PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jason Hightower (ranked 47 p4p, 310 weight class) and Hjallis Kalske (ranked 10 p4p, 52 weight class). Hightower comes to the cage accompanied by The Power. 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.

Hightower
vs
Kalske

207 cm
26
242
22 - 2 - 0

190 cm
26
230
9 - 2 - 0

Great wrestler
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Paddy's Enhancing Drugs (160Q)
Conquer

Bondi MMA 🏝️
Paddy's Enhancing Drugs (160Q)

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 22 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Jason Hightower!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 9 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Hjallis Kalske!
The judges for this bout are Paulsen Ambrosius, Nard Betker and Daniel Blasius.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kalske looks to land a left hand but Hightower moved out of range nicely.
Hightower throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Kalske connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Hightower throws a jab when Kalske was well out of range.
Jason Hightower seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kalske scores with a jab.
Hightower throws a front kick aimed at Kalske's knee but Kalske avoids it well.
Hightower lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Hightower swings for the body but Kalske moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske scores with a jab.
Hightower lands an overhand right.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hightower looks to land a left hand but Kalske moved out of range nicely.
Kalske swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower misses the jab.
Kalske throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Kalske.
Kalske defending well as Hightower loads up on a big left hand.
Kalske is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Hightower scores with a spinning back kick!
Kalske with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hightower throws an off balance right hand

and Kalske counters with a driving takedown into guard. Nice work there by Kalske.
Hightower seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Hightower wants to sweep but no luck.
Kalske is looking to work some ground and pound but Hightower has wrist control.
Kalske throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalske throws an elbow that misses. Hightower uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Kalske's guard. Nice move by Hightower!

The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.

Kalske had isolated an arm as going for a kimura. Hightower defends it easily.
Kalske wants to sweep but no luck.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kalske is active off his back here, looking for submissions.

Kalske working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Hightower doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Hightower manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.
Hightower knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kalske on the ground.
Kalske looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Kalske trying to control the position here.
Kalske wants to sweep but no luck.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Kalske looking to control.
Kalske tries to land a sweep but no joy.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Neither fighter has done anything of merit for a good minute or two here and the crowd are not happy about it.

Kalske is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Hightower is aware though and is defending well.
Hightower showing good wrestling skills to control the position.

Kalske escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Hightower gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Kalske throws his legs up looking to secure a triangle. Oh, that looks pretty tight, I gotta say! Hightower escapes and throws Kalske's legs to the side, diving into side control!
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kalske tries to bench press Hightower off him but Hightower keeps the position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Hjallis Kalske will probably get the nod.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Kalske on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Hightower with a nice calf kick.
Hightower throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower throws a nice inside leg kick.
A shot to the body from Kalske misses
and Hightower counters with a nice low kick that buckles Kalske's knee momentarily.
Kalske shuffles to his left behind two crisp jabs. Hightower eats them both and turns towards Kalske to reposition himself and eats a stinging right hand-left hook combo.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a head kick.
Kalske moving in and out of range nicely, whilst landing the scoring shot.
Hightower slips under a jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kalske checks a low kick from Hightower.
Kalske drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Hightower defends it well.
Kalske gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Hightower throws a head kick that misses.
Kalske paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
This fight brought to you by 5M nutrition - it's mmmmm tasty. Nice jab by Kalske.
Hightower throws the left hand but Kalske avoids the punch easily.
Kalske looks like he wants to counter punch here.

Kalske closes the distance and gets a trip takedown into side control. Hightower quickly recovers to half guard.
Kalske throwing shots but Hightower is blocking nicely.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kalske throws a big elbow that misses, also allowing Hightower to regain full guard.
Kalske postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Kalske throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kalske trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
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!

Kalske drops back, looking for a kneebar! Hightower looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Hightower looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Hightower!

Kalske is trying to improve his position.
Hightower throws an elbow but Kalske slips to the side and avoids it well.
Hjallis Kalske has got the better of the ground game so far.
Hightower is staying tight to Kalske's torso, preventing him from escaping.
Kalske is moving his hips around well on the bottom and has managed to get back to half guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalske is pressing down on Hightower's left leg trying to get back to full guard. He's managed it.

Kalske has his foot on Hightower's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Hightower works his way back into a safe position though.

Kalske throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Hightower slows down the pace of the fight for a moment. He'll need to remain active if he doesn't want to see the fight stood back up.
Hightower preventing the sweep.

Kalske has an omoplata and is looking to use it perhaps as a submission or perhaps to transition. Hightower is in a bit of discomfort here, but he's managed to free himself and has dived into side control! That didn't work out too well for Kalske.
Kalske has found himself in a tricky position here. He's been working his transitions in training so let's see if he can work his way out of it.
A lull in the action here as Hightower stalls from top position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kalske is looking for a sweep.
Kalske is looking to slip a leg under and get half guard but Hightower is one step ahead and moves to full mount!
Hightower will need to keep those long limbs tucked in whilst he's on the ground, to prevent any submissions.
Kalske keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Kalske is persisting with the attempt to improve his position.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close second round but Hjallis Kalske will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kalske throws a chopping leg kick but Hightower manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Kalske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
Kalske displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Hightower throws out the jab.
Kalske looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Hightower throws a big shot that misses.
Kalske throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Hightower.
Hightower lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Hightower misses with a left hand
and Kalske counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Hightower uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kalske.
Kalske keeping his hands up high there, blocking the jab from Hightower.
Kalske with the counter takedown but Hightower avoids it easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hightower connects with a crisp jab.
Hightower connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kalske throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Hightower misses with a right hand
and Kalske cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Hightower misses with a left hand
letting Kalske counter with a right hand.
Hightower throws a body shot but no joy.
Hightower with the inside leg kick.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hightower has his front leg slapped to the side - a nice low kick landing there from Kalske.
Kalske takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Hightower throws a sloppy head kick
and Kalske counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
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!
Hightower throws a leg kick
and Kalske counters with a straight right hand.
A head kick misses from Hightower.
Hightower throws a leg kick
and Kalske counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Hightower scores with a shot to the body.
Kalske loads up on a big right hand but Hightower slips the punch.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalske misses with a leg kick
and Hightower connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Kalske fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Hightower avoids it really well and circles away.
Hightower lands with a right hand.
Hightower lands the left hand.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hightower throws a hook to the side of Kalske's head but Kalske sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Kalske swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Hightower lands with a kick to the temple. Kalske shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Kalske takes one on the chin but seems OK.
Jason Hightower is winning the standup battle so far.
Hightower misses with a low kick.
Hightower lands a leg kick and bounces back out of range.
Jason Hightower is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kalske looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Kalske misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Hightower.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Hightower walks into a stiff left hand from Kalske.
Hightower misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A nice leg kick lands there from Hightower.
Kalske ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Kalske checks it.
Hightower slips a jab from Kalske.
Hightower went nuts there looking for a big combo counter but none of the flurry connected.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Hightower counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Kalske thinking.
Kalske misses with a lunging right hand
and Hightower cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Hightower throws a monster uppercut resembling something out of street fighter but it doesn't land.
Kalske throws a fast counter high kick but Hightower manages to duck under it in time.
Hightower scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Hightower takes a swing at Kalske's ribcage but misses.
Kalske takes one to the chin there.
Hightower misses the body punch
and Kalske counters with a right hand to the body.
Kalske takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
That kick from Hightower tenderised Kalske's leg. Kalske is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hightower throws a lazy uppercut
and Kalske cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
A jab lands there for Kalske.
Hightower throws the left hand but Kalske avoids the punch easily.
Kalske throws out a counter right but Hightower avoids it with no problem.
Hightower throws a hook but Kalske blocks it.
Kalske swings away with a counter right hand but no contact made.
Kalske tries to bum rush Hightower with a series of wild strikes but Hightower uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
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!
The crowd cheers as Hightower lands an impressive looking overhand right. Kalske doesn't seem phased though.
Kalske 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.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Hightower lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Hightower misses with an uppercut

and Kalske counters with a nice double leg into side control. Hightower won't be happy with that.
Hightower on his back here. We all know that wrestlers don't like being on their back so let's see if Hightower tries to get out of the position.
Check out the look on Kalske's face as he threw that strike - that's one determined fighter!
Hightower on the wrong end of some ground and pound.
Kalske throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Kalske throws an elbow but Hightower slips to the side and avoids it well.
Hightower tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Kalske advances to full mount.
Kalske has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
BOOM! Kalske connects with a massive shot to the dome!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kalske throws a sloppy strike and Hightower uses the opportunity to reverse the position! A bit of a scramble here and Hightower has ended up in Kalske's guard.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.

Kalske looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Hightower has picked Kalske up and slammed him! Kalske can't keep hold of the triangle and Hightower manages to pass to side control!
Kalske gets back to half guard.

Kalske looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Kalske moves into full guard.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Hjallis Kalske will probably get the nod - 10:9.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Kalske uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Hightower.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Kalske! But no joy.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kalske.
Hightower showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kalske.
Hightower works the jab nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kalske keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Hightower is looking to slow Kalske down with leg kicks.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Hightower connects with a body shot that sends Kalske's belly button to the back.
Kalske closes the distance looking to clinch
and Hightower counters with a stiff right hand.
Hightower connects with an inside leg kick.
Hightower jabbing away but nothing is landing.
It seemed like Kalske was going to counter with the hook but didn't fully commit to it.
A decent looking body kick lands there for Kalske.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Hightower takes one on the chin but keeps coming.
Hightower scoring well with a low kick there.
Kalske throws a head kick that misses
and Hightower counters with a good low kick that Kalske was not able to check.
Both fighters are looking to counter, which isn't making for the most exciting fight in the world.
Hightower misses with a head kick.
Hightower goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kalske looks like he wants to counter punch here.
Kalske misses with a jab, cross combination.
Hightower tried to counter with a leg kick but Kalske avoided it.
Hightower buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
A low kick lands for Hightower.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kalske blocks a jab.
Kalske raises up his leg as if looking to counter with a high kick.
Hjallis Kalske has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Hightower slips under a jab.
Kalske throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.
Hightower throws a leg kick but Kalske checks it.
Kalske misses with a body shot.
Kalske takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Hightower misses with a hook
and Kalske counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Hightower thinking.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Hightower thows a body kick. Kalske tries to catch it but that hurt him.
Kalske throws a wild body kick that Hightower sees coming a mile off.
Kalske connects with a solid leg kick.
Hightower throws a jab when Kalske was well out of range.
Hightower misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kalske.
Kalske throws a right hand that Hightower ducks under and follows up with a left that Hightower also avoids with ease.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Hightower goes for a spinning back kick but it misses.
Kalske chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Hightower can pounce on him.

And that's the end of the fight!
Jason Hightower showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Kalske 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 Paulsen Ambrosius scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Nard Betker scores the fight for Jason Hightower!
Judge Daniel Blasius scores the fight for Jason Hightower!

Jason Hightower wins by unanimous decision!
Jason Hightower retains his heavyweight title!
After winning the bout, Jason Hightower thanked all his fans and promised he'd do even better in his next fight. The crowd seemed to love his humility.