PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Litran Kossu (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Kari Taalasmaa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Kossu comes to the cage accompanied by Holy Diver. Taalasmaa has chosen Jore Marjaranta - Tunteisiin as his entrance music. Kari Taalasmaa acknowledges the crowd's support as he enters the cage.

Kossu
vs
Taalasmaa

190 cm
24
205 lbs
6 - 1 - 0

184 cm
23
211 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Solid boxing
Granite chin

BJJ Purple Belt
Decent boxing
Solid chin

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 - 1 - 0, fighting out of London, Litran Kossu!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of London, Kari Taalasmaa!
The judges for this bout are Paul Tew, James Atkins and Andrew Berry.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kossu shoots in but no luck this time.
Taalasmaa ducks down and throws a hook to the body.
The fighters circling - Taalasmaa throws out the jab but it was never going to land.
Taalasmaa misses with a body shot.
Kossu throws a right hand that Taalasmaa ducks under and follows up with a left that Taalasmaa also avoids with ease.
Kossu uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Taalasmaa.
A big left from Kossu misses.
Taalasmaa throws a body punch but Kossu moves out of range.
Kossu lunges in with swinging rights and lefts but Taalasmaa circles away quickly and effectively.
Kossu tries to shoot in for a takedown. He's got hold of a leg but Taalasmaa swivels and escapes.
Nice sprawl there from Kossu as Taalasmaa shoots in.
Taalasmaa jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kossu with a poor takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely shot to the body.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Litran Kossu. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Taalasmaa lands a right hook to the body.

Excellent takedown into side control there by Taalasmaa.

Taalasmaa has had enough of the ground for now and decides to stand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kossu moves out of range of the strikes.
Taalasmaa has a takedown stuffed.
Kossu misses with a shot to the body

and Taalasmaa counters by clinching up.
Taalasmaa misses with a short punch on the inside.
Taalasmaa lands a nice elbow.
Taalasmaa missing with knees to the body.
Taalasmaa missing with knees to the body.
An uppercut to the body lands inside from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa tries to land knees in the clinch but Kossu avoids the damage to the body.

Taalasmaa breaks from the clinch.
Taalasmaa is throwing a lot of body shots here, looking to wear down Kossu rather than just go for the knockout.
Taalasmaa lands a right hook to the body.
The fighters circle momentarily. Taalasmaa darts into range and connects with a nice straight punch.
Kossu slips a straight right by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa misses with a jab to the body
enabling Kossu to counter with a crisp jab.
Taalasmaa closes the distance and clinches up with Kossu, looking for a takedown. Taalasmaa pushes Kossu against the cage but Kossu circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kossu digs a good hook to Taalasmaa's body.
Good shot there by Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa misses with a few strikes there.
Taalasmaa misses with a double jab
and Kossu counters with a two punch combo.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Kossu tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Taalasmaa throws a series of punches but Kossu moves out of range.
Kossu is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Taalasmaa.
Kossu shoots and misses
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
Taalasmaa connects nicely with a jab. Noted by the judges no doubt.
Kossu connects with a single shot there.
Kossu is the aggressor but that punch slipped nicely by Taalasmaa.
Kossu doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa throws a left and a right that both miss
and Kossu counters with a flying knee. Nice.
Taalasmaa displaying good standup as he scores with a three punch combination.
Kossu throws a big shot that misses.
Taalasmaa throws a hook but Kossu avoids it easily.
Taalasmaa misses with an uppercut.
Kari Taalasmaa seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Kossu scores with a takedown into Taalasmaa's guard.
Kossu is breathing heavily.
Taalasmaa throws some sloppy strikes off his back.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kossu stops Taalasmaa from standing up.
Kossu wants to control from the top but Taalasmaa keeps moving.
Taalasmaa wants to sweep but no luck.
Taalasmaa is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Taalasmaa keeping moving, preventing Kossu from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kossu looking to pass the guard.
Taalasmaa lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Kossu!
Kossu is looking to get to half guard.
Taalasmaa trying to control but Kossu is having none of it.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The fighters are starting to get a bit slippery now, which will make submissions a bit more difficult.
Taalasmaa lands a big shot there that rocks Kossu but he's holding on and managing to survive for now.
Kossu gets back to half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

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

No joy there for Taalasmaa, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
The fight stays on the outside here - Taalasmaa looks like he's thinking about clinching though.
Kossu doesn't succeed with the takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a good right hand that lands right on the jaw.
Taalasmaa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Taalasmaa tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Kossu was well out of range. Poor timing from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa throws a right and a left that both miss.
Taalasmaa walks into a left hand.

It looks like Kari Taalasmaa has been cut.
Taalasmaa loads up on a big right hand but Kossu slips the punch.
Taalasmaa moves in looking to clinch but Kossu pushes him off.
Litran Kossu is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Taalasmaa throws a hard body shot but it just misses.
Taalasmaa misses with a wild body shot.
Taalasmaa swings and misses with a shot to the body
letting Kossu counter with a right hand.
Kari Taalasmaa seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Kossu tries for a takedown but Taalasmaa circles away easily
letting Taalasmaa counter with a right hand.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kossu misses with a low kick.
Taalasmaa lands a lovely overhand right.
Taalasmaa blocks a jab.
Kossu throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Kossu rushes forward with a series of wild hooks but Taalasmaa moves out of range and avoids them all easily.
Taalasmaa loads up on a big right hand but Kossu slips the punch.
Kossu is looking to clinch but Taalasmaa is avoiding it.
Kossu slips under a jab.
Taalasmaa tries to clinch but is not successful on this occasion.
Kossu with a poor takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a lovely straight right hand!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Litran Kossu. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Taalasmaa misses with a wild combination.
Kossu misses with a takedown attempt

and Taalasmaa counters with a nice single leg takedown and he's in Kossu's guard now.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.

Kossu working for submissions but it's allowed Taalasmaa to get to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Taalasmaa postures up and decides to stand up, from the half guard. The ref calls for Kossu to stand up.
Taalasmaa throws a combination. Kossu tries to block but a couple of punches get through.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Taalasmaa throws a hook but Kossu avoids it easily.
Taalasmaa doesn't manage to clinch there - Kossu circles away.
Taalasmaa showing good head movement there, avoiding the strikes from Kossu.
Kossu avoids the body shot from Taalasmaa.
Kossu shoots and misses

and Taalasmaa moves into the clinch.
Taalasmaa softening up his opponent with strikes, against the cage.
Kossu blocks an elbow strike.

Taalasmaa has Kossu pressed up against the cage. He's trying to work for a single leg takedown. Taalasmaa pulls back from the cage and twists to the side, sending Kossu tumbling to the mat - Taalasmaa dives into Kossu's guard.

Taalasmaa stands up and waves to Kossu to follow him.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kossu throws a sloppy head kick and Taalasmaa moves out of range easily.
Taalasmaa is looking to clinch.
Kossu misses with a takedown
and Taalasmaa counters with a nice body shot.
Nice straight punches there by Taalasmaa. You know Roy Jones Jr respects the hands of Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa misses with a jab and misses with a cross straight after too.
Taalasmaa misses with a double jab

and Kossu counters into the clinch. Nicely done.
Kossu blocks an uppercut.
Taalasmaa looks to throw an elbow but misses.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa tries to score a body lock takedown but Kossu shows good agility there to stay on his feet.
A nice right hand lands inside from Taalasmaa.
Taalasmaa working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Taalasmaa works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Taalasmaa working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Taalasmaa presses Kossu against the cage and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Taalasmaa struggles to land a body shot inside as Kossu controls his hands.
Taalasmaa is leaning against Kossu and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Taalasmaa can't get the takedown.
Kossu drops down looking for an ankle pick but Taalasmaa pulls his leg out and moves away.
Kossu gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily
and Taalasmaa counters with a nice uppercut.
Decent striking displayed by Taalasmaa there.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Kossu on the wrong end of a decent looking cross there.
A shot to de liver by Taalasmaa. Beautiful body shot.
Taalasmaa misses with the combination.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kari Taalasmaa showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kari Taalasmaa's cut.
Well, the break between rounds is over. Let's get back to the scrappin! This is the final round!

Nice defenses there by Kossu.
Taalasmaa pushing out the jab but it's not landing.
Taalasmaa looks to score with a jab to the body but Kossu is just out of range.

Kossu drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.
Taalasmaa tries to escape but Kossu is in control.

Kossu working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.
Taalasmaa sneaks back into half guard.

Taalasmaa is looking to sinch up a gullotine here but Kossu pulls his head out easily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Kossu is looking for a kimura but he's never going to get it from there.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Taalasmaa is looking to improve his position.
Kossu moves into full mount! Taalasmaa won't be happy about that!
Taalasmaa regains half guard.
Kossu is looking to advance position but Taalasmaa won't allow it.
Taalasmaa tries to get to full guard but Kossu has control of the leg.
Taalasmaa wants to get back to his feet.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Taalasmaa throws a sloppy strike from the bottom. He's now off balance and Kossu manages to pass to side control.
Taalasmaa gets back to half guard.
Taalasmaa is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kossu's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kossu's back!
Kari Taalasmaa has got the better of the ground game so far.
Taalasmaa doesn't have the hooks in and Kossu manages to turn into his guard.

Kossu postures up as if he's going to throw some strikes but drops back for an ankle! Taalasmaa is in big trouble! He looks ready to tap! But no, he's escaped and dives on top of Kossu, into his guard.
Kossu lands a beautiful switch and he's in full mount! That could spell trouble for Taalasmaa!
Taalasmaa really trying hard to get back to half guard here.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Taalasmaa is trying to stand up.
Kossu trying to control but Taalasmaa is having none of it.
Taalasmaa sneaks a leg under to get to half guard.
Taalasmaa pushes Kossu off looking to stand but Kossu dives back in and keeps control.
Taalasmaa is working for an escape here. He's hooked one of Kossu's legs and he's managed to sneak out and take Kossu's back!
Taalasmaa lands a shot to the head.
Taalasmaa missing with strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kossu manages to reverse the position and now he's in Taalasmaa's guard. Nice work there by Kossu.
Taalasmaa keeping moving, preventing Kossu from controlling successfully.
Taalasmaa is working an open guard here, looking to improve his position. No doubt that will leave him open to counters but at least he's being more offensive.

Taalasmaa is working an open guard so Kossu takes the opportunity to get back to his feet.
Taalasmaa tries to move into range but Kossu moves to the side and lands with a nice right hand.
Litran Kossu has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Kossu moves out of range as Taalasmaa strikes.
Taalasmaa avoids a lazy jab quite easily.
Taalasmaa lands a jab followed by a nice looking cross.
A shot to the body from Kossu misses

and Taalasmaa moves into the clinch.

Kossu pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Taalasmaa throws a hook but Kossu avoids it easily.

And that's the end of the fight!
I would just about give that final round to Kari Taalasmaa.
Well Taalasmaa 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 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Paul Tew scores the fight 27:30
Judge James Atkins scores the fight 27:30
Judge Andrew Berry scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Kari Taalasmaa!