IFMMA 2: Destiny PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sheldon House (ranked 5267 p4p, 4558 weight class) and Arvo Ahola (ranked 334 p4p, 310 weight class). There are an array of beautiful celebrities at ringside tonight! I wonder if any of them paid for their tickets.

House
vs
Ahola

158 cm
18
143
0 - 1 - 0

171 cm
18
145
0 - 0 - 0

Good wrestling
Good kicks
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Sheldon House!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Arvo Ahola!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Matti Vanhoillinen and Anni Minnemäki.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
House swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Ahola wants to counter the offense by House and move into the clinch position.
Ahola misses with a low kick.
Ahola tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Ahola pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Ahola fails in his attempt to clinch.
Ahola 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.
Ahola feints a jab promting House to slip. Ahola then demonstrates his capabilities by jabbing again. House slips again and ducks right into an uppercut.

House closes the distance and clinches up, looking for a takedown. He shifts his weight and gets a nice trip into half guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ahola is trying to control but can't.
Ahola really doesn't want to stay on the ground with House. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Ahola scrambles, trying to get to his feet, but House manages to mount him!
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Ahola is desperately trying to get back to half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ahola taking shots to the head.
House lands with some vicious ground and pound - can Ahola hang on?
House tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Ahola tries to improve his position but instead House has taken his back!

Ahola defends a rear naked choke attempt by controlling one of House's arms.

House is working for the choke. He's slipped one arm under the chin. Ahola has to defend the other arm for all he's worth... but House has managed to get that arm free too and he's tightening the choke! Ahola taps out and looks absolutely disgusted with himself. House doesn't care though - he's delighted!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:56 of round 1, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Sheldon House!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
62%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Sultan Swat (ranked 5161 p4p, 4370 weight class) and Soren Phelps (ranked 425 p4p, 373 weight class). The key to victory for Sultan Swat has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Swat
vs
Phelps

183 cm
18
164
0 - 1 - 0

170 cm
18
157
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Sultan Swat!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Soren Phelps!
The judges for this bout are Matti Vanhoillinen, Roosa Järviläinen and Johanna Lukiainen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Phelps closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Swat quickly recovers to half guard.
Phelps wants to control but Swat is keeping him busy.
Swat trying to hold on to Phelps's head to control him but Phelps postures up.
Swat manages to get to full guard.
Swat pulls Phelps in close to his closed guard and prevents Phelps from doing any damage or advancing position.
Swat definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Phelps wants to control from the top but Swat keeps moving.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Phelps won't allow Swat to sweep him here.
Swat is working hard here to advance position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

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

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

That's one minute gone in the round.
Swat is pulling down on Phelps's head. It's preventing any offense from Phelps, at least for the moment.
Swat wants to sweep but no luck.
Swat has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Swat controls Phelps momentarily but Phelps frees himself.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Swat keeping moving, preventing Phelps from controlling successfully.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.

Phelps rushes Swat and presses him up against the cage.
A frustrated look appears on Swat's face as he tries to break the clinch.
Swat prevents a takedown attempt there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A few boos can be heard. I'm sure they will multiply if the fighters don't pick up the pace.
Swat wants to break the clinch but can't.
The referee calls for Phelps to work.
Swat misses with the head strike.
Swat working hard to break the clinch.
Swat has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Swat tries to break the clinch but Phelps is controlling the position.
The referee calls for Phelps to work.
Swat working aggressively here.
Phelps misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Swat.
Swat prevents a takedown attempt there.
Phelps has a body lock and is looking for a takedown. Swat is bouncing around trying to prevent the takedown and somehow he has indeed managed to stay on his feet.
Sultan Swat has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Soren Phelps.
Phelps drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Swat has had enough of the clinch but Phelps keeps him there for the moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Phelps blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Phelps prevents Swat from breaking the clinch.

Phelps's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Swat throws out a loose jab but Phelps uses good head movement to avoid it.
Swat looks to score with a jab to the body but Phelps is just out of range.

Phelps has managed to clinch.
Phelps tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Swat smiles and moves away.
Phelps with a lazy takedown attempt
letting Swat counter with a right hand.
Swat throws the left hand but Phelps avoids the punch easily.
Phelps throws a lazy body kick
and Swat counters with a stiff right hand.
Phelps tries for a takedown but Swat circles away easily
and Phelps takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Phelps ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Sultan Swat seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Phelps ducks under a wild hook from Swat.
Swat goes to the watering hole and comes back with a big thumbs up from the judges as he scores a three punch combo.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
A telegraphed right hand from Swat misses the target.
Swat misses with a few strikes there.
Phelps changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
Phelps takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Phelps gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Swat counters with a stiff right hand.
Phelps ducks under a wild hook from Swat.
Jab, jab by Swat - just one landing.
Donk. Swat catches Phelps right on the button with a cross.
Phelps shoots in looking for a takedown. Swat tries to sprawl out of it but Phelps keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Swat manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.

Phelps instigates a clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Phelps uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Swat.
Swat is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Phelps can do to turn this around?
Phelps avoids the body shot from Swat.
Swat thuds his right hand into Phelps's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Nice defenses there by Phelps.
Phelps now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Phelps gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Swat.
Swat scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
A big right from Swat misses.
Phelps doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Swat counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Phelps throws a nice looking combination but Swat bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Phelps shoots in for a takedown but Swat shows good takedown defense.
Phelps bobs and weaves well there to avoid the strikes.
Phelps is looking for the big counter here.
Swat misses with a looping right.
Swat throws a big shot that misses.
Swat is really head hunting here, hardly looking to strike to the body at all.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Phelps has a takedown stuffed.
It looked like Swat was looking amped, ready to throw a big counter but didn't commit.
Sultan Swat has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Soren Phelps.
Swat looks to throw the jab but Phelps is out of range.
Swat lands a head shot.
Swat missing with a left hand there. Phelps was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Phelps closes the distance but Swat moves to the side
and Phelps takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

Phelps shoots in and gets a takedown into half guard. Phelps showed some decent athleticism there.
Swat is trying to control but can't.
Phelps is looking to take a break and control but Swat is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Swat is looking to improve his position.
Swat is pressing down on Phelps's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Swat is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Swat tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Swat has Phelps pulled in close to control his posture.
Swat is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.

This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Swat content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Phelps is trying to get back to full guard.
Phelps is trying to stand back up but Swat is controlling him

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Swat takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.
Soren Phelps has got the better of the ground game so far.
Phelps trying to hold on to Swat's head to control him but Swat postures up.
Swat sitting and controlling from the half guard.
Phelps wants to control but Swat is keeping busy.

Phelps looking for submissions off his back.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Swat seems content to maintain position for now, rather than mounting any offense.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Swat tries to pass the half guard into mount. Phelps knows what he's doing though and prevents the attempt.
Swat controlling the action here.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.

Phelps looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Swat controlling the action here.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
Phelps doesn't succeed with the takedown
enabling Swat to counter with a crisp jab.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sultan Swat dominated that second round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Phelps displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Swat throws out the jab.
Swat connects with a crisp jab.

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

Phelps drags the fight down to the ground.
Swat sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Swat is pushing down on Phelps's leg trying to pass to half guard. Phelps is fighting to maintain full guard but Swat has managed to sneak the leg through.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Swat controlling the pace.
Phelps won't allow Swat to pass to mount.

Phelps looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Swat takes a deep breath and rests his weight momentarily on top of his opponent, to control the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Swat will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Phelps is looking to escape.
The referee calls for the fighters to work.
Swat blocks the strikes from Phelps.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
There's not a lot going on here and the crowd are letting the fighters know they're not willing to tolerate a lack of action.
Swat stalling.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up.

Phelps clinches up against the cage.
Phelps is struggling to control the position.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Phelps.

Phelps gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Swat regains guard.
Swat is looking to sweep but instead, Phelps has passed into half guard.
Swat preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Swat is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.

Phelps seems to be working for a kimura but Swat defends the submission attempt.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Swat is looking for a sweep. Phelps is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Swat holds on for dear life, maintaining half guard for now.
Phelps is looking to take a break and control but Swat is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Swat is trying to control but can't.
Swat is looking for a sweep. Phelps is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Swat is trying is best to control the position here.
Swat trying to control but Phelps postures up.
Swat wants to get back to full guard but Phelps has mounted him!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Swat wants to hold on but Phelps pushes him away.
Swat working to try and regain half guard.

Phelps stands up from the dominant position, so we're back on the feet.
Swat misses with a two punch combination.
Swat connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Phelps staying out of range there.
A jab from Swat misses.
Swat throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Phelps takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

Phelps throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Swat tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Phelps is in Swat's guard.
Soren Phelps has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Sultan Swat is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
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!
Phelps being controlled here momentarily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Soren Phelps.
I think Swat 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 Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Roosa Järviläinen scores the fight 29:28
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sultan Swat!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
37%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Solmu Kutvonen (ranked 4345 p4p, 4444 weight class) and Alex Cortez (ranked 371 p4p, 381 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Kutvonen
vs
Cortez

177 cm
18
155
0 - 0 - 0

176 cm
18
160
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Counter fighter
Cuts easily

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Powerful

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Solmu Kutvonen!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of New York, Alex Cortez!
The judges for this bout are Ben Zyskovitsi, Anni Minnemäki and Matti Vanhoillinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Cortez wants to clinch up but Kutvonen keeps it at a distance.
Cortez misses with a double jab.
Kutvonen throws a shot from downtown. Cortez moves away and avoids it.
Cortez goes for a double leg but Kutvonen avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Kutvonen continues to drive forward.
Kutvonen appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Kutvonen stuffs a takedown. It's all about dictating where the fight takes place and Kutvonen wants it to stay on the feet.
Kutvonen rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Cortez moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Kutvonen misses with a looping left.
Cortez will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
Solmu Kutvonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Cortez.
Kutvonen throws a body shot but no joy.
Alex Cortez seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Horrible takedown attempt by Cortez or perhaps it was just good defense by Kutvonen, which made it look bad.
Cortez tries to close the distance and clinch but Kutvonen swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Cortez shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Kutvonen as he jumps to the side.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kutvonen slaps away a takedown attempt from Cortez, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Nice sprawl there from Kutvonen as Cortez shoots in.
Cortez with a lazy takedown attempt
and Kutvonen makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.

Cortez tries to sprawl but Kutvonen drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Cortez is looking to improve his position.
Kutvonen lands strikes from half guard.
Kutvonen looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Cortez with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.
Kutvonen has been looking to land a fair amount of strikes on the ground. He might be looking to soften his opponent up in order to work for a submission.
Kutvonen scores with a couple of good hammerfists.
Kutvonen lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.
Kutvonen trying to mount his opponent but Cortez defends it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kutvonen wants to control but Cortez is keeping him busy.
Cortez wants to improve his position but Kutvonen is controlling well.
Nice strikes from Kutvonen there.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Cortez can do anything to dispel that myth.
Cortez is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kutvonen scores with a couple of nice shots.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Kutvonen passes the half guard and he's now in mount! Big trouble for Cortez!
Kutvonen with the ground and pound from mount.
Kutvonen with good strikes from the mount here!
Kutvonen landing strikes from the mount and Cortez is in trouble!
Cortez really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kutvonen looking to control but Cortez is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Kutvonen landing shots from mount.
Kutvonen tucks in and makes sure he doesn't lose the dominant position.
Kutvonen prevents Cortez from getting the reversal.
Kutvonen cracks Cortez with a nasty head shot there - the crowd let out an audible gasp there, as the noise reverberated around the arena.
Cortez is bucking up trying to escape but Kutvonen cracks him with another couple of good strikes.
Kutvonen sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Cortez in a bad spot here, taking shots to the head.
Cortez tries to reverse the position but Kutvonen maintains control.
Cortez keeps trying to improve his position.
Cortez tries to hold on but Kutvonen postures up.
Kutvonen landing strikes from the mount.
Kutvonen working Cortez over with strikes here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kutvonen wants to control the pace but Cortez is squirming around nicely.
The referee warns Cortez that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Cortez throws a leg kick but Kutvonen sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Kutvonen throws a series of punches but Cortez moves out of range.
Kutvonen scores with a shot to the body.
Cortez slaps away a takedown attempt from Kutvonen, before circling back to the center of the mat.
Kutvonen cracks Cortez with a good shot that sees him stumbling back into the cage.

Kutvonen throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Cortez was covering up waiting for the punch and Kutvonen finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Kutvonen is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Cortez can do to turn this around?
Cortez is pulling down on Kutvonen's head. It's preventing any offense from Kutvonen, at least for the moment.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kutvonen throwing strikes but missing.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Cortez had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Kutvonen defends it easily.
Kutvonen postures up and lands a big shot to Cortez's brow.
Cortez managing to control the position.
Kutvonen sneaks a leg through and gets to half guard. That was like a knife through butter how easily he passed Cortez's guard.
Kutvonen landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Kutvonen is trying to control. Cortez wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Kutvonen has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Kutvonen tries to control but Cortez wriggling away.
Cortez really trying hard to get back to half guard here.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kutvonen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cortez is looking to escape.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Kutvonen cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
The referee warns Cortez that he has to improve his position here as he takes two more clean shots to the head.
Kutvonen lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.
Cortez is trying to escape the mount.
Cortez really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kutvonen. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Kutvonen connects with a couple of good shots from mount.
Cortez is trying desperately to improve position.
Kutvonen lands a couple of nice shots there from mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kutvonen landing punches.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kutvonen is in the full mount, landing strikes.
Kutvonen trying to control but Cortez is having none of it.
Kutvonen lands a big elbow.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Cortez wants to hold on but Kutvonen pushes him away.
A nice elbow there by Kutvonen.
Kutvonen lands a big shot there that rocks Cortez but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Kutvonen postures up and cracks his opponent a couple of times before moving back into close ground control. Cortez looks a forlorn figure.
Kutvonen can't quite control the action as he would like just now, as Cortez is looking to escape.
Cortez taking shots to the head.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Solmu Kutvonen dominated that second round.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare each other down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Kutvonen scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Cortez doesn't seem bothered though.
Cortez fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Kutvonen avoids it really well and circles away.
Cortez fails with a takedown attempt.
Alex Cortez is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Kutvonen throws a shot to the body.
Kutvonen is looking to wear down Cortez with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.

Kutvonen clinches with his opponent.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kutvonen is trying to work out of this bad position, with his back against the cage.
Kutvonen stalling.
Kutvonen keeps control of Cortez as he tries to wriggle out of the double underhooks.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Kutvonen.
Cortez wants to break the clinch but can't.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Cortez prevents a body shot from Kutvonen.
Cortez is trying to pull guard but being pressed up against the cage enables Kutvonen to keep the fight standing.
Solmu Kutvonen has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alex Cortez.
Cortez changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Kutvonen fights it off and pushes away nicely.
Kutvonen throws a right hand that misses
and Cortez counters with a nice uppercut.
Kutvonen lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.

Kutvonen fakes an overhand right and shoots for a takedown. Cortez sprawls well initially but Kutvonen persists and gets the takedown into half guard.
Cortez is not content to let Kutvonen control the position.
Cortez is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Kutvonen scores with a couple of nice shots.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kutvonen lands a nice short elbow.
Kutvonen working over Cortez with some ground and pound. Cortez looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Kutvonen drops an elbow to the side of Cortez's head.
Kutvonen lands a big shot. The thud that echoes around the arena is like music to the fans' ears.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kutvonen takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Kutvonen is scoring with some nice ground and pound from the dominant position.
Cortez is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Kutvonen slips a nice elbow through Cortez's hands, connecting with Cortez's forehead.
Nice strikes from Kutvonen there.
Kutvonen trying to control from half guard but Cortez is working away.
Cortez is concentrating on defense, preventing Kutvonen from advancing position.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kutvonen lands a nice short elbow.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kutvonen passes to side control.
Cortez is looking for a sweep.
Kutvonen cracks Cortez with an elbow. That is naaassty.
Kutvonen trying to control the position but Cortez is working away.
Solmu Kutvonen is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kutvonen is staying tight to Cortez's torso, preventing him from escaping.

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.
Kutvonen's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
Further stalling from Kutvonen.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters, thinking about a standup.
Alex Cortez has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Cortez tries to improve position but can't.

And that's the end of the fight!
Solmu Kutvonen showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Kutvonen 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:27
Judge Anni Minnemäki scores the fight 30:27
Judge Matti Vanhoillinen scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Solmu Kutvonen!
Solmu Kutvonen bigged himself up after the win. The crowd seemed to love it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
41%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Marko Jovanovic (ranked 4389 p4p, 4416 weight class) and Fabian Bernard (ranked 374 p4p, 377 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Jovanovic
vs
Bernard

178 cm
18
157
0 - 0 - 0

174 cm
18
159
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Good chin

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Marko Jovanovic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Hilo, Fabian Bernard!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Roosa Järviläinen and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Jovanovic works the jab nicely.
Bernard tries to clinch up but Jovanovic circles away and keeps his distance.
Jovanovic bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Bernard's head.
Bernard doesn't manage to clinch there - Jovanovic circles away.
Jovanovic throwing a counter right hand but Bernard manages to avoid it.
Bernard gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Jovanovic counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Nice shot by Jovanovic.

Bernard clinches up against the cage.
Jovanovic misses with a hook to the ribs.
Jovanovic lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.

Jovanovic's corner calls for him to break the clinch, which he does.
Bernard fails with a takedown attempt from distance.
Jovanovic scores with a jab. Bernard acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Bernard shoots in looking for a takedown. Jovanovic tries to sprawl out of it but Bernard keeps driving through. The fighters are pinned against the cage. Jovanovic manages to get underhooks and after a bit of a struggle, circles away and we're back to standing.
A counter left hand to the body from Jovanovic misses its target.
Marko Jovanovic has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Fabian Bernard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Bernard is looking to clinch.
A low kick from Bernard misses
and Jovanovic counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Bernard dives in and grabs Jovanovic's left leg, looking for a takedown. Jovanovic pushes down on Bernard's head and hops out.
Jovanovic with a hook.
Bernard throws a poor cross that misses
and Jovanovic connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Jovanovic lands a nice shot to the body.
Bernard with a poor takedown
and Jovanovic counters with a straight right hand.
Jovanovic fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Jab by Jovanovic.
Bernard takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Nice jab there from Jovanovic.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Jovanovic lands with a hook. Bernard tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Jovanovic cracks a nice hook into Bernard's ribs.
Jovanovic connects with a single shot there.
Bernard shoots and misses
and Jovanovic counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Bernard thinking.
Bernard gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Jovanovic counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Jovanovic lands a slapping body shot.
Bernard with a lazy takedown attempt
and Bernard takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Bernard wants to clinch
and Jovanovic cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Bernard doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Jovanovic counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Bernard takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Jovanovic wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
A decent looking cross lands there for Jovanovic.

Bernard drives through and clinches with Jovanovic against the cage.
Bernard fails to pull the fight into his guard.
Jovanovic lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Jovanovic lands a body punch.
Bernard has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.

Bernard manages to break the clinch.
Jovanovic throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Bernard stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Bernard fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Jab from Jovanovic.
Jovanovic is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Jovanovic is really peppering his opponent's head with punches.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Bernard tries to clinch up but Jovanovic circles away and keeps his distance.
Jovanovic takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
A decent looking cross lands there for Jovanovic.
Jovanovic lands with a good body shot.
Fabian Bernard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Nice shot by Jovanovic.
Jovanovic connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Bernard needs to keep his hands up - Jovanovic had a free shot at his head there.

Bernard is rocked!
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Marko Jovanovic dominated that round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Jovanovic defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Bernard.
Nice sprawl there from Jovanovic as Bernard shoots in.
Jovanovic throwing a counter right hand but Bernard manages to avoid it.
Jovanovic checks a low kick from Bernard.
Jovanovic lands a nice shot that snaps Bernard's head back.
Jovanovic bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.
Bernard is still on wobbly legs! Can Jovanovic finish him?
Jovanovic uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Bernard has time to react.
Jovanovic drops Bernard with a naaaaasty hook - Bernard is in real trouble here! Jovanovic dives in to side control and pounds out his opponent for a TKO victory! The crowd goes nuts!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 0:33 of round 2, we have a winner by way of TKO (Strikes). Marko Jovanovic!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
58%

Main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Sava Grujic (ranked 4382 p4p, 4369 weight class) and Ethan Haynes (ranked 301 p4p, 299 weight class). We have two fighters making their debuts here, so let's see who comes out of this one with their first professional victory.

Grujic
vs
Haynes

176 cm
18
147
0 - 0 - 0

175 cm
18
145
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Big heart

BJJ White Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Sava Grujic!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Sydney, Ethan Haynes!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Ben Zyskovitsi.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Grujic lands with a hook. Haynes tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Haynes waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Grujic.
Grujic scores with a hook to the body. Haynes takes a step back and tries to catch his breath.
Haynes looks to land a right hand but Grujic moved out of range.
Grujic tries to counter by clinching up but Haynes breaks away and moves out of range.
Haynes throws a body punch but Grujic moves out of range.
Grujic tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Haynes manages to circle out of the way.
Grujic tries to clinch up but Haynes circles away and keeps his distance.
Grujic fakes and then throws a beautiful body shot. Haynes looks a bit winded and takes a step backwards to take a breath.
Haynes on the wrong end of a nice jab.
The fight stays on the outside here - Grujic looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Grujic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Nice shot lands for Grujic.
A looping hook to the body misses from Haynes. Grujic does a little dance to reset his feet.
Sava Grujic seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Grujic listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
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!
Haynes lands with a good body shot.
Haynes throws a body shot but no joy.
Grujic doesn't manage to clinch there - Haynes circles away.
Haynes digs a good hook to Grujic's body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grujic lands a really nice looking cross but Haynes seems unphased.
Grujic fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Grujic 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.
Grujic wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Grujic moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Haynes circles away from the clinch attempt.
Grujic tries to clinch up.
Haynes throws a body punch but Grujic moves out of range.
Haynes throws a lazy right hand but Grujic sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Grujic throws a shot to the body.
Haynes throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Grujic wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Grujic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Grujic moves into range and connects with a jab.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Haynes takes a shot to the nose. Hopefully that hasn't broken it.
Grujic lands a jab.
Grujic misses with a shot to the body
and Haynes cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grujic wants to clinch.
Haynes lands a jab to Grujic's midsection.
Grujic throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.

Grujic closes the distance and pushes Haynes back into the cage.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Grujic.
Grujic swings wildly with an uppercut but Haynes uses good head movement to avoid it.
The pace slowing considerably in the clinch, as Haynes takes a break from that fighting nonsense to think about the finer things in life.
Haynes leaning his opponent against the cage.
Haynes continues to stall. The referee tells him to work or he's going to break them up.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Grujic has a couple of punches blocked by Haynes.
Grujic misses with a punch on the inside.
Haynes taking a breather.
Grujic scores with a shoulder strike.
Haynes prevents a body shot from Grujic.
Grujic throws a head punch that misses.
Haynes's corner are urging him to control the action in the clinch for a moment, rather than mount any serious offense. I'm sure the crowd appreciate those instructions... not.
Haynes is struggling to control the position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Haynes has Grujic pressed against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Ethan Haynes.
Haynes throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Grujic moves in looking to clinch but Haynes pushes him off.
Grujic misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Haynes.
Grujic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Grujic ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Haynes moves away.
Left hook, right uppercut from Grujic.
Grujic keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Grujic fails in his attempt to clinch.
Haynes takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Grujic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Haynes manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
Grujic tries to clinch up against the cage, rushing in to close the distance. Haynes manages to break the clinch and circles back to the middle of the mat.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Haynes throws a jab when Grujic was well out of range.
Haynes throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Haynes jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Grujic throws a body punch but Haynes moves out of range.
Grujic moves out of range as Haynes strikes.
Grujic displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Haynes throws out the jab.
As Haynes tries to get set, Grujic tries to push him back and clinch up but Haynes manages to avoid the attempt.

The fight moves into the clinch position.
Haynes avoiding damage.
Grujic throws a head punch that misses.
Grujic is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Haynes can do to turn this around?
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Haynes is stalling here.
Grujic goes for a body shot but it's blocked.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Grujic tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Grujic can't find room to land a body shot as Haynes controls the action.
Haynes leaning against his opponent.
Haynes holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Grujic is working Haynes over against the cage.
Haynes displaying some good clinch control by pressing Grujic up against the cage.
Grujic lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Haynes backwards.
Grujic swings wildly with an uppercut but Haynes uses good head movement to avoid it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Grujic throws a head punch that misses.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Haynes.
Grujic misses with a shot to the kidneys.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Haynes.
Grujic misses with a body punch.
Grujic fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Haynes blocking some punches.
Grujic misses with a punch on the inside.
Grujic throws a punch but it's blocked by Haynes.
Grujic can't find room to land a body shot as Haynes controls the action.
Grujic misses with a shot to the kidneys.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haynes is stalling here. The referee will be looking to step in if he doesn't pick up the pace.
Haynes stalling the fight.
Haynes taking a breather.
Grujic lands a body punch in the clinch.
Grujic lands a short shot on the inside that snaps the head of Haynes backwards.
Grujic tries to work over Haynes's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Stalling in the clinch from Haynes.
Grujic throws a punch but it's blocked by Haynes.
A right hand to the body from Grujic.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Grujic misses with a body punch.
Haynes has Grujic pushed against the cage.
Grujic working aggressively here.
Grujic scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Sava Grujic has scored more points in the clinch so far.
Grujic tries to throw a body punch but Haynes avoids it by throwing Grujic back against the cage.
Haynes blocking some punches.
Haynes blocks a punch to the side of the head.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Haynes.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
A head punch blocked on the inside by Haynes.
Haynes leaning against his opponent.
Haynes is pushing Grujic up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Sava Grujic dominated that second round.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Grujic throws a series of punches but Haynes avoids them all with ease.
Haynes scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Grujic is looking to wear down Haynes with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Haynes misses with a body shot.
Grujic tries to clinch but Haynes moves out of range.
Grujic swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Haynes circles away from the clinch attempt.

Haynes gets tackled into the cage by Grujic. Grujic maintains the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Grujic fails to land.
A nice left hand lands by Grujic.
Haynes taking a breather.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Grujic misses with a short punch on the inside.
Grujic fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Grujic can't find room to land a body shot as Haynes controls the action.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Haynes holding his opponent close, against the cage.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
A head punch on the inside from Grujic fails to land.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Haynes.
Grujic has a couple of punches blocked by Haynes.
The referee calls for Haynes to work.
Haynes has Grujic pushed against the cage.
Ethan Haynes has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are getting on the fighters' backs, as the pace has dropped off in the last minute or so.
Haynes holding his opponent close, against the cage.
Grujic scores with a nice hook to the head.
Haynes pressing his opponent against the cage.
The ref breaks the fighters up, due to lack of action by Ethan Haynes.
Haynes looks to throw the jab but Grujic is out of range.
Grujic tries to close the distance and clinch up but Haynes swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Grujic tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.

Grujic drives through and clinches with Haynes against the cage.
Grujic makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Grujic has a couple of punches blocked by Haynes.
Grujic throws a head punch that misses.
Grujic doesn't land with the attempted body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Haynes prevents a body shot from Grujic.
Grujic swings wildly with an uppercut but Haynes uses good head movement to avoid it.
Grujic throws a punch but it's blocked by Haynes.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Grujic.
Sava Grujic is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Grujic letting Haynes take a breather here.
Haynes slowing the pace effectively.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.
Grujic misses with a hook from the clinch.
Grujic goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Haynes is struggling to control the position.
Haynes throws a punch but it's blocked by Grujic.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Haynes content to slow the pace in the clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Sava Grujic showed his dominance in that final round.
Well Grujic 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight 30:27
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 30:27
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Sava Grujic!