PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a welterweight MMA rules bout between Nyrkki Rauta (ranked 990 p4p, 1743 weight class) and Ray Ruthlessness (ranked 148 p4p, 252 weight class). Ruthlessness has chosen Meek Mill - Going Bad (feat. Drake) as his entrance music. Both these guys have solid standup skills and neither is particularly fantastic on the ground, so let's hope for a nice standup war!

Rauta
vs
Ruthlessness

185 cm
20
180
5 - 0 - 0

182 cm
20
175
4 - 2 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent boxer
Granite chin

Good wrestler
Decent boxing
Experienced

TengelÃ¼ Hekite

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, for the welterweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Nyrkki Rauta!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 2 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Ray Ruthlessness!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Ben Zyskovitsi and Marco Blurström.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ruthlessness shoots in but Rauta avoids the takedown attempt easily.
An attempted straight right counter from Rauta misses the target.
Rauta just misses with a punch to the body.
Ruthlessness tries to close the distance and clinch but Rauta swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Rauta's hands are dropping dangerously low here and Ruthlessness connects clean with a right hook that sends him down to one knee! Rauta scrambles back to his feet.
Ray Ruthlessness seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Ruthlessness changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Rauta looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Rauta is trying to get back to half guard.
Ruthlessness throws a strike aimed at the side of Rauta's head but Rauta avoids it well.
Ruthlessness working the ground and pound but Rauta is defending the strikes.
Ruthlessness working the strikes but Rauta uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
Ruthlessness misses with a head shot. Rauta uses the momentum to regain guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Ruthlessness loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Ruthlessness trying to land body shots but he keeps hitting the mat.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruthlessness lands a couple of digs.
Ruthlessness is looking to work some ground and pound but Rauta has wrist control.
Ruthlessness is looking to work some ground and pound but Rauta has wrist control.
Ruthlessness wants to control from the top but Rauta keeps moving.
Ruthlessness must be cautious of submissions here, given that his opponent has the superior Jiu Jitsu.
Ruthlessness throwing strikes from guard but Rauta blocks nicely.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Ruthlessness makes a bit of distance and scores with some ground and pound, still in guard.
Rauta is in a tricky position. We've heard reports from his gym mates at Beasties that he's been drilling escapes, so let's see if he can get back to his feet.
Ruthlessness landing some decent shots from guard.
Ruthlessness postures up in Rauta's guard and throws a big left but Rauta blocks it.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Rauta is pulling down on Ruthlessness's head. It's preventing any offense from Ruthlessness, at least for the moment.

The ref stands the fighters back up due to a lack of activity.
Ruthlessness lands a nice looking body shot.
Rauta is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness throws the left hand but Rauta avoids the punch easily.
Rauta was looking to counter that last move with a shot to the body but he didn't commit.
Ruthlessness connects with a crisp jab.
Ruthlessness dips down and scores with a jab to the body.
Ruthlessness is looking to clinch but Rauta is avoiding it.
Rauta thinks about countering with a body kick.
Rauta with a body punch. A glancing blow.
A really sloppy takedown attempt there from Ruthlessness.
A slow jab from Ruthlessness misses its intended target.
Ruthlessness lands a jab to the nose.
Ruthlessness lands with a hook. Rauta tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Ruthlessness tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Rauta was well out of range. Poor timing from Ruthlessness.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rauta scores with a nice head shot.
Ruthlessness thows a left - swing and a miss!
It looked like Rauta wanted to counter with a hook but didn't fully commit.
Ruthlessness dives in and grabs Rauta's left leg, looking for a takedown. Rauta pushes down on Ruthlessness's head and hops out.
Rauta jinks towards his opponent looking like he wants to counter with a mid kick but doesn't commit.
Nyrkki Rauta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ray Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness misses with a takedown attempt
and Rauta counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
No luck for Ruthlessness with that takedown attempt.

Ruthlessness forces Rauta back against the cage and clinches.
Ruthlessness tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ruthlessness lands a body punch in the clinch.
Rauta misses with some punches.
Rauta blocks a body shot from Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness swings wildly with an uppercut but Rauta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Rauta fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Ruthlessness lands a body shot in the clinch.
Rauta lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Ruthlessness backwards.
Rauta is trying to stall.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Rauta lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Ruthlessness backwards.
Rauta misses with the head strike.
A real battle for position is taking place between these two warriors.
Ruthlessness misses with the head strike.
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!
Ruthlessness swings away with an uppercut that misses.
A left hand lands to the body for Rauta.
Rauta lands with a short punch from the clinch.
Ruthlessness tries to work over Rauta's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ruthlessness lands on the inside with an uppercut.
Ruthlessness lands an uppercut.
Ruthlessness throws a head punch that misses.
A shot in the inside from Rauta.
Rauta blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ruthlessness softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Rauta digs a right hand into Ruthlessness's ribs. Those have got to be taking their toll on Ruthlessness's gas tank.
Ruthlessness misses with a hook to the ribs.
Rauta has a couple of punches blocked by Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness lands a right uppercut that snaps the head of Rauta backwards.
Ruthlessness misses with a hook from the clinch.
And that is the end of the round. The fighters go back to their corners.

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

Ruthlessness takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ruthlessness throws a lazy right hand but Rauta sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Ruthlessness scores with a decent looking hook.
Rauta works the jab nicely.
Rauta moves his head to the side to avoid a jab but walks straight into a cross.
Ray Ruthlessness seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Ruthlessness tries to close the distance and clinch up but Rauta swats him away and circles back towards the center.
Rauta connects with a jab.
The fighters circle momentarily. Ruthlessness darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Ruthlessness just misses with a punch to the body.
Nice uppercut there from Ruthlessness.
Rauta looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rauta lands a lovely overhand right.
Ruthlessness misses the jab.
Rauta is looking to counter punch.
Ruthlessness ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Ruthlessness steps in looking to clinch after the strikes miss from Rauta.
Ruthlessness tries to clinch up but Rauta circles away and keeps his distance.
A little feinted left hand from Rauta on the counter but he doesn't commit to it.
Rauta lands with a cross.
Ruthlessness scores with a jab to the jaw.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruthlessness moves away from the strike by Rauta.
Ruthlessness swings wildly with a hook that is half blocked by Rauta.
Rauta cracks a nice hook into Ruthlessness's ribs.
Rauta throws a nice inside leg kick.
Ruthlessness moves in looking to clinch but Rauta pushes him off.
Rauta throws a hook but Ruthlessness blocks it.
Ruthlessness throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Ruthlessness lands an overhand left. A wild punch that just about connected.
Rauta lands with an uppercut that bounces Ruthlessness off the cage and back into range.
Ruthlessness is looking to take this fight into the clinch.

Ruthlessness closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
A short uppercut from Ruthlessness.
Rauta wants to stall.
Ruthlessness working aggressively here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Rauta slowing the pace effectively.

Rauta breaks the clinch and we return to the middle of the mat.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Rauta shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.

Ruthlessness moves into the clinch successfully.
Ruthlessness swings wildly with an uppercut but Rauta uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ruthlessness swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ruthlessness swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Ray Ruthlessness seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Rauta lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Ruthlessness tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
A body shot lands from Rauta.
Rauta scores with an uppercut up the middle.
Rauta misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ruthlessness doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Rauta looking to stall.
Ruthlessness lands with a right to the head.
Ruthlessness throws a head punch that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ruthlessness tries to throw a body punch but Rauta avoids it by throwing Ruthlessness back against the cage.
Rauta scores with a shot to the side of Ruthlessness's head.
Ruthlessness misses with a hook to the ribs.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ruthlessness.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rauta.
Rauta throws a punch but it's blocked by Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness tries to take the fight to the ground by pulling guard but can't manage it.
Ruthlessness misses with a hook from the clinch.
A head punch on the inside from Rauta fails to land.
With the fighters clinched against the cage, Rauta creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Rauta working aggressively here.
Ruthlessness is working for takedown but Rauta is calmly controlling the position for now.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Rauta.

Rauta breaks from the clinch.
Ruthlessness changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Rauta tries to avoid it but Ruthlessness manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Rauta to the ground. Rauta escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Nyrkki Rauta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ray Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness missing with a left hand there. Rauta was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Ruthlessness misses with a left hand
and he gets countered with a snapping leg kick.
Rauta cracks Ruthlessness with a right hand to the side of the head.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ruthlessness chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rauta can pounce on him.
Ruthlessness might want to mix his strikes up a bit more. He's just going for head shots at the moment and that can become a bit predictable.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruthlessness swings widly with a right hand
letting Rauta counter with a right hand.
Rauta blocks a jab.
A chopping leg kick lands by Rauta.

Rauta tries to keep at a distance but Ruthlessness has taken the fight into the clinch.
Ruthlessness misses with a shot to the kidneys.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Rauta lands a shoulder strike.
Ruthlessness tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Rauta's elbow.
Come on Rauta - let's have some action - none of this stalling nonsense.

Rauta breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Rauta takes a jab right on the nose. That must have hurt but he shrugs his shoulders and looks to return the favor.
Ruthlessness ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Ruthlessness swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.

Ruthlessness closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Ruthlessness lands a hook to the side of the head.
Ruthlessness swings away with an uppercut that misses.
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 Nyrkki Rauta will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the interval. I'm sure that seemed a lot quicker than a minute for our two fighters! Back to the action. And we move into the final round!

Ruthlessness lands a nice looking body shot.
Ruthlessness with a lazy takedown attempt
and Rauta counters with a crisp hook to the side of the head.
Ruthlessness moves out of range of the strikes.
Rauta uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Rauta throws a head kick that misses.
Ruthlessness appears to be waiting to throw a counter punch to the body.
Ruthlessness is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Rauta tries to score with a leg kick but it misses it's target.
Rauta lands with a hook. Ruthlessness tried to avoid it but it clipped the top of his head.
Rauta scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
Rauta swings away with a leg kick that misses.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ruthlessness scores with a jab to the head.
Ruthlessness stumbles momentarily as he takes a strong leg kick from Rauta.
Ruthlessness moves to clinch but Rauta breaks away
and Rauta counters with a nice uppercut.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Rauta fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ruthlessness.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ruthlessness darts in looking for a takedown but Rauta gets double underhooks and turns Ruthlessness into the cage.
Rauta's corner calls for a 1-2. Rauta obliges with the 1 part as he scores the single shot and moves back out of range.
Ruthlessness chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Rauta can pounce on him.
Rauta throws a low kick but it's checked well by Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness throws a big shot that misses.
Ruthlessness misses with a right hand
and Rauta counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rauta lands with a straight right. Ruthlessness didn't see that one coming.
Ruthlessness misses with a body punch
and Rauta counters with a good, hard body kick but Ruthlessness shrugs it off.
Rauta getting the better of the striking in that exchange.
Ruthlessness throws a hook but Rauta avoids it easily.
Rauta swats away the attempt to clinch by Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness closes this distance looking for a takedown but Rauta circles away.
Nyrkki Rauta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Ray Ruthlessness.
Rauta throws a head kick that misses.
Rauta lands with a cross.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ruthlessness wants to clinch.
A nice inside leg kick there by Rauta. That's going to slow Ruthlessness down.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Rauta, as that shot connected.
Rauta misses with a straight left.
Rauta misses with a hook
and Ruthlessness counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
A solid body kick from Rauta.
Ruthlessness shoots and misses
and Rauta counters with a straight punch to the midsection.
Ruthlessness takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Ruthlessness throws the left hand but Rauta avoids the punch easily.
Rauta throws a combination but it was largely blocked by Ruthlessness.
And Ruthlessness tries to counter it with a takedown but Rauta pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Rauta scores with a crisp jab that stopped Ruthlessness in his tracks.
Nyrkki Rauta is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Rauta scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Rauta fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Ruthlessness.
Ruthlessness checks a leg kick.
And Ruthlessness tries to counter it with a takedown but Rauta pushes his down on his head and steps out.
Rauta chopping away at his opponent's legs.
Ruthlessness with a lazy takedown attempt
and Rauta counters with a quick right hand to the jaw.
Rauta circles away from the clinch attempt.
Ruthlessness thows a left - swing and a miss!

Ruthlessness gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Both guys are working to get underhooks.
Rauta blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Rauta lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Ruthlessness being controlled against the cage.
Rauta has had enough of the clinch but Ruthlessness keeps him there for the moment.
Rauta misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ruthlessness tries to throw a body punch but Rauta avoids it by throwing Ruthlessness back against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ruthlessness wants to take the fight to the mat but Rauta manages to get underhooks and keep the fight in the clinch.
Ruthlessness has been looking to improve his clinch game in recent weeks. Rauta seems to have the measure of him in the clinch so far, so let's see if Ruthlessness can turn it around.
Rauta lands a body punch in the clinch.
Rauta tries to throw a body punch but Ruthlessness avoids it by throwing Rauta back against the cage.
Ruthlessness misses with the head strike.
Rauta doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
A short right from Rauta.
Ruthlessness jumps guard but his hands slip and he falls flat on his back. Well, he's made himself look a right mug there, as Rauta walks away with a smile on his face. Ruthlessness gets slowly back to his feet and shakes his head.
Ruthlessness wants to clinch.
Rauta shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ruthlessness throws a hook to the side of Rauta's head but Rauta sees it coming and ducks under it beautifully.
Ruthlessness throws a hook but Rauta blocks it.
Ruthlessness checks a leg kick.
Ruthlessness throws an ugly left hook that misses
and Rauta cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.

And that's the end of the fight!
Nyrkki Rauta showed his dominance in that final round.
I think Rauta 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 Arvi Lind scores the fight 29:28
Judge Ben Zyskovitsi scores the fight 29:28
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight 29:28

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Nyrkki Rauta!
Nyrkki Rauta retains his welterweight title!
An out of breath Nyrkki Rauta thanked his loyal fans in his post fight interview, giving them credit for his success over the course of his career.