PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a super heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jaakko Yrttiseppa (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Mirko Barnett (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Yrttiseppa's entrance music is Finnish tango - Kohtalon tango. A fine choice. Barnett is bobbing his head along to his entrance song: Alaj volim kad je pomalena. Jaakko Yrttiseppa has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Yrttiseppa
vs
Barnett

190 cm
24
291 lbs
7 - 3 - 0

188 cm
26
240 lbs
14 - 8 - 0

Good wrestling
Basic striking
Very quick

BJJ Blue Belt
Good kicks
Good gas tank

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 7 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Jaakko Yrttiseppa!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 14 - 8 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Mirko Barnett!
The judges for this bout are Taro Takaoka, Sosuke Kotani and Yukihiro Yamamoto.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Barnett slips in close and lands a nice hook before moving back out of range.

It looks like Jaakko Yrttiseppa has been cut.
Barnett throws the left hand but Yrttiseppa avoids the punch easily.
Barnett tries to clinch up but Yrttiseppa circles away and keeps his distance.
Barnett misses with the combination.
Yrttiseppa avoids the head kick by Barnett.
Barnett misses with a low kick as Yrttiseppa jumps back.
Yrttiseppa shoots in for a takedown. "Ole!" shouts Barnett as he jumps to the side.
Yrttiseppa has a takedown stuffed.
Nice body kick there by Barnett.

Yrttiseppa drives through with a really nice takedown into side control.

Yrttiseppa is looking for a kimura. He might have it! No, Barnett has escaped the position, nice work there.
Yrttiseppa prevents Barnett from escaping the position.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnett dodges the ground and pound from Yrttiseppa.
Barnett really doesn't want to stay on the ground with Yrttiseppa. If he can't get it back to his feet, it's only a matter of time before he'll be tapping out.
You can see the frustration on Barnett's face as Yrttiseppa controls the position.
Barnett is trying to buck Yrttiseppa off.
Barnett defending against the ground and pound.
Yrttiseppa wants to lay and pray for a moment but Barnett keeps working.
Barnett manages to get one leg in to regain half guard.
Yrttiseppa prevents Barnett from improving his 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.
Yrttiseppa seems very keen to just sit and control from half guard but Barnett does not like that idea so much and is remaining active off his back.
Yrttiseppa throws a strike but Barnett avoids it easily and moves to full guard.
Yrttiseppa looking to pass the guard.
Yrttiseppa is working hard here to advance position.
Yrttiseppa forces his way into half guard.
Yrttiseppa wants to lay and pray for a moment but Barnett keeps working.
Yrttiseppa not landing any meaningful shots this time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yrttiseppa wants to lay and pray for a moment but Barnett keeps working.
Barnett slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
Yrttiseppa sitting in guard, not really doing much.
Yrttiseppa wants to control from the top but Barnett keeps moving.
Barnett is looking to stand up but Yrttiseppa isn't so interested in that idea.

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.
Barnett can't keep his opponent in guard - Yrttiseppa advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.
Yrttiseppa misses with a head shot. Barnett uses the momentum to regain guard.
Yrttiseppa slips effortlessly into side control - very nice.
Barnett defending against the ground and pound.
Yrttiseppa creates some space and throws a big elbow, but Barnett sees it coming and moves his head just enough to avoid the strike.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mirko Barnett dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Yrttiseppa's cut.
The fighters get back to their feet, the hooter sounds and we're back to the action!

Yrttiseppa tries for a takedown but Barnett sees it coming a mile off and avoids it easily.

Barnett gets a clinch.
Barnett blocking some punches.
Yrttiseppa tries for a takedown. No joy.
Yrttiseppa has hold of a leg and is looking for a trip takedown. Barnett avoids it nicely though and we remain in the clinch.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jaakko Yrttiseppa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barnett lands a left hand that snaps the head of Yrttiseppa backwards.
Barnett lands a hook that snaps the head of Yrttiseppa backwards.
Barnett lands a good knee to the midsection. Yrttiseppa won't want to take too many of those.
Barnett unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Barnett unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Knees to the body from Barnett.
A left hand lands to the body for Barnett.
Barnett lands with a left to the head.
A knee to the head by Barnett.
Barnett lands a hook to the body. It's hard to tell if that hurt Yrttiseppa or not.
Barnett working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Barnett tries to stall but Yrttiseppa uses the opportunity to gain a better position.
Barnett works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Barnett tries to land a knee to the head but Yrttiseppa blocks with his arms.
Barnett throws a blind hook that connects with the side of Yrttiseppas head.
Barnett working Yrttiseppa over with knees to the body.
Barnett lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
A shot in the inside from Barnett.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Barnett connects with a nasty looking knee right to Yrttiseppa's face.
Mirko Barnett seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Barnett stays in close to his opponent and throws a right hand to the body.
Barnett lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Yrttiseppa.
A nice right hand lands inside from Barnett.
Barnett tries to land a knee to the head but misses.
Barnett presses Yrttiseppa against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnett connects with a nasty looking knee right to Yrttiseppa's face.
Barnett works on Yrttiseppa's body with a couple of short punches.
Barnett lands punches inside but they're not really causing much damage.
Barnett unloads a knee to the mid-section.
Barnett crunches a lovely knee into Yrttiseppa's ribcage.
Barnett lands a hook to the side of the head.
The pace really dropping off here, momentarily.
Barnett trying to control the position but instead, Yrttiseppa has worked for underhooks and has pushed Barnett into the ropes.
Barnett gets through Yrttiseppa's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.
Barnett lands a nice knee to the body.
Barnett is working Yrttiseppa over against the ropes.
Barnett lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Barnett has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Barnett with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Barnett scores with a knee to the head.
Barnett lands a knee to the head.
Barnett landing knees to the body. They look like they could hurt.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Barnett is trying to wear down his opponent with knees to the body.
Barnett lands with a short shot to the head.
Nice body punch from Barnett.
Barnett lands a good knee to the midsection. Yrttiseppa won't want to take too many of those.
Barnett slows down the pace here.
A hook to the body from Barnett.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnett digs a right hand underneath Yrttiseppa's ribcage. Yrttiseppa let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A right handed body shot lands from Barnett.
Barnett looking to throw knees to the head but Yrttiseppa is blocking nicely.
Barnett works on Yrttiseppa's body with a couple of short punches.
Barnett lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Barnett presses Yrttiseppa against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Nice body punch from Barnett.
Barnett throws a vicious knee straight up the middle but Yrttiseppa blocks it with crossed arms.
A knee to the head by Barnett.
A hook to the body from Barnett.
Yrttiseppa wants to break the clinch but can't.
Barnett presses Yrttiseppa against the ropes and delivers a mid-strength body shot.
Barnett pressing his opponent against the ropes.

Yrttiseppa turns his hips and lands a very nice judo throw into side control!
Yrttiseppa misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
The fighters are tangled up in the ropes here. We might need a restart if the fighters can't break free themselves.
Barnett tries to escape but Yrttiseppa is in control.
Yrttiseppa throws an elbow but Barnett slips to the side and avoids it well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Barnett is trying to control Yrttiseppa's posture but Yrttiseppa avoids it.
Yrttiseppa working the ground and pound but Barnett is defending the strikes.
Barnett is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Barnett wants to control but Yrttiseppa postures up.
Barnett avoids any damage from the ground and pound of Yrttiseppa.

The referee decides to stand the fighters back up.
A head kick from Barnett lands but Yrttiseppa takes it in his stride.
Yrttiseppa loads up on a big right hand but Barnett slips the punch.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
A lull in the action here being met with boos from the crowd.
Barnett looking to take his opponent's legs away with the low kicks.
Yrttiseppa takes a jab on the nose there. A little bit of blood seems to be coming out. Hopefully that won't affect his breathing.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Barnett.
Barnett tries to clinch there but Yrttiseppa circles away.
Barnett throws a head kick that looked like it stung.
Barnett swings for the body but Yrttiseppa moves out of range.
Barnett lands a nice hook to Yrttiseppa's body. Yrttiseppa takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.
Yrttiseppa swings for the body but Barnett moves out of range.
Mirko Barnett is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Barnett scores with a punch to the gut of his opponent.
Mirko Barnett is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Barnett scores with a slapping inside leg kick.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!
Barnett throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Yrttiseppa's head.
Barnett lands with a slapping head kick.
Barnett scores with a one two! Yrttiseppa had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.

Jaakko Yrttiseppa's cut is getting worse.
Barnett thuds his shin into the meat of Yrttiseppa's side.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Mirko Barnett showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Jaakko Yrttiseppa's cut.
That's time! 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.

Yrttiseppa takes a shot to the eye socket. That's gotta hurt.
Yrttiseppa thows a left - swing and a miss!
A good leg kick by Barnett.

Barnett lands a big head kick that sends Yrttiseppa tumbling to the mat! Barnett takes a step backwards and waves Yrttiseppa back to his feet - he wants the finish!
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Barnett throws a sloppy head kick and Yrttiseppa moves out of range easily.
Barnett throws a sloppy head kick and Yrttiseppa moves out of range easily.
A jab from Barnett misses.
Yrttiseppa waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Barnett.
Barnett pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Barnett is moving around nicely and scores here with a single head shot.
Barnett delivers a nice body kick.
Barnett is looking to clinch.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Barnett lands a head shot.
Barnett throws a head kick but Yrttiseppa moves out of range.
Barnett throws a nice head kick!

Jaakko Yrttiseppa's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Barnett digs a good hook to Yrttiseppa's body.
Barnett throws a body kick that digs right into the meat.
Barnett throws a jab when Yrttiseppa was well out of range.
Yrttiseppa tries to check the leg kick but that clearly hurt him.
Barnett cracks Yrttiseppa with an open hand slap.
A good leg kick by Barnett.
A big left from Barnett misses.
Barnett scores with a push kick.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Barnett lands a nice shot to the body.

Barnett takes the fight into the clinch.
Barnett lands a shot to the body.
Good body shot from Barnett.
Yrttiseppa has had enough of the clinch and is looking to separate.
Barnett connects with a nasty looking knee right to Yrttiseppa's face.
Barnett with an attempt at a knee that misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Barnett digs a right hand underneath Yrttiseppa's ribcage. Yrttiseppa let out a lung full of air as it connected.
A short right from Barnett.
Barnett throws a hook to the body. More of an arm punch but it's all scoring with the judges.
Yrttiseppa's head jolts backwards as he takes an uppercut right on the button!
Barnett lands a body shot.
Barnett makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Barnett utilising his Muay Thai to score with a knee to the body.
A knee to the head by Barnett.
Barnett lands a shot to the body.
Barnett lands a right hand that snaps the head of Yrttiseppa backwards.
Barnett is trying to slow down the pace of the fight but Yrttiseppa is keeping busy.
Barnett makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Barnett lands a nice knee to the body.
Barnett lands a shoulder strike that jolts his opponent's head backwards.
Barnett with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Barnett lands a knee to the head there! That was nasty!
Barnett makes some space for himself and lands an uppercut.
Barnett with the Thai clinch, lands a knee to the head.
Barnett landing some nice looking knees to the body.
Yrttiseppa drops down for a takedown but doesn't get it.
Barnett lands a left hand.
Barnett connects with a knee to the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Yrttiseppa goes for a body shot but it's blocked.
Yrttiseppa wants to strike at distance but he can't break free of the clinch.
Barnett working some nice short punches in the clinch.
Barnett working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Barnett trying to stall but Yrttiseppa improves his position.
Barnett misses with a knee strike.
Yrttiseppa swings away with an uppercut that misses.
Barnett working on landing some head shots here - that one got through nicely.
Barnett prevents the takedown attempt.
A short body shot lands from Barnett as the two fighters clinch.
Both fighters working to control the clinch.
A body shot lands from Barnett.
Barnett looking to stall.
Barnett stops a takedown attempt from Yrttiseppa.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Jaakko Yrttiseppa. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Barnett working Yrttiseppa over with knees to the body.
Jaakko Yrttiseppa has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!
Barnett works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
With the fighters clinched against the ropes, Barnett creates a bit of distance for himself and scores with a nice uppercut.
Barnett lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Barnett misses with a knee to the head.
Barnett with an attempt at a knee that misses.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Yrttiseppa.
Barnett has a couple of punches blocked by Yrttiseppa.
Barnett stops a takedown attempt from Yrttiseppa.
A short right from Barnett on the inside.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.
Barnett lands a knee to the head.
Barnett lands with a left to the head.
Barnett fails to land with a short punch on the inside.
Yrttiseppa drops down looking for an ankle pick but Barnett pulls his leg out and moves away.
Yrttiseppa swings away with a body shot that misses
and Barnett counters with a low kick, right behind Yrttiseppa 's knee.
Nice jab there from Barnett.
Barnett wants to clinch.
Yrttiseppa misses the shot to the body.
Mirko Barnett is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Barnett fakes with a right hand and throws a good leg kick, right into the thigh. That had to hurt Yrttiseppa.
Barnett is looking to clinch.
The crowd are going absolutely nuts as the round comes to an end - what a fantastic round of action!

Barnett gets caught flat footed, as Yrttiseppa shoots in with a quick takedown into guard.
Yrttiseppa loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Yrttiseppa loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.

And that's the end of the fight!
Mirko Barnett comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Barnett winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. 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 Taro Takaoka scores the fight for Mirko Barnett!
Judge Sosuke Kotani scores the fight for Mirko Barnett!
Judge Yukihiro Yamamoto scores the fight for Mirko Barnett!

Mirko Barnett wins by unanimous decision!