counter with a crisp jab.
Nilkki tries to work over Sakamoto's front leg with a kick but Sakamoto checks it.
Sakamoto moves away from the strike by Nilkki.

Nilkki closes the distance and pushes Sakamoto back into the cage.
Nilkki trying to land knees to the body.
Nilkki lands an elbow that stopped Sakamoto in his tracks for a moment.
Sakamoto avoids a wild elbow strike from Nilkki.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Sakamoto on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Sakamoto throws a head punch that misses.
Nilkki throws an elbow that misses.
Sakamoto avoids a wild elbow strike from Nilkki.
Sakamoto dodges an elbow strike from Nilkki.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pikku Nilkki dominated that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Nilkki tries to close the distance and clinch but Sakamoto swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.

Nilkki clinches up against the cage.
Sakamoto is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Nilkki gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Nilkki misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Sakamoto.
Still in the clinch, Sakamoto scores with a nice short uppercut.
Sakamoto throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Sakamoto creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Pikku Nilkki has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Nilkki lands a left hand that snaps the head of Sakamoto backwards.
Sakamoto lands a left hand that snaps the head of Nilkki backwards.
Nice elbow from Nilkki.
Sakamoto jumps guard but Nilkki stands there with Sakamoto around his waist. Sakamoto gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
A right hook to the body lands for Sakamoto.
Sakamoto has a couple of punches blocked by Nilkki.
Sakamoto avoids the elbow strike from Nilkki, against the cage.
Sakamoto looking to slow down the pace here.
Nilkki scores with a nice hook to the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakamoto lands a hook that snaps the head of Nilkki backwards.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nilkki stalling in the clinch but Sakamoto improves position.
Sakamoto dodges an elbow strike from Nilkki.
Nilkki working aggressively here.
Nilkki taking a breather.
Sakamoto can't break the clinch.
Nilkki has a couple of punches blocked by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Sakamoto softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Sakamoto.
A left hand lands to the body for Sakamoto.
Nilkki wants to break the clinch but can't.
Sakamoto drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Pikku Nilkki has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Hiroshimo Sakamoto.
Sakamoto lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Nilkki backwards.
Nilkki lands a shoulder strike.
With the fighters up against the cage, Nilkki throws an elbow but misses.
Sakamoto lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Nilkki backwards.
Nilkki lands a damaging elbow.
Sakamoto tries to pull guard but Nilkki won't allow it.
Nilkki is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Sakamoto can do to turn this around?

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Sakamoto has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Nilkki is trying to keep an underhook but Sakamoto manages to get the takedown into half guard.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nilkki tries to kick Sakamoto off but Sakamoto keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Nilkki 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.
Sakamoto seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
Nilkki is refusing to be controlled, as Sakamoto sits in half guard.
Sakamoto working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Sakamoto thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Sakamoto missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto is trying to control the action in half guard but Nilkki is working away on the bottom, looking perhaps to get back to full guard.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Sakamoto connects with a nice short shot to Nilkki's temple.
Sakamoto thows a huge punch but Nilkki dodges it nicely.
Nilkki is not content to let Sakamoto control the position.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Sakamoto lands a nice short elbow.
Sakamoto is just content to waste time from the top position. Nilkki takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.
Sakamoto trying to control the position from guard on top but Nilkki is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Sakamoto throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Nilkki works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Sakamoto trying to control but Nilkki is working from the bottom.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Sakamoto is sitting in guard, working some ground and pound.
Sakamoto slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.

Nilkki has his feet on Sakamoto's hips. He pushes off and gets to his feet. Nice work.
Sakamoto uses good footwork to get in and out, landing a nice hook.
Sakamoto scores with a hook to the body. Nilkki takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Sakamoto throws a jab but it's blocked by Nilkki.
Thud! ouch! good body kick from Sakamoto - that will leave a mark!
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Sakamoto wants to slow Nilkki down by chopping away at his legs.
Nilkki keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hiroshimo Sakamoto showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Nilkki stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Sakamoto.

Nilkki moves into range and clinches up with Sakamoto.
A right handed body shot lands from Sakamoto.
A nice left hand lands by Nilkki.
Sakamoto lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Nilkki pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.

Sakamoto escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Sakamoto dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
A big left from Sakamoto misses.
Nilkki feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Sakamoto's calf.
Nilkki misses with an uppercut.
The fight stays on the outside here - Nilkki looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Sakamoto swats away the attempt to clinch by Nilkki.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Sakamoto pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Sakamoto slips a straight right by Nilkki.
Sakamoto moves into range and connects with a jab.
A head kick misses from Sakamoto.
Nilkki uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Sakamoto misses with a low kick.
Nilkki looks to land a right hand but Sakamoto moved out of range.
Sakamoto throws a counter combo.
Nilkki lands a nice leg kick that just misses Sakamoto's sensitive parts.
Sakamoto misses with an attempted mid kick.
Sakamoto misses with a body kick.
A jab from Sakamoto finds it's way through Nilkki's defenses.
Some wild striking there from Sakamoto.
Nilkki throwing a counter right hand but Sakamoto manages to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nilkki misses with a hook
and Sakamoto counters with a body kick that stops Nilkki in his tracks momentarily.
Nilkki takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Sakamoto tries a head kick but it misses.
Nilkki seem to be loading up, looking for a big counter.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nilkki looks to throw the jab but Sakamoto is out of range.
Nilkki connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sakamoto. Sakamoto circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Nilkki throws a shot from downtown. Sakamoto moves away and avoids it.
Sakamoto avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Sakamoto lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Sakamoto swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Nilkki misses with a looping right.
Sakamoto throws out a counter right but Nilkki avoids it with no problem.
Nilkki fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Sakamoto let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Nilkki swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Nilkki buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body kick from Nilkki.
Sakamoto scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Nilkki thows a left - swing and a miss!
Sakamoto throws a big counter head kick but Nilkki avoids it with no problem.
Sakamoto looks for the body kick but Nilkki saw that one coming.
Nilkki misses with an uppercut
and Nilkki takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Sakamoto staying out of range there.
Nilkki cracks Sakamoto with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Sakamoto scores with a jab to the body.
Sakamoto blocks a jab.
A nice leg kick lands there from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto looks for the body kick but Nilkki saw that one coming.
Nilkki is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
Nilkki looks to throw the jab but Sakamoto is out of range.
Sakamoto avoids the body shot from Nilkki.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto throws a big shot that misses.
Nilkki swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Nilkki's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Sakamoto connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Nilkki scrambles back to his feet.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Nilkki thows a left - swing and a miss!
A slapping leg kick lands for Nilkki.
Nilkki throws a head kick that misses.
Nilkki misses with a straight left.
Nilkki fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Sakamoto checks it well.
Sakamoto takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.

Hiroshimo Sakamoto's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Sakamoto tries to land a front kick but Nilkki steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Nilkki scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Sakamoto doesn't seem bothered though.
Nilkki loads up on a big right hand but Sakamoto slips the punch.
Sakamoto flicks out a counter leg kick but Nilkki steps away.
Nilkki on the wrong end of a nice hook.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Hiroshimo Sakamoto just about did enough to take it.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's time! Back to the action!

Nilkki thuds his right hand into Sakamoto's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Nilkki throws an off balance right hand
and Sakamoto counters with a straight right hand.
Sakamoto thuds his right hand into Nilkki's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Sakamoto misses the shot to the body.
Nilkki blocks a head kick by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto misses with a body kick.
An inside leg kick from Sakamoto misses.
Nilkki fires out a quick counter leg kick but Sakamoto just manages to avoid it.

Nilkki closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.

Nilkki breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Sakamoto throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Sakamoto tried to score with a low kick but Nilkki checks it.
Hiroshimo Sakamoto seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Nilkki avoids the body shot from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Nilkki circles away quickly and effectively.
Donk. Nilkki catches Sakamoto right on the button with a cross.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nilkki is looking to clinch.
Sakamoto thinks about the counter body kick.
Sakamoto avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Nilkki has closed the distance and engaged Sakamoto in a clinch.
Sakamoto tries to pull guard but Nilkki won't allow it.
Nilkki throws an elbow that misses.
Sakamoto is trying to pull guard but Nilkki has him pressed against the cage.
Sakamoto misses with a body punch.
Nilkki lands a right hand that snaps the head of Sakamoto backwards.
A short right from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto has used his reach advantage pretty well so far tonight.
Nilkki throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Nilkki misses with a knee to the head.
A battle for position here, against the cage.
Nilkki lands a left hand.
Nilkki creates a bit of distance and throws an elbow that only just misses.
Nilkki throws an elbow but it's blocked.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Sakamoto is looking to break free of the clinch but Nilkki has double underhooks.
Nilkki lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Sakamoto blocks an elbow strike from Nilkki.
Sakamoto tries to throw a body punch but Nilkki avoids it by throwing Sakamoto back against the cage.
Nilkki dodges an elbow strike from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto blocks the elbow strike.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Nilkki.
A nice right hand lands inside from Sakamoto.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Sakamoto pressing his opponent against the cage.
Nilkki lands a good knee to the midsection. Sakamoto won't want to take too many of those.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Sakamoto.
Sakamoto blocks an elbow strike from Nilkki.
Sakamoto digs a right hand into Nilkki's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Nilkki's gas tank.
Nilkki misses with a hook from the clinch.

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

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Good standup being displayed there by Sakamoto as he connects with a hook.
Nilkki throws a low kick, looking for Sakamoto's leg but Sakamoto calmly moves out of range.
Sakamoto uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Nilkki.
Sakamoto pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Sakamoto avoids the head kick by Nilkki.
Nilkki misses with an uppercut.
Sakamoto tries a quick counter leg kick but Nilkki is wise to it.
The crowd cheers as Sakamoto lands an impressive looking overhand right. Nilkki doesn't seem phased though.
Nilkki rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Sakamoto moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Nilkki fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Sakamoto.
Sakamoto slips under a jab from Nilkki.
Sakamoto moves away from the strike by Nilkki.
Nilkki moves forwards but Sakamoto connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Nilkki with a jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The fighters circling - Nilkki throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Sakamoto tries a counter takedown but it's more of a dummy move, and he uses it to push himself away.
Sakamoto swings widly with a right hand
and Nilkki counters with a straight right hand.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Nilkki misses with an uppercut.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Sakamoto! But no joy.
Nilkki misses with a hook. Sakamoto ducked under it nicely.
Nilkki misses the shot to the body.
Sakamoto ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Sakamoto is looking to land body kicks.
Nilkki tries to close the distance and clinch up but Sakamoto swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Nilkki scores with a sloppy right hand. Sakamoto should have avoided that one.
Sakamoto bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Nilkki takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Sakamoto throws the kick towards the body but Nilkki avoids it.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pikku Nilkki had his way with Hiroshimo Sakamoto in that round.
Both fighters have cut men working on them during the interval.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. This is the final round!

Nilkki misses with a hook
and Sakamoto counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Nilkki swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Sakamoto let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.

Nilkki rushes Sakamoto and presses him up against the cage.
Sakamoto working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Nilkki is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Sakamoto is defending well for now.
Nilkki throws an elbow but it misses.
Sakamoto trying to stall but Nilkki improves his position.
With the fighters up against the cage, Nilkki throws an elbow but misses.
Sakamoto tries to throw a body punch but Nilkki avoids it by throwing Sakamoto back against the cage.
Nilkki stalling against the cage.
Nilkki throws an elbow that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Sakamoto breaks from the clinch.
Nilkki changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
A telegraphed right hand from Nilkki misses the target.
Nilkki jabs at Sakamoto's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nilkki tries to grapple but his opponent circles
letting Sakamoto counter with a right hand.
Nilkki looks to throw the jab but Sakamoto is out of range.
Sakamoto uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Nilkki.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Sakamoto misses with the head strike.
Sakamoto lands a left hand.
Sakamoto misses with a body punch.
Sakamoto gets through Nilkki's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
A nice left hand lands by Sakamoto.
Nilkki is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Sakamoto is defending well for now.

Sakamoto pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Sakamoto thuds his shin into the meat of Nilkki's side.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Sakamoto looks to throw the jab but Nilkki is out of range.
Nilkki went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
Nilkki feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Sakamoto's calf.
Nilkki lands a jab to the head.
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!
Nilkki avoids the body shot from Sakamoto.
Nilkki throws a lazy head kick
and Sakamoto finishes the little exchange by landing a big kick to the body.
Nilkki is looking to clinch but Sakamoto is avoiding it.
Nilkki throws a big shot that misses.
Nilkki throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Sakamoto counters with a nice body kick.
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.
Sakamoto avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Nilkki fails with an attempt to clinch.
Sakamoto appeared to try and counter that last move with a leg kick.
Nilkki blocks a jab.
Nilkki ducks under a wild hook from Sakamoto.
Sakamoto fails to land with a series of punches.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nilkki thows a leg kick but Sakamoto checks it
and Sakamoto counters with a body kick.

Nilkki closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Nilkki using the Thai plumb to throw knees but Sakamoto has his back arched nicely, preventing the strike.

Sakamoto's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Nilkki will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Nice straight punches there by Sakamoto. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Sakamoto.
Nilkki connects with a good right hand that stumbles Sakamoto. Sakamoto circles away out of range and recomposes himself.
Sakamoto closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
A nice inside leg kick there by Nilkki. That's going to slow Sakamoto down.
Sakamoto throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Sakamoto misses with the combination.
Sakamoto lunges at Nilkki with a hook that half lands and is half blocked by Nilkki's hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Good shot there by Nilkki.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Sakamoto tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
A punch combination from Nilkki misses.
Nilkki missing with a left hand there. Sakamoto was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nilkki throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
Nilkki is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Sakamoto.
Sakamoto appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Nilkki darts in trying to clinch
and Sakamoto counters with a nice leg kick.
Nilkki is looking to clinch.
Nilkki missing with a left hand there. Sakamoto was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Nilkki tries to clinch but Sakamoto moves out of range.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Hiroshimo Sakamoto.
I think Sakamoto 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 Dillan Fox scores the fight 47:48
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 49:46
Judge Robert Douchet scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Pikku Nilkki!
Pikku Nilkki retains his featherweight title!
A relieved looking Pikku Nilkki thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.
Hiroshimo Sakamoto was interviewed post fight and said 'It had to be my goofy eyes!!'.