PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Kalle Kuolema (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mateusz Maslov (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). The key to victory for Kalle Kuolema has got to be keeping the fight on the feet.

Kuolema
vs
Maslov

192 cm
19
200 lbs
1 - 1 - 0

190 cm
18
200 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Counter striker
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Brawler
Determined

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the light heavyweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 1 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Kalle Kuolema!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Mateusz Maslov!
The judges for this bout are Johanna Lukiainen, Marco Blurström and Tarja Halkonen.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Kuolema closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the ropes.
Maslov fails to pull guard.
Kuolema lands a glancing elbow in the clinch.

It looks like Mateusz Maslov has been cut.
Maslov fails to pull the fight into his guard.

Maslov manages to pull guard.
The fighters are trapped in the ropes so we're going to have a reposition here. The ref calls for a break and repositions the fighters in the center of the ring.
Maslov wants to sweep here but Kuolema controlling him for the moment.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
There's a bit of a scramble here and now Maslov is on top in guard.
Kuolema wants to sweep but no luck.
Kuolema has a closed guard, preventing Maslov from standing up.
Kuolema is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kuolema looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuolema is trying to control the position from the bottom.
Kuolema looking for a sweep. Not yet Kuolema, not yet.
Kuolema bucks up whilst keeping hold of a body lock, managing to reverse the position. Now he's in top in Maslov's guard.
Maslov looks gassed!
Maslov avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Kuolema working some ground and pound from guard but it's not doing any damage.
Kuolema wants to control from the top but Maslov keeps moving.

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.
Maslov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Maslov has a closed guard, preventing anything of note from happening. Perhaps he's looking to stall.
Kuolema tries to stand but Maslov is controlling from the bottom.
Kuolema wants to control from the top but Maslov keeps moving.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuolema distracts Maslov with his right hand and drops a big elbow with his other arm.
Kuolema trying to control the position from guard on top but Maslov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kuolema lands a couple of elbows.
Maslov keeping moving, preventing Kuolema from controlling successfully.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

The referee stands the fighters back up. Kalle Kuolema just wasn't active enough from the dominant position.

Maslov changes levels and drives through with a really nice takedown into side control. Kuolema looks really pissed at himself for not defending that better.
Kuolema regains half guard.
Kuolema wants to control but Maslov is keeping busy.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Kuolema gets full guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Kalle Kuolema will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Mateusz Maslov's cut.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Kuolema has closed the distance and engaged Maslov in a clinch.
Kuolema is trying to work for a single leg takedown but Maslov pulls him back up using the underhooks.
Kuolema pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the ropes.
Kuolema taking a breather.
Maslov wants a takedown but no success here.
Kuolema changes levels and goes for a takedown here. Maslov fights it off and pushes away nicely.

Kuolema has Maslov up against the ropes in a clinch.
Maslov wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Kuolema has him pressed against the ropes.
Maslov is looking for a takedown up against the ropes. Kuolema gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Kuolema.
Maslov is breathing heavily.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Kuolema working some nice short punches in the clinch.

Kuolema breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kuolema will have to do better than that with his takedown attempts.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kalle Kuolema. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuolema tries to close the distance and clinch but Maslov swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Kuolema has his takedown stuffed

and Maslov counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Kuolema wants to sweep here but Maslov controlling him for the moment.
Maslov pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Kuolema is keeping the position for now.
Kuolema controls Maslov momentarily but Maslov frees himself.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Maslov won't allow Kuolema to get back to his feet.
Maslov wants to stand and escape but instead Kuolema has hit a sweep and he's now on top in guard.
Maslov really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Kuolema. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
Maslov is trying to control the position from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maslov keeping moving, preventing Kuolema from controlling successfully.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kuolema doesn't manage to clinch there - Maslov circles away.
Mateusz Maslov seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kuolema misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.

Kuolema darts in and clinches Maslov up against the ropes.

Kuolema pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Kuolema wants to clinch.

Kuolema darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Maslov is trying to control but Kuolema passes into side control!
Kuolema is looking to take a break and control but Maslov is keeping him honest, looking to work from the bottom.
Maslov looking for a sweep but Kuolema has passed into full mount! Oh no!
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Kalle Kuolema will probably get the nod.
The cut man is working on Mateusz Maslov's cut.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Kuolema gets his takedown attempt stuffed easily

and Maslov counters with a nice double leg into side control. Kuolema won't be happy with that.
Kuolema is positioning himself to get back to half guard.
Kuolema is not content to let Maslov control the position.
Maslov working away.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Maslov tries for a kimura. Not really close to a finish though.
Maslov with the ground and pound but Kuolema regains half guard under the barage of strikes.
Kuolema wants to get back to his feet.
Maslov is stalling here. Kuolema is in no mood to hang around though. He's locked up a kimura from the bottom! Maslov seems to be keeping calm but he's forced to roll out of the hold and Kuolema has ended up in side control on the top. Nice work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kuolema throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Kuolema shoots for a takedown but Maslov saw that one coming a mile off and avoided it easily.
Kuolema feints with a shoulder and throws a nice leg kick to Maslov's calf.
Kuolema has his takedown stuffed

and Maslov counters with a takedown into full mount! That could mean trouble for Kuolema!
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kalle Kuolema. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Maslov controlling his opponent.
Kuolema trying desperately to get to his feet.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maslov avoids the attempt from Kuolema to control.
Kuolema is in all sorts of trouble here.
Kuolema wants to control but Maslov is having none of it.
Maslov is in the full mount, landing strikes.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Kuolema is looking to improve his position but Maslov isn't that keen on the idea.
Maslov throws an elbow from mount that misses. Lucky escape for Kuolema because Maslov loaded up on that one.
Maslov looking to control but Kuolema is working nicely, looking to advance position himself.
Maslov throwing strikes but Kuolema uses the opportunity to regain half guard.
The fighters are battling for position here. Kuolema manages to regain full guard. Nice work.

Kuolema is working actively off his back, looking to secure an arm or perhaps work for a triangle.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mateusz Maslov really dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Mateusz Maslov's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Kuolema tries to clinch there but Maslov circles away.
A punch combination from Kuolema misses.
Horrible takedown by Kuolema or perhaps it was just good defense by Maslov which made him look bad.
Maslov takes a kick to the side of the head.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kuolema shoots in for a takedown but Maslov shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Maslov shoots in for a takedown but doesn't get it.
It's got to the stage where if one of these guys blows hard enough, the other might fall over.
Kuolema throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.
Maslov shoots in but doesn't get the takedown

and Kuolema holds on and brings the fighters into a clinch.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maslov missing with knees to the body.

Kuolema jumps guard.
Kuolema is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.
Kuolema looking to hit a scissor sweep but Maslov is one step ahead there.
Kuolema controlling the position.

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.
Kuolema wants to sweep here but Maslov controlling him for the moment.
Maslov seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Maslov tries to stand but Kuolema is controlling from the bottom.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Maslov trying to control the position from guard on top but Kuolema is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kuolema wants to clinch up but Maslov keeps it at a distance.
Kuolema fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kalle Kuolema. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Kuolema moves out of range as Maslov strikes.
Kuolema looks for a takedown here. Will he get it? Maslov is fending him off so far but Kuolema persists. Nope, Maslov circles away and we're back to standing.
Maslov with a lazy takedown attempt

and Kuolema counters with a nice double leg into half guard.

Kuolema is looking for a kimura but Maslov is holding onto that half guard position, so it's hard for Kuolema to get the leverage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kuolema is looking to pass Maslov's guard but actually Maslov recovers to full guard.
Maslov wants to sweep here but Kuolema controlling him for the moment.
Maslov keeping moving, preventing Kuolema from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Kalle Kuolema had his way with Mateusz Maslov in that round.
The cut man is working on Mateusz Maslov's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Kuolema moves out of range of the leg kick from Maslov.

Kuolema gets in close and instigates a clinch.
Kuolema tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Maslov avoids it.
Kuolema wants a takedown.
Kuolema tries a knee to the head but Maslov blocks it.

Kuolema escapes the clinch and we're back to striking.

Kuolema moves into range and clinches up with Maslov.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Maslov decides to pull guard.
Kuolema won't allow Maslov to sweep him here.
Both of our modern day gladiators look out of it here - an gruelling 5 rounds of action taking it's toll on them, no doubt.
Kuolema wants to control from the top but Maslov keeps moving.
Kuolema tries to stand but Maslov is controlling from the bottom.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Maslov looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kuolema is one step ahead there.
Maslov keeping moving, preventing Kuolema from controlling successfully.
Maslov is working from a closed guard but he's struggling to control his opponent.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are starting to boo a lack of action.
Kuolema throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.

The referee has ruled that neither fighter is active enough on the ground and has stood them back up.
Kuolema with a lazy takedown attempt

and Maslov counters with a single leg into guard. Kuolema didn't expect that.
Kuolema controls Maslov momentarily but Maslov frees himself.
Maslov looking to sit in guard and control but Kuolema gets the butterfly guard and sweeps. He's now in the guard on the top.
Kuolema cracks Maslov with a solid left hand.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kuolema throwing strikes but missing.
We get told so often about how wrestlers don't like to be on their backs. Let's see if Maslov can do anything to dispel that myth.
Maslov preventing the ground and pound from doing any damage.
Kuolema trying to control the position from guard on top but Maslov is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Maslov manages to land a sweep and now he's in mount on top!
Maslov misses with a head shot.

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.
Kuolema gets back to half guard.
Kuolema wants to control but Maslov is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Kuolema is refusing to be controlled, as Maslov sits in half guard.

Kuolema makes some distance and scrambles quickly back to his feet. Nice work!

And that's the end of the fight!
Mateusz Maslov comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kuolema 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 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Johanna Lukiainen scores the fight as a draw!
Judge Marco Blurström scores the fight for Kalle Kuolema!
Judge Tarja Halkonen scores the fight for Mateusz Maslov!

The fight ends as a draw!
Oh dear, what a disastrous situation! The belt remains unclaimed and both fighters go home unhappy!