PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Teppo Takala (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Pate Rakko (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Both these guys have really solid chins. Will we see a standup war or will they both decide that a knockout is unlikely and try to win the fight elsewhere?

Takala
vs
Rakko

225 cm
18
300 lbs
0 - 3 - 0

210 cm
22
285 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Basic striking
KO power

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Solid chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the super heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Teppo Takala!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Pate Rakko!
The judges for this bout are Arvi Lind, Anni Minnemäki and Roosa Järviläinen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Takala closes the distance and clinches.

Rakko gets the body lock takedown. After a quick scramble, Takala regains guard.

Rakko drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Rakko jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Takala trying to punch from his back but it's not doing any damage.

Rakko drops back looking for a leg! Takala is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Takala manages to kick Rakko off! Rakko jumps back into Takala's guard.

Takala has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Rakko can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Rakko 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.

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

Takala drops back looking for a leg! Rakko is in trouble here! The fighters roll with the hold and Rakko manages to kick Takala off! Takala jumps back into Rakko's guard.
Takala trying to control but Rakko is working from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Both fighters really going for it on the ground here!
Takala wants to pass the guard but Rakko is keeping the position.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Takala accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.

Takala stands up and waves to Rakko to follow him.

Takala drives through and clinches with Rakko against the cage.
Rakko wants a takedown but no success here.
Rakko tries for a takedown. No joy.
Takala with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.

Takala works for the underhooks and manages to get a trip takedown into guard.
Rakko looks gassed!

That's two minutes gone in the round.

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

Rakko looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.
Takala wants to pass the guard but Rakko is keeping the position.
The fighters are going at a pretty good pace and they're both starting to sweat now.
Rakko has momentary wrist control but Takala slips an elbow through the middle.
Takala knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Rakko on the ground.
Takala is in close to Rakko's body, working some short punches and elbows.
Takala has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
Takala pushing down on Rakko's thigh, trying to pass to half guard. He's managed it... Nice work.
Takala trying to control from half guard but Rakko is working away.

Takala is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Rakko defends it well.
Rakko slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Takala trying to control but Rakko is working from the bottom.
Rakko is working the butterfly guard. He manages to land a nice scissor sweep and is now in half guard on the top. Nice move.
Rakko prevents Takala from improving his position.
Rakko blocks the strikes from Takala.
Rakko is keen to just control but Takala is a slippery customer.

Rakko is trying for a guillotine from the top but the pressure isn't in the right place so Takala is just riding it out for now. Rakko eventually gives up the hold.
Takala trying to hold on to Rakko's head to control him but Rakko postures up.

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.
Takala is refusing to be controlled, as Rakko sits in half guard.
Takala is in trouble now - Rakko has advanced to mount!
Takala holds on, trying desperately to control.

Rakko looking for a guillotine from mount but Takala is having none of it.
Rakko looking to control but Takala is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.

Rakko is thinking about an arm triangle here, looking to tighten it up before moving to side control. Takala can see it coming though and defends well with a couple of strikes to the head and some good arm positioning.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

A close round but Pate Rakko will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

Takala closes the distance and looks for a trip takedown... aaaand he's got it - Takala lands in his opponent's guard.

Rakko had isolated an arm as going for an omaplata. Takala is defending the submission well but is in a very vulnerable position. Rakko Is leaning forward trying to finish the omaplata but decides to abandon it, and take Takala's back instead.
Takala trying to control the hands but Rakko won't let him.
The crowd hopeful of a finish here - Rakko's supporters are on their feet, screaming for him to go for the rear naked choke.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Rakko has the hooks in and he's looking for a rear naked choke here. Takala is defending well but eventually Rakko manages to get an arm under the chin and he's locked on the RNC! Takala has no choice but to tap now! He does! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:01 of round 2, we have a winner by way of Submission (RNC). Pate Rakko!