EFC 14: Da Gaucho vs Gurrang PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Olaf Backstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Robin Verhoeven (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Backstrom
vs
Verhoeven

195 cm
25
233 lbs
4 - 0 - 0

195 cm
25
240 lbs
3 - 0 - 0

Good takedowns
Brawler
Self confident

BJJ White Belt
Solid Muay Thai
Likes musicals

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Olaf Backstrom!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Robin Verhoeven!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Backstrom misses with a wild combination.

Verhoeven fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Backstrom, pushing him back against the cage.
Backstrom is working for takedown but Verhoeven is calmly controlling the position for now.
Backstrom tries to pull guard but can't drag his opponent to the mat. Verhoeven just stands there and leans against the cage.

Verhoeven breaks from the clinch.
Verhoeven shoots in and drives through. Backstrom sprawls well.

Verhoeven forces Backstrom back against the cage and clinches.
Verhoeven dodges an elbow strike from Backstrom.
Verhoeven is working on a leg, looking for a takedown but Backstrom is defending well.

Verhoeven jumps into guard, dragging Backstrom to the mat.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.
Backstrom not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

Verhoeven wants to control position but Backstrom is using a can opener to pass guard... He's turned it into a full on guillotine from mount now! Big trouble for Verhoeven here! He's turning a lovely shade of purple and yep! He's tapping out! I would say world class Jiu Jitsu but is it really? It was nice but let's not get silly about it.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Guillotine). Olaf Backstrom!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
38%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Alexey Denisov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Edson Garcia (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Edson Garcia will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Denisov
vs
Garcia

174 cm
25
140 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

170 cm
30
142 lbs
18 - 13 - 0

Good wrestling
Brawler
Cuts easily

Decent wrestler
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the bantamweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Alexey Denisov!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 13 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Edson Garcia!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Roosa Järviläinen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Garcia throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Denisov's waist but Denisov gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Garcia off to one side.
Denisov throws a right and a left that Garcia avoids nicely.

Garcia clinches.
Garcia lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Denisov tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Garcia's elbow.
Denisov stalling in the clinch but Garcia improves position.
Denisov takes a knee right on the jaw!

It looks like Alexey Denisov has been cut.
A short uppercut from Garcia.
Garcia lands a hook that snaps the head of Denisov backwards.
Garcia makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.

Denisov is rocked!
Garcia lands a shoulder strike.
Oh Denisov is still all over the place! His legs are completely gone! Will he be able to recover?!!
Denisov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Garcia has him pressed against the cage.
Garcia stalls.
Garcia lands a body shot.
Garcia lands with a short head shot on the inside.
Garcia lands an elbow inside.
Garcia scores a nice knee to the body.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Garcia lands a knee to the body.
Denisov seems to have got his legs back now.
Denisov is breathing heavily.
A nice glancing elbow lands by Garcia.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Denisov gets a nice trip takedown into half guard.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Denisov wants to lay and pray for a moment but Garcia keeps working.
Denisov not doing much here.
Garcia is trying to maintain the position but Denisov is very close to passing his half guard.

Garcia looking for submissions from an awkward position here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Denisov is just content to waste time from the top position. Garcia takes advantage of the situation and regains full guard.

Garcia is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Denisov is aware though and is defending well.
Denisov wants to control from the top but Garcia keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Alexey Denisov wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Denisov shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Denisov was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!

Denisov wants to work for a kimura but he's foiled early by Garcia, who protects the arm well.
Denisov wants to take a breather but Garcia manages to regain guard - a lesson learnt for Denisov.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Garcia has a closed guard, preventing Denisov from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Denisov wants to control from the top but Garcia keeps moving.

Garcia throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Denisov escapes and throws Garcia's legs to the side, diving into side control!
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Denisov wants to control but Garcia is keeping him busy.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Edson Garcia will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Alexey Denisov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Garcia gets a clinch.
A short right from Garcia.
Garcia lands a right hand that snaps the head of Denisov backwards.
Garcia stalls.

Denisov wants the takedown. Garcia is fighting it off but Denisov persists and manages to bring the fight to the ground, ending up in Garcia's guard against the cage.
Denisov wants to stand and escape but instead Garcia has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Denisov looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Garcia looking to sit in guard and control but Denisov gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Denisov stopping the sweep attempt from Garcia.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Garcia not looking particularly offensive just at the moment.

Denisov postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Garcia is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Denisov, into his guard.
Alexey Denisov overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Denisov wants to stand up but Garcia is controlling him.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Denisov throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Garcia escapes and throws Denisov's legs to the side, diving into side control!
Denisov tries to work a leg under to get back to half guard but Garcia wriggles his own leg back out and remains in side control.
Denisov is trying to control Garcia's posture but Garcia avoids it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Denisov is looking for a sweep.
Garcia prevents Denisov from escaping the position.
Denisov defending against the ground and pound.
Denisov on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Denisov tries to get out of the position.
Garcia trying to control the action but Denisov is working from the bottom.
Denisov can't do much from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Garcia slips into full mount, dodging the strikes by Denisov.
Garcia throws a sloppy strike and Denisov uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Denisov has ended up in Garcia's guard.
Denisov postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Denisov throws a strike but Garcia rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Garcia postures up.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Alexey Denisov will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Alexey Denisov's cut.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Garcia is looking to clinch but Denisov is avoiding it.
Garcia misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.

Garcia has Denisov up against the cage in a clinch.
Garcia displaying some good clinch control by pressing Denisov up against the cage.
Garcia throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Denisovs head.

Denisov jumps guard.
Garcia missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Garcia trying to control but Denisov is working from the bottom.

Garcia gets to his feet. Denisov looking to butt scoot but the ref puts an end to that. On your feet son!

That's one minute gone in the round.

Garcia gets taken down but at least he's managed to land in guard.
Garcia trying to keep a closed guard but Denisov is proving a slippery customer.

Garcia is looking for a triangle but Denisov pushes his legs off easily.
Denisov trying to control but Garcia is working from the bottom.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Denisov not doing a lot at the moment. He'll have to show some more aggression or the fight will get stood up.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Alexey Denisov wasn't doing enough on the ground.

Denisov drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Denisov wants to pass the guard but Garcia is keeping the position.
Garcia looking to sweep using the butterfly guard but Denisov puts pay to that idea as he passes nicely into half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Denisov is looking to take a break and control but Garcia is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Denisov wants to pass the guard but Garcia is defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Garcia is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Denisov jumps into side control!
Denisov sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Garcia is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
Garcia is not content to let Denisov control the position.
Garcia prevents Denisov from moving into mount.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Denisov fails to land a wild elbow strike.
Garcia really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Denisov. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.

Denisov is trying to get an arm triangle but Garcia is defending well.
Denisov tries to get to his feet but he's trapped momentarily.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Garcia is trying to get back to half guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Garcia looking for a sweep but Denisov has passed into full mount! Oh no!

And that's the end of the fight!
Alexey Denisov showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Denisov 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alexey Denisov!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
50%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Jake Coleman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Rafael Almeida (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Rafael Almeida will no doubt be trying to keep this one on the feet, where he has a distinct advantage.

Coleman
vs
Almeida

183 cm
26
192 lbs
10 - 4 - 0

191 cm
30
195 lbs
10 - 9 - 0

Good wrestling
Counter fighter
Experienced

Good takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
Knockout power

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 10 - 4 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Jake Coleman!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 10 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Rafael Almeida!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Matti Vanhoillinen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Almeida looks to land a combination but Coleman avoids it well.
Rafael Almeida seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice takedown defense from Almeida. No joy for Coleman on that attempt.
Coleman shoots for a double leg takedown but Almeida sprawls well. He's pushed Coleman's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Almeida tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Coleman manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
A left and a right from Almeida both land. Nice combination.
Almeida fails with an attempt to clinch.
The fight stays on the outside here - Coleman looks like he's thinking about clinching though.

Almeida gets caught flat footed, as Coleman shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Coleman is looking to work some ground and pound but Almeida has wrist control.
Coleman is looking to pass into half guard but Almeida pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Almeida is in guard.

Almeida got a little sloppy there for a moment and Coleman has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Almeida has managed to get both his arms back between Coleman's legs - danger averted.
Coleman looking to hit a scissor sweep but Almeida is one step ahead there.
Coleman is working hard here to advance position.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Coleman is active off his back here, looking for submissions.
Coleman controls Almeida momentarily but Almeida frees himself.
Coleman wants to improve his position but instead Almeida has moved into half guard.
Coleman tries to roll over but Almeida keeps him under control.

Coleman looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Coleman tries to get to full guard but Almeida has control of the leg.
Coleman wants to get back to his feet.
Coleman is controlling Almeida's position as best he can from this difficult position.

Almeida decides he's had enough of the ground and stands up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Almeida, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Coleman uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Almeida.
Coleman has a takedown stuffed.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jake Coleman. That's going to take a lot out of him.

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

Almeida pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Jake Coleman will probably get the nod.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Coleman fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Almeida avoids it really well and circles away.
Coleman fails to land the takedown.
Coleman showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Almeida.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Coleman with a lazy takedown attempt
and Almeida counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jake Coleman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Almeida keeps the fight on the outside.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Almeida is looking to clinch.
Coleman shoots and misses
and Almeida counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Almeida throws a low kick but it's checked well by Coleman.
Coleman throws a looping left and ducks down for a takedown. He's got his arms around Almeida's waist but Almeida gets an underhook and avoids the takedown by throwing Coleman off to one side.
Almeida throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Almeida throws a leg kick but Coleman checks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Coleman avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Almeida looks to score with a combo but nothing lands.
Almeida chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Almeida dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Coleman. That did some damage!
Coleman keeps the fight on the outside.
Rafael Almeida is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.

Coleman shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Almeida napping and manages to drive through into side control!
Coleman throwing strikes but missing, from side control.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The strikes coming from Coleman are missing the target in this wave of attacks.
Coleman wants to control but Almeida is keeping him busy.
Almeida dodges the ground and pound from Coleman.

Coleman goes for an armbar here - this could be all over! But no, Almeida has escaped beautifully and is now on top in side control! Oh, that's unlucky for Coleman but great work by Almeida.
Coleman is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Coleman looking for a sweep but Almeida has passed into full mount! Oh no!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coleman is wriggling around trying to escape.
Coleman tries to improve his position but instead Almeida has taken his back!
Almeida biding his time, controlling Coleman.
Well, with Almeida on his back, surely it's only a matter of time before Coleman is tapping out... Can he escape the position?
Coleman rolls, trying to escape but Almeida keeps control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Jake Coleman will probably get the nod.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's hear some noise people - this is the final round!

Coleman moves out of range of the leg kick from Almeida.
Coleman swats away the attempt to clinch by Almeida.
Coleman shoots for a double leg takedown but Almeida sprawls well. He's pushed Coleman's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Almeida looks to land a combination but Coleman avoids it well.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Almeida throws a nice looking combination but Coleman bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Coleman is trying hard to land a takedown here. Almeida sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Almeida moves in looking to clinch but Coleman pushes him off.
Almeida misses with a few strikes there.
Decent striking displayed by Almeida there.
Almeida cracks Coleman with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.
Coleman shoots in but no luck this time.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jake Coleman. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Almeida misses with a two punch combination.
Almeida scores with a one two! Coleman had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Almeida fails to land with a series of punches.
A punch combination from Almeida misses.
Coleman throws a looping overhand right but Almeida ducks down to avoid it.
Almeida lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.
Rafael Almeida seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Almeida rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Coleman moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Almeida lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Coleman circles away quickly and effectively.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Almeida misses with a few strikes there.
Almeida throws a series of punches but Coleman moves out of range.

Coleman fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Almeida sprawls well initially but Coleman persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Coleman in particular looking to stall.

Coleman is working for a kimura from half guard. He's really concentrating on the hold and it's allowed Almeida to slip a leg under and get back to full guard.
Jake Coleman overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Coleman trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Coleman working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Coleman pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Almeida is keeping the position for now.
Coleman working some strikes from top position.
Rafael Almeida has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Coleman trying to control but Almeida is working from the bottom.
Coleman wants to pass the guard but Almeida is keeping the position.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Rafael Almeida.
I think Coleman 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 27:30
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Jake Coleman!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
28%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Daniel Carneiro (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Artem Boldyrev (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Carneiro comes to the cage accompanied by The Rasmus - In the Shadows. I'm sure you'll be fascinated to know that I was talking to some pointless Z list celebrity before the fight and he thought that Artem Boldyrev was going to win. Let's see if he was right.

Carneiro
vs
Boldyrev

188 cm
33
237 lbs
26 - 14 - 0

178 cm
25
226 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good takedowns
Solid Muay Thai
KO power

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 14 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Daniel Carneiro!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Artem Boldyrev!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Ben Zyskovitsi and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Boldyrev moves to clinch but Carneiro breaks away

and Carneiro counters by moving into the clinch. Good anticipation by Carneiro.

Carneiro has dropped down and is working for a takedown. Boldyrev is trying to keep an underhook but Carneiro manages to get the takedown into half guard.
Carneiro is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Carneiro is thwarting Boldyrev's attempts to control the position.
Boldyrev is looking to get back to full guard here but Carneiro has managed to pass to side control instead.
Boldyrev can't do much from the bottom here.
Carneiro advances to mount.
Carneiro controlling from the full mount.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Carneiro seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Boldyrev for as long as he can get away with.
Carneiro mounts Boldyrev! Really nice guard pass there!

Boldyrev is flailing around, obviously not happy about being mounted. Carneiro locks hold of one of his arms and spins for an armbar. He's got it! Boldyrev is forced to tap!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 2:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Armbar). Daniel Carneiro!
Daniel Carneiro opened up his post fight interview with a scream to camera that he wants a title shot! Whether he deserves the shot will be up to the management of the organization, so I guess he'll have to wait and see.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
33%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Carl Draiman (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Jacques Gabriel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). 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.

Draiman
vs
Gabriel

178 cm
29
184 lbs
13 - 9 - 1

182 cm
28
200 lbs
18 - 8 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Basic striking
Experienced

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Granite chin

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 13 - 9 - 1, fighting out of Las Vegas, Carl Draiman!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 18 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jacques Gabriel!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Draiman throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Draiman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Draiman leaves Gabriel with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Gabriel keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Draiman tries to clinch up but Gabriel circles away and keeps his distance.
Gabriel shoots in looking for a takedown but Draiman manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Gabriel's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Gabriel shoots in looking for a single leg takedown. Draiman is trying to defend but Gabriel finishes it well and ends up in half guard. Let's see if he can advance position further.
We may be looking at a referee standup if the pace doesn't pick up soon.
Gabriel tries to pass to full mount but Draiman defends it.
Draiman trying to control but Gabriel postures up.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel trying to pass the guard but Draiman defending well.

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

Gabriel is sneakily working for an arm triangle but Draiman sees it coming and defends easily.
Gabriel wants to pass the guard but Draiman is defending well.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The fighters are battling for position here. Draiman manages to regain full guard. Nice work.
Draiman keeping full guard, as Gabriel tries to pass.
Gabriel trying to control the position from guard on top but Draiman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Gabriel throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Gabriel must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Gabriel slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Draiman manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Gabriel manages to get himself to full guard.
Gabriel bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Draiman's guard.
Draiman keeping full guard, as Gabriel tries to pass.
Draiman looking to control.
Draiman avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel wants to control from the top but Draiman keeps moving.
Draiman pulls Gabriel in to control the position.
Gabriel pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Draiman is keeping the position for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Gabriel shoots for a double leg takedown but Draiman sprawls well. He's pushed Gabriel's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Carl Draiman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacques Gabriel.
Draiman misses with a kick to the body.

Gabriel feints and as Draiman raises his hands in defense, Gabriel changes levels and drives through with a takedown into guard.
The crowd applaud the fighters efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Draiman trying to control the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

Draiman fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Draiman doesn't manage to clinch there - Gabriel circles away.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Gabriel checks a leg kick.
Carl Draiman is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Draiman just misses with a punch to the body.
Gabriel has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Draiman is landing a low percentage of strikes.

Gabriel gets tackled into the cage by Draiman. Draiman maintains the clinch.
Draiman tries to break the clinch but Gabriel is controlling the position.

Draiman drags the fight down to the ground.
Gabriel is looking to advance position but Draiman has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Draiman avoids the attempt from Gabriel to control.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel is wriggling around trying to escape.
Draiman avoids the attempt from Gabriel to control.
Gabriel really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel tries to hold on but Draiman postures up.
Draiman wants to control the pace but Gabriel is squirming around nicely.
Gabriel bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Gabriel throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Draiman works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Gabriel working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Draiman is trying to control the position but Gabriel postures up.
Gabriel missing there with some ground and pound from the guard.
Gabriel looking to sit in guard and control but Draiman gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Gabriel looking to control.
Jacques Gabriel has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Gabriel has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Draiman can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Gabriel controls Draiman momentarily but Draiman frees himself.
Gabriel doesn't do any damage with a couple of strikes from the bottom.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Jacques Gabriel showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Gabriel comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Carl Draiman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Draiman keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Gabriel shoots for a double leg takedown but Draiman sprawls well. He's pushed Gabriel's face into the mat and manages to get back to his feet relatively easily.
Draiman looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Draiman throws a sloppy head kick and Gabriel moves out of range easily.
Draiman shapes like he's going to throw a leg kick but settles back down.
Gabriel checks the leg kick nicely there.
Draiman tries to close the distance and clinch up but Gabriel swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Draiman throws a shot from downtown. Gabriel moves away and avoids it.
Draiman throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel misses with a takedown attempt - Draiman sprawls well and throws a nice strike on the way out which just misses.
Carl Draiman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacques Gabriel.
No luck for Gabriel with that takedown attempt.

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

Draiman pulls Gabriel into guard.
Draiman keeping full guard, as Gabriel tries to pass.
Gabriel trying to control the position from guard on top but Draiman is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel is intent on slowing down the pace of the fight, simply looking to control.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.

The ref calls for a clean break and stands the fighters back up. Jacques Gabriel wasn't active enough on the ground.
Gabriel is trying hard to land a takedown here. Draiman sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Draiman fails in his attempt to clinch.
Draiman throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Draiman is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel has a takedown stuffed.
Carl Draiman is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Draiman throws a chopping leg kick but Gabriel manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Draiman throws a leg kick but Gabriel moved away.
Draiman tries to clinch up.
Gabriel misses with a telegraphed body shot
and Draiman counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Draiman tries to clinch but Gabriel moves out of range.

Gabriel looking to shoot here. He's gone for it and he's landed a takedown into side control! Oh, that's bad for Draiman!
Gabriel tries to score with some ground and pound. Draiman controls his posture well this time though and the shots don't do any damage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Draiman tries to improve position but can't.
Gabriel trying to control the action but Draiman is working from the bottom.

Gabriel tries for a kimura but Draiman is defending well.

Gabriel tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close third round but Jacques Gabriel just about did enough to take it.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Gabriel just misses with a punch to the body.
Gabriel shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Gabriel circles away from the clinch attempt.
Draiman tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Gabriel was well out of range. Poor timing from Draiman.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gabriel ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Draiman moves away.
Draiman looks to land a combination but Gabriel avoids it well.
Gabriel moves out of range as Draiman throws a body kick.
Draiman fails in his attempt to clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Draiman tries to clinch up but Gabriel circles away and keeps his distance.
Gabriel takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Gabriel keeps the fight on the outside.
Gabriel fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Draiman keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

Draiman rushes Gabriel and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Draiman escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Gabriel.
Gabriel looks to score with a jab to the body but Draiman is just out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel misses the shot to the body.
Gabriel circles away from the clinch attempt.
A head kick misses from Draiman.
Draiman throws a head kick but Gabriel moves out of range.
Draiman looks for the body kick but Gabriel saw that one coming.
Draiman throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Draiman does a little shimmy and throws a leg kick. The leg kick missed by a considerable margin though, making him look a little bit silly for doing the shimmy.

Gabriel scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Gabriel trying to pass the guard but Draiman defending well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Gabriel is working for a submission of some sort.

Gabriel 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.

Gabriel is looking for a kimura here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Gabriel throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Jacques Gabriel will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! The crowd applaud as we get ready to start the final round!

Draiman tries to close the distance and clinch but Gabriel swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Draiman tries to work over Gabriel's front leg with a kick but Gabriel checks it.
Gabriel tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Draiman swivels and escapes.
Draiman just misses with a punch to the body.
Draiman is looking to wear down Gabriel with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Gabriel misses with a takedown
and Draiman makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Draiman attempts a low kick but it misses it's target.
Draiman looks to land a combination but Gabriel avoids it well.
Some wild striking there from Draiman.
Gabriel shoots in for a takedown - he's clinched up with Draiman but Draiman pushes him off and we're back to square one.
Carl Draiman has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Jacques Gabriel.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Gabriel shoots in for a takedown but Draiman shows good takedown defense.
Draiman throws a solid leg kick but Gabriel takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Draiman.
Gabriel showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Draiman.
Draiman is looking to clinch.
Draiman misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Draiman throws a wild body kick that Gabriel sees coming a mile off.
Carl Draiman is winning the standup battle so far.
Draiman tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Gabriel manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Draiman throws a chopping leg kick but Gabriel manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Gabriel avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Gabriel misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Draiman.
Draiman is looking to clinch but Gabriel is avoiding it.
Draiman is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Draiman misses with an uppercut. Gabriel saw that one coming.
Gabriel shoots for a takedown but Draiman saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Draiman misses with a few strikes there.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
Gabriel avoids the body shot from Draiman.
No joy there for Draiman, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Draiman is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Draiman keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Draiman throws a head kick but Gabriel moves out of range.
Draiman throws a nice looking combination but Gabriel bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Gabriel swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Gabriel shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Draiman as he jumps to the side.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gabriel swats away the attempt to clinch by Draiman.
Draiman closes the distance but Gabriel moves to the side

so Gabriel counters with a double leg into guard. Good agility.
Gabriel looking to pass the guard.
Gabriel is looking to advance position but Draiman has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Gabriel is looking to improve his position but Draiman isn't that keen on the idea.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Carl Draiman.
I think Gabriel 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 Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 46:49
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 46:49
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 48:47

In favor of your winner, by split decision... Jacques Gabriel!
Jacques Gabriel is the new middleweight champion!
A very excited looking Jacques Gabriel made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
48%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between David Haggstrom (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Nicholas Weichel (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Haggstrom
vs
Weichel

183 cm
25
154 lbs
3 - 1 - 0

183 cm
27
162 lbs
11 - 6 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Good chin

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 3 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, David Haggstrom!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 11 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Nicholas Weichel!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Arvi Lind and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Weichel shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Haggstrom as he avoids it easily.

Weichel closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
Haggstrom definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Haggstrom moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.

Weichel got a little sloppy there for a moment and Haggstrom has worked his way into a loose triangle - can he finish it?! No, Weichel has managed to get both his arms back between Haggstrom's legs - danger averted.
Haggstrom keeping moving, preventing Weichel from controlling successfully.
Weichel in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Weichel is looking to work some ground and pound but Haggstrom has wrist control.
Weichel postures up and lands some nice ground and pound.

Haggstrom throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Weichel with a nice head shot there.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Haggstrom keeping moving, preventing Weichel from controlling successfully.
Weichel is stalling in the full guard.
Haggstrom keeping moving, preventing Weichel from controlling successfully.

Haggstrom has thrown up a leg looking for a triangle. Weichel doesn't defend quickly enough and Haggstrom has managed to lock this one up! Can Weichel escape?! NO! He's tapping out! Damn, that was a quick submission - congrats to Haggstrom on a fantastic submission victory.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:51 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). David Haggstrom!
David Haggstrom retains his lightweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
44%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Johny Baker (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Lotney Fratelli (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Baker
vs
Fratelli

187 cm
32
177 lbs
12 - 3 - 1

180 cm
26
180 lbs
7 - 2 - 0

Decent wrestler
Good kicks
Experienced

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Solid chin

Speedy Supps + Laundry

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 12 - 3 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Johny Baker!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 7 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Los Angeles, Lotney Fratelli!
The judges for this bout are Roosa Järviläinen, Johanna Lukiainen and Arvi Lind.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Fratelli comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Baker lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Fratelli circles away quickly and effectively.
Baker lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Fratelli circles away quickly and effectively.
Fratelli defending well as Baker loads up on a big left hand.
Fratelli scores with a jab to the body.
Some wild striking there from Fratelli.
Baker swats away the attempt to clinch by Fratelli.
Baker bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Good leg kick by Baker there. It's the ones that make that thud noise that hurt and that was an almighty thud.
Baker goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.
Baker lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Fratelli lands a nice shot that snaps Baker's head back.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
A punch combination from Baker misses.
Baker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Baker lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Fratelli misses with a two punch combination.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fratelli avoids a punch combination nicely.
Fratelli pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Baker back to the cage. Fratelli follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Baker throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fratelli stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Baker.
Baker pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Baker lands a head shot.
Fratelli pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
An inside leg kick lands from Baker.
Baker fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fratelli has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A lazy left from Fratelli finds it's target.
Crunch! Baker slams his shin into Fratelli's torso.
The fight stays on the outside here - Fratelli looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Baker keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Fratelli just misses with a punch to the body.
Fratelli ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Baker moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baker catches Fratelli with a nice straight right. He seems pissed - ooooh, it's on now! On like donkey kong!
Fratelli stalks Baker and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Baker's face. Baker staggers backwards, shaken.
Fratelli steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Baker.
Baker misses with a wild combination.

Baker instigates a clinch.
Stalling in the clinch from Baker.
Fratelli struggles to land a body shot inside as Baker controls his hands.

Baker breaks from the clinch.
Nice uppercut there from Baker.
Baker misses with a wild combination.
Baker uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fratelli.
Baker displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Baker blocks a jab.

Baker fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fratelli, pushing him back against the cage.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Baker breaks the clinch.
Baker throws a feint and then finishes with a kick to the body.

Baker gets a clinch.

Baker breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Baker slips under a jab.
Baker just misses with a punch to the body.
Fratelli has his head slapped from side to side by a 3 punch combination. That must have hurt him.
Fratelli swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Fratelli tries to clinch up but Baker circles away and keeps his distance.
Baker explodes with a nice body kick and back out of range. Nice work.
Lotney Fratelli seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fratelli misses with a few strikes there.
Baker keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Fratelli looks winded!
Baker misses with a two punch combination.
Baker lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Baker scores with a hook to the body. Fratelli takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Baker tries to bum rush Fratelli with a series of wild strikes but Fratelli uses good footwork to avoid the assault.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
No joy there for Baker, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Baker throws a right and a left that Fratelli avoids nicely.
Baker lands a vicious shot with the stealth of a sniper and the strength of a viper. Are vipers that strong? I can think of lots of things that are stronger than a viper - not many rhyme with sniper though.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Baker.
Baker lands with a two punch combination before moving back out of range.
Baker dodges the punch combination from Fratelli.
Fratelli just misses with a punch to the body.
Baker throws a front kick that sends Fratelli stumbling back into the cage.
Baker is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
Fratelli dodges the punch combination from Baker.
Fratelli will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Baker swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Fratelli takes a kick to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Baker dominated that round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Fratelli wants to clinch
and Baker counters with a left and a right that stings Fratelli.
Baker lands a really nice looking cross but Fratelli seems unphased.
Baker staying out of range there.
Baker moves out of range of the strikes.
Ooooh, nice body kick lands from Baker. Fratelli shrugs it off though.
Fratelli lands a two punch combo.
Fratelli avoids a punch combination nicely.

Baker darts in and clinches Fratelli up against the cage.

Baker breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Baker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Fratelli wants to clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Baker scores with a jab to the head.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Baker defending well as Fratelli loads up on a big left hand.
A decent looking cross lands there for Baker.
Baker falls off balance throwing a combination
and Fratelli counters with a two punch combo.
Fratelli comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Fratelli throws the left hand but Baker avoids the punch easily.
Baker throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Baker swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Baker throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fratelli is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Baker showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Fratelli.
Fratelli is breathing heavily.
Some wild striking there from Baker.
Crunch! Baker slams his shin into Fratelli's torso.
No joy there for Fratelli, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Nice body kick there by Baker.
Baker fakes low and throws an overhand right that catches Fratelli on the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Baker lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
No joy there for Baker, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Baker scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Fratelli has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Baker.
Fratelli slips a jab and a cross from Baker.

Baker gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Fratelli wants to break free but Baker has control.

Baker breaks from the clinch.
Fratelli throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fratelli throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Fratelli slips a straight right by Baker.
Baker throws a leg kick which misses Fratelli's front leg but catches the back leg as Fratelli tries to avoid it.
Fratelli's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Baker tries to bum rush Fratelli with a series of wild strikes but Fratelli uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
A looping hook to the body misses from Fratelli. Baker does a little dance to reset his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baker's jab looks to have found its range, popping Fratelli under the eye.
Baker getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
A combination from Baker does no damage.
Baker fails to land with a series of punches.
A big right from Baker misses.
Fratelli lands a slapping body shot.
A nice inside leg kick there by Baker. That's going to slow Fratelli down.
Baker pushes forward with a 1-2 combination that forces Fratelli back to the cage. Baker follows up with a solid lead hook to the liver.
Fratelli throws a body punch but Baker moves out of range.
Baker lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Baker avoids the clinch attempt nicely.
Baker lands a nice looking kick to the body. Fratelli takes a step back to recover.
A left and a right from Baker both land. Nice combination.
Baker throws a series of punches but Fratelli moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Baker.
Fratelli stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Baker.
Baker throws a nice looking combination but Fratelli bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Baker bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Baker throws a front kick that sends Fratelli stumbling back into the cage.
Crunch! Baker slams his shin into Fratelli's torso.
Johny Baker is winning the standup battle so far.
A slapping body kick lands there for Baker.
Baker misses with the combination.
Baker throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Baker scores with a push kick.
Baker is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fratelli can do to turn this around?
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Baker rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Fratelli moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Baker throws a series of punches but Fratelli avoids them all with ease.
Baker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Baker throws a right hand that Fratelli ducks under and follows up with a left that Fratelli also avoids with ease.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Baker dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Baker lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Baker ducks under a wild hook from Fratelli.
Fratelli scores with a punch to the head.
Baker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Baker throws a series of punches but Fratelli moves out of range.
Baker works over Fratelli's head and body with a nice combination.
Baker swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
Baker throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fratelli.
Fratelli throws a right and a left that Baker avoids nicely.
Fratelli dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Baker throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Johny Baker is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Fratelli tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Baker lands with a cross.
Fratelli loads up on a big right hand but Baker slips the punch.
Nice defenses there by Baker.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
A right-left combo lands from Fratelli.
Fratelli fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Fratelli takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Baker lands a kick to the ribs of his opponent. Nice work there - in and out in a flash.
Baker takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Fratelli misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Fratelli waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Baker.
Baker throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Baker will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

Baker fakes with an overhand right and moves in to clinch with Fratelli, pushing him back against the cage.

Baker breaks from the clinch.
Baker avoids the body shot from Fratelli.
Baker lands with a nice body kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baker fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baker blocks a jab.
Baker misses with a jab, cross combination.
Baker throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fratelli.
Baker scores with a kick to the midsection.
Fratelli has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Baker.
Baker keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Fratelli just misses with a punch to the body.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Baker.
Fratelli misses with a body shot.
Fratelli takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Baker moves into range and throws a lovely three punch combination.
Baker connects with a leg kick. Fratelli looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Baker's corner calls for a 1-2. Baker obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Baker feints a jab promting Fratelli to slip. Baker then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. Fratelli slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice body kick from Baker.
Fratelli showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Baker.
Baker lets the fists fly and connects with a left straight followed by a right hook.

Baker closes the distance and clinches.
Fratelli avoids the elbow strike from Baker, against the cage.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.

Baker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Baker scores with a three punch combo!
Baker feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Fratelli's calf.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baker throws a right and a left that both miss.
Fratelli throws a series of punches but Baker moves out of range.
A shot to the liver by Fratelli. Beautiful body shot.
Fratelli throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Fratelli takes a thudding leg kick, right into the meat of the thigh.
Fratelli walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Baker lands with a kick to the ribs.
A right-left combo lands from Baker.

Baker clinches with his opponent.

Baker breaks the clinch.
Baker is working the combinations to good effect here.
A nice leg kick lands there from Baker.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Baker thumps Fratelli with a low kick.
Baker throws the left hand but Fratelli avoids the punch easily.
A punch combination from Fratelli misses.

Baker closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Baker clearly takes that round.
That's time! Baker's corner gives him a slap on the ass as he gets ready to fight.

A combination from Baker does no damage.
Baker keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Fratelli.
Fratelli shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Baker eats them both and turns towards Fratelli to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
A solid leg kick lands there for Baker.
Baker misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Baker misses with a jab, cross combination.

Baker clinches with his opponent.
Baker is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Fratelli is defending well for now.

Baker manages to break the clinch.
Fratelli takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Baker fakes the leg kick and cracks Fratelli in the body.
Baker uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Fratelli.
Baker scores with a leg kick.
Fratelli throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Fratelli is absolutely dripping with sweat - he looks exhausted.
Baker slips under a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fratelli looks to score with a jab to the body but Baker is just out of range.
Baker lands a jab, followed by a cross and another cross, as Fratelli backs up against the cage.
Baker scores with a push kick.
Baker lands a jab-cross combination.
A thudding body kick lands there by Baker!
Baker lands a jab-cross combination.
Baker misses with a jab, cross combination.
Baker throws a right hand that Fratelli ducks under and follows up with a left that Fratelli also avoids with ease.
Fratelli swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Baker.
Baker throws a right hand that Fratelli ducks under and follows up with a left that Fratelli also avoids with ease.
A right-left combo lands from Fratelli.
Baker throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Baker tries to bum rush Fratelli with a series of wild strikes but Fratelli uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Baker with a hook.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fratelli throws a one two combo.
Baker throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Fratelli.
Nice body kick there by Baker.
A slapping leg kick lands for Baker.
Baker fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fratelli has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
A combination from Baker does no damage.
Baker blocks a jab.
Baker bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Baker.
No joy there for Baker, who threw a few shots but didn't land.

Baker drives through and clinches with Fratelli against the cage.
Baker blocks a couple of punches on the inside.

Baker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baker keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Baker bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.
Baker lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Fratelli takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
A punch combination from Fratelli misses.
Baker displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Baker throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.

Baker takes the fight into the clinch.

Baker breaks from the clinch.
Baker misses with the combination.
No joy there for Baker, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Baker misses with a few strikes there.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Baker is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Fratelli.
Fratelli tries to grapple but his opponent circles
and Baker counters with a body kick.
Baker fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Fratelli darts in and out, connecting with a jab.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Baker bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

Baker moves into the clinch successfully.
Baker throws an elbow that misses.
Baker dictating the pace here, as the fighters clinch against the cage.

Baker's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
A swing and a miss from Fratelli.
Fratelli ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Johny Baker had his way with Lotney Fratelli in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Fratelli misses with the combination.
Baker throws a nice head kick!
Some wild striking there from Baker.
Baker uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Fratelli.
Baker throws a series of punches but Fratelli moves out of range.
Baker throws a shot from downtown. Fratelli moves away and avoids it.
Baker misses with a looping right.
Fratelli misses with a straight right.
Fratelli takes a swing at Baker's ribcage but misses.
Baker lands a head kick. Fratelli smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Fratelli waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Baker.

Baker takes the fight into the clinch.
Baker keeps control of Fratelli as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Baker's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
No joy there for Fratelli, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Baker looks to land a combination. Fratelli sees it coming but can only parry a couple of the shots.
Fratelli is wobbling all over the place through exhaustion. Will he make it to the final bell?
Baker throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Fratelli's head.
Fratelli looks to land a left hand but Baker moved out of range nicely.

Baker closes the distance and clinches.
Baker pressing his opponent against the cage.
Fratelli is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Fratelli is trying to break the clinch but Baker is controlling him.
Fratelli is trying to break the clinch but Baker is controlling him.

Baker breaks from the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Baker cracks Fratelli with a right hand to the side of the head.
Fratelli swings for the body but Baker moves out of range.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fratelli misses with an uppercut.

Baker moves into the clinch.

Baker's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baker thuds his shin into the meat of Fratelli's side.
Fratelli wants to clinch.
Fratelli misses the jab.
Fratelli throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Baker swats away the attempt to clinch by Fratelli.
Fratelli throws a hook but Baker avoids it easily.
Baker misses with a two punch combination.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Baker tries to bum rush Fratelli with a series of wild strikes but Fratelli uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Baker keeps Fratelli at a distance using the push kick.
Fratelli on the wrong end of an overhand right that came out of nowhere.

Baker closes the distance and clinches.
Fratelli is trying to break the clinch but Baker has him pressed against the cage.
Johny Baker has scored more points in the clinch so far.

Baker escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.
Both fighters circling a little - Baker finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Baker lands with a cross to side of his opponent's head.

Baker pushes Fratelli up against the cage in a clinch.

Baker's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Baker thuds his shin into the meat of Fratelli's side.
Baker plants his feet and lands a nice head kick!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Baker misses with a jab, cross combination.

Baker moves into the clinch successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fratelli has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Fratelli is trying to break the clinch but Baker has him pressed against the cage.

Baker breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
Fratelli takes a nice looking leg kick right on the meat of his thigh there.
Baker getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Lotney Fratelli has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Baker looks to land a combination but Fratelli avoids it well.
Baker fails to land with the punch combination there - jab, cross, hook, miss, miss, miss.
Johny Baker is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Fratelli looks to land a right hand but Baker moved out of range.
Baker connects with a looping right hand.
Some wild striking there from Baker.
Fratelli misses with a hook. Baker ducked under it nicely.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Baker throws a right hand that Fratelli ducks under and follows up with a left that Fratelli also avoids with ease.
Baker lands a jab. Then a cross. Then finally a nice hook to the body. Good work there by Baker.

And that's the end of the fight!
Johny Baker showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Baker has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 50:45
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 50:45
Judge Arvi Lind scores the fight 50:45

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Johny Baker!
Johny Baker retains his welterweight title!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
100%

Main event

Coming up we have a bantamweight MMA rules bout between Bruno Da Gaucho (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Garry Gurrang (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Man, I cannot wait for this one!

Da Gaucho
vs
Gurrang

168 cm
26
141 lbs
16 - 2 - 0

160 cm
22
130 lbs
0 - 2 - 0

Good takedowns
Counter fighter
Experienced

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Very confident

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the bantamweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 16 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Bruno Da Gaucho!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Garry Gurrang!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Da Gaucho circles away from the clinch attempt
and Da Gaucho counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Garry Gurrang seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Gurrang throws a jab, cross combination which is slipped

and Da Gaucho counters with a nice double leg into half guard.
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.
The referee wants the fighters to be more active or he's going to reset them on the feet.
Da Gaucho sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Gurrang is trying to maintain the position but Da Gaucho is very close to passing his half guard.
Da Gaucho is figuring out what he wants to do next.

Da Gaucho seems like he's working for an arm triangle here. He's freed his trapped foot and he's rotating nicely. Gurrang is in big trouble! He's tapping out! This one is aaaaaaaaaaaall over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (Arm Triangle). Bruno Da Gaucho!
Bruno Da Gaucho retains his bantamweight title!