PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Heikki Viitta (ranked 2819 p4p, 3727 weight class) and Sol Fitzsimmons (ranked 359 p4p, 467 weight class). Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Viitta
vs
Fitzsimmons

211 cm
28
220
6 - 9 - 0

187 cm
29
215
15 - 10 - 1

Good wrestling
World class boxer
Insanely flexible

Good wrestler
World class MT
Good gas tank

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 9 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Heikki Viitta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 15 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Amsterdam, Sol Fitzsimmons!
The judges for this bout are Daniel Blasius, Patrick Alders and Radbod Blank.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Viitta looks to land a left hand but Fitzsimmons moved out of range nicely.
Fitzsimmons throws a shot from downtown. Viitta moves away and avoids it.
Fitzsimmons misses with a looping left.
Some wild striking there from Viitta.
Viitta throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Fitzsimmons misses with a jab to the body
enabling Viitta to counter with a crisp jab.
Viitta connects with a hook to the side of his opponent's head.
Fitzsimmons misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons throws an overhand right that lands on Viitta's shoulder, as Viitta tries to avoid the shot.
Viitta jabs Fitzsimmons to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Viitta fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Fitzsimmons manages to avoid it.
Fitzsimmons thows a left - swing and a miss!
Fitzsimmons throws a body kick but he was well out of range there.
Viitta really does look like a pencil wearing a pair of gloves. Let's hope he has a gameplan to suit that ridiculous body shape.
Fitzsimmons throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Viitta lands a right hook to the body.
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!
Fitzsimmons misses the body punch
and Viitta connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
That kick from Viitta tenderised Fitzsimmons's leg. Fitzsimmons is trying to keep his angry face on.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons throws an off balance right hand
and Viitta counters with a nice body kick.
Fitzsimmons moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Fitzsimmons scores with a punch to the head.
Viitta misses the shot to the body.
Viitta is using his reach advantage well here, landing the more effective single shots from range.
Viitta scores with a nice head shot.
Viitta lands a head shot.
Viitta lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Viitta connects with a lovely right hand, straight down the pipe.
Fitzsimmons misses with a leg kick.
Fitzsimmons takes a really solid shot there but just smiles back and shrugs his shoulders.
Viitta throws a head kick but Fitzsimmons moves out of range.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Fitzsimmons misses with a body shot.
Viitta was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Viitta throws a looping overhand right but Fitzsimmons ducks down to avoid it.
Fitzsimmons looked like he wanted to counter with a punch but didn't throw it.
Fitzsimmons throws a head kick that misses.
Fitzsimmons on the wrong end of a kick to the body.
Fitzsimmons throws a sloppy head kick
enabling Viitta to counter with a crisp jab.
Viitta's jab looks to have found its range, popping Fitzsimmons under the eye.
Fitzsimmons is really struggling to land any decent head shots against his taller opponent.
Viitta lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Viitta ducks under a wild hook from Fitzsimmons.
Viitta swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Fitzsimmons swings for the body but Viitta moves out of range.
Viitta swung with a counter right hand that didn't connect.
Fitzsimmons throws a lazy right hand but Viitta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fitzsimmons throws a right hand that misses
and Viitta counters with a straight right hand.
Fitzsimmons thows a left - swing and a miss!
Viitta lands with a hook. Fitzsimmons tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Sloppy strikes from Viitta. Those never looked like landing.
Fitzsimmons throws a nice inside leg kick.
Fitzsimmons throws a predictable looking body shot
and Viitta counters with a nice uppercut.
Viitta throws a jab when Fitzsimmons was well out of range.
A little jabbing left from Fitzsimmons on the counter but it doesn't find it's target.
Viitta fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Fitzsimmons has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
We've been told by Viitta's head coaches at Malmi Aitta that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Nice defenses there by Viitta.
An attempted straight right counter from Viitta misses the target.
Viitta uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons lands with a shot to the body.
Fitzsimmons takes a push kick to the midsection and stumbles backwards.
Viitta slips under a jab from Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons lands a straight punch to the body, keeping Viitta at a distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Viitta manages to avoid it.
Fitzsimmons steps to the side to avoid the strikes from Viitta.
Viitta slips under a jab from Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Viitta sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Fitzsimmons uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons throws a lazy right hand but Viitta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fitzsimmons throws an uppercut from half a mile away. Viitta sees it coming and avoids it easily.
Fitzsimmons jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Viitta is looking to counter with a shot to the body.
Viitta moves forwards but Fitzsimmons connects with a nice, crisp jab.
A big left from Fitzsimmons misses.
Viitta lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
The sound of bone on bone echoes around the arena as Viitta checks a leg kick.
Viitta throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Viitta, as that shot connected.
Viitta moves out of range of the strikes.
Fitzsimmons misses with an uppercut
and Viitta counters with a two punch combo.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
A low kick from Fitzsimmons misses
and Fitzsimmons takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Nice uppercut there from Viitta.
Viitta loads up on a big right hand but Fitzsimmons slips the punch.
Fitzsimmons pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Viitta throws a head kick that looked like it stung.

Fitzsimmons is rocked!
Fitzsimmons has his head snapped back a nice jab. A little nod from Fitzsimmons there as he acknowledges the shot.
Fitzsimmons is still on wobbly legs! Can Viitta finish him?
Viitta tries to land a front kick but Fitzsimmons steps back. That was a bit too telegraphed.
Fitzsimmons throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Viitta stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.
Fitzsimmons seems to have recovered his senses.
Fitzsimmons takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Fitzsimmons lands a nice looking body kick.
Fitzsimmons throws a lazy right hand but Viitta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Viitta slips a straight right by Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons misses with an uppercut.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fitzsimmons misses with an uppercut. Viitta saw that one coming.
A quick step to the side and Viitta tries to counter with a shot to the body but it doesn't connect.
Viitta misses with a few strikes there.
Viitta scores with a jab.
Fitzsimmons misses the jab.
Viitta takes a step towards his opponent and connects with a left hand, before circling away.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

Heikki Viitta dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Fitzsimmons's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Viitta connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Fitzsimmons scrambles back to his feet.
Fitzsimmons throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Fitzsimmons throws a hook but Viitta blocks it.
A slow jab from Fitzsimmons misses its intended target.
Fitzsimmons throws the left hand but Viitta avoids the punch easily.
A counter left hand to the body from Viitta misses its target.
Viitta lands a nice shot that snaps Fitzsimmons's head back.
Fitzsimmons misses with a hook. Viitta ducked under it nicely.
Viitta connects with a jab.
Viitta is using his height advantage well here, landing a good percentage of his punches.
A looping hook to the body misses from Fitzsimmons. Viitta does a little dance to reset his feet.
Viitta is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Fitzsimmons can do to turn this around?
Fitzsimmons uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons just misses with a punch to the body.
The fighters circle momentarily. Viitta darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Viitta scores with a nice strike.
Fitzsimmons swings for the body but Viitta moves out of range.
Fitzsimmons misses the shot to the body.
Both these guys seem content to just stand up and trade with each other but Fitzsimmons might want to think about changing up his gameplan a bit because over the course of the fight, Viitta has got the better of the exchanges.
Viitta avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Viitta appeared to be looking to counter that last move with a leg kick.
Fitzsimmons misses with a leg kick
and Viitta counters with 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!
Fitzsimmons throws a jab to the body, straight down the pipe. Boom. That sent Viitta stumbling backwards but he manages to regain his composure quickly.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons cracks a nice hook into Viitta's ribs.
A punch combination from Viitta misses.
Fitzsimmons works his jab well there, keeping his opponent at a distance.
Viitta scores with a jab.
Fitzsimmons has a pretty nasty looking mouse under his right eye.
Fitzsimmons connects with a looping left hand that seems like it dazed Viitta momentarily.
Nice uppercut there from Fitzsimmons.
Viitta avoids the body shot from Fitzsimmons.
Viitta is looking to counter punch.
Fitzsimmons fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Viitta manages to avoid it.
Fitzsimmons misses with a looping right.
Viitta is looking to chop away at Fitzsimmons's legs.
Fitzsimmons's jab looks to have found its range, popping Viitta under the eye.
Viitta is looking to slow Fitzsimmons down with leg kicks.
A telegraphed right hand from Viitta misses the target.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Viitta misses with a leg kick.
Fitzsimmons connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Viitta's hands.
Viitta scores with a spinning back kick!

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Viitta throws a lazy right hand but Fitzsimmons sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Fitzsimmons throws a leg kick that is checked
and Viitta counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Viitta moves into range and throws a combination. A nice jab followed by a hook to the body.
Fitzsimmons just misses with a punch to the body.
Fitzsimmons misses with an uppercut.
We are yet to see a takedown attempt from Fitzsimmons in the fight. On paper you would think he is the more dominant ground fighter so let's see if these unusual tactics pay off.
Viitta misses with a body shot.
Fitzsimmons misses the shot to the body.
Fitzsimmons looks to throw the jab but Viitta is out of range.
Fitzsimmons wings a very wild body shot but it does the job and lands to the midsection.
Viitta lands a right hook to the body.
Viitta misses with a hook. Fitzsimmons ducked under it nicely.
A shot to the liver by Fitzsimmons. Beautiful body shot.
Viitta connects with a nice looking jab.
Viitta checks the leg kick.
Viitta bobbing and weaving, closes the distance and lands a hook to the side of Fitzsimmons's head.
Fitzsimmons ducks under a wild hook from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons connects with a body shot.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Viitta slips a jab from Fitzsimmons.
Viitta fakes a jab and throws a low kick but Fitzsimmons checks it well.
Fitzsimmons throws a leg kick but Viitta sees it coming and moves out of range.
A little feinted left hand from Viitta on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Fitzsimmons misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Viitta.
Nice uppercut there from Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Heikki Viitta is winning the standup battle so far.
Fitzsimmons is on the wrong end of a nice combination from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Fitzsimmons misses with a straight right.
Viitta is looking to counter punch.
Fitzsimmons lands a jab to Viitta's midsection.
Viitta scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Fitzsimmons doesn't seem bothered though.
Viitta scores with a shot to the body.
Viitta jabs at Fitzsimmons's body.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Viitta misses with the combination.
Viitta backing away here, and Fitzsimmons unleashes a leg kick that just misses.
Sol Fitzsimmons seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Fitzsimmons lands a right hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons throws a right hand that misses
and Viitta counters with a nice low kick that buckles Fitzsimmons's knee momentarily.
Fitzsimmons tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Viitta was well out of range. Poor timing from Fitzsimmons.
Viitta slips a straight right by Fitzsimmons.
Viitta is looking to counter punch.
Fitzsimmons is looking to score with low kicks.
Viitta was looking to counter that move with a punch but didn't quite pull the trigger.
Viitta tries to bum rush Fitzsimmons with a series of wild strikes but Fitzsimmons uses good footwork to avoid the assault.
Fitzsimmons throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Viitta appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Fitzsimmons lands a body shot.
Viitta misses the shot to the body.
Fitzsimmons gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Viitta.
Viitta throws a nice looking combination but Fitzsimmons bobs and weaves to avoid any damage.
Fitzsimmons misses with a body shot.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Viitta lands a beauty of a right hand that gets the crowd cheering.
Viitta misses with a body shot.
Some wild striking there from Viitta.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Heikki Viitta will probably get the nod.
OK. That's time! The bell goes and we're back to the action. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Fitzsimmons tries a low kick but Viitta avoids it.
Fitzsimmons lands with a kick to the temple. Viitta shrugs as if to say "is that all you've got?"
Viitta throws a solid leg kick but Fitzsimmons takes the impact on his shin and smiles at Viitta.
Viitta dips to his left and cracks Fitzsimmons with an uppercut!
Viitta throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Fitzsimmons misses with a straight right.
Viitta throws a lazy right hand but Fitzsimmons sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Viitta punishes Fitzsimmons's body with a nice straight punch.
Viitta misses with an attempted mid kick.
Viitta connects with a body shot.
Fitzsimmons is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Viitta.
Fitzsimmons lands a nice looking body shot.
Fitzsimmons thuds a left hand into Viitta's body.
Viitta fakes the leg kick and cracks Fitzsimmons in the body.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Viitta sizes up Fitzsimmons with a pawing jab and scores with a straight right down the middle.
Fitzsimmons misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons throws a nice hook to the body that draws an oooh from the crowd.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons lands a nice leg kick that just misses Viitta's sensitive parts.
Fitzsimmons misses with a straight right.
Viitta with a nice cross.
A looping hook to the body misses from Fitzsimmons. Viitta does a little dance to reset his feet.
Fitzsimmons misses with a shot to the body
and Viitta connects with a straight left hand counter down the middle.
Fitzsimmons throws a sloppy head kick and Viitta moves out of range easily.
Viitta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fitzsimmons throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Fitzsimmons slips a straight right by Viitta.
Fitzsimmons connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.
Fitzsimmons misses with a straight right.
Viitta is looking to counter punch.
Viitta misses with an uppercut.
Fitzsimmons throws a leg kick but he was too far away and it doesn't land.
Viitta fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
Fitzsimmons throws out a loose jab but Viitta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Viitta throws a big counter combination but Fitzsimmons scrambles out of danger and avoids any damage.
Fitzsimmons throws a low kick but Viitta moves out of range easily.
Heikki Viitta is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons lands with an overhand left.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Viitta misses with a looping right.
Fitzsimmons throws a lazy right hand but Viitta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Viitta ducks under a wild hook from Fitzsimmons.
It looked like Viitta wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Fitzsimmons misses with a lunging right hand
and Viitta counters nicely by changing levels and landing a hook to the body.
Viitta takes one to the side of the head.
Fitzsimmons jabs Viitta right on the nose. Viitta blinks but takes it well.
Fitzsimmons fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Fitzsimmons throws a low kick but Viitta moves out of range easily.
Viitta swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons throws a leg kick
and Fitzsimmons takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.
Fitzsimmons has developed a nice purple lump on his ribcage, as a result of some heavy body kicks from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons walks into a stiff left hand from Viitta.
Fitzsimmons swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Viitta lands with a slapping head kick.
Fitzsimmons walks straight into a jab right on the nose. That one stung - he's blinking and trying to clear his head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Fitzsimmons gets cracked with a nice right hand there by Viitta.
Fitzsimmons moves out of range of the strikes.
Fitzsimmons swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fitzsimmons throws a body shot but no joy.
Fitzsimmons missing with a left hand there. Viitta was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
It looked like Viitta wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Viitta fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons throws a hook but Viitta blocks it.
Fitzsimmons scores with a shot to the body.
A decent looking cross lands there for Viitta.
Fitzsimmons scores with a nice head shot.
Viitta throws a hook to the body but it doesn't connect.
Fitzsimmons let fly with a counter punch to the body but it didn't land.
Fitzsimmons takes a swing at Viitta's ribcage but misses.
Viitta scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Fitzsimmons cracks Viitta with an open hand slap.
Fitzsimmons misses with a looping left.
Viitta swung with a counter punch to the body but it didn't connect.
Fitzsimmons swings for the body but Viitta moves out of range.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Some bone on bone action there as Viitta checks a low kick. Luckily it wasn't a particularly hard one.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Fitzsimmons ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Viitta moves away.
Fitzsimmons drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Viitta throws a big shot that misses.
Viitta swings wildly with a right hand that was never going to find it's target.
Fitzsimmons throws a hook but Viitta avoids it easily.
Fitzsimmons ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Viitta moves away.
Fitzsimmons throws a lazy uppercut
and Viitta counters with a left and a right that stings Fitzsimmons.
Fitzsimmons lands a nice shot to the body.
Viitta lands a jab.
Viitta stalks Fitzsimmons and leaps in with a furious combination of punches. Uppercuts and crosses smash into Fitzsimmons's face. Fitzsimmons staggers backwards, shaken.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Fitzsimmons throws a half hearted mid kick.
Viitta throws a push kick but Fitzsimmons slaps the foot to one side.
Sol Fitzsimmons has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
A slapping leg kick lands for Fitzsimmons.
Viitta keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.

And that's the end of the fight!
That was a close round. You could make an argument for either fighter but I would give it to Heikki Viitta.
Well Viitta 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 Daniel Blasius scores the fight 30:27
Judge Patrick Alders scores the fight 30:27
Judge Radbod Blank scores the fight 30:27

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Heikki Viitta!
Our winner, Heikki Viitta, made sure he spent some time buttering up the crowd during his post fight interview, which will no doubt bring him a few more fans.