PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Kalu Koli (ranked 1571 p4p, 441 weight class) and Alessandro Orsini (ranked 224 p4p, 69 weight class). Koli's ring entrance music is that housewives' favourite, Two Steps From Hell - Unbreakable. Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Koli
vs
Orsini

183 cm
22
180
4 - 0 - 0

183 cm
36
171
27 - 20 - 1

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class boxer
Granite chin

Arcticus University: London
HELLS BALLS RECOVERY

Sydney Fight Gear (London Rebirth)
Altitude Clothing

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 4 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kalu Koli!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 27 - 20 - 1, fighting out of Los Angeles, Alessandro Orsini!
The judges for this bout are Yves DeLean, William Peck and Gregory Folan.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Orsini misses with a looping right.
Orsini has been working on his striking defense in training and it's paying off as Koli is landing a low percentage of strikes.
Koli keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Orsini misses the shot to the body.
Koli definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Orsini listening to his corner there, landing a nice uppercut.
Nice cross by Orsini.
Orsini throws a body punch but Koli moves out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Koli on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Koli gets cracked there but stands up to it.
Orsini misses with an uppercut.
Koli lands with a thumping leg kick.
Koli closes the distance and takes a jab right on the nose as he does so.
Koli showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Orsini.

Orsini shoots in for a takedown! He's got it and he's managed to land in side control! That's better than Orsini was expecting from the takedown attempt, I'm sure!
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Koli struggling a bit here.
Both fighters take a look at the clock.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koli is trying to get back to half guard.
Orsini taking a breather here.
Koli is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Koli looks to move to half guard but instead Orsini has passed into mount! Damn!

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.

Orsini goes for an armbar but he's not got it… Koli turns into him and now he's in Orsini's guard.
Koli trying to control the position from guard on top but Orsini is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Koli tries to free his leg and advance position but Orsini is retaining full guard.

Koli drops back for a leg but he's not going to get it - he lets go and Orsini dives on top into guard.

Orsini trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.
Orsini trying to control but Koli is working from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orsini throws an elbow that misses. Koli uses the momentum to reverse the position. He's now in Orsini's guard. Nice move by Koli!

Koli looking to pass the guard.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Koli trying to control the position from guard on top but Orsini is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Koli is looking to advance position but Orsini has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!

Koli tries to hold on but Orsini pushes him away.
Koli is trying to escape the mount.
Koli taking shots to the head.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orsini lands an elbow that was bordering on illegal but the referee lets it go with a warning.

Orsini is working on an americana here. Ooh, that looks pretty nasty! Nope, Koli has managed to escape the submission attempt.
Orsini landing strikes from the mount and Koli is in trouble!
Orsini controlling from mount.
Koli manages to control the position for a moment.
The crowd growing excited in anticipation of a finish here! Right on cue, Orsini cracks his opponent with a massive right hand that draws loud cheers!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alessandro Orsini dominated that round.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Koli lands with a thumping leg kick.
A telegraphed right hand from Koli misses the target.
Koli wants to clinch.
And Orsini tries to counter it with a takedown but Koli pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Koli thows a leg kick but Orsini checks it
and Orsini counters with a nice low kick that buckles Koli's knee momentarily.
Koli staying out of range there.
Orsini throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Koli sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Orsini misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
Orsini goes for a double leg but Koli avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Koli continues to drive forward.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Koli swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Orsini.
Orsini tries to land a leg kick but Koli saw it coming and moves away.
Orsini pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Koli fails with an attempt to clinch.
Koli displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Orsini throws out the jab.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koli moves out of range as Orsini strikes.
Orsini throws a one two combo.
Orsini scores with a nice strike.
A solid leg kick lands there for Koli.
Alessandro Orsini seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Koli throws a looping overhand right but Orsini ducks down to avoid it.
Koli scores with a leg kick.
Koli uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Orsini.
Orsini throws a nice outside leg kick.
Koli scores with a jab to the jaw of his opponent.

It looks like Alessandro Orsini has been cut.
Orsini feints and then cracks Koli's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Koli down.
Koli throws a leg kick which misses Orsini's front leg but catches the back leg as Orsini tries to avoid it.
Orsini has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Koli throws a jab but it's blocked by Orsini.
A little jabbing left from Orsini on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
A shot to the liver by Orsini. Beautiful body shot.
Orsini fails with the takedown.
Kalu Koli has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Alessandro Orsini.
A telegraphed right hand from Orsini misses the target.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orsini throws a body punch but Koli moves out of range.
Orsini is looking to land body kicks.
Orsini misses with a looping right.
Koli lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Koli misses with a low kick.
Koli blocks a jab.
Orsini misses with a looping right.
Koli feinted with a counter takedown.
Orsini swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Koli.
Alessandro Orsini seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Orsini misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
It looked like Koli wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Orsini throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Koli lands with a thumping leg kick.
Koli tries a head kick but it misses.
Orsini takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Koli keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koli is looking to land body kicks.
Orsini scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Koli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Orsini.
Orsini with a nice looking leg kick. You could hear that one land in a back row.
An inside leg kick from Orsini misses.
Koli pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Koli scores with a hook.
Orsini takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Koli fails with the takedown
and Orsini counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
The crowd cheers as Orsini lands an impressive looking overhand right. Koli doesn't seem phased though.
Koli fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Orsini.
Orsini on the wrong end of a nice jab.
Orsini tests Koli's chin there with a solid looking shot.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Koli bobs and weaves and then throws a good body kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Orsini throws a hook but Koli blocks it.
Koli throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Koli stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Orsini.
Koli throws a low kick, looking for Orsini's leg but Orsini calmly moves out of range.
Koli blocks a head kick by Orsini.
Orsini lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
Koli throws a leg kick that misses.
A slapping leg kick lands for Orsini.
Orsini thuds his right hand into Koli's forehead from close range. That could be painful for both fighters.
Koli misses with a leg kick
letting Orsini counter with a right hand.
Orsini fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Orsini's leg has a nasty welt from taking a succession of leg kicks. That must be slowing him down.
Orsini lands with a thumping leg kick.
Orsini has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Orsini there as he acknowledges the shot.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Alessandro Orsini showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Alessandro Orsini's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

The fight stays on the outside here - Koli looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Orsini thows a left - swing and a miss!
Orsini blocks a head kick by Koli.
Koli swings for the body but Orsini moves out of range.
Koli cracks Orsini with a right hand to the side of the head.
A jab from Orsini finds it's way through Koli's defenses.
Orsini staying out of range there.
A little jabbing left from Orsini on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Koli sizes up Orsini with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Koli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Orsini.
Koli tried to counter with a leg kick but Orsini avoided it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Koli on the wrong end of a nice hook.
A nice inside leg kick there by Koli. That's going to slow Orsini down.
Orsini getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Orsini misses with a looping left.
Koli throws a big shot that misses.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orsini throws a chopping leg kick but Koli manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Orsini misses with a wild body shot.
Koli throwing a counter right hand but Orsini manages to avoid it.

Koli throws a loose over hand right and dives in with a double leg takedown. Orsini tries to sprawl but it's too late and the fighters hit the mat. Koli is in Orsini's guard.

Orsini looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.
Koli stands and throws Orsini's legs to the side, diving into side control.
Alessandro Orsini has got the better of the ground game so far.
Koli trying to control the action but Orsini is working from the bottom.
Orsini is looking for a sweep.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A bit of a lull in the action. I'm sure it will pick up again soon... even if the ref has to physically pick them up and put them back on their feet.

Koli goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Orsini rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Koli's guard! Nice work there by Orsini!

Koli throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.
Orsini scoring with punches to the head and body.
Koli can't keep his opponent in guard - Orsini advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Orsini sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Koli defending well though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Orsini thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Orsini trying to control from half guard but Koli is working away.
Orsini sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Koli defending well though.
Orsini is looking to advance position but Koli won't allow it.
The two fighters exchange a few words. I couldn't hear what they were saying but maybe it's more fun if you make it up yourself. Orsini connects with a nice short shot to Koli's temple.
Orsini is keen to just control but Koli is a slippery customer.
Koli won't allow Orsini to pass to mount.

Koli actively working from the bottom here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Koli wants to improve his position but Orsini is controlling well.
Orsini not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Orsini landing with strikes to the body and head, softening up his opponent.
Koli is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Orsini's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Orsini's back!
Orsini trying to control but he's just got himself in more trouble.
Orsini can't escape the position.

Koli is persistently looking for the submission but Orsini is defending it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but Kalu Koli did the better work so I'd imagine he'll take it.
The cut man is working on Alessandro Orsini's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin!

Orsini looks to land a left hand but Koli moved out of range nicely.
Orsini throws a jab but it's blocked by Koli.
Orsini slips a jab from Koli.
Orsini throws a low kick but Koli moves out of range easily.
Koli blocks a jab.
Orsini checks a low kick. Bone on bone - not my idea of a good time.
Koli throws a leg kick but Orsini sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Orsini only half commits to the counter leg kick.
Orsini throws a combination. Koli tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
Koli pushes Orsini away with a front kick.
Orsini lands a leg kick. The shin dug right into the meat of the thigh.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Koli throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Orsini was covering up waiting for the punch and Koli finishes the takedown easily into guard.
Orsini is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Orsini keeping moving, preventing Koli from controlling successfully.
Koli's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Koli'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.
Koli pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Orsini is keeping the position for now.
Koli trying to control but Orsini is working from the bottom.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are hurling abuse towards the fighters... You can hardly blame them though because there isn't a lot going on in the fight.
Koli is taking a break and basically stalling. The referee will not allow him to do that for long.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Orsini throws a shot from downtown. Koli moves away and avoids it.
Koli throws a nice outside leg kick.
Koli darts in trying to clinch
and Orsini counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Orsini takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Koli throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Orsini fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Koli throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Orsini connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Koli's hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koli fakes a jab and scores with a low kick.
Koli slips a straight right by Orsini.
Orsini stuns Koli with a nice body shot, before stepping back out of range.

Koli tries to sprawl but Orsini drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Orsini tries to pass to full mount but Koli defends it.
Koli is not content to let Orsini control the position.
Koli controlling the leg, holding on to half guard.
Orsini controlling the action here.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Koli is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Orsini trying to mount his opponent but Koli defends it.
Koli is controlling Orsini's trapped leg to prevent Orsini from advancing to side control.
If this pace continues, the referee will definitely step in and force a standup.
Well, if Orsini is going to just lie there, perhaps we should talk about what we're having for dinner tonight… I'm having a ham and pineapple pizza… Yum. Can't wait.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Koli regains full guard. Nicely done.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close fourth round but Alessandro Orsini will probably get the nod - 10:9.
The cut man is working on Alessandro Orsini's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action! Let's get this one finished - here comes the final round!

Orsini changes levels and scores with a jab to the body.
Jab, jab by Koli - just one landing.
Koli misses with a low kick.
Orsini takes a step back and watches a body kick go sailing past his mid section.
Orsini blocks a head kick by Koli.
Orsini defending well as Koli loads up on a big left hand.
And an attempted straight right on the counter from Orsini! But no joy.
Orsini throws a looping overhand right but Koli ducks down to avoid it.
Koli moves out of range of the strikes.
Koli was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Orsini looks to land a left hand but Koli moved out of range nicely.
Koli swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Koli looking to land some kicks to the body here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Orsini throws a leg kick
and Koli counters with a straight right hand.
Orsini lands a nice shot that snaps Koli's head back.
Orsini with a hook.
Koli jabs. That one connects to the head of his opponent.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Koli throws a chopping leg kick but Orsini manages to avoid taking any serious damage.
Orsini throws a body punch but Koli moves out of range.
Orsini with a nice cross.
Koli swings away with a leg kick that misses.
Orsini scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Koli doesn't seem bothered though.
Koli throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Orsini sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Orsini throws out a counter right but Koli avoids it with no problem.
Koli moves out of range of the body kick.
Koli connects with an inside leg kick.
Koli misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
No luck with that takedown attempt from Koli.
Orsini is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Koli wants to clinch up but Orsini keeps it at a distance.
Orsini connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Orsini scores with a jab. Koli acknowledges it with a nod of the head.
Kalu Koli has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Orsini avoids a low kick by using good footwork.
Orsini scores with a sloppy punch to the body. Not much technique there but it did the business.

Orsini closes the distance and scores a nice trip takedown into half guard. Koli did well to prevent Orsini getting side control.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Koli tries to get to full guard but Orsini has control of the leg.
Orsini working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Koli is trying to defend against the ground and pound but Orsini scores with a couple of nice shots.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Orsini is keen to just control but Koli is a slippery customer.
Koli is trying to control but can't.
Koli on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Orsini is keen to just control but Koli is a slippery customer.
Orsini looks towards his corner to check for any instructions. The corner give him nothing to work with, so he cracks Koli with a short hammerfist. I guess that's as good as any advice he could get in this position.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Koli keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.

Koli looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Orsini thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
Koli moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Koli keeping moving, preventing Orsini from controlling successfully.
Koli seems keen to control Orsini's posture.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Orsini landing with the ground and pound.
Orsini must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Orsini trying to control the position from guard on top but Koli is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Koli is on top in guard.

Alessandro Orsini is fighting for a decision - hopefully he's judged it right and he's actually winning the fight.
Koli is looking to pass into half guard but Orsini pushes him away with his feet and jumps on top - now Orsini is in guard.

Orsini trying to control the position from guard on top but Koli is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Orsini is working Koli over from the guard. He should look to pass the guard and do a little more damage with these strikes.

And that's the end of the fight!
Alessandro Orsini comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Orsini has outworked and out performed his opponent in all aspects of the game today. He was simply too good and the decision should be no more than a formality. 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 Yves DeLean scores the fight 46:49
Judge William Peck scores the fight 46:49
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 46:50

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Alessandro Orsini!
Alessandro Orsini is the new welterweight champion!
Alessandro Orsini decided to hype himself up post fight. It was going well but he went on about it a bit too long and the crowd turned on him a little.